Fuel-injected 4-stroke, DOHC 4-valve Single

Fuel-injected 249 cm3 liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, Single delivers smooth, responsive power at low and medium rpm and hard-hitting power at high rpm – all in a compact package. Its maximum power contributes to its superior top speed.

Its 4-valve DOHC cylinder head provides maximum valve area for optimum flow, while low reciprocating weight contributes to higher efficiency at high rpm.

High-revving engine character

Typical of a 4-stroke, the engine offers robust low-mid range torque for good initial pickup. It has a quick-revving character that allows it to spin up quickly to the high-rpm range, where the engine really sings. Happiest when it is being revved, the engine’s top end delivers strong power and extends well into the over-rev without dropping off suddenly.

Heat management technology

Kawasaki’s patented radiator fan cover, located behind the radiator, directs hot air down and away from the rider, significantly increasing comfort when stuck in heavy traffic. Redirecting the air also helps keep the tank, frame and other parts that contact the rider cooler, further increasing rider comfort.

Original slim, compact trellis frame

The Ninja 250SL features an all-new trellis frame. Designed to achieve the chassis’ “slim, lightweight and compact” development goal, the frame contributes to both light, nimble handling, and to an aggressive supersport design.

The pipe size of each component of the frame was carefully selected to ensure a slim package with a nimbleness similar to that of the 2-stroke Ninja RR, plus good stability. The main tubes are high-tensile steel with a diameter of φ31.8 mm, contributing to optimum rigidity and slim dimensions. High-quality steel is used for the truss portions.

Uni-Trak rear suspension

Uni-Trak rear suspension provides great road holding ability and bump absorption, contributing to the bike’s sporty handling. The shock linkage decreases leverage on the shock as the suspension is compressed: small bumps are damped very lightly while big bumps receive lots of damping.

The rear shock complements the 37 mm telescopic front fork, helping to ensure the balance of lightweight handling and stability.

5-way rear preload adjustability allows riders to adjust the rear ride height, as well as setting up the bike to accommodate a passenger or luggage.

Supersport ergonomics

The Ninja 250SL’s compact riding position was designed with sporty street riding in mind, allowing riders to better enjoy the bike’s racy performance.

The forward-leaning riding position is ideal for controlled sporty street riding, while not being too aggressive for navigating city traffic.

The slim overall package, tight-fit full-fairing bodywork and low, racy clip-on handlebars put the rider in a sporty frame of mind, while contributing to fun of controlling this lightweight Ninja.

Lightweight chassis

At 151 kg (152 kg for ABS models), the Ninja 250SL is more than 20 kg lighter than the Ninja 250. The light weight is a significant factor in the bike’s nimble handling.

Lightweight wheels with slim tyre

Sporty Ninja-style wheels are similar to those of the Ninja 250. The rear wheel design saves approximately 500 g in unsprung weight (compared to that of the Ninja 250).

The wheels are fitted with slim tyres (F: 100/80-17 R: 130/70-17) chosen for their contribution to the bike’s light, nimble handling.