The Kawasaki Ninja 250 is totally redesigned for 2013

Dodsfall · 08-02-2012, 12:32 AM

The Kawasaki Ninja 250R, which debuted nearly 30 years ago, was basically unchanged for a quarter century until its redesign in 2008. With very little competition in the US for a small displacement sport motorcycle, the Ninja 250 quickly became Kawasaki's number one selling motorcycle.

In 2011, Honda introduced the CBR250R into the US market. The Ninjette suddenly found itself with some stiff competition. With competition comes innovation, so for 2013 Kawasaki has redesigned the venerable 250R in hopes of gaining some market share.

Redesigned, more angular bodywork on the 2013 Ninja makes the motorcycle look a lot like its big brother the ZX-10 superbike. Large slotted air vents dominate the side fairings. The gas tank and tail section have a more sculpted look. New honeycomb wheels have been added as well.

The fan shroud has been changed to force more air to the bottom of the engine, keeping the heat low and off the rider. The large exhaust cans also help disperse the engine heat.

A new engine design is also in store for the 2013 model. New anodized pistons, cylinders, and crankcase give the 250 a higher torque rating in the low and mid ranges. A larger oil pan has been added and more rubber bushings are being utilized to keep vibrations to a minimum.

A redesigned frame and suspension has also been added. For the first time, ABS will be available as an option. The total package with ABS will weigh about 10 more pounds than the 2012 model. About 4 ½ pounds of that can be attributed to the ABS system.

The most exciting change for many will be the change of the intake system from the old-fashioned carburetor to a modern EFI system in certain markets. The decision to stay with a carburetor in the 2008 redesign was made to keep costs down. It is unknown which markets will receive the EFI update at this time.

Although no pricing information has been released at this time, the announced colors available will be Lime Green, Lime Green/Ebony (special edition), Ebony/Metallic Moondust Grey (special edition), Passion Red, Passion Red/Stardust White (special edition), and Pearl Stardust White.

[Motorcycle USA]

jrw69 · 08-02-2012, 10:05 AM

Awesome looking bike, just when I thought I didn't want a 250!

Badlands-4-2 · 08-02-2012, 02:28 PM

It does look nice, and the EFI was needed. The carb on the current models runs so lean that you need the choke to start it on any day under 80 degrees. The ABS is also a good addition, wish mine had it (now that my son is riding it I really wish it had ABS.)

STIDriver · 08-02-2012, 03:28 PM

Wow ... just wow.

that looks REALLY nice. I'd really love to get one ...

jrw69 · 08-02-2012, 05:28 PM

So I assume the MSRP will be somewhere pretty close to $5K. I'll have think what are all my options for that price that include FI and ABS, not much other than maybe a used high mileage FJR.

Dodsfall · 08-02-2012, 07:46 PM

The current retail for the 2012 is $4200. With the CBR 250 retailing for $4100, I don't think Kawasaki can afford to go much higher on price. They may be waiting until Honda announces the 2013 prices before setting a retail.

Flying Couch · 08-02-2012, 08:14 PM

At last, the Ninjette gets fuel injection. I might've gone for this new one if they introduced it a year ago. The exhaust and tail look pretty sick, but I gotta say I like the front of the old one better.

V8Thrasher · 08-02-2012, 08:41 PM

Nice, they made it more ZX10R looking. Looks a lot better now IMO, but I'd rather have the bigger meaner brother Ninja than the little Ninjette.

RobMoore · 08-02-2012, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8Thrasher

but I'd rather have the bigger meaner brother Ninja than the little Ninjette.

Of course, because it wouldn't be your first bike.

If it was, wouldn't you want it to look cool?

The 08+ looks good. This just looks a little better. The other upgrades are nice as well.

Whatever gets people to stop thinking ZX6Rs are first (or even second) bikes is a good thing.

V8Thrasher · 08-02-2012, 09:05 PM

You know I've Ridden the zx6r, and it's no where near as intimidating as people make it seem. Not going to lie I'd like a zx10r but am intimidated by it. Most definitely I'd like my starter bike to look cool, but personally I'd rather buy an old raggedy bike to learn on than dish 5 grand on this Ninja, that's just me though.

RobMoore · 08-02-2012, 09:26 PM

So, 1500 on an old raggedy 250r?

V8Thrasher · 08-02-2012, 10:39 PM

I paid 1300 on an old raggedy Honda shadow

Wild Bill · 08-03-2012, 04:11 PM

I hate the green.......

RobMoore · 08-03-2012, 04:41 PM

Now that you mention it, that shade of green is kind of dull. Previous colors "popped". This one wants to blend into a rice paddy.

Biker Dash · 08-03-2012, 07:30 PM

Now, if they would bring back the 500 Ninja, and design it like this... (yes, I know they have the 650, but the 500 was smaller framed, closer in size to the 250, which I do like)
I agree about the green color. It gets tiring. Blue, red and black all looked better in my opinion.

cbdallas · 08-03-2012, 07:42 PM

Hmmm. Love the looks of it, but this statement disappoints me:

"It is unknown which markets will receive the EFI update at this time".

Just make it EFI across the board, or it will spend its life in the shadow of the CBR. Bodywork, ABS & new trim is just icing. It needs EFI cake.

RobMoore · 08-03-2012, 10:43 PM

I'm not disappointed by the carbs on my 250. When I used to commute with it in the winter, cranking it with full choke didn't take much effort.

Carbs aren't a deal breaker unless you let them be.

ralphlong · 08-04-2012, 11:24 AM

Since they know this will be a beginner bike and maybe even used at training schools, I don't understand why they do not build some sort of bodywork protection into it. These bikes WILL get dropped.

From the picture there doesn't even seem to be any way to add protection.

Could it be they are counting on profit from new body panels? I'll bet the money they make on body panels alone will pay for Mr. Kawasaki's business jet.

Biker Dash · 08-04-2012, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ralphlong

Since they know this will be a beginner bike and maybe even used at training schools, I don't understand why they do not build some sort of bodywork protection into it. These bikes WILL get dropped.

From the picture there doesn't even seem to be any way to add protection.

Could it be they are counting on profit from new body panels? I'll bet the money they make on body panels alone will pay for Mr. Kawasaki's business jet.

Aftermarket... You can get frame sliders for most all sport bikes, (including the little ones) and when a new model comes out, they are generally pretty quick at making new sliders for the new model.

These companies sell a LOT of them, so they dont wait too long before developing these things for the new bikes.

RobMoore · 08-04-2012, 11:36 AM

Yeah, but this one looks hard to fit a no-cut frame slider to. I agree that Kawasaki should have made their own, or given as easy way to add them.

STIDriver · 08-05-2012, 08:00 AM

If there is one thing that stuck with me since I joined this forum was that one of you (it might have been Dodsfall) said: "Don't underestimate how much fun a 250 can be. There's fun in how simple and easy a 250 can be that a bigger size engine will never give you".

I paraphrased it but I think that was the gist of it.

I frankly would buy this bike (if I can find the money for it) just for the fun of riding it around town or even short trips.

I have a lot of fond memories of my old raggedy Ninja 250. It was a heck of a lot easier to run around with than the beast I am riding right now.

Don't get me wrong: I love the Triple and the fact that I can make it stand up on the rear wheel in 3rd without any trick other than opening up the throttle.

But there's something to be said for the simplicity of this bike ... it is attractive in its own right.

In fact they should have spent less on styling and just revamped the engine to get rid of the carbs ... the old model was fine the way it was ... still, eye candy is always good.

Rb8623 · 08-19-2012, 07:20 PM

I wouldn't mind this bike, if it came in black. That green is too much for me. All in all, not a bad looking 250. I might consider getting one used when the price drops in a couple years or so...

cbdallas · 08-20-2012, 08:41 AM

Keep an eye on Craigslist after it's released. Like all 250s before it, there'll be plenty of people who buy one & turn around & sell it because they don't ride as much as they thought they would, or...their wives turned up pregnant right after they bought it....or they changed their minds and want something bigger. There have been some great deals found on CL by guys on this forum, so if you want one, you just have to be diligent on CL.

zmago · 08-20-2012, 11:33 AM

I really like the green. One of those would look nice parked next to my orange one.

