So one nice thing about having the fuel injected version of a Ninja 250R is how much easier it is to add (and tune) a turbo to our lil 250cc thumpers. Now, many people would wonder why you would even bother going through all of this trouble when you can get a 600/900/Eleventy Billion cc bike for a few bucks more… And some of the reasons are simple, For Instance:

1. Because you can.
2. Because Turbos are freaking awesome.
3. There is no replacement for displacement… Except PSI…

But, in addition to the above mentioned there is one other reason that I was un aware of,  as user ‘PoopALarge‘ points out in a comment on the video:

“Here in Indonesia we mod our 250’s because there’s a tax on bikes with a larger than 250cc capacity, big bikes cost, on average, 2.5-3 times more than they would abroad. They’re not even on regular sale here, you’d have to order one through grey import or through the Harley Davidson dealer, which is the only big bike sold regularly here (of which the cheap ones cost you $60.000.- In short, if we can tune our 250’s, we do it”

Huh! Well, That makes tons of sense… Good job guys! Keep up the good work!

Overall the look is really nice, and it comes with the option of titanium or carbon fiber outer sleeve so you can choose which best matches your style. It also comes with a removable noise damper that you can choose which best matches your neighbors noise tolerance.

I haven’t head this exhaust in person, but the videos I have seen online it gives the lil’ Ninja a nice racy tone which seems to be a lil less throaty compared to like a full Yoshimura but also much less garbage disposal than like a homemade hollow core.

As far as power increase? Whelp, here is what Akrapovic says:

Measurements of the Akrapovic SLIP-ON OPEN system on the KAWASAKI Ninja 250R (without muffler insert):

Power & Torque: the exhaust system modification with the SLIP-ON OPEN system results in performance increase, delivering a 27.6 HP at 11200 rpm on back wheel.. But the increased power isn’t available just at the top of the range; the system shows its quality already from 4000 rpm up through entire rpm range. Max. increased power between the Akrapovic and the stock system is 1.1 HP at 12200 rpm. Besides this, the torque is higher in a lower rpm area at 3000 rpm and from middle to high rpm area.

And a little Video sound action for you:

So, if you wish to check this guy out, here are the details:

Link: Akrapovic
Price: ~$450.00 - $500.00 USD

Are you a shade tree mechanic? Or, did you buy your Ninja to be frugal and want to avoid expensive dealership trips? Then you should get your hands on a service manual for your Bike. Now, Kawasaki does indeed have a shop manual which are more than adequate — But this past week a friend showed me one of the Online manuals from Cyclepedia.com. Not only was it excellent quality, but he showed it to me on his iPhone — which is priceless — since the data you need is always at your fingertips, anywhere, at anytime. (Unless you’re on AT&T. In which case it is only available while standing on your right foot while wearing a tinfoil hat and eating cheetos)

So, if you don’t have a service manual, I highly recommend getting one. So make sure you check out CyclePedia. Their subscription based service is very reasonably priced and their manuals are second to none.

Site: Cyclepedia.com
Cost: $25/Year, $45/Lifetime

At first I was thinking this is more for the track crowd, until I thought about how flimsy the second seat (Or Kawasaki seat cover) are being held in with the lock. So, Yes, you’ll loose your .000000002 ft³ of storage, but at the same time You don’t need to worry about the seat or cowl popping off while flogging your bike through the twisties.

Overall, I really like this piece — And the price is a hair more than buying all the parts separately (But they won’t look this damn good). Make sure you jump over to their website and check out the install video — It is very straight forward, and the narrator has a British accent, which in America makes everything more sophisticated.

Manufacture: Pyramid Plastics
Part Link: HERE
Price: ~£180 (~$300)

Note: They also have a few other parts like a rear hugger — and extended front fender. So check them out in the meantime until I have a chance to put a review up for them. Link here.

( Hey, better late than never… right? )

So, 2011 Ninja 250r’s are now on dealer lots and the big change for this year is going to be the gauge cluster. Kawasaki went with a lil more ‘boy racer’ type look to go along with the updated (ie. 2008) design of the 250r. Sadly tho, it seems to only be an artwork update, and the often asked for temp gauge is still missing. Not the end of the earth right?

One interesting note is that the Kawi folks introduced a more muted white version. I actually think this is great timing on Kawasaki’s part as it might convince someone looking for a lil less sport look to pick one up. As to me, the white mutes the styling a little bit. But Don’t get me wrong, it still looks great — and the wheel stripes are a very nice touch.

Specs: [ Link to official spec sheet ]

Oh, why hello there. So it seems that recently this site has been seeing quite a bit of an increase in traffic. Could it be due to the new 2011 Kawasaki Ninja Being released? Or Could it be due to $4.00 gas?!

Either way, I’d be willing to fire it back up if people are still lurking. Anyone for it?

As it gets cold out, and more and more people start to stash their bikes in a dark corner of their garage for a couple of months, There are a few good steps to help insure that you’ll be able to jump back right back on the old trusty steed come spring without issue.

There are literally 100’s of places on the internet with opinions of how to Winterize your bike: But there are two good ones for those of you who still may be looking for answers:

Winter storage: A photo essay [Ninja250.org]
How To Winterize Your Motorcycle [KawasakiMotorcycle.org]

And, as always — You can cunsult your lil’ spanish friend that comes with every bike: El Manũal…

Granted, it’s still not in the US, but getting stuff out of the UK is a lil’ bit simpler than having to bribe someone from Japan to smuggle a chunk of carbon fiber in their rectum for an intercontinental flight. (He says he used a ’service’ but common… we know the truth.) That being said, with the pound/dollar ratio being at an all time low, this hugger is a real bargain. Coming in two flavors, Black, and Carbon Fiber prices start right around 100$ USD (Plush VAT and shipping). Overall, a pretty sweet piece for the price!

[ High Res Images available on londonbikers.com ]

Manufacture: Skