Launched at the Art of Speed 2018 custom show at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) is the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 250, priced at RM 23,071. Replacing the previous generation Kawasaki Ninja 250 and Ninja 250 SL, the 2018 Ninja 250 updates the quarter-litre Ninja formula with an all-new engine and styling.

Carrying a 249 cc, parallel-twin liquid-cooled power plant, the 2018 Ninja 250 produces 39 hp at 12,500 rpm and 23.5 Nm of torque at 10,000 rpm. This is an increase over the previous generation Ninja 250’s 32 hp at 11,000 rpm and 21 Nm of torque at 10,000 rpm. With DOHC and eight-valves, the Ninja 250 is fuelled by EFI and twin 32 mm diameter oval throttle bodies.


Again, this is an increase over the previous model’s twin 28 mm diameter throttle bodies. Power gets to the ground via a six-speed gearbox and chain final drive. Sprocket sizing is changed, with the new Ninja 250 coming with 14/40 sprockets, the previous bike having 14/46 cogs.

Taking the adage bigger is better, the Ninja 250 sees an increase in brake disc size, the front coming with a single 310 mm diameter disc in front, versus the 290 mm disc on the older Ninja. The rear brake disc size stays the same, at 220 mm and ABS is absent for the launch model.

The front suspension also gets beefed up, with non-adjustable 41 mm telescopic forks propping the five-spoke 17-inch front wheel. At the rear, a pre-load adjustable monoshock holds up the rear end and seat height is set at 785 mm with a 30 mm taller seat being an option.


However, fuel tank capacity is reduced, to 14-litres from the previous 17-litres. The 2018 Ninja 250 has also gone on a diet, weighing in at 167 kg against 172 kg for the 2017 Ninja 250. Lighting is now with LEDs for the low and high beam headlights for the Ninja 250, coupled with LED running lights. Inside the cockpit a combination analogue/digital meter displays all the necessary information the rider needs.

There are two colour options for the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 250 – Passion Red/Metallic Flat Spark Black and Pearl Solar Yellow/Pearl Storm Grey/Ebony. Availability of the 2018 Ninja 250 at authorised Kawasaki Motors Malaysia dealers will be in mid-August.