New Ninja 250..

[MickLC]

Nice, but a bit late since most of Oz is going (or gone) to LAMS...typical, new model once the market share has gone elsewhere ....

Funnily enough, LAMS doesn't seem to stop learner's buying 250's...price will be the big decider on this one I reckon

[Burky]

Nice, but a bit late since most of Oz is going (or gone) to LAMS...typical, new model once the market share has gone elsewhere ....

Funnily enough, LAMS doesn't seem to stop learner's buying 250's...price will be the big decider on this one I reckon

Price will always be a big decider, but then those that just want a commuter it's a winner!

Looks awsome, and twice the size of the other new releases

[mike-s]

as from ocau/mc next years lineup.

Compact size, exceptional personality and a low price tag highlight Kawasaki’s new Ninja® 250R quarter-liter performer. Considering how much fun it is to ride and the fact that it’s the only 250cc sportbike sold in the U.S., it’s no wonder the Ninja 250R has been a strong seller for over a decade. Its successful blend of a rider-friendly engine, easy-to-operate chassis and supersport styling worthy of its Ninja moniker, this model was developed to offer real world performance to riders of all skill levels and goes to show that good things do come in small packages.

At the core of the lightweight Ninja 250R is an engine that thrives on high-rpm excitement. The gutsy 249cc parallel twin has been retuned to spice up its smooth and predictable power delivery. It now offers more low- and mid-range torque thanks to revisions to its dual overhead camshafts and a new 2-into-1 exhaust system. A silky smooth six-speed transmission tops off the sportbike equipment list, enabling the 250R to exploit a powerband that’s sure to please riders with its beginner friendly low-end grunt and a lively top-end rush that’ll keep seasoned veterans satisfied. The coup de’ grace, is its ability to deliver excellent fuel economy.

The 250R’s new fairing and windscreen not only look great, they deliver improved wind protection for a wide range of riding situations. This lightweight sportbike is loaded with even more rider-friendly features such as an easy-to-read instrument panel and positive neutral finder.

[aardvark]

More pics of the baby in the fleet, courtesy of Bikeland.org

[Neka79]

maybe it IS the replacement for the gpx??

maybe if they keep the reliable motor, put sum nice fairings on it, and badge it as a ninja they will sell bucket loads more??

[I-K]

maybe it IS the replacement for the gpx??

It is. They don't sell the ZZ-R250 in the US, which is this thing's primary market, where it's bought by the very short, the very ego-free and by small-bike fetishists.

[Slow and wobbly]

A side note-
Its interesting to see that the manufacturers are definitely taking notice of the aftermarket industry and are adding the tasty bits before they leave the factory - Wave discs, polished rims, clear lenses etc. When are we going to see crash knobs or sacrificial bits built into the bike to take the brunt of a minor whoopsie. The fairings on this new 250 would I suppose cost around the same as a zzr250 and so there is nothing new about the learner burners causing expensive damage, but it would be nice to see at least some lugs to give the option of easily fitting protective devices. It would be another angle on which to market this kind of bike to new riders.

[MadKaw]

According to the Kawasaki.com site RRP is $3500 US.
That makes it about $4200 with current exchange rate, plus on road...

Somehow I don't think it will be that cheap here, for some reason..

[Ratmick]

Well it shits all over the GPX in the looks department, and the 249cc twin GPX donk is pretty bulletproof.

Whether they are correct in saying there's a lot more low and mid-range torque is questionable. The GPX used to rev it's arse out in first and go essentially nowhere. I only used to use it for starting on hills and you could quite happily take off most of the time in 2nd.

Good on them anyway, shits all over a small scooter and you'll probably still get 90mpg (hopefully they've changed the seat though) .

Mick

[MadKaw]

Some Vids

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wejb8covyac

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqjlOUgHwic

[Nanna10r]

Everyone meet Kwaka aus's No 1 seller in 2008.

LONG OVER due imho. But looks bang on to me.

[red_dave]

I reckon they'll go for $6K plus ORC...

Which translates to not as many sales as we would like...

Nice looking bike though

[MiG]

Bah, it has only got 32 hp and it's heavier! The old one has 38!
Perhaps the old 38 hp was measured in a more creative way?

[Neka79]

Bah, it has only got 32 hp and it's heavier! The old one has 38!
Perhaps the old 38 hp was measured in a more creative way?

depends what dyno they have it on

[Saki]

hmm interesting, i don't like the look of the raised bars, it still looks to GPX like and with the Parrellel twin, well hmmmmm undecided will have to sell it in the flesh before i can decide.. Good to see some fresh blood tho!