Street Motorcycle

A comprehensive review of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R after spending a full day on it..

Synopsis:

1. Duration over which I had the bike with me: 24 Hrs

2. Kms travelled: 160 Kms

3. Ridden in: City Traffic/Open highway, Daylight/Night, Single/with Pillion

4. Lasting impression: Without any doubt, "The Best Motorcycle (till 250 cc) that I have ever ridden"

5. Pleasant surprise: The Ninja 250R is the first motorcycle which has impressed my wife..!!

Verdict:

Twice better than the Yamaha R15 in every aspect

Hoped it was priced twice the Yamaha R15 as well..

How did it all start: I had ridden the Kawasaki Ninja 250R just a couple of months after it was launched in India. But since I did not have any photographs of that ride, I never posted about it on my blog (I make it a point to support whatever I ride with photographs).

A couple of days back, me and my wife paid a visit to a friend who lived in Pune and also owned a Ninja 250R. I persuaded him to give his year old Ninja 250R to me for a full day. Accordingly I also got in touch with another biker friend of mine Gourab Das (MG_Biker1806 from xBhp.Com) who also has an interest in photography.

The photographs posted have been clicked by him. The location of the photo shoot is around the hills of Lonavala (near Pune).

Looks: Drop dead gorgeous..!!

Sexy..!! Thats how I would like to rate the looks of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R. The Kawasaki Ninja 250R looks like a genuine and honest slightly scaled down replica of the 600 cc Kawasaki Super Sports, the Ninja ZX-6R. Unlike the Yamaha R15 the Ninja 250R doesnt look small or out of proportion in parts.

The lines of the baby Ninja is sinuous, seductive and a treat for sore eyes. The stance of the bike is aggressive and like a big cat about to pounce on its hapless victim. My wife was in fact quite amused with the kind of attention the bike generated wherever we went.

And yes, "Lime Green" is the color for me on the baby Ninja..!!

Riding stance, ergonomics: "A boon from heaven for short guys + roomy enough for tall guys..!!"

The twin bulb, 55 watt headlight dazzles the darkest of nights

The low beam remains permanently "ON" (mandatory by law in foreign markets)

Strangers on the road remind you that the headlight is "ON" (irritating)

A high beam flasher is NOT provided..!!

My friend to whom the Ninja 250R belongs is a 6 ft tall guy and finds the Ninja roomy enough to ride. At first glance the Ninja 250R looks big and a bit intimidating for a 5 ft 5 inch guy like me. But swinging a leg over the baby Ninja will put a huge grin on the faces of vertically challenged guys..!!

The Ninja 250R has been designed keeping in mind the beginners (in developed nations like the USA) to the world of motorcycling which also includes ladies. The result is a low seat height with a seat which narrows towards the front. This means that short guys and petite ladies can easily put both their feet firmly on the ground.

The photographs show how comfortable I was on the baby Ninja with both feet flat on the ground.

The riding stance is on the sporty side for an Indian bike. The rider is invited to reach for the clip on handlebars and coupled with the rear set footpegs, the riding stance definitely mimics its bigger Super Sports siblings. Having said that, the riding stance on the Ninja 250R is as NOT as aggressive and cramped as a 600/1000 cc Super Sports motorcycle. The riding stance is sporty yet comfortable enough for everyday riding and also for long rides.

Handling, Stability: "Awesome..!! Simply the best handling motorcycle in India"

When the Yamaha R15 was launched in India in 2008, it set new standards in terms of handling among Indian motorcycles. Armed with Indias first perimeter frame and link type monoshock suspension, the R15 showed how a race/track bike should handle.

The Ninja 250R does not employ any exotic chassis/frame like a trellis or perimeter frame. Its chassis is made of tubular steel. In spite of its simple chassis, the Ninja 250R is so well balanced and stable that it feels a notch above the R15 in terms of handling..!!.

I have ridden a couple of 600/1000 cc Japanese Super Sports bikes before. And the Ninja 250R gives you that feeling of riding a big bike. The handling of the bike is so stable and forgiving around corners that any Tom-Dick-Harry will feel like Valentino Rossi. I tried upsetting the balance of the bike while cornering, but the bike remains rock steady and holds its line without any fuss.

