Kawasaki Ninja Range Comparison

09 Jan Kawasaki Ninja Range Comparison

The Ninja is also known as the ‘sport bike range’ from the Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki. This series was introduced in 1986 and consists of various colors and sizes in order to cater for different age groups who are passionate about sport bikes. The Kawasaki 250 started as the ZZ-R/GPX 250 engine but is now more advanced with an extra 33 hp and 22 Nm added to the Ninja 250R.

The Kawasaki Ninja 250R is the entry level Ninja. The Ninja 250R is visually almost an identical replica of the ZX6R, however a great deal lighter and with less power. It’s ideal for entry level riders who enjoy the look of a sport bike but may not be able to handle the additional power or the weight of it. The 250R is also more affordable.

• Kawasaki Ninja 250 R has a liquid cooling system, 249 cc, DOHC and 2 parallel twin cylinders
• The top speed recorder was approximately 150 km per hour
• The weight of the ninja 250R is 165 kg
• The 250 has an overall length of 2085mm, a width of 715mm and, a height of 1115 m

The Ninja 250R was constantly improved on by Kawasaki and later replaced with the Ninja 300R. Although the Kawasaki ninja 250R has been out of mass production since 2011, there is no reason not to invest in a second-hand model. The price is right and parts are easily available.

The Ninja 300 was introduced in 2012. The most obvious difference to help you identify between the 300 and the 600cc Ninja, is to look at the size of the back wheel. The Ninja 300 is a lot narrower, however in appearance very similar to the Ninja 600. Some riders struggle to justify the price difference between the Ninja 250R and the 300R. Although it’s only considered 50cc more in engine capacity, it’s a completely different motorcycle. There is no fair comparison.

• The Ninja 300R comes with a slipper clutch that will prevent the back wheel from locking up too easy;
• The ABS brakes are extremely important for entry level riders. The 300R comes standard with ABS;
• The 300 Ninja also comes with digital clocks.

Changing from the Ninja 300 to ZX6R is a big difference. The Ninja 600R is not an entry level bike. At around 130 horsepower (at the crank), the ZX-6R is more powerful and capable than the other inline four rivals. Kawasaki achieves the 636cc displacement by using a longer stroke. This, along with revised piston crowns and shorter 1.5mm connecting rods, help with better mid-range torque.

• It has three traction control (TC) modes. Mode 1 still allows for maximum traction acceleration. Mode 2 the TC is a lot more noticeable. Mode 3 is rain mode and allows for maximum TC;
• Easily adjustable Showa BP-SFF forks in the front. Preload is adjusted on the left tube, and compression and rebound on the right;
• The Ninja ZX6R also comes out with the Nissan radial-mounted mono block brake calipers and 310mm pedal-style discs in the front.

Overall the Kawasaki ZX6R is an incredible sport bike. But if you are a tall or big rider, you may need something bigger in frame and power. Although the Kawasaki ZX10R is ideal for physically bigger riders, it is also a motorcycle that is perfect for smaller, experienced riders.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX10 is the flagship Superbike for Kawasaki. The first ZX10 was launched in 1988. Although it was known as their sports bike, it’s only really until 2004 that the ZX10 became extremely popular. Some are still saying it’s the best Ninja ever built. It was ahead of its time in looks and power. What is it about this beautiful machine that never disappoints? Everything!

• The electronics package is more sophisticated now and includes an IMU (inertial measurement unit) from the track-ready Ninja H2;
• Kawasaki is offering cornering ABS, as well as power management in corners. Kawasaki calls this Kawasaki Cornering Management Function, or KCMF;
• The new Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS) also keeps the brakes feeling smoother when going into anti-lock mode.

It’s extremely easy to fall in love with the Kawasaki Ninja range. There is nothing bad that can be said about any of these motorcycles. It is recommended though, that a rider invests in training when buying one of these sports bikes. The acceleration on these machines is fast and furious. Never underestimate it and always wear your full rider safety gear.

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