Original Source: CBR 250R Mostly Faster than Kawasaki Ninja 250R, Says MCN Road Test from BikeAdvice.in

MCN, one of the most reputed and popular source of motorcycle news, has conducted a road test to see who amongst CBR 250R and Kawasaki Ninja 250R meets the expectation. As you know that CBR 250R is one of the hot topics discussed these days, MCN decided to conduct a road test between the CBR 250R and Kawasaki Ninja250R. The results of this road test roll out the fact that CBR 250R is mostly faster than Kawasaki Ninja 250R. The results of the test show that Honda’s CBR 250R is somewhat faster than its peer Ninja. Let us now have a look at the main points rolled out during the test.

Let us first take a good look at their engines. The 2011 CBR 250R comes with a single cylinder. The engine has packed in pretty much of innovation like spiny cylinder outer liner, world’s first roller rocker arm on DOHC engine. The displacement of the engine is 250cc and sports 4 valve cylinder producing 25 Bhp at 8,500 rpm and 23 Nm at 7,000 rpm. The Ninja on the other had comes with a cylinder extra, as it is a parallel twin that displaces 250cc and is liquid cooled. Like the CBR, the Ninja’s 250cc engine is liquid cooled, uses four valves per cylinder driven by a DOHC layout. The bike is capable of producing 32Bhp of power at 11,000 rpm and 22Nm at 9500rpm.

Well, the MCN road test seem to portray an altogether different picture of CBR 250R. Many of the riders would think see CBR as a sports cum street bike but the test results show some radically different stats. The road test lay out that Ninja stands out as far as the speed is concerned. Ninja beats CBR comprehensively by 5 Kph as far as the top speed. Apart from top speed there was not any other area where Ninja really outclassed CBR. To sum up, Ninja ruled the top speed criteria while the other areas are kind of dominated by CBR. Take a look at the performance figures of both the bikes below

The other aspects of road test seemed to be ruled by the CBR because of its torquier engine that makes it easier to ride than its peer. In every aspect, including the roll-on timings, the CBR250R noses ahead of the Ninja. The road test tested both the bikes on various criteria like top speed, 0 to 60mph and roll ons. Also an important factor that will lead to increased sale of CBR is its price. Overall, the MCN road test lay out that CBR250R is mostly faster than Kawasaki Ninja 250R.

Original Source: 2012 Ninja 250R Special Edition from BikeAdvice.in

Greetings! Not many days have passed since the Ninja 650 was rolled out and here we have some great news for all the Ninja fans across the world. Ninja 250R is certainly a bike that comes to everybody’s mind when one speaks of 250cc bikes. Ninja 250 fans across the world have a reason to celebrate as the 2012 Special Edition of the bike with varied color schemes has been spotted in Thailand from where the bike is sent across the world.

Apart from introducing new color schemes the company hasn’t made any significant changes to bodywork, engine, underpinnings or the mechanicals of the bike. Not only this, even the instrument cluster remains unchanged but the new color schemes are quiet good enough to calm the Ninja fans for now.

There is still a doubt whether these awesome color combos will be served to Indian consumers.  Lack of color options is probably one that hurts Indian consumers and so bringing in some new colors will only enhance the company’s brand. However there isn’t any update available that can assure that these colors are for India, we will have to wait and see if these color options are introduced in India or not but for now nothing can be assured.

The new color schemes are awesome as they add a sporty look to the bike. Also there is no denying the fact that introducing the color alternatives will attract more customers and enhances the bike’s creditability. The new Special Edition sports improved graphics and good sticker work that adds to the looks of the bike in more than one ways.  All in all, one can say that the company has tried to give this bike a new dimension by trying to add new colors and graphics. We will have to wait and see if the Special Edition succeeds or not when it is introduced.