08-02-2012, 12:32 AM	#1
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 16,378	The Kawasaki Ninja 250 is totally redesigned for 2013 The Kawasaki Ninja 250R, which debuted nearly 30 years ago, was basically unchanged for a quarter century until its redesign in 2008. With very little competition in the US for a small displacement sport motorcycle, the Ninja 250 quickly became Kawasaki's number one selling motorcycle. In 2011, Honda introduced the CBR250R into the US market. The Ninjette suddenly found itself with some stiff competition. With competition comes innovation, so for 2013 Kawasaki has redesigned the venerable 250R in hopes of gaining some market share. Redesigned, more angular bodywork on the 2013 Ninja makes the motorcycle look a lot like its big brother the ZX-10 superbike. Large slotted air vents dominate the side fairings. The gas tank and tail section have a more sculpted look. New honeycomb wheels have been added as well. The fan shroud has been changed to force more air to the bottom of the engine, keeping the heat low and off the rider. The large exhaust cans also help disperse the engine heat. A new engine design is also in store for the 2013 model. New anodized pistons, cylinders, and crankcase give the 250 a higher torque rating in the low and mid ranges. A larger oil pan has been added and more rubber bushings are being utilized to keep vibrations to a minimum. A redesigned frame and suspension has also been added. For the first time, ABS will be available as an option. The total package with ABS will weigh about 10 more pounds than the 2012 model. About 4 ½ pounds of that can be attributed to the ABS system. The most exciting change for many will be the change of the intake system from the old-fashioned carburetor to a modern EFI system in certain markets. The decision to stay with a carburetor in the 2008 redesign was made to keep costs down. It is unknown which markets will receive the EFI update at this time. Although no pricing information has been released at this time, the announced colors available will be Lime Green, Lime Green/Ebony (special edition), Ebony/Metallic Moondust Grey (special edition), Passion Red, Passion Red/Stardust White (special edition), and Pearl Stardust White. [Motorcycle USA] __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Last edited by Dodsfall; 08-02-2012 at 12:51 AM..

08-02-2012, 07:46 PM	#6
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 16,378	The current retail for the 2012 is $4200. With the CBR 250 retailing for $4100, I don't think Kawasaki can afford to go much higher on price. They may be waiting until Honda announces the 2013 prices before setting a retail. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

08-02-2012, 08:41 PM	#8
V8Thrasher Shattering The Skies Above Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: City of Angels Posts: 696	Nice, they made it more ZX10R looking. Looks a lot better now IMO, but I'd rather have the bigger meaner brother Ninja than the little Ninjette. __________________ '12 HD Night Rod '12 Ninja ZX-10R

08-02-2012, 09:05 PM	#10
V8Thrasher Shattering The Skies Above Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: City of Angels Posts: 696	You know I've Ridden the zx6r, and it's no where near as intimidating as people make it seem. Not going to lie I'd like a zx10r but am intimidated by it. Most definitely I'd like my starter bike to look cool, but personally I'd rather buy an old raggedy bike to learn on than dish 5 grand on this Ninja, that's just me though. __________________ '12 HD Night Rod '12 Ninja ZX-10R

08-02-2012, 10:39 PM	#12
V8Thrasher Shattering The Skies Above Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: City of Angels Posts: 696	I paid 1300 on an old raggedy Honda shadow __________________ '12 HD Night Rod '12 Ninja ZX-10R

08-02-2012, 10:05 AM	#2
jrw69 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 465	Awesome looking bike, just when I thought I didn't want a 250!

08-02-2012, 02:28 PM	#3
Badlands-4-2 Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Badlands of North Dakota Posts: 9,745	It does look nice, and the EFI was needed. The carb on the current models runs so lean that you need the choke to start it on any day under 80 degrees. The ABS is also a good addition, wish mine had it (now that my son is riding it I really wish it had ABS.)

08-02-2012, 03:28 PM	#4
STIDriver Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: New Jersey Posts: 357	Wow ... just wow. that looks REALLY nice. I'd really love to get one ...

08-02-2012, 05:28 PM	#5
jrw69 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 465	So I assume the MSRP will be somewhere pretty close to $5K. I'll have think what are all my options for that price that include FI and ABS, not much other than maybe a used high mileage FJR.

