2008 Kawasaki 250cc Ninja

[unrealone]

Unfortunately I don't read '????'

[MidnightMike]

I reckon these might shit all over the market for Hyosungs, if their around the same price that is.

[unrealone]

I'm still dubious about a single disc on the front and such a small rear tyre >< The other thing I've noticed is the handlebars are set closer to the tank than I'd like.

[deanohit]

Price in the states is going to be US$3500, don't know how that will compare with here though. Should be pretty competitive with Hyosung. Next year could start gettin interesting for learners.

[xwhatsit]

The article from ibike.com.hk reckons it's only got 30ps -- or 30hp pretty much. Isn't that less than the previous model?

Perhaps we should just wait until the local Kwaka people release specs, there might be a few different specifications kicking around for different markets.

[deanohit]

Dunno, I've seen on other articles that it could have as much 45hp (at the crank most likely) and it's still not clear whether it will have a new FI system (unlikely for $3500) or the old carbs.

[delusionz]

it says Keihin CVK30x2 same as 2007 gpx/ex250

[unrealone]

I'd say Carbs at that price. However, the new 08 GT250R is FI and not much more?

Edit:

it says Keihin CVK30x2 same as 2007 gpx/ex250

I thought they were different to the GPX??

[delusionz]

I'd say Carbs at that price. However, the new 08 GT250R is FI and not much more?

Edit:

I thought they were different to the GPX??

Can't comment on older models, but mine came with dual CVK30's

[scott411]

Kawasaki advices its dealers that these will be here in march/april 2008, and no price as yet but quote 'it will not be any where near the current rrp of $5999 of the Ninja GPX250'

[discotex]

Kawasaki advices its dealers that these will be here in march/april 2008, and no price as yet but quote 'it will not be any where near the current rrp of $5999 of the Ninja GPX250'

As in it'll be way higher or way lower? I assume higher........ Not that I'll be buying one (plan to have a 600 long before then) but it's great news for the next round of learners.

[twinkle]

I'm still dubious about a single disc on the front and such a small rear tyre

I don't think that making the brakes and tyres bigger is going to achieve much on a little bike like that.

[unrealone]

Tyres - no. But brakes, I'm no engineer but I figured two discs would be better than one. Surely it wouldn't produce 'too much' braking power for the bike. Especially if its going to be similar to the current 250's with double discs.

But hey, it's the cool factor

[deanohit]

Certainly looks cooler, but having twin discs adds un-spung weight to the front wheel. I would rather have light weight with a large single disc up to the task than an extra kilo for a second disc and calliper.

[xwhatsit]

Tyres - no. But brakes, I'm no engineer but I figured two discs would be better than one. Surely it wouldn't produce 'too much' braking power for the bike. Especially if its going to be similar to the current 250's with double discs.

But hey, it's the cool factor

One modern disc brake system is more than enough. There's an argument I often hear that you don't want too much front brakes on a newbie bike like this; inevitably a beginning rider panics and then *bang* they hit the deck. I'm inclined to agree, to a point. Also, while it's no featherweight, it is only a 250, and it's not very heavy.

Twin brake discs on the front for a 250 is usually just silly bling. Linear feel is much more important; I'd say the single front disc would do the job admirably.

As for the rear tyre -- you want a fatter one?! It's already big enough, mate. The bike is a light, low-powered 250cc motorcycle. Skinnier tyres mean less rolling resistance (i.e., higher top speed) and better handling/changing direction. You won't break loose the rear end, provided you keep adequate rubber on the back. Plus a fat tyre on a piddly little 250 just looks ridiculous. It's just a fashion trend, and once engineers come back into charge at the motorcycle factories you'll see them fade away.