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Review: 2012 Ninja 250R

2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250 R – Updated Entry Level Exhilaration

Since its inception in the early eighties Kawasaki’s Ninja 250 has been the bike for entry-level riding. It continues to be the top selling motorcycle in the United States. The bike has been such a solid choice for nearly 30 years there have only been four significant changes, the last in 2008 as a complete redesign.

Kawasaki 250r ninja 2012 Ride one home from Dillon Kawasaki

Ninja 250R’s popularity relies heavily on the smooth and reliable parallel twin-cylinder liquid-cooled engine. it’s tuned mainly for manageable and smooth torque at lower rpms and is connected to a six-speed transmission to cover the range of riding conditions from city to highway. The little ninja is mild mannered and easy to ride for anyone but still spirited enough to not put you to sleep while riding.

250r balanced between city and country roads

The Ninja 250 has always been a solid performer but the looks had grown a bit long in the tooth. The fourth gen redesign in 08 really brought the whole bike up to date with modern looks and performance improvements.  The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R also features updated suspension for improved handling, this is paired with the sportbike 17-inch wheels with a large single 290mm front rotor on the front and 220mm brake rotor on the rear.

Paired with a really low base price the Kawasaki’s 2012 Ninja 250R is still the new bike to have if you want something stylish, fun, and cheap… Stop by and talk to our Dillon Cycles Sales Staff in Omaha to check get yours today, we have plenty in stock.

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2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250 at the Midlands International Auto Show: Dillon

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2012 Ninja 250: CLICK TO SEARCH OUR Kawasaki INVENTORY IN OMAHA

With its smooth power delivery, low seat height, and excellent value, the Ninja® 250 has all the vital elements to make it the perfect first sportbike. Powered by a compact liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine, this Ninja sportbike pleases both ends of the experience spectrum — seasoned riders appreciate the Ninja’s extra highway passing power compared to other bikes in the 250 class, while beginners love the smooth torque delivery at lower speeds. With superior highway performance, aggressive supersport bodywork, and a price tag that packs serious value, the Ninja 250 is a perfect way to get started in a lifetime of motorcycling fun.

Key Features

• 249cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine offers better highway passing power than competing models in the 250 class

• Low 30.5-inch seat height boosts new rider confidence

• Six-speed transmission offers wide selection of ratios to match varied riding conditions and its positive neutral finder makes it much easier to find neutral when stopped

• Genuine Ninja® styling matches the larger supersport models

• Petal-shaped disc brakes offer great sportbike looks and excellent braking performance

• 17-inch wheels allow use of modern sportbike tires

DOHC 249cc Parallel Twin-Cylinder Engine

• Compact parallel-twin design offers good mass centralization for superior handling

• Tuned to deliver smooth, step-free power with excellent mid-range and high-rpm power for effective highway performance

• Heavy duty piston rings help prevent oil consumption

• Ample high-rpm performance will please riders who wish to utilize the engine’s full potential

Cylinder Head

• Combustion chamber designed to maximize combustion efficiency and reduce emissions

• Intake and exhaust ports contribute to good off-idle response and smooth power delivery

• Valve timing and lift designed for strong low and mid-range torque

• Direct valve actuation helps ensure reliable high-rpm operability

• Valves feature thin heads and stems for reduced reciprocating weight and efficient flow

Carburetion

• Twin Keihin CVK30 carburetors offer a nice power feel and help provide low fuel consumption

Reduced Mechanical Noise

• Self-adjusting cam chain tensioner reduces mechanical noise caused by the cam chain and minimizes loss from power-robbing friction

• Minimizing mechanical noise allows the use of a freer flowing exhaust for better performance

• Complex construction with reinforcing ribs helps eliminate airbox reverberation and reduces intake noise

• Air filter accessible from the side, for easy replacement

Exhaust System

• 2-into-1 system contributes to the Ninja 250’s low and mid-range torque and smooth, step-free power curve

• Slightly upswept silencer extensively tested to determine chamber size, connecting pipe length and diameter to achieve least noise and most power

• Meets strict emission standards with dual catalyzers; one in the collector pipe and the other in the silencer

