250cc Sport Bike | Kawasaki Ninja 250R (2008-Current)

For the last 20+ years the previous generation Kawasaki Ninja 250R went unchanged and unchallenged in the 250cc sport bike class, making it one of the most successful and top selling motorbikes of all time. It’s no wonder that motorcyclists around the globe couldn’t wait to get their hands on Kawasaki’s latest 250R revision.

It’s without question that the newest Ninja 250R has some huge shoes to fill. How do we think Kawasaki did? Let’s just say we wouldn’t be surprised if this latest “little ninja” made it another 20+ years.

Styling….

At first glance it’s hard to believe these 250cc motorcycles from Kawasaki are truly  250cc motorcycles. With styling that many believe rival larger and more race driven sport bikes, Kawasaki has done an excellent job of designing a beautiful, modern, and edgy motorcycle. If you correlate stealth like attributes to everything ninja, then this 250cc sport bike lives up to these martial art standards. If you had never seen this sport bike before there is no way you’d think to yourself it must be a 250cc motorcycle. Whether it’s the dual lamp headlights, the full faired plastics, or the 17 inch spoked wheels you’d be hard pressed to say anything but “This bike looks FUN, this bike looks FAST”. After circling this motorbike surveying its clean and quality bodywork it was time to mount this beast

Rider Position and Feel….

If you have ever ridden or perhaps read our article on the previous generation Kawasaki Ninja 250R, you’d recall the low seat height and upright seating position lead to a comfortable and confidence inspiring ride. This latest version is no different, although different feeling both bikes are excellent at establishing a comfortable, worry free feeling.

The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R statistically has virtually the same seat height as its predecessors this motorbike however feels sportier. This difference in feel is primarily due to the spacing and height of the handle bars causing your hands to be slightly lower than years past. Personally I enjoy the new feeling, seating wise you perfectly match how the bike looks, sporty and edgier. Comfort is not lost though, and I’m glad to see this 250cc sport bike not loose any of its commuter attributes.

Look down and you’d notice the speedometer is larger for ease of viewing than years past and a much needed fuel gauge compliments the upgraded gauge clusters. With the narrow parallel twin engine design and scaling in at a light 375lb. wet weight it’s no wonder this motorbike is so easy to maneuver from a stopped position. Combined with its low seat height even the shortest of riders should have no problem planting both feet firmly on the ground. This 250cc sport bike feels like a winner. Tune into part 2 of our Kawasaki Ninja 250R review, as we fire this bad boy up.

(2008-Current) Kawasaki Ninja 250R Specifications

Tagged as: 250cc motorcycle, 250cc Motorcycles, 250cc sport bike, 250cc Sport Bikes, 250R, Kawasaki, Kawasaki Ninja, Kawasaki Ninja 250R, Ninja 250R