The disc brakes on the front and rear on the Ninja 250R do a very good job of stopping the bike from triple digit speeds without any nervous moments.

The Ninja 250R is so forgiving in terms of handing that at a point one could almost get bored..!!

The twin cylinder 250 cc engine of the Ninja 250R feels like a regular 150 cc Indian bike till about 70 Kmph.. till that point there is not appreciable surge in acceleration. But the real fun actually starts at 70 Kmph and goes on effortlessly till 140 Kmph. If you do not look at the speedometer you might be fooled into thinking that the bike is doing around 90-100 Kmph when actually its doing 140 Kmph..!!

Duck into the windscreen on an open stretch of around 1.5-2.0 Kms, and one can easily see a speedo indicated top speed of around 160 Kmph.

The power & Torque has been spread thinly and evenly like precious metal over its 6-Gears and 13,000 rpm redline. The engine remains quite smooth right to its 13,000 rpm redline with only a very slight buzz on the left foot that comes in after 10,000 rpm.

The very liner power delivery of the smooth twin cylinder engine, coupled with a ultra stable chassis makes the Ninja 250R a beginners delight The power delivery and handling of the bike is so predictable that this motorcycle has been rightly considered as the "Best beginner Sport Bike of the world..!!"

But this in no way means that experienced riders cant have fun on it.

Ninja 250R: The Lady Charmer..!!

I have always hated taking my wife as a pillion on a motorcycle. She is always at her seats edge whenever she rides pillion on a motorcycle and has never enjoyed/felt secure. She invariably keeps nagging me from behind: "ride steady/safe", "ride slow", "please mind the other vehicles on the road" etc. (which honestly gets on my nerves).

But I was pleasantly surprised when for the first time in my life, there wasnt a single complaint when my wife rode pillion on the Ninja 250R. It was as if she was enjoying the experience. Which she later confirmed that she actually did enjoy riding pillion on the Ninja 250R..!!

At the end of the day my wife even asked me how much the Ninja 250R was priced at..!! When I said its over 3 lakh Gandhijis (Rs. 300,000) on road, she said that had it been priced even at Rs. 2 lakh, we could have thought about the possibility of getting one. But the current price makes it difficult for someone like me, especially when I still have some family commitments to fulfill first.

And I thought that my wife could never enjoy biking..!!

On asking what did she like so much on the Ninja 250R, this is what my wife pointed out:

1. Stability: The Ninja 250R feels rock steady, she never felt nervous during the ride

2. Linear build up of speed: My wife doesnt like the sudden surge of acceleration of my Pulsar 220, she liked the linear power delivery of the Ninja 250R

3. High pillion seat: My wife liked the raised pillion seat and the commanding view of the road which it provided

4. The attention that the bike got on the road..!! Yep, my wife was quite amused and enjoyed the attention that the baby Ninja generated whenever it went

Verdict: "Desirable, Stellar Handing & Stability, Smooth Performance: But a bit costly"

The horn on the Ninja 250R sounds like it has been lifted from a scooty..!!

Retrofitting a powerful horn is a must on our Indian roads

After spending a day with the Ninja 250R, I found it twice better than the 150 cc Yamaha R15 in nearly every department.

Looks/Desirability/Stability/Handling/Performance.. in every aspect I have enjoyed the Ninja 250R at least twice more than the R15. By that yardstick, I would have been happy if the Kawasaki Ninja 250R was priced twice than the Yamaha R15. i.e. around Rs. 2,20,000 (surprising even my wife had quoted the same price tag without any knowledge of the R15..!!).

But at Rs. 1,00,000 more than twice the price tag of the Yamaha R15, the Ninja 250R remains still a couple of years away from me. But those who can afford it the Ninja 250R, it is simplly the best twin cylinder 250 cc motorcycle in India/World that money can buy.

After I handled over the Ninja 250R to my friend, I realized that I did not check its Fuel Efficiency..!! But what the heck.. who cares..??

