Included below is a list of performance and physical specifications for the 1999 Ninja 250. Since this bike has very rarely seen any physical modifications from year to year, these specifications should hold true for any stock, U.S. model Ninja 250 manufactured between 1988 and present. Keep in mind that performance specifications will vary based on several factors. The numbers stated here are either claimed Kawasaki specifications or based on average, typical experiences from Ninja 250 owners. Click on the green footnote asterisks for my personal notes on various specifications.
| Engine |
4-stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 8-valves |
| Displacement |
248 cc |
| Starting |
Electric |
| Bore x Stroke |
62.0 mm x 41.2 mm |
| Cooling |
Liquid |
| Carburetion |
Keihin CVK30 x 2 |
| Ignition |
Digital |
| Transmission |
6-speed w/ positive neutral finder |
| Frame |
Tubular diamond design |
| Rake/trail |
27 degrees/8.4 cm (3.3 in) |
| Suspension (front)
* |
Hydraulic telescopic fork |
| Suspension (rear)
* |
UNI-TRAKŪ system with single shock |
| Wheel travel (front) |
14.0 cm (5.5 in) |
| Wheel travel (rear) |
13.0 cm (5.1 in) |
| Tire (front)
* |
Dunlop K630 100/80-16 |
| Tire (rear)
* |
Dunlop K630 130/80-16 |
| Brakes (front) |
Single hydraulic disc w/ 2-piston caliper |
| Brakes (rear) |
Single hydraulic disc w/ 2-piston caliper |
| Wheelbase |
140.0 cm (55.1 in) |
| Overall length |
203.5 cm (80.1 in) |
| Overall width |
71.1 cm (28.0 in) |
| Overall height |
109.5 cm (43.1 in) |
| Ground clearance |
15.5 cm (6.1 in) |
| Seat height |
74.4 cm (29.3 in) |
| Dry weight |
138 kg (304 lbs) |
| Fuel capacity (reserve only) |
3.0 l (0.8 gal) |
| Fuel capacity (total) |
18.2 l (4.8 gal) |
| MSRP
* |
$2999 |
* 0-60 mph
- This posted specification is often discussed among Ninja 250 owners. Some say 5.5 seconds is too high, while others say it's too low. Obviously, the weight of the rider, the surrounding conditions, rider skill, and many other factors are going to affect 0-60 times. Acceleration can be slightly improved by gearing changes and intake/exhaust modifications.
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* 1/4 Mile
- Yet another highly-debated specification, the 1/4 mile time for the Ninja 250 ranges from well under 15 seconds to well over 17 seconds, based on dozens of variables. 15.5 seconds, however, is a quick (but not outrageous) time for a stock Ninja 250. As a point of reference, my 1999 Ninja 250 (with about 35,000 miles on the original engine at the time) ran a time of 15.425 seconds at just under 82 mph in April of 2002. Without riding gear, I weigh about 165 pounds and stand about 6'3" tall. The bike itself is in great condition, but suffers from much taller gearing than the stock 250. I have a very tall 130/90-16 rear tire and a 15T countershaft sprocket (stock is a 14T). Helping to balance out this disadvantage, however, I have modified my jetting by removing the restrictive airbox snorkle and shimming the jet needles with 3 #4 washers under each needle. My bike is completely stock in all other performance aspects, including the exhaust. Running a 15.425 1/4 mile is rather quick for a Ninja 250. I was running clutchless at the track, but there is no doubt that I would be able to approach 15.4 or lower if I had a few more runs to practice (with no further modifications).
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* Top Speed
- Are you starting to get the idea that the manufacturers' performance specifications are usually wrong? Well, you would be right! The top speed of the Ninja 250 is yet another number that is often debated among Ninja 250 owners. Most "real world" experience suggests that the top speed of the Ninja 250 is closer to 100 mph, plus or minus a few miles per hour. Rider size, the bike's running condition, valve clearances, and a few other factors will impact top speed. Keeping in mind that the stock speedometer reads high by about 10%, you'll likely experience an actual top speed between 95 and 105 mph.
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* Fuel Efficiency
- As a point of reference, my cumulative average fuel efficiency is about 65 miles per gallon. 90% of my riding is city commuting in Phoenix, Arizona. To keep fuel economy high, I ride relatively conservatively... unless I'm on a weekend ride with the sportbike club. I have seen more than 70 mpg several times during the summer when my riding is extremely conservative between fill-ups. Contrary to what you might think, highway speeds tend to decrease fuel efficiency on the Ninja 250. If you see 65 mpg in general city commuting, expect to see 55 mpg or less if a large majority of your riding is at 75 mph or higher.
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* Suspension
- For a motorcycle with an MSRP of $2999, the Ninja 250's suspension components make up about $2.00 of that price. Simply put, the suspension stinks! The front fork is an old, outdated damper rod system that is also far too soft and completely unadjustable in every aspect, aside from tearing it apart to replace parts or shim with PVC. Similarly, the rear suspension is equally soft and unadjustable, aside from adding a few shims to it. By far the most popular upgrade to the Ninja 250 suspension for those on a budget is to replace the front fork with the fork from the Ninja 500. The 500's fork offers a firmer ride (especially under heavy braking) and allows for external adjustability. For 250 racers and those with more money to spend, aftermarket suspension components and services are available. Popular changes include: cutting the springs, stiffer springs, progressive springs, cartridge/valve emulators, heavier fork oil, re-valving the damper rod, and buying another rear shock.
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* Tires
- Do not buy a Ninja 250 off the showroom floor and expect it to be a fully-capable bike in the twisties. To put it lightly, the stock tires on the 250 are terrible. Handling and rider feedback with the stock Dunlop K630 tires are pitiful. Popular upgrades include the Bridgestone BT-45, Dunlop GT501 and Avon Supervenom AM18/AM20 or Roadrunner AM20/AM21. Note that with many of these tires, the front and rear tire sizes will be larger than the stock size. In most cases, this is okay. Popular sizes include the 100/90, 130/90 and 120/80. With front fender modification, many use a 110/90 up front.
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* MSRP
- Aside from one year at $3299, the cost of the Ninja 250 has remained at $2999 for several years now. The bike is rarely modified mechanically. New models tend to only have different graphics. Though geographic location and local tax rates will vary, expect to pay between $3300 and $3800 out-the-door (OTD) for a brand new Ninja 250. Try to get an idea of what owners have paid in your area, then make the dealer an offer around that price (or slightly lower). If you have more than one Kawasaki dealer in your area, you can afford to shoot low with your price, then walk out if the dealer doesn't agree to your OTD offer. As a point of reference, a friend of mine walked into a Kawasaki dealer here in Phoenix, Arizona, offered $3500 for a brand new 2002 Ninja 250, and walked out with the bike that very same day.
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* Range
- These numbers were derived from the fuel efficiency and size of the fuel tank, as listed on this page. Note that these numbers do not include the 0.8-gallon reserve portion of the tank.
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