• Using two catalyzers helps minimize power loss caused by backpressure in the exhaust system

• First catalyzer is positioned close to the exhaust ports for maximum efficiency

Liquid Cooling

• Denso radiator offers effective engine cooling with minimal space and weight

• Ring fan uses a quiet-running motor that also saves space

• Fins on the lower side of the crankcase helps further cool the engine

Six-Speed Transmission

• Involute splines reduce friction and backlash between gears and shafts for easier gear meshing and smooth shifting under power

• Spring-type clutch damper reduces hesitation at very low speeds and minimizes shocks when rolling on and off the throttle for a smoother clutch feel

• Paper-base friction plates help increase clutch durability

Chassis

• Sturdy and durable diamond-style frame of thick-walled steel tubing offers confidence-inspiring stability at both high and low speeds

• Beefy swingarm bracket contributes to the frame’s rigidity and helps achieve an optimal balance of chassis stiffness

• Square-tube swingarm with a 60 x 30mm cross section further adds to rigidity

Suspension

• 37mm telescopic front fork with firm settings contribute to the Ninja 250’s smooth, stable handling and enhanced ride control

• Uni-Trak® rear suspension helps provide predictable handling and good ride comfort

• Rear shock features 5-way adjustable preload, enabling ride height to be maintained whether riding solo or with a passenger

Wheels

• Features 17-inch wheels like its larger Ninja siblings

• The use of proper sportbike tires contributes to its easy, neutral handling at low speeds and excellent cornering feel

Brakes

• Large-diameter, 290mm front petal disc and a balanced action two-piston caliper offer excellent braking performance and a natural, direct feeling at the lever

• Two-piston caliper grips the rear 220mm petal disc

Ergonomics

• Natural riding position with slightly forward-slanting seat and wide, raised handlebars

Bodywork
• Styling, fit and finish of striking full-fairing bodywork match its Ninja supersport siblings

• Aggressive dual-lamp headlight design, slim tail cowl and separate seats further enhance the supersport look

• Front cowling and windscreen offer the rider a substantial amount of wind protection

• Two helmet holders conveniently located under the rear seat

• Under-seat storage can hold a U-lock or similar device

• Two hooks under the tail and the rear passenger pegs provide anchor points for securing items to the rear of the bike

Instrumentation

• Instrument panel features an easy-to-read, large-face analog speedometer along with an analog tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge and warning lights

Specifications
  • Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin
  • Displacement: 249 cc
  • Bore x stroke: 62.0 x 41.2mm
  • Compression ratio: 11.6:1
  • Cooling: Liquid
  • Carburetion: Keihin CVK30 x 2
  • Ignition: TCBI with digital advance
  • Transmission: Six-speed
  • Final drive: O-ring chain
  • Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
  • Wheelbase: 55.1 in.
  • Rake / trail: 26 deg. / 3.2 in.
  • Front suspension / wheel travel: 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 4.7 in.
  • Rear suspension / wheel travel: Bottom-link Uni-Trak® with 5-way adjustable preload / 5.1 in.
  • Front tire: 110/70-17
  • Rear tire: 130/70-17
  • Front brake: Single 290mm hydraulic petal disc with two-piston caliper
  • Rear brake: Single 220mm petal disc with two-piston caliper
  • Overall length: 82.1 in.
  • Overall width: 28.1 in.
  • Overall height: 43.7 in.
  • Seat height: 30.5 in.
  • Curb weight: 374.9 lb.
  • Fuel capacity: 4.8 gal.
  • Color choices: Candy Lime Green
  • Warranty: 12 months
  • Optional Good Times™ Protection Plan: 12, 24, 36 or 48 months

 

2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R: Witness the Phenomenon

Unlike any motorcycle built before, the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R is about to take on the world, outshine all its competitors and leave the world spinning. Since the debut of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 in 2006 it has been all about performance. It wasn’t enough for Kawasaki to own one of the fastest production bikes on the world market, Kawasaki has outdone itself again with heart-racing revisions to the big brother Ninja.

