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Home > Motorcycle specifications > The Kawasaki brand > Kawasaki 2008 > 250 R NINJA 2008

Motorcycle specifications Kawasaki250 R NINJA 2008 Between the 125 and the Supersport

Touring
Photo of Kawasaki 250 R NINJA 2008

presentation of the 250 R NINJA 2008

with the latest ZX-10 R, GSX-R, R1, CBR Fireblade, ZZR 1400 and Hayabusa 1340, we thought sportbikes had entered the realm of superpower and uncontrollable overkill. With machines ranging from 170 to 200 horsepower, who would have bet that a manufacturer would come out with a model at the opposite end of the spectrum from these frightening references? Could it be that the return of the affordable small sportbike is coming through the door of the 2 and a half? Kawasaki seems to think so, and demonstrates it with this astonishing Ninja 250 R.

the all-new Ninja 250 is more surprising for its displacement than for its looks. elegant, certainly, respecting the traditional sport fairing of the old days (when it wasn't openwork on the extreme like now), this little sports bike looks familiar, its look evoking a strong impression of "déjà-vu". But where? Oh yes, it looks like the 650 ER-6 F's forkhead. Only the angular rear-view mirrors set it apart. The fairing flanks and wheel designs are somewhat reminiscent of the ZX-10 R, while the style of the Z 1000 /750 seems to have shaped the rear end and its double-decker seat. Its styling doesn't revolutionize, but the idea of a small, low-displacement sports bike brings back fond memories. Who remembers the 250 KR1-S and the ZXR 400?

at 249 cm3, the Kawa's twin-cylinder engine won't overwhelm you. And while it may not seem like the right cubic capacity for a sportbike, it does represent a significant advantage over the Honda CBR 125 R and the new Yamaha YZF-R 125.
Far from the exclusivity of its big sisters, the 10 R and 6 RR, the 250 R will play the accessibility, pleasure and comfort card. With its raised half-guidelines, low seat height and smooth controls, it's aimed at the widest possible audience, and promises to be a welcome pleasure to ride.

Insurance
Kawasaki 250 R NINJA 2008 - 1Kawasaki 250 R NINJA 2008 - 1

and where does this 2.5 litre engine come from? The Americans could tell us more, as this model has already been available in their country for some time. It's a liquid-cooled twin with double ACT, expected to be strong and reliable, with docile low- and mid-range behavior, and especially gniak at high revs. 30 hp will be enough to have fun, to be accessible to young riders, to challenge the CBR and YZF-R (2 times less powerful)... But it's really not going to be enough if you want to start pulling your weight in a sporting way. Let's not forget that here, you have to rely more on the plumage than the ramage...

M.B - manufacturer's photos

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Key facts Kawasaki 250 R NINJA (2008) : What you need to know before you buy

Highlights

  • Sportive accessible
  • For all
  • Initiatrice

Weak points

  • Small displacement
  • Just the right amount of power
  • Under-represented category

Prices

Basic version
flag FranceFrance
4,499€

Bikers' reviews

of 16 reviews

Model sold in 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Replaced by

Photo of {name} {year}
250 R NINJA 2009

Performance

  • Max speed : approximately 150 km/h (93.20 mph)

History

Evolution : from 2008 to 2026
Photo of the legendary 250 R NINJA 2008 See its history and progress over the years De 250 à 500, la "petite" Ninja a bien grandi.

Specifications Kawasaki 250 R NINJA 2008

Chassis
Frame : Tubular steel, diamond type
Fuel capacity : 17.50 liters (4.62 US gallons)
Seat height : 780 mm (30.71 in)
Length : 2,080 mm (81.89 in)
Width : 710 mm (27.95 in)
Min height : 1,115 mm (43.90 in)
Wheelbase : 1,400 mm (55.12 in)
Dry weight : 152 kg (335 lb)
Front axle
Telehydraulic fork Ø 37 mm, Wheel travel : 120 mm (4.72 in)
Braking 1 disc Ø 290 mm (11.42 in), 2-piston caliper
Front tire : 110 / 70 - 17 → Order this type of tire
Pressure : 2 bar
Transmission
6 stage gearbox
Secondary by chain
Rear axle
Mono-damper, Wheel travel : 130 mm (5.12 in)
Braking 1 disc Ø 220 mm (8.66 in), 2-piston caliper
Rear tire : 130 / 70 - 17 → Order this type of tire
Pressure : 2.25 bar
Motor
two-cylinder online , 4 strokes
Injection Ø 28 mm
Cooling system : liquid
2 ACT
4 valves per cylinder
249 cc
30 ch (29.60 hp) to 10,500 rpm
2.10 mkg to 8,500 rpm
Power-to-weight ratio : 5.14 kg/ch
Weight / torque ratio : 72.38 kg/mkg
Compression : 11.6:1
Practical information
Take care of your motorcycle! Find all the parts and maintenance products you need to keep your bike in top condition.
motor fluid exhaust Chain kit electricity filtration braking Tires
Motorcyle equipment adapted for all members of the family and security elements.