Engine: 249cc, Parallel Twin, Fuel Injected Liquid Cooled, 8-valve, DOHC

Max. Power: 33 Ps @ 11,000 rpm

Max. Torque: 22Nm @ 8,200 rpm

6-Speed gearbox

Chassis: Tubular steel diamond type

Suspension:

Front: 37 mm dia. telescopic fork

Rear: Bottom-Link Uni-Trak™ with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable

Tyres: 110/70R17 (Fr), 130/70R17 (R)

Brakes: 290mm Disc (Fr), 220 mm Disc (R)

Kerb Weight: 172 kg

Wheelbase: 1400mm

Fuel tank: 17 litres

Seat height: 790mm

Related Posts

• Honda CBR250R Vs. Kawasaki Ninja 250R [by Motorcycle USA]



• Kawasaki formally re-enters India as "India Kawasaki Motors" [Apr 2010]



• 30 BHP, 250 cc, Twin Cylinder Bikes are for Ladies..!! [Oct 2007]



• I’d rather ride a 250-400 cc slowly through a pothole, than “Day Dream” of riding the R1 on the Golden Quadrilateral..!![Oct 2007]

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.

The concept of progressing onto bigger and bigger bikes as a rider becomes more experienced is ingrained in motorcycling. For decades powerful, big-capacity machines have presented an obvious incentive to upgrade from smaller bikes as quickly as possible, offering both increased performance and huge prestige on the street. But in the 21st century the sense in doing this is becoming increasingly hard to see. Busy roads, spiralling fuel prices and the sense of responsibility we feel towards the environment all help make the lightweight and frugal small-capacity machine more relevant than ever.

Over the years CBR motorcycles of various engine sizes have come to define what a road-focused sportsbike should be; how it should perform and what it should feel like. As dynamically rewarding as a Supersports machine but with a versatility and accessibility those bikes lack, the CBR family has consistently confounded the opposition by blending the performance expert riders demand with the ease of use so critical to building riding confidence in novices.

New for 2011, the CBR250R unites the inherent virtues of a 250cc machine with the timeless CBR qualities of high performance, intuitive handling dynamics and unrivalled ease of use. The result is a machine of outstanding versatility; one able to take on any task while also delivering the excitement that makes every ride a joy. With its lightweight and very efficient single-cylinder engine, advanced chassis and striking design, the CBR250R is set to appeal to a wide range of riders. Everyone, from leisure riders to style-conscious commuters keen to save time and money will be drawn by the bikes easy handling, forgiving but powerful engine and rewarding chassis.

Development concept
While the advantages of lightweight, small-capacity motorcycles are easy to see, such machines have traditionally been compromised in several key areas. While modern riders are keen to reap the rewards of low running costs, outstanding fuel efficiency and easy handling, they are unwilling to sacrifice the sophistication, riding thrill or attractive styling of big-capacity machines. The demand therefore exists for a 250cc motorcycle that could - both in the way it looks and the riding experience it offers - be mistaken for a more expensive machine with a bigger engine.

The 2011 CBR250R is Hondas response to this demand. Twin-cylinder engines are commonplace in the 250 class but the CBR250R is designed around an all-new 249.4cm3 single-cylinder engine with liquid cooling, an efficient 4-valve DOHC cylinder head and PGM-FI fuel injection. This single-cylinder configuration makes for a lighter, more compact and more fuel-efficient powerplant that also boasts a supremely usable torque curve.

The rest of the CBR250R package is similarly balanced, combining satisfying performance with the kind of refinement and easygoing usability that make a difference on every ride. The result is extraordinary - a truly versatile 250cc sportsbike with unrivalled fuel economy.

Main features

- Powerful liquid-cooled 249.4cm3 single-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts and four valves for strong torque and outstanding acceleration.
- Advanced PGM-FI fuel injection for superb throttle response and impressive fuel economy.
- Diamond twin-spar steel frame with 37mm telescopic forks and Pro-Link Monoshock rear suspension for outstanding handling and ride quality.
- Stylish full fairing.
- C-ABS version with Hondas Combined Antilock Braking System for secure braking in all conditions.
- Multi-function digital instruments including speedometer, tachometer, engine temperature display, multi-segment fuel gauge and odometer/trip meter.