Original Source: Ninja 650R – Bookings Closed till Diwali from BikeAdvice.in

Greetings! Recently the Indian two wheeler industry, especially the premium biking segment, was taken away by excitement on the launch of the all new Kawasaki Ninja 650R. The excitement of the new marvel was so much so that the bike witnessed huge demand soon after it was launch in the market. The recent news regarding this amazing bike may disappoint those who have planned to buy Ninja 650R. News has it that the bookings for Ninja650R will be closed till the festive season probably Diwali. This news means that the bike has been booked at a rapid pace and now there will not be any booking slots available.

The main reason for such a humungous demand of the Ninja650R is its price. Because the bike is priced lower than everyone expected the demand is rising on and on. It was speculated that Ninja650R would be launched at somewhere around 6 lakhs but the prices are less than expectation resulting in overwhelming response from the market. The demand was so much high that Bajaj has to call off bookings of the bike. It is estimated that the bookings are going to be resumed during the festive season only.

This decision of stopping bookings till the festive season may prove fatal as far as the future of the bike is concerned. Ninja 650R has got direct competition with Hyosung GT650R and stopping bookings would mean forcing consumers to opt for the alternatives. All in all, the decision to not start bookings till the festive season may prove fatal to the company. We will have to wait and watch what the next step of Bajaj will be in order to maintain the same demand when they open the bookings of this bike.

Original Source: Kawasaki Celebrates the Sale of 1000 Ninja 250R bikes in India from BikeAdvice.in

Kawasaki is definitely on a roll with its Kawasaki Ninja 250R selling like a piece of hot cake. As a matter of fact, Kawasaki has marked the sale of 1000 Ninja 250R motorbikes in India. Kawasaki is already jumping in excitement as they just got more than what they expected. With this remarkable achievement Ninja 250R has become the first multi cylinder sports bike in India to sell of 1000 units in a single year.

Kawasaki Ninja 250R also has the reputation of world’s largest selling 250cc bike; this achievement has added another feather in its cap. Ninja 250R is exclusively retailed in India by Bajaj probiking (an exclusive retail outlet for premium bikes). The retailer has also got 32 showrooms across 30 cities in India.

To mark the sale of its 1000 Ninjas in India, Kawasaki organized a rally in Hyderabad wherein the owners of the bikes are called to participate. In Andhra Pradesh alone, Bajaj probiking has got three retail outlets located at Hyderabad, Vishakapatnam and Vijaywada. Overall the proud owners and Kawasaki officials were overwhelmed at the occasion.

Speaking on the success of the Ninja 250R Mr. Amit Pawar, the zonal Head of Bajaj Auto said that the bike received a tremendous response from over the country and the success of the bike exceeded the company’s expectation. He further added that the product’s appeal and excellent after sale service from Kawasaki and Bajaj Probiking has helped the sale of the bike flourish. Mr. Pawar further said that Bajaj is keen to continue their efforts to increase the sale of Ninja in India.

It would not be wrong to say that Bajaj and Kawasaki are growing towards a better future and definitely a better bike manufacturing era. Kawasaki takes this as an achievement because there are many competitors of super bikes in the market. Overall, we wish both Bajaj and Kawasaki all the very best for near future.

Original Source: Kawasaki Ninja 250R Crosses 1,000 Units Sales Mark in India from BikeAdvice.in

Kawasaki Ninja crossed the 1,000 sales mark within one year of launch. To celebrate the achievement of 1,000 Ninja’s on Indian Road Kawasaki and Bajaj Auto organized a rally on 30th October. The rally was organized in Pune and attended by owners of the Ninja 250R with their Kawasaki Ninja 250R from Pune as well as Mumbai.

With the achievement of 1,000th Ninja sales Kawasaki announced to start operation of its subsidiary India Kawasaki Motors (IKM) Pvt Ltd in Pune. IKM will start operations within 2-3 months and will manufacture two-wheeler components at the Bajaj plant in Akurdi complex.

