Comparing the Kawasaki Ninja 250Rs

 

Early afternoon on FM 36 just north of Merit, Texas.

 

Early morning on FM 36 just north of Merit, Texas.

 

Introduction

After riding a season on the Ninjette II and swapping off on the 2005 Ninjette it seems reasonable to compare and contrast the motorbikes.  I had made several statements in my introductory remarks about the new model after previewing it at the 2007 Houston International Motorcycle Show.  While not addressing those statements in a line for line basis , I do plan to address each issue while making observations in several areas of interest.

The comments are based on my real world experiences on my slightly modified Ninjettes.  No dynameter or wind tunnel tests were conducted, consulted, or considered.  Herein are my "seat of the pants" observations.

Fairing and Saddle

• The structural rigidity, build quality, design, fit, and finish of the 2008 is much improved over the earlier models.  The overall design assures a solid feel to the fairing.  Gone are the fairing shakes, squeaks, and rattles that have always accompanied the 2005.
• The stainless hardware on 2008 is a nice touch.
• Black paint on black plastic seems like it should be easy to take care of and small nicks and scratches should be easily camouflaged.  The down side is that unlike the silver metal flake of the 2005 with its more variegated visual texture, the high gloss black paint will show scars and surface scratches more easily.  As it turns out , obscure areas are easily camouflaged but sun lit highlights show every imperfection.  Care is needed not to damage it during cleaning and servicing.  Cleaning,  in particular,  is an issue because the road I live on is white rock and the 2008 will have to be cleaned often.  Additionally, I go to great lengths not to ride in heavily traffic situation where road debris can cause damage to the forward surfaces of the fairing.   This works fine for me as the '08 is better at swooping down back roads and the '05 is better at sustained Interstate cruising.
• The shapely 2008 tank is nice with its indention for the rider's legs, however, I am rather long legged for my height (5' 10" and a 33" inseam), therefore my knees are above the kneepad when I try to "hug the tank".  I designed and had installed a Faux Black Ostrich "Bikini" Tank Bra and Upholstery Set to remedy this situation.
• The new tank design has less exposed metal and a greater "dome" at the top than the 1988 to 2007 and is an issue with the larger magnetic tank bags that ride well on the older style tank.
• The "classic" Ninja 250 body has long been acknowledged for some time as one of the more aerodynamic fairings placed in production.  It has yet to be established that the '08 can match the "classic" in aerodynamic efficiency.
• The 2008 fairing provides more wind protection from the lower chest down.  The increased protection across the handlebar is the most noticeable area compared to the 2005 Ninjette.
• The 2008 fairing appears to create a more defined air capsule for the rider than the earlier Ninjette.  My 2005 when combined with the Zero Gravity Double Bubble windscreen creates a taller but less distinct capsule compared to the 2008's less turbulent and more directed air flow.  One does catch a little more wind on the 2008 but it is more "managed" and an improvement over the stock configuration of the previous models.
• The air flow from the stock 2008 windscreen is solidly directed at the upper chest of the rider.  Unfortunately, much of this airflow is then redirected at the top of the fuel tank creating a comfortable but pressurized air pocket (not aerodynamically efficient).  The Zero Gravity Double Bubble windscreen on the 2008 causes the air capsule to just break at the shoulders allowing a small amount of air to travel down the chest to the tank and upper thighs when sitting up.  On the other hand, a slight tuck causes the air to flow smoothly over the back.  It may be that the Sport Touring windscreen needs to be installed on the 2008 to fully replicate the over the shoulder air capsule that the Zero Gravity Double Bubble creates for the "classic" fairing.
• The storage space under the 2008 pillion is largely taken up by the factory tool kit which can be replaced with a compact Crank Brothers Multi-5 Tool.  The addition of the rear cowling cover provides more storage space for solitary riding.
• The method of attachment for the rear seat cowling is not secure.  The rear simply has a peg that fits into a grommet and the front has a single peg that fits into a sliding latch.  Anyone can remove the rear cowl without a key.  In fact, if you do not make a concerted effort to properly place it -- wind can remove the cover while you are in transit.  A method of 2008 Ninja 250R Rear Seat Cowling Removal and Refitting that results in consistent positive cowling placement was developed.  The cover itself is very solid and is a "must have" factory accessory.
• The Ninjette II saddle is wider, flatter, and firmer, which I find more comfortable, than "classic's" narrow, soft saddle.  The upholstery on the other hand appears to leave something to be desired -- after only a couple of hundred miles the fabric has stretched and wrinkled.  I have since reupholstered the 2008 with Faux Black Ostrich.
• Pillion saddle comfort on the "classic" gets the nod as the pillion on the 2008 appears to have taken a back seat.
• Both the 2005 and the 2008 have adequate space for RAM Mounts on the handlebars.
• The 20 year old utilitarian fairing design of the "classic" Ninjette lends itself to a variety of touring and commuting modifications including luggage, luggage racks, additional lighting, auxiliary switches, over-sized windscreens, and electrical outlets more readily than the "sexy" 2008 fairing.
• The new fairing sculpture is more exposed to gravel damage than the older fairing design.
• The "classic" Ninja 250 is easier to install a Front Fender Gravel Guard than the 2008.
• The 2008 rear-view mirrors show a similar amount of pavement and arm as the 2005.  Both benefit from a couple small convex spot mirrors.
• The trip reset button is better on the 2008.
• The night lighting on the instruments is easy to read at night on both motorcycles.
• The 2008's dual head lamp system throws far more lumens down the road than the 2005's antiquated single headlamp system.

