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.
