India's Best Affordable Superbike

Introduction of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R by Bajaj Auto is indeed a great news for Indian bikers and what is of the essence is that we finally have a motorcycle which has the right bits on it, looks like Kawasaki's big-bikes, goes like stink, handles like a dream and best of all doesn't blow a hole in the wallet! You can have your Yamaha R1s and Honda Fireblades (damn fine machines these, but you'll get four plus Ninjas for the price of one of these hyperbikes!) but when it comes to corner carving on our roads and also doing the high speed hustle, the Ninja 250R has the beatings of all the big bikes in our biking eco-system.

And best of all, with this attribute comes yet another trait, the Ninja 250 is an all round everyday bike with great ergonomics that allows you to play street scratcher, high speed commuter and MotoGP pilot all rolled into one with aplomb! The overall layout and proportions of the bike make for a machine with a generous 1400mm wheelbase (aids in strong stability) but with a sharp yet easy to handle rake angle for quick, precise and safe turn-ins. The weight is well distributed and with an ultra-comfy 790mm saddle height, it is just right for the average Indian physique. Factor in a fantastic riding position - well tuned for both upright seating as well as a propensity to crouch behind the fairing for high speed blasts, and you know that the Ninja 250 is what will set the benchmark for all other 250cc sports bikes from here on. Here in India though it will be for those who want the big-bike experience and performance in a smaller, lighter and more manageable package. Rightfully then, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R has received a very warm welcome from the Indian bikers as they are keeping Bajaj Auto on its toes to deliver the bikes consistently each month. We don’t think Bajaj Auto is complaining and nor should they!

Quick Facts

Engine: 248cc Liquid cooled Parallel Twin

Power: 33PS@ 11,000rpm

Torque: 22Nm @ 8,200rpm

Transmission: 6-speed manual DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 1400mm

LxWxH: 2085 x 715 x 1115mm

Weight: 172kg

Performance

0-100 km/h: 8.1seconds

Top speed: 169.1km/h

0-400 metres: 16.1seconds/128km/h

Variants

Kawasaki Ninja 250R (Ex-showroom, New Delhi): ` 2.69 lakh

Cheers:

1. Two Cylinders! Finally!

2. Outstanding performance and versatile nature

3. Truly an international level sports motorcycle at a good price

Sneers:

1. Old-school analogue speedometer console is a let down and so is the lack of a high-beam pass switch

2. Not so great pillion comfort, especially during long rides