08-02-2012, 08:14 PM	#7
Flying Couch Master At Arms Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: West of Atlanta, GA Posts: 190	At last, the Ninjette gets fuel injection. I might've gone for this new one if they introduced it a year ago. The exhaust and tail look pretty sick, but I gotta say I like the front of the old one better.

08-02-2012, 09:26 PM	#11
RobMoore Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Queen Anne's Posts: 683	So, 1500 on an old raggedy 250r?

08-03-2012, 04:11 PM	#13
Wild Bill Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Searcy Arkansas Posts: 219	I hate the green.......

08-03-2012, 04:41 PM	#14
RobMoore Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Queen Anne's Posts: 683	Now that you mention it, that shade of green is kind of dull. Previous colors "popped". This one wants to blend into a rice paddy.

08-03-2012, 07:30 PM	#15
Biker Dash Site Brony and Troll Eater Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Waterville, Maine (USA) Posts: 7,642	Now, if they would bring back the 500 Ninja, and design it like this... (yes, I know they have the 650, but the 500 was smaller framed, closer in size to the 250, which I do like) I agree about the green color. It gets tiring. Blue, red and black all looked better in my opinion. __________________ 03 Yahama V-max 03 Dodge Ram 1500

08-03-2012, 07:42 PM	#16
cbdallas Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Wylie, TX Posts: 1,786	Hmmm. Love the looks of it, but this statement disappoints me: "It is unknown which markets will receive the EFI update at this time". Just make it EFI across the board, or it will spend its life in the shadow of the CBR. Bodywork, ABS & new trim is just icing. It needs EFI cake.

08-03-2012, 10:43 PM	#17
RobMoore Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Queen Anne's Posts: 683	I'm not disappointed by the carbs on my 250. When I used to commute with it in the winter, cranking it with full choke didn't take much effort. Carbs aren't a deal breaker unless you let them be.

08-04-2012, 11:24 AM	#18
ralphlong Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 1,368	Since they know this will be a beginner bike and maybe even used at training schools, I don't understand why they do not build some sort of bodywork protection into it. These bikes WILL get dropped. From the picture there doesn't even seem to be any way to add protection. Could it be they are counting on profit from new body panels? I'll bet the money they make on body panels alone will pay for Mr. Kawasaki's business jet.

08-04-2012, 11:36 AM	#20
RobMoore Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Queen Anne's Posts: 683	Yeah, but this one looks hard to fit a no-cut frame slider to. I agree that Kawasaki should have made their own, or given as easy way to add them.

08-05-2012, 08:00 AM	#21
STIDriver Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: New Jersey Posts: 357	If there is one thing that stuck with me since I joined this forum was that one of you (it might have been Dodsfall) said: "Don't underestimate how much fun a 250 can be. There's fun in how simple and easy a 250 can be that a bigger size engine will never give you". I paraphrased it but I think that was the gist of it. I frankly would buy this bike (if I can find the money for it) just for the fun of riding it around town or even short trips. I have a lot of fond memories of my old raggedy Ninja 250. It was a heck of a lot easier to run around with than the beast I am riding right now. Don't get me wrong: I love the Triple and the fact that I can make it stand up on the rear wheel in 3rd without any trick other than opening up the throttle. But there's something to be said for the simplicity of this bike ... it is attractive in its own right. In fact they should have spent less on styling and just revamped the engine to get rid of the carbs ... the old model was fine the way it was ... still, eye candy is always good.

08-19-2012, 07:20 PM	#22
Rb8623 Verified Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 20	I wouldn't mind this bike, if it came in black. That green is too much for me. All in all, not a bad looking 250. I might consider getting one used when the price drops in a couple years or so...

08-20-2012, 08:41 AM	#23
cbdallas Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Wylie, TX Posts: 1,786	Keep an eye on Craigslist after it's released. Like all 250s before it, there'll be plenty of people who buy one & turn around & sell it because they don't ride as much as they thought they would, or...their wives turned up pregnant right after they bought it....or they changed their minds and want something bigger. There have been some great deals found on CL by guys on this forum, so if you want one, you just have to be diligent on CL.

08-20-2012, 11:33 AM	#24
zmago Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Slovenia Posts: 752	I really like the green. One of those would look nice parked next to my orange one.

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