Ergonomic design
Instinctive riding position
The CBR250Rs riding position is fundamental to its versatility, ensuring comfort and control regardless of the task at hand. It is designed around a low seat height of just 784mm, which puts riders of any stature at ease immediately since even shorter riders can easily put a supporting foot on the ground when stopping. The result is increased rider confidence and a bike that is in its element carving through traffic jams and other busy urban environments.

The position of the handlebars and footpegs works with the seat to create a sporty riding position that offers outstanding control and a feeling of being at one with the bike. At the same time rider movement is not restricted in any way. Indeed, so balanced is the riding position that even long days on the road are a joy, relaxing the body and leaving the mind free to concentrate on riding.
Outstanding manoeuvrability
Lightweight at just 162kg (166kg for the C-ABS version), the new bikes manoeuvrability is further enhanced by its perfect chassis balance. In fact, what little weight there is seems to disappear once the bike is on the move.

Full fairing cowl
Key to rider comfort when travelling long distances at speed, a full fairing with a windscreen considerably reduces windblast as well providing a degree of weather protection. The CBR250Rs fairing directly contributes to the bikes ease of use, making riding less tiring and helping to maintain concentration levels.
Advanced digital instruments

The CBR250Rs sophisticated ergonomics are underlined by its multi-function digital instruments, which display all the information the rider needs at a glance. The result is less time looking at the display and more attention on the road. Speed, engine revs, engine temperature, fuel level, time and an odometer/trip meter are all clearly displayed.

With the power to carry two people effortlessly, the CBR250R is a very capable pillion machine. Grab rails on the tail unit are specially designed to take gloved hands, giving passengers a secure point of contact. Beneath the pillion seat a storage area makes the CBR250R a hugely practical bike, with space for the owners manual and toolkit that come with the bike as well as an optional U-lock, raincoat or emergency kit.
Styling

Too many sensible bikes are also sensibly styled but the CBR250R proves this neednt be the case. Unmistakably Supersports-inspired in its design, the aggressively sculpted fairing sweeps up from the front of the bike to a light and purposeful tail. The bikes lines are at once dynamic and sophisticated, communicating the machines dual personalities: exciting small-capacity sportsbike and practical all-rounder.
The CBR250Rs striking colouring concepts work with the classy and co-ordinated finishes on its chassis components. The result is a machine with the class to turn heads everywhere it goes.

Colouring concept
Asteroid Black Metallic
Black isnt traditionally regarded as an extrovert or attention-grabbing colour but the Asteroid Black Metallic CBR250R turns that preconception on its head. Perfectly reflecting the new machines confident and sophisticated character, metallic black paint lends the CBR real presence on the road.
Pearl Blue Tricolour
Encapsulating Hondas long and glorious racing heritage in a single colour concept, the Pearl Blue Tricolour design offers sports riders a striking alternative to black. Inspired by the liveries of countless victorious Honda race bikes, this colour option is a winner in its own right.

Engine
Punchy and efficient new engine design
The heart of the new CBR250R is an all-new liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. Employing a 4-valve cylinder head with dual overhead camshafts, the new engine was developed with an unwavering focus on efficiency and usable torque.

By reducing internal friction to a minimum, the CBR250R engine boasts both gutsy performance and extraordinary fuel economy. And while the peak power figure of 19.42kW at 8500rpm is impressive, it is the relentless torque the engine develops from very low revs that defines the riding performance. Indeed the outstanding peak torque output of 22.9Nm combined with the bikes low weight delivers class-leading acceleration, both from a standstill and in-gear. This translates into effortless traffic-beating performance and huge rider satisfaction, in town and beyond.

