2009 Kawasaki 250R NinjaPRICE: (base/as tested) $4,699/$4,849
ENGINE: 249 cc, parallel twin
FUEL CONSUMPTION: As tested 3.6—3.8 L/100 km (76 mpg)
POWER/TORQUE: 23 hp/16.2 lb.-ft.
COMPETITION: Hyosung GT250R
WHAT'S BEST: Willing motor, comfortable, easy handling
WHAT'S WORST: Carburetors? In 2009?
WHAT'S INTERESTING: Only 250 cc sportbike produced by major manufacturer for North AmericaThe 250R has a single 290 mm front disc, which is the only visual clue that it's not a twin-disc 600 or litre-class sportbike. A twin-piston caliper handles braking duties up front and both front and rear discs are Kawasaki's traditional "petal" shape. Feel and feedback were good, while braking is certainly more than adequate for a motorcycle in this performance category.
Instrumentation is another 250R strong point with a large analogue speedo flanked by a similar sized tachometer and a bigger than average fuel gauge. With miserly fuel consumption in the 3.7 L/100 km range (76 m.p.g.), the 18-litre tank means you won't be seeing your friendly fuel retailer very often.
ENGINE: 249 cc, parallel twin
FUEL CONSUMPTION: As tested 3.6—3.8 L/100 km (76 mpg)
POWER/TORQUE: 23 hp/16.2 lb.-ft.
COMPETITION: Hyosung GT250R
WHAT'S BEST: Willing motor, comfortable, easy handling
WHAT'S WORST: Carburetors? In 2009?
WHAT'S INTERESTING: Only 250 cc sportbike produced by major manufacturer for North AmericaThe 250R has a single 290 mm front disc, which is the only visual clue that it's not a twin-disc 600 or litre-class sportbike. A twin-piston caliper handles braking duties up front and both front and rear discs are Kawasaki's traditional "petal" shape. Feel and feedback were good, while braking is certainly more than adequate for a motorcycle in this performance category.
Instrumentation is another 250R strong point with a large analogue speedo flanked by a similar sized tachometer and a bigger than average fuel gauge. With miserly fuel consumption in the 3.7 L/100 km range (76 m.p.g.), the 18-litre tank means you won't be seeing your friendly fuel retailer very often.