2012 Ninja ZX14R

The major changes on the 2012 ZX-14R have centered around the inline-four engine. The engine’s dual gear-driven equalizer set up, has been enhanced to work with the longer-stroke proportions and crankshaft variations, resulting in level power across the rev range. Displacement has been increased through a 4mm stroke addition to give the ‘12 ZX-14R a startling total of 1441cc, with bore x stroke dimensions now measuring 84 x 65mm. Reshaped combustion chambers and intake ports maximize performance. The camshafts was revised with a reinforced cam chain, allowing the engine to withstand high rpm levels. The pistons also experienced a face lift to increase their strength while shedding weight at the same time.

Another monumental highlight is a new oil jet cooling system that will provide constant lubrication under the pistons. Engine compression equals a 12.3:1 and as a result connecting rods have been re-designed with a stronger material. The crankshaft main journals are 2mm thicker compared to the past model, and a new air cleaner has 10% more surface area and 40% larger airflow capability.

2012 Ninja ZX14R 2012 Ninja ZX14R

The fuel injection was updated with an automatic idle adjustment and lower emissions. Besides adding more power, the new ZX-14R also aims for better control with a dual-driven counterbalancer. It was engineered to complement the 4mm longer stroke dimensions, the setup is reported to balance power output.

2011-Kawasaki-Ninja-ZX-14-Official-Pictures

While the new model does retain the former chassis design, more than half of the aluminum castings and forgings have been modified. The rear swingarm is 10mm longer and the result is an overall alloy frame that is much stiffer in places. The intended goal was to keep the previous ZX-14’s light-handling while increasing the sportiness and power. The suspension was upgraded with the 43mm inverted fork and adjustable single shock receiving improved bottoming resistance and internal settings. The overall weight of the bike is up, but the use of 10-spoke wheels helps reduce unsprung weight by 3.3 pounds.

Ninja ZX 14 R2012 Ninja ZX14R2012 Ninja ZX14R

The ZX-14R was equipped with a slipper clutch—helping to reduce wheel-hop and negative torque effects associated with downshifting and braking—and a KTRC traction control and ignition system. Included in the system are three different riding profiles: full power, medium power and third option for low traction conditions. The profiles are easily accessible to the rider via a bar-mounted toggle switch, with the system’s overall status displayed on the cockpit’s LCD screen.

Kawasaki didn’t stop with the mechanical, the exterior has been fully made over with a more aggressive nose section and a quad-headlight assembly. The ZX-14R keeps its hallmark side fairing fin design – accentuating the lines for a more dramatic look. The tail section was modified with faired-in turn signals and a new seat cover. Meanwhile, the seat itself was reshaped to offer more thigh support.

The 2012 Ninja ZX-14R reveals new instrument controls, a new multi-function toggle switch and select button on the left handlebar that gives full access to system functions. Riders will be able to browse through a variety of LCD screens, providing on-demand access to fuel consumption, remaining range, battery voltage, temperature, traction control, and more.

2012-Kawasaki-ZX-14R-Photos-3

Year 2012
Manufacturer Kawasaki
Model Ninja ZX-14R
Engine Type Four-stroke, DOHC, four valve per cylinder, inline-four
Engine Displacement 1,441cc
Bore & Stroke 84.0 mm x 65.0 mm
Compression Ratio 12.3:1
Cooling Liquid-Cooled
Fuel System DFI with four 44 mm Mikuni throttle bodies
Ignition TCBI with Digital Advance
Starting System Electric
Transmission 6-Speed
Final Drive X-ring Chain
Rake & Trail 23 degrees/3.7 in.
Wheel Base 58.3 in.
Seat Height 31.5 in.
Front Suspension 43 mm inverted cartridge fork with adjustable preload, 18-way compression
Rear Suspension Bottom-link Uni-Trak and gas-charged shock with adjustable preload
Front Brake Dual semi-floating 310 mm petal discs with dual radial-mounted 4-piston calipers
Rear Brake Single 250 mm petal disc with twin-piston caliper
Front Tire 120/70 ZR17
Rear Tire 190/50 ZR17
Fuel Capacity 5.8 gal
Dry Weight 584.3 lbs.

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