The Ninja 250R runs at high rpm – as high as 8-12,000 rpm or more on the highway – but it’s built for it with features like reinforced pistons and direct valve actuation. It’s definitely on the lean side in the low end and midrange,” says Kerry Bryant, who has tuned many Ninja 250s as owner of Area P, a SoCal-based shop that also manufactures exhaust systems. “Changing/adjusting the jetting can make a dramatic improvement in throttle response, even with the OEM exhaust systemThe powerband is healthy throughout this range, and begins to taper below redline so riders are less tempted to excessively hammer it. This is a deliberately engineered safeguard meant to discourage over-revving, thereby increasing longevity.
At 374 lbs, the quarter-liter Ninja is kind of porky considering the lightest literbikes weigh only 65 lbs more. On the plus side, this weight makes it more stable when holding your space among large vehicles on open roadways, and in staving off the affects of strong crosswinds.
A big center-mounted speedometer dominates the functional instrument cluster, and a smaller tachometer on the left matches the right-side fuel gauge. Switchgear is likewise functional, and of typical good Japanese quality
At 374 lbs, the quarter-liter Ninja is kind of porky considering the lightest literbikes weigh only 65 lbs more. On the plus side, this weight makes it more stable when holding your space among large vehicles on open roadways, and in staving off the affects of strong crosswinds.
A big center-mounted speedometer dominates the functional instrument cluster, and a smaller tachometer on the left matches the right-side fuel gauge. Switchgear is likewise functional, and of typical good Japanese quality