Models

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

Compare the 250 R NINJA to its competitors

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Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 16 reviews

French Jerem Model 2011
I bought this bike in 2024 to take my first steps on the track. Soft in duo and in the low revs, the engine wakes up a bit when you push it in the high revs. I can easily touch the knee and sometimes play with 390 dukes on the track. For everyday use, the position isn't too radical, as it's a small bike and therefore very suitable for city riding. I've already made long journeys of over 600km, and it's great for departmental roads, but the freeway should be avoided unless you want to be at 9000rpm for 3 hours. Basic fuel consumption for a 250. To conclude, its strong points are its aesthetics, its low seat height (my girlfriend is 1.60 m tall, and she touches both feet), its remarkable braking, and its price (used bikes with low mileage can be found for 2K).
Its weak points are: the tires are a little too thin, and under heavy braking you quickly hit the fork stop (the front shock is too soft), and the seat is low this time, which for taller riders can hurt the knees (I'm 1m85 and that's the limit). My judgement is relative, but I'm talking about a 250 compared with a bike of the same general displacement. Rating : 3/5
n'importe quoi !
French mmmmm Model 2012
A motorcycle at 150 km max ... A scooter with speed! Rating : 1/5
Vieux motard que j'aimais :)
French Wrooom Model 2012
At 69, 1m69 and 65 kg, I'm beginning to find my BMW 650 CS a bit heavy at 195 kg... As I'd like to keep riding until I'm 80, I'm looking for a bike in the 150kg range, and this "petite" one appeals to me... unless I fall for a scooter... That would bring things full circle, as I started out on a Vespa 150 around 1965 :) Rating : 3/5
une 250 de sport
French SuperG2L Model 2011
A small-displacement sportbike that's comfortable and easy to ride. If you understand that, you'll find it perfect. If you're looking for a tourer, you'll quickly find the seat hard, and so will the passenger, with no grab bar and no headlight call.
13,000 rpm is fun. you'll believe it. but for overtaking on the limit, it's still limited. in a curve, it's great, you'll be able to link up perfectly. from the first straight, you'll be clamoring for cm3s, so comfortable you'll feel. in its class, the queen. Excellent braking, good headlights, no fuel gauge. a good intermediary in the motorcycle world.
 Rating : 4/5
une vraie moto intéressante
French Model 2008
Apart from its 125cm3 feel at low revs in the first few thousand kms, after that everything gets better, the engine improves and becomes more linear and powerful, to the point where you wonder if you need more than that in the end. What will bother you the most after a while is the lack of comfort, the sound of the pot, and the lack of practical aspects, hence the interest in first fitting a double-curvature bubble and changing the saddle, then fitting an adaptable, and finally sticking on a small top case or semi-rigid panniers (ref givi). After that, given that the engine seems reliable and that it's quite capable on the road and freeway (cruising at 130/140 without tiring and still with good acceleration at this speed), and if you don't do much duo riding, the bike is likely to delight you with all its abilities. It's the easiest sport tourer and urban bike in the current catalog (on special offer), on a par with the new 300 in terms of quality/price (but with less engine braking because of the useless antidribble), the Cbr250 (even less expensive) and the much more expensive Cbr500, which has abs and is more comfortable than the original. Rating : 4/5
French lilou Model 2012
I bought this bike a few days ago, I chose it for its aesthetics, it is very nice, however, power level, there is nothing, it's soft, no recovery, I'm quite disappointed, it's good for the city because it super maneuverable, after road not terrible at all and on the highway, let's not talk about it! Rating : 1/5
French rene Model 2012
In France, it's rated at 33hp, not 30. Given that the 300cm3 will be coming out soon, this one should have some nice promotions. Rating : 4/5
French Cbr250r Model 2012
How can moto station or other magazines (such as maximoto) include the cylinder capacity in the "minus"? I don't get it.

