More details of Kawasaki’s new 250

February 21, 2014

Back in January, we told you about rumours of a new Kawasaki Ninja 250 (possibly named the Ninja RR Mono). Here’s some more information on that machine.

According to Internet gossip, the new Ninja is built around a 250 cc single that weighs around 150 kg; obviously, it’ll be less powerful than the Ninja 300 we get in the North American market, but it will also be lighter – the Ninja 300 weighs in around 172 kg wet.

The new bike has a steel trellis frame. There’s a single 263 mm disc brake up front, and a 193 mm disc brake in back. Supposedly, ABS will be an option. There’s an 11-litre fuel tank and six-speed transmission.

We don’t have a whole lot of information on the new motor, but it will share the same bore and stroke as their existing KLX250 dual sport (72 mm x 61.2 mm) and supposedly makes 27.6 hp at 9700 rpm, and 16.7 ft-lb. at 8200 rpm. It would certainly be convenient for Kawasaki to raid the parts bin (suspension on the new Ninja seems pretty similar to the 300) and crank out another entry-level model to battle its opponents. The KLX250 has a carburetor in Canada, but EFI in other markets, so it would be easy to imagine it used in a more modern streetbike.

If this sounds nonsensical, considering Kawasaki just upgraded their previous Ninja 250 to a 300, remember Kawasaki used to have two 250 dual sports (KLR250 and the Super Sherpa) in their lineup at the same time, and competitor Yamaha actually has three 250 dual sports in their lineup right now (if you count the TW200).

Our best guess, though, is this machine will only be available in developing markets, as is usual with smaller-displacement Japanese bikes. Kawasaki’s head office has confirmed it’s not coming to Canada, and we doubt they’ll change their mind on that. Perhaps it’ll hit the European dealerships, but that doesn’t do us any good.