Kawasaki is proud of its Ninja sports series. Its entry-level 250cc class currently includes two models: the two-cylinder Ninja 250 and the four-cylinder Ninja ZX-25R.
However, for a brief period between 2015 and 2016, there was a "Ninja 250SL" with a single-cylinder engine there. We had the opportunity to check out the details of this model, which has a strong personality among the Ninja series and would like to introduce it to you.
Interviewed by: Red Baron
Ninja with an engine from an off-road machine is supremely slim and lightweight
The Ninja 250SL is a 250cc full-cowl sport bike that was introduced overseas in 2014. It was introduced in Japan in 2015 and was included in the lineup along with the existing Ninja 250, but although the two models were similar in name, they were completely different in substance. While the Ninja 250 is a versatile sport with a liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder DOHC engine with 31 PS output at 11,000 rpm, a dual-lens headlight, and an assist and slipper clutch, the Ninja 250SL uses a liquid-cooled single-cylinder DOHC engine with 29 PS output at 9,700 rpm and no electronic No control or assist system is employed. With this information alone, the Ninja 250SL might seem like a cheaper version of the Ninja 250, but in fact, the Ninja 250SL's spartan characteristics were superior to those of the Ninja 250.
Ninja 250SL [Kawasaki] 250cc full-cowl sport bike released in 2015. It featured a powerful engine mounted in a lightweight body for nimble athletic performance.
The Ninja 250SL is a "lightweight" model, with the compact body weighing in at an ultra-lightweight 149 kg, a 25 kg slimming down from the Ninja 250. The name "SL" stands for "Super Light," and the concept is thorough. The engine is based on the KLX250, an off-road machine known for its "fighting 4-stroke" design. The engine, which has a reputation for being powerful, is housed in a lightweight body, resulting in a model that offers snappy performance and nimble handling.
The Ninja 250SL was a bike with character, but in 2016 it underwent a minor color change and some frame design changes, and was discontinued. The KLX250 was also discontinued at the same time, leaving Kawasaki with only the air-cooled OHC 250cc single-cylinder Estrella/250TR (also discontinued in 2017).
The lightweight body gives it a very nimble driving performance. The position is very sporty and cornering is fully enjoyable.
Achieves Jinba Ittai's "tight fit" with good foot support!
When actually straddling the bike, the lean forward is quite strong. The model is 170 cm/65 kg, but from a standstill, it is necessary to round the back considerably. This is partly due to the use of separate handlebars to achieve a sporty position. The seat height is also high (780mm), but the narrow chassis allows the rider to lower his or her legs straight down, which makes for good footing. This style was achieved by using a newly designed trellis frame to achieve a "tight fit" with the rider.
The model is 170 cm tall and weighs 65 kg. The seat height is 780mm, but one foot is firmly planted on the ground. The lightweight chassis also makes her feel comfortable.
Even if you put both feet down, your heels will still touch the ground. The forward lean is a little steep, so smaller riders may need to make adjustments.
The slim body is the reason for this good foot grounding. The width of the body is comparable to that of the 125cc class.
The frame is a specially designed trellis frame that has a slim body. This allows for good footing even with a high seat height.
Without the cowl and tank, its slenderness is visible. Even the engine does not protrude from the frame.
The engine is based on the liquid-cooled single-cylinder DOHC adopted from the KLX250 and delivers 29 hp at 9,700 rpm. The power-to-weight ratio is 5.138kg/PS.
The Uni-Trak rear shock and Φ37 mm inner front fork provided a solid suspension that supported the nimble bodywork.
Both front and rear 17-inch wheels are cast wheels, a design common to all Ninjas of the time.
The meter is fully digital, although it is not electronically controlled. The lights are bulb-type, and the headlight is an oddly shaped single type that gives a different impression from the Ninja 250.
In addition, the radiator fan cover is designed to channel cooling air to the lower part of the chassis for rider comfort.
Lights are bulb-type. At that time, many models had not yet been converted to LED. Unlike the Ninja 250, the Ninja 250 had a single headlight.
The handlebars are separate, and laid out under the top bridge, creating a combative position. The handlebar width is also quite narrow, but the cutting angle is large.
The meter is a digital single-lens type with a separate indicator. The display is simple: tacho, speed, trip/odd, clock, and fuel gauge.
Tank capacity is small at 11 liters. Linear design, good fit when knee gripping.
The seats are very thin and sporty with a well-cut shape. The seats are also very thin and well-cut, making them sporty and comfortable.
Brakes are discs front and rear, with a single disc push two-pod at the front, but the lightweight body is not lacking.
Wheels are 17 inches front and rear. The form is a slender five-spoke design common to the Ninja series of the time.
The silencer is a long size. For a modern look, a short type would also be suitable.
As mentioned earlier, the Ninja 250SL has been on the market for only a short period, and the number of vehicles on the market is decreasing each year, but its core popularity has not waned. However, few models have inherited its unique style, and its popularity has remained high even after it went out of print. Although it lacks solid stability and convenient and friendly modern features, the Ninja 250SL is a wonderful out-of-print model that can be recommended to both core sports fans and beginners making their debut on a sports bike.
Ninja250SL (2015) Main Specifications
Overall length x width x height: 1,935 x 685 x 1,075 mm
Wheelbase: 1,330mm
Seat height: 780mm
Vehicle weight: 149 kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder SOHC 4-valve 249cc
Maximum output: 29 PS at 9,700 rpm
Maximum torque: 2.2 kg-m at 8,200 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 11.0 liters
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tires: F=100/80-17, R=130/70-17
Price: approx. 3228 USD (2015)
