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2012 Kawasaki Ninja® 250R
With its smooth power delivery, low seat height, and excellent value, the Ninja® 250 has all the vital elements to make it the perfect first sportbike. Powered by a compact liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine, this Ninja sportbike pleases both ends of the experience spectrum — seasoned riders appreciate the Ninja’s extra highway passing power compared to other bikes in the 250 class, while beginners love the smooth torque delivery at lower speeds. With superior highway performance, aggressive supersport bodywork, and a price tag that packs serious value, the Ninja 250 is a perfect way to get started in a lifetime of motorcycling fun.
Pricing/Color Information
Features
All
Key Features - 249cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine offers better highway passing power than competing models in the 250 class
Key Features - Low 30.5-inch seat height boosts new rider confidence
Key Features - Six-speed transmission offers wide selection of ratios to match varied riding conditions and its positive neutral finder makes it much easier to find neutral when stopped
Key Features - Genuine Ninja styling matches the larger supersport models
Key Features - Petal-shaped disc brakes offer great sportbike looks and excellent braking performance
Key Features - 17-inch wheels allow use of modern sportbike tires
DOHC 249cc Parallel-twin cylinder Engine - Compact parallel-twin design offers good mass centralization for superior handling
DOHC 249cc Parallel-twin cylinder Engine - Tuned to deliver smooth, step-free power with excellent mid-range and high-rpm power for effective highway performance
DOHC 249cc Parallel-twin cylinder Engine - Heavy duty piston rings help prevent oil consumption
DOHC 249cc Parallel-twin cylinder Engine - Ample high-rpm performance will please riders who wish to utilize the engine’s full potential
Cylinder Head - Combustion chamber designed to maximize combustion efficiency and reduce emissions
Cylinder Head - Intake and exhaust ports contribute to good off-idle response and smooth power delivery
Cylinder Head - Valve timing and lift designed for strong low and mid-range torque
Cylinder Head - Direct valve actuation helps ensure reliable high-rpm operability
Cylinder Head - Valves feature thin heads and stems for reduced reciprocating weight and efficient flow
Reduced Mechanical Noise - Self-adjusting cam chain tensioner reduces mechanical noise caused by the cam chain and minimizes loss from power-robbing friction
Reduced Mechanical Noise - Minimizing mechanical noise allows the use of a freer flowing exhaust for better performance
Reduced Mechanical Noise - Complex construction with reinforcing ribs helps eliminate airbox reverberation and reduces intake noise
Reduced Mechanical Noise - Air filter accessible from the side, for easy replacement
Exhaust System - 2-into-1 system contributes to the Ninja 250’s low and mid-range torque and smooth, step-free power curve
Exhaust System - Slightly upswept silencer extensively tested to determine chamber size, connecting pipe length and diameter to achieve least noise and most power
Exhaust System - Meets strict emission standards with dual catalyzers; one in the collector pipe and the other in the silencer
Exhaust System - Using two catalyzers helps minimize power loss caused by backpressure in the exhaust system
Exhaust System - First catalyzer is positioned close to the exhaust ports for maximum efficiency
Liquid Cooling - Denso radiator offers effective engine cooling with minimal space and weight
Liquid Cooling - Ring fan uses a quiet-running motor that also saves space
Liquid Cooling - Fins on the lower side of the crankcase helps further cool the engine
Six-speed Transmission - Involute splines reduce friction and backlash between gears and shafts for easier gear meshing and smooth shifting under power
Six-speed Transmission - Spring-type clutch damper reduces hesitation at very low speeds and minimizes shocks when rolling on and off the throttle for a smoother clutch feel
Six-speed Transmission - Paper-base friction plates help increase clutch durability
Chassis - Sturdy and durable diamond-style frame of thick-walled steel tubing offers confidence-inspiring stability at both high and low speeds
Chassis - Beefy swingarm bracket contributes to the frame’s rigidity and helps achieve an optimal balance of chassis stiffness
Chassis - Square-tube swingarm with a 60 x 30mm cross section further adds to rigidity
Suspension - 37mm telescopic front fork with firm settings contribute to the Ninja 250’s smooth, stable handling and enhanced ride control
Suspension - Uni-Trak® rear suspension helps provide predictable handling and good ride comfort
Suspension - Rear shock features 5-way adjustable preload, enabling ride height to be maintained whether riding solo or with a passenger
Wheels - Features 17-inch wheels like its larger Ninja siblings
Wheels - The use of proper sportbike tires contributes to its easy, neutral handling at low speeds and excellent cornering feel
Brakes - Large-diameter, 290mm front petal disc and a balanced action two-piston caliper offer excellent braking performance and a natural, direct feeling at the lever
Brakes - Two-piston caliper grips the rear 220mm petal disc
Ergonomics - Natural riding position with slightly forward-slanting seat and wide, raised handlebars
Bodywork - Styling, fit and finish of striking full-fairing bodywork match its Ninja supersport siblings
Bodywork - Aggressive dual-lamp headlight design, slim tail cowl and separate seats further enhance the supersport look
Bodywork - Front cowling and windscreen offer the rider a substantial amount of wind protection
Bodywork - Two helmet holders conveniently located under the rear seat
Bodywork - Under-seat storage can hold a U-lock or similar device
Bodywork - Two hooks under the tail and the rear passenger pegs provide anchor points for securing items to the rear of the bike
Instrumentation - Instrument panel features an easy-to-read, large-face analog speedometer along with an analog tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge and warning lights
2012 Kawasaki Ninja® 250R
Specifications
Engine
- Engine
- Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin
- Displacement
- 249 cc
- Bore x Stroke
- 62.0 x 41.2 mm
- Compression Ratio
- 11.6:1
- Carburetor
- Keihin CVK30 x 2
- Fuel Capacity
- 4.8 gal.
Transmission
- Ignition
- TCBI with digital advance
- Transmission
- Six-Speed
- Final Drive
- O-Ring Chain
Chassis
- Tires Front
- 110/70-17
- Tires Rear
- 130/70-17
- Suspension Front
- 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork
- Suspension Rear
- Bottom-Link UNI-TRAK® with 5-way adjustable preload
- Brake Front
- Single 290mm hydraulic petal disc with two-piston caliper
- Brake Rear
- Single 220mm petal disc with two-piston caliper
- Wheel Travel, Front
- 4.7 in.
- Wheel Travel, Rear
- 5.1 in.
Dimensions
- Seat Height
- 30.5 in.
- Curb Weight
- 374.9 lbs.
- Overall Length
- 82.1 in.
- Overall Width
- 28.1 in.
- Overall Height
- 43.7 in.
- Wheelbase
- 55.1 in.
- Rake (Caster Angle)
- 26°
- Trail
- 3.2 in.
General Information
- Frame
- Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
- Warranty
- 12 months; (Good Times™ Protection Plan) 12, 24, 36, 48 months
Colors
- Colors
- Candy Lime Green, Passion Red, Metallic Spark Black (Special Edition)