Single-cylinder configuration
Where many of its rivals use multi-cylinder engines, the CBR250Rs single-cylinder powerplant offers many benefits. Because the number of moving parts is kept to an absolute minimum, the engine is more fuel efficient, saving the owner money at the petrol pumps. This mechanical simplicity also reduces servicing costs - another essential element in creating a hassle-free ownership experience. A single-cylinder engine is also more compact, helping create a bike that is at once lighter and more manageable than the multi-cylinder competition. Finally, because the engine is physically small, it has been positioned perfectly within the chassis for an ideal front/rear weight distribution which gives the bike superb handling.
PGM-FI

Like all the machines in the CBR family, the CBR250R employs Hondas advanced PGM-FI fuel injection system for smooth, responsive power delivery and superb fuel economy. The Electronic Control Unit works in conjunction with the bikes electronic ignition to deliver the perfect amount of fuel to the cylinder at all times. The result is an engine that really does have it all; a broad spread of power delivered with the immediacy only a fuel injection system can deliver. To ease maintenance the CBR250R uses an external fuel filter for the PGM-FI system, further reducing maintenance costs.

Six-speed transmission
As befits a machine with performance and versatility, the CBR250R uses a six-speed transmission to make light work of riding at any speed. The six ratios work with the bikes power delivery to optimise acceleration and deliver both refinement and economy when cruising.
Total reliability and low running costs

The single-cylinder engine needs very little by way of maintenance and is also very fuel efficient. It covers 27 kilometres on a litre of fuel in typical riding conditions, giving a range of over 350 kilometres from the compact 13-litre fuel tank. This class-leading fuel economy is a direct result of intensive weight-saving measures within the engine. The reciprocating parts - the piston and con-rod - are both lightweight in their design, boosting economy, and the lightweight, low-friction piston rings and the iridium spark plug also help get the most from every litre of fuel. Liquid cooling guarantees a consistent operating temperature for the engine, further enhancing economy and reliability.
Ultra-clean exhaust

The 2011 CBR250R incorporates the latest in exhaust and catalyser technology to ensure low emissions. The Tri-metal catalytic converter reduces the level of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides to an absolute minimum. An oxygen sensor in the exhaust enables the engines Electronic Control Unit to further reduce emissions by ensuring complete combustion within the engine.

Chassis
Rigid yet lightweight chassis
The engine is mounted in a steel diamond twin-spar frame. This frame configuration is lightweight, contributing to the bikes low kerb weight. It is also immensely strong, providing a rigid platform on which to mount the front and rear suspension systems. This rigidity is key to stability and swift handling, and on the new CBR250R the frames rigidity balance has been carefully optimised for sporty dynamics and superb stability at speed. The rider and passenger seats are supported on a strong secondary frame capable of carrying a substantial load.
Advanced suspension systems

Suspension behaviour was crucial to meeting the CBR250Rs brief: to provide levels of sophistication and refinement not normally found on such a competitively priced machine. The bike features a hydraulically damped 37mm fork at the front and Hondas Pro-Link Monoshock rear suspension configuration. This uses a linkage to help the Monoshock damper control the swingarm movement generated as the rear wheel moves up and down over bumps. The result is a superb ride quality combined with the poise and feedback that supports sports riding on challenging roads.
High performance wheels, tyres and brakes

The CBR250R uses big-bike wheel and tyre sizes for enhanced levels of grip and serious presence on the road. The cast wheels mount a 110/70-MC17 front tyre and a 140/70-MC17 rear tyre - purposeful rubber for a serious motorcycle.
Braking is taken care of by a large-diameter 296mm disc and a powerful dual-piston caliper at the front. At the rear a smaller 220mm disc and single-piston caliper further boost the bikes stopping capability while also offering the controlled rear-wheel braking required to perform low-speed riding manoeuvres.
Combined ABS

The new CBR250R is also available in a Combined ABS version. Hondas advanced Combined Antilock Braking System links the front brake control to the rear brake and prevents tyre slip when braking, ensuring safe and powerful deceleration in all situations. The systems ECU uses sensors to monitor the speeds of the front and rear wheels. If these sensors detect that one wheel is beginning to rotate more slowly than the other, suggesting the first hint of tyre slip, the Combined Antilock Braking System modulates the braking effort to ensure full grip is retained. Thus it maximises braking ability while retaining complete control of the bike.