To come back to what Rene said, I've driven it and I think it's perfect, one of the best 250s on the market. Too bad the new price is completely crazy. Rating : 5/5
French rene Model 2012
If you take it as an introductory sport bike, it's almost a 5/5, but if you take it as a tourer, it's "only" 4/5, due to unpleasant vibrations that are poorly filtered in the seat, which is otherwise uncomfortable. This is the machine's biggest flaw. The 2d fault is the annoying lack of torque at low revs below 5000 rpm, especially when it hasn't yet had a few thousand miles of meticulous running-in. To the point where you'd think you were still on a 125 at first. On the other hand, when you pass the halfway point of the rev counter, the power causes almost the red zone at 13,000 rpm! After a good ten thousand kms of appropriate treatment, flexibility and torque improve and the power page becomes really great and easy to use on such a small displacement, especially as the brakes and chassis are up to scratch. A very good machine, capable of a good lap time on a slow circuit, and of cruising indefinitely at 130/140 rpm (the bad vibrations disappear at around 9000rpm, i.e. around 125kmh) and still making a clean overtake at this speed. My advice: change for a very good quality saddle that better filters out the bad vibrations, fit the double-curvature bubble, and an adaptable pot that makes the sound lower (the original pot literally screams at high revs). Then you'll have a complete sport-touring machine capable of doing everything well. Rating : 5/5
French Model 2008
mine has just had 10000 km I am very satisfied with this cawette (small kawa) very flexible repart from 50 in 6th 170 meter on freeway very nice to turn the tires cost 70 euro 300 km with full rolling well ... Rating : 5/5
French Model 2008
it drives very well but it's still a 250 you have to try it to judge it for my count I'm very happy with it Rating : 5/5
French Model 2008
I'll be taking possession of mine soon. After a long time without driving, it has everything you need to get back in the saddle
Practical, aesthetic, functional, reasonably priced, easy to handle....ET economical to run. Rating : 5/5
French Model 2008
well, in fact, it makes 34hp, which allows it to reach a good 150km/h crono, so it's got nothing to do with the 125s, which have 15hp max and hardly reach 120km/h for the best performers..
the other big difference is that you need a motorcycle license..
in any case, I want it Rating : 5/5
French Model 2008
At last, we're seeing manufacturers offering small-cube motorcycles. The new Yamaha 250YBR, the beautiful little 250WR (replacement for the good 250TTR), a little Korean... Let's hope that the clientele will be there... At a time when overpowered 600s and 1000s are proving too much... (Cost, insurance, maintenance...and speed limits!!). A motorcycle between 200cc and 500cc, the pleasure of motorcycling within reason... Rating : 5/5
French Model 2008
Not a bad 2nd bike for city riding and commuting
1 good point for range 17.5 l = approx. 400 km
 Rating : 5/5
French Model 2008
well, why not, it looks pretty good
but a 250cc 4-stroke should be around 25hp. In other words, for the same price, you might as well buy a good 125 2-stroke if you're looking for a small-displacement thrill sports bike.
Its advantages will remain those of small Japanese 4-strokes, reliability and low maintenance costs. Rating : 5/5
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FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the 250 R NINJA 2008

What is the power of the 250 R NINJA 2008?
The 250 R NINJA 2008 develops a power of 30 ch (29.60 hp)
What is the torque of the 250 R NINJA 2008?
The maximum torque of the 250 R NINJA 2008 is 2.10 mkg to 8,500 rpm.
What is the maximum speed of the 250 R NINJA 2008?
The 250 R NINJA 2008 is capable of reaching a top speed of approximately 150 km/h (93.20 mph) on the track.
What is the weight of the 250 R NINJA 2008?
The 250 R NINJA 2008 has a a dry weight of 152 kg (335 lb).
QWhat is the seat height of the 250 R NINJA 2008?
To ensure good accessibility, the 250 R NINJA 2008 offers a minimum seat height of 780 mm (30.71 in).
What is the price of the 250 R NINJA 2008?
The price of the 250 R NINJA 2008 is 4,499€ in France

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