Engine and Mechanical

• The Ninjette II being heavier is no surprise because the 2008 Ninja 250 has dual catalytic converters, 37mm front fork, adjustable rear shock, additional frame components, a beefier rear swing arm, 17" wheels, larger disk brake rotors, and a lot more plastic utilized in that "pretty" fairing.
• Larger "Pedal" style disk brakes provide the 2008 with increased stopping power and are augmented by the decreased front end dive over the earlier "classic" model.
• The 2008 chain guard provides surprisingly adequate protection from "sling" when combined with a 38 tooth rear sprocket whereas the 2005 required an auxiliary chain lube sling guard to be installed. 
• The muffler; love it, hate it.  Located on the right side has an aggressive sweep upward it is largely out of the way for maintenance and cleaning.  On the other hand, it is big due to the incased catalytic convertor and it clearly gets much hotter than the dual, non-catalyst exhaust system on the 2005.  Was it a 13 gallon stainless steel tall kitchen garbage that was reincarnated or was the designer inspired by a World War I howitzer?  Its radical sweep prevents moving the right foot around on the foot peg during long trips as placing the ball of one's foot on the right foot peg tends to result in interference between one's heel and the muffler.  The up-swept muffler will make it difficult for passengers to keep heels clear of the muffler.
• I have come to appreciate the lack of a center stand.  While one doesn't have the utility of a center stand for road-side repairs the center stand is not present when not needed.  Additionally, rear spools and rear stand combine to make a much more solid foundation than a center stand when working on the machine.
• The torque curve of the Ninjette II power plant works well with the modified 14:38 final drive and appears to have more "thrust" in the mid RPM range.  The 2008 powers up inclines in top that would require down shifting the '05.
• The 2005 power plant pulls stronger than the '08 at the upper range of its RPM range to redline.
• The flatter torque curve of the 2008 is more useful in everyday riding as the "classic" requires keeping the little engine spinning to get maximum torque.  In most "spirited" riding situations the acceleration of the 2008 would be considered comparable to the 2005.
• Like the 2005, the 2008's power plant is very smooth under 8000 to 9000 RPM.
• I have noted no distinct flat spots in throttle response.
• The gear shifter on the Ninjette II is more positive and definite and shifts with greater authority than the 2005.
• Some early press reports mentioned that the sound of the "new" engine entered into the design criteria.  The 2008 is more satisfying auditorially when the engine, intake, and  exhaust are taken as a package.  It has a raspy growl and resonance at WOT the 2005 does not have.  Its like comparing Rod Stewart and Barry Manilow if you will.
• Valve train clatter is reduced with the 2008.
• The new engine holds less motor oil than the "classic" Ninja 250 engine.  In my opinion two quarts is not enough motor oil for an engine that spins over 7,000 RPMs at highway speeds.  I have however successfully pushed the "issue" and run two quarts of oil in the 2008 for several thousand miles with no known undesirable effects.
• The Ninjette II's engine has been practically maintenance free compared to the 2005.  The valve clearance does not need checking or adjustment every 3,000 miles nor does the cam chain tensioner need attention at a similar interval.
• Performing needed maintenance on the 2005 is easier.  The fairing is less complicated and easier to remove and refit.  The valve clearance adjustment procedure does not require removing camshafts and the use of a calculator as with the Ninjette II.
• The 2008 kickstand is a well engineered hollow design that places the motorcycle at a greater lean angle and provides a wider stance than the previous solid design on the "classic" Ninjette.

• The 2008 frame's improved torsional rigidity is more confidence inspiring during "spirited" riding.
• The stiff suspension of the Ninjette II (it rides like an empty dump truck on these old country roads) possesses a balanced front to rear compliance.
• The suspension allows the aforementioned improved brake system to haul the 2008 down from speed without upsetting the bike's geometry in relation to the road whereas the 2005 tends toward severe front end drive during braking.
• The extra heft of the Ninjette II is not really evident in handling due to the '08's handling advantage over the "classic".
• The 2005's less damped suspension allows it to "float" over bumps without tending to be tossed as the 2008 is.
• The riding position is slightly more "sporty" on the '08 than the 2005.  Compared to the Ninjette I the'08's handlebar is slightly more forward and the foot pegs slightly higher and rear set.  I find both equally comfortable.
• The placement of the foot pegs on the 2005 combined with the minimalist lower fairing and conservative rake of the rear mufflers allow a variety of positions for foot placement on extended trips.  Foot placement on the pegs of the 2008 is restricted by the lower fairing toward the front and the radical rake of the rear exhaust "can" toward the right rear effectively reducing the size of the cockpit "floor" and reducing the utility of the Ninjette II for cross-county duty.
• Tucking is less comfortable on the Ninjette II then on the 2005 due, in my opinion, to the more rear set foot pegs resulting in the wrists and lower back providing more of the support compared to the 2005.  One can get in a semi-tucked riding position on the 2005 and go for miles.  It is less turbulent tucked in behind the '08 than the '05.
• Zero Gravity Double Bubble windscreen allow one to adjust the height and path of the air flow at, around, or over the upper body of the rider on both Ninjette models.

Fuel Consumption

Tires

One of the perks the latest generation's design parameter is 17" rims which was to result in a wider selection of tire choices.  To date,  that has not occurred, in fact it seems just the opposite has happened.  My 2008 came with Dunlop ArrowMax GT501s, a single compound, H-rated, sport tire with an excellent reputation and a 3000 to 6000 mile tread life.  Dunlop  manufactured an H-rated tire sized for the 2008 Ninja 250R at Kawasaki's request.  Most 2008s came with Bridgestone Battlax BT-45s as indicated in the Kawasaki Owners Manual. 

I was very happy with the Dunlops in spite of the limited tire life but,  when it came time to purchase a new rear tire,  I found the ArrowMax GT501s and several other tires of the size that fit the Ninjette II to be made of "unobtainium".  The only quality tires available were Bridgestone Battlax BT-45s a high quality general use tire with a dual compound rear tire for extended center tread life.   For my level of riding performance , the Bridgestone Battlax BT-45s are more than adequate and I have gotten good service from them on the 2005.  Sadly,  I have learned that in a cost-cutting measure Kawasaki has seen fit to shod the 2009s with some really poor rubber.

Summary and Conclusions

The classic Ninjette and the Ninjette II are different motorcycles.  The "classic" is a better workhorse readily capable of miles of long distance touring and daily commuting.   The 2008 is a more focused and refined sport bike in the "Miata" sense of the term sport, not the "Ferrari" sense.   It is true that one can hang luggage off the '08 and even turn the rear seat pan into a removable tail trunk similar to the one I created for the Ninjette; however, there are simply several design characteristics that combine to keep it from being as "long legged" as the "classic".  The '08 is a delight at carving back roads and the '05 feels at home cruising an Interstate.

The 2008 is the obvious choice if the bike is solely used as a recreational vehicle.  The Ninjette II has a stiffer frame, better suspension, and a gorgeous body sculpture.  Maintenance is less frequent but some aspects require a level of mechanical competence that will challenge the average owner.

The "classic"  is the consummate commuter and "all 'rounder" with a forgiving nature and compliant ride.  The plain utility of the body allows the rider to easily change position in route and readily make use of a variety of luggage and after market accessories.  While maintenance is more frequent than the '08,  any adventuresome owner is fully capable of performing the tasks necessary to keep the "classic" in top operating condition.

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