Presently Kawasaki sale Ninja through CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route, which attracts lesser rate of duty compared to CBU (Completely Built Unit). The parts then been assembled into Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant.

On this occasion Mr. Tanigawa, MD, IKM, said “The launch of Kawasaki Ninja 250R has been a great success and the sales of the bikes has exceeded our expectations. The product appeal coupled with great after sales service support from Bajaj Probiking has propelled the sales of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R. We will continue our efforts in further strengthening the Ninja brand in India. Being the first 250cc multi-cylinder bike in India, our strategy is to focus more on the services than the sales in order to maintain the quality.”

He also said “At present, part sourcing and importing more two-wheelers from the Kawasaki range will be the main focus of the unit. It will also try to bring in localisation and certain components manufactured in India will be supplied to the global markets. As phenomenal growth in the transport segment is expected in India over the next 10-15 years so Kawasaki is looking at mid to large size bikes up to the 1000cc sector.”

Eric Vas, President (new projects), Bajaj Auto, said, “India has 32 Bajaj-Probiking showrooms as it is being retailed in India through Bajaj. There are 7 showrooms in Maharashtra. The bikes are being assembled in the Chakan plant in Pune. The on-road cost of a Kawasaki Ninja 250R is about Rs 3 lakh, excluding the registration charges that tend to have variations from one state to the other.”

With this occasion it is confirmed that soon we have larger capacity bikes from Kawasaki. Kawasaki also looking to bring down the cost by sourcing some parts locally.

- Mahavir Kothari

Original Source: 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R from BikeAdvice.in

Kawasaki’s new-from-the-ground-up 2011 Ninja ZX 10R is the meanest and most talented Ninja yet, offering the most advanced traction-control system in all of production motorcycling. The MotoGP-derived S-KTRC, or Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control system works by processing every data point 200 times per second and then maximizes performance by subtly reducing power just before the amount of slippage exceeds the optimal traction zone, thus maximizing forward motion.

Because of the electronic throttle actuation, an advanced Power Mode system allows riders to choose the amount of power – and the character of delivery – available from the engine.

At the heart of the 10R is an all-new 998cc, 16-valve, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four, easily the most advanced engine from Kawasaki. Emphasis was placed on linear power delivery, to accomplish that; peak torque was moved to a higher rpm range, which allows racers and track-day riders to open the throttle earlier and with more confidence.

Of course, the second half of the handling equation lies in an all-new aluminum twin-spar frame of just seven pieces that features optimized flex characteristics for ideal rider feedback, cornering performance and lighter weight.

A first for the 10R, a 43mm open-class version of the Big Piston Fork (BPF) found on last year’s Ninja ZX-6R makes its way here. Out back is a horizontal back-link suspension design that positions the shock and linkage above the swingarm. Full adjustability, including low- and high-speed compression damping, is still available. Information gets back to the rider through LED instrumentation that’s totally new as well. For track use, the LCD display can be set to “race” mode which moves the gear display to the center of the screen. Surprisingly, this sport bike is one you can actually take on a long ride in relative comfort. And because it’s 10kg lighter than last year’s bike, the new ZX-10R will be quicker and more nimble in any environment you choose to ride it in.

Special Features

• All-new engine and chassis add up to improved power delivery and more control
• All-new Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC) continuously monitors wheel speed, throttle position, engine rpm and a host of other data to help ensure the optimal amount of traction
• All-new Power Mode selector allows riders to select power level and power delivery
• All-new aluminum frame has ideal strength and rigidity
• All-new Big Piston Fork helps maintain composure under braking
• All-new horizontal back-link rear suspension helps improve road holding, and helps deliver smoother suspension action
• 2011 ZX™-10R is 22 pounds lighter than the 2010 model
• Improved mass centralization
• Slipper-type back-torque limiting clutch helps improve corner entry handling
• All-new race-oriented instrumentation offers riders a wealth of information.

We will shortly have brief review of this bikes and its new technology.

- Mahavir Kothari
(Source: Kawasaki press release)

Original Source: Kawasaki Ninja 250R Thrill Ride from BikeAdvice.in

Hey guys, this is Deepak here! Yesterday I got a chance to test ride the Kawasaki Ninja 250R! Me and my team mates went to Tiruppur yesterday on a business trip and we were surprised to see that our client owned this cool bike.

Download 8 MegaPixel High Resolution Version of These Photos: Rapidshare Link | MediaFire Link [35MB]

The bike had done a few hundred kilometers as he had gone on a trip a few weeks back. Now his interest has shifted towards Royal Enfield Classic 500! He said he would be getting the thumper in another week!

We asked him whether we could take the Ninja 250R for a spin and he gladly said OK. We took it to the nearby 4 lane highway and each one of us (we were 3) had a ride.

First thing, when you ride this bike you will feel like a cool dude. Almost all the heads in the road will turn and it gives great satisfaction! We humans are attention hungry animals and we do weird things to get people’s attention towards us… riding a cool bike is one of them!

Second, I felt the power. Really really vroooom! What else can I say? I can put only so much of the feeling in words. 0 to X kmph in X seconds means nothing when you read it on a blog. It can only be felt. Its an emotion, not information. So try to get a ride on this bike as soon as you can at any cost. Beg, borrow or steal!

Then came a little disappointment. In terms of comfort, it cannot match with Karizma ZMR or Yamaha R15. I also feel that the engine is not refined enough to give a smooth ride. There are vibrations and long rides can be stressful. May be after a few thousand kms of riding the engine will get smoother but I am not sure.

The seating position is very ‘sporty’. You have to lean forward too much and if you are not used to riding such a bike you will start to feel discomfort in the shoulders as a part of your body weight rests on that.

The instrument panel is a disappointment… no digital stuff in a bike of this cost. If they had a glowing digital speedometer like the one in Civic, I would have appreciated it. I know this bike’s main focus is power but still seeing the analog meters feels like we are not contemporary.

This bike for a single rider… period. No exceptions. But if you are the ‘live life on the edge’ type, then you can consider sitting on the back seat. No one riding a Ninja 250 is going to go smooth and steady… they are gonna rev it and brake it often.

I did not even notice that the rear seat does not have grab rails and sat on it first. I had to hold on to my dear life for a few minutes before I forced my friend to drop me off before I get thrown off!

Another thing to be mentioned is that the rear view mirrors’ design is cool. Not the plain old oval thing. You can see that in the photos. Also the rear view mirrors can be folded to blend with the fairing like seen in the image below.

The ride is stable and the brakes are awesome. But you have to hold yourself tight while braking. There are no seat belts!

Last but not the least, after you finish riding it, the sound of the engine will stay in your mind. It is unlike any other sound you would have heard. You can hear that in the video that I have posted here!

- Deepak
Editor – BikeAdvice

Original Source: Kawasaki Ninja 250R Video from BikeAdvice.in

Hey guys, this is Deepak here! Yesterday I got a chance to test ride the Kawasaki Ninja 250R! Me and my team mates went to Tiruppur yesterday on a business trip and we were surprised to see that our client owned this cool bike.

We asked him whether we could take the Ninja 250R for a spin and he gladly said OK. We took it to the nearby highway and each one of us (we were 3) had a ride. More photos and review will be posted soon. Just watch this video for now!

Original Source: Kawasaki ZX-10R Official Picture Released from BikeAdvice.in

After creating a lot of stir with the sketch and video they released a few days back, Japanese two wheeler giants, Kawasaki released the official picture of their much awaited flagship liter class racer, Kawasaki ZX 10R which would be pitted against the likes of the insane maniacs Aprilia RSV4 and BMW’s S1000RR and the arch rivals’ Yamaha’s R1, Honda CBR Fireblade and Suzuki GSX1000R.

The bike has gone through a complete makeover and will feature an all new engine along with a new chassis to boost off its racing streak. With 220 speculated bhps, the race prep version would be some breath takingly insane machine. The road trim version is also touted to produce nerve wrecking 200 humongous horses.

Add this to the expected weight of less than 200 kilograms (which would be around 10 kgs lighter than the current version) would further enhance the fiery characteristics of this bike with the power to weight ratio pointer pointing as northwards as it can!

Kawasaki has also played with the suspension of the bike and the video does mention that the bike would get a new suspension setup as well. The 2011 model also gets a new look which makes it one sexy beast to look at with the shining grey color in the released pic gleaming to catch every attention.

The bike looks even more forward biased now. As displayed in the picture, Kawasaki seems to have done away with Petal rotors and in comes the traditional round discs.

Kawasaki seems to be working day in and day out to test this bike as exhaustively as they can to bring back the lost glory of the company on the race tracks. Company’s R&D team scheduled a 2 day extensive testing session on July 7 and 8 at the Suzuka race track in Japan to figure out any niggles, if any, and to jot down points of further enhancement for making it as potent a tool for the 2011 World Superbike Championship. We wait and watch what Kawasaki has in store for the racing freaks of the world. So let the good times roll!

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Pics Courtesy: Visordown

- Saad Khan
saad@bikeadvice.in

Original Source: Kawasaki Ninja 250R – Test Ride Of a Japanese Hooligan from BikeAdvice.in

Yesterday was a beautiful day indeed. Guess why? Cause I was one among the very luckiest in Bangalore to test ride Kawasaki Ninja 250R.I was dumb stuck after riding the baby Ninja. I am a bike freak and also a big fan of Kawasaki right from my childhood which made me go even crazy about the bike.

The test drive was actually a luck for me, me and my friend Nishanth had been to probiking showroom on 12 Jun in Bangalore to checkout the Ninja 250 R and we asked for a test drive, the person at pro-biking outlet told us about the test drive event was going to be held on 20th June 2010 at NICE corridor, and we were desperately waiting for it.

Finally the day came, 20th Jun 2010 and I was all excited, took safety gears and left in my friend’s car. The event was organized on the NICE corridor Kanakpura road, Bangalore. We reach there and we see ‘Lime Green “Ninja Staring at us and telling come on take a ride. We registered our names and went for the test drive.

I actually was kind of nervous, since it was the first time I was about to ride a 250cc bike, that too a Ninja! Then I sat on Baby Ninja, I felt its a mini super bike. Cranked and the bike started, completely analog speedo and RPM dial, the exhaust note was so sweet, shifted to first gear and blipped the throttle, there goes the Ninja.

I was looking at the dials and the as soon as the engine crossed 6000rpm I could feel the power, raw power. I was in 3rd gear and I am not kidding I was at a speed of 120kmph which normal bikes cry hard to reach. Then I got that adrenaline rush after the engine crossed 10,000rpm, I was at 140kmph effortlessly. Can’t forget to mention, the bike had zero vibrations in the entire power band. Then I had been told to brake, u won’t believe I was at 140kmph and I braked to 60kmph by just gently pumping the rear brake.

The Braking is awesome too. At any point of the drive, I never felt that I would lose balance, awesome handling and I was so damn comfortable on the bike though I was riding for the first time. Then I had to turn back, and there u go I stepped on and I reached a whopping 100 Kmph in under 4 seconds. I took the bike to a crazy 155kmph speed, but sadly the stretch was over and I had to brake. Well all I can say is Kawasaki Ninja 250R is a normal bike under 6000rpm but once it crosses that 6000rpm mark, 33 horses pulls the bike effortlessly to a whopping speed of 175+Kmph. In short Kawasaki Ninja 250R is mind blowing. But then the question arises, is it worth paying 3.19lacs on this bike. I would personally say YES!!!! It is worth paying that money.So start saving guys and book a Ninja 250.

– Sreekanth