2012Kawasaki Ninja 250

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The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R is an entry-level sport bike designed for beginner and novice riders seeking an affordable, manageable machine. Its lightweight 249cc twin-cylinder engine delivers predictable power and easy handling, making it ideal for learning fundamental riding skills. Known for reliability and low running costs, the Ninja 250R remains a popular choice for new riders entering the sport bike category.

Capacity: 249.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 169.6 kg
Seat height: 775 mm
Power: 32.0 HP (23.5 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

Other years 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2027

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering80%

City riding25%

Daily riding20%

Touring10%

Two-up25%

Track75%

Best for: Sport bike built for its class - everyday, practical use.
Built for: A sport bike from Kawasaki, built around a 249cc engine - a real production model, but this profile is formula-generated from its class and spec sheet rather than individually reviewed.
Not ideal for: Not for serious performance or off-road use.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 775mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250, with a cramped knee angle of around 65 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 249.0 ccm
Power: 32.0 HP (23.5 kW)
Torque: 70.5 Nm (7.2 kgf-m)
Engine type: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1887 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 62.0 x 41.2 mm
Compression: 11.6:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, wet sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate

Performance

Top speed: 180.0 km/h (111.8 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1400 mm
Overall length: 2085 mm
Overall width: 714 mm
Overall height: 1110 mm
Seat height: 775 mm
Dry weight: 169.6 kg
Wet weight: 170.1 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.20 litres
Ground clearance: 155 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Front suspension: 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 4.7 in.
Rear suspension: Bottom-link Uni-Trak with 5-way adjustable preload / 5.1 in.
Front wheel travel: 119 mm
Rear wheel travel: 130 mm
Rake (fork angle): 26.0°
Trail: 82 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 290 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 220 mm
Front tyre: 110/70-17
Rear tyre: 130/70-17

Other

Color options: Candy Lime Green, Metallic Spark Black, Passion Red/Metallic Spark Black
Warranty: 12

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1994	2000	2007	2012	2013	2027
Capacity	250 cc	248 cc	248 cc	249 cc	249 cc	248 cc
Dry weight	138 kg	138 kg	138 kg	170 kg	170 kg	—
Seat height	744 mm	744 mm	787 mm	775 mm	775 mm	795 mm
Fuel capacity	18.2 L	18.2 L	18.2 L	18.2 L	18.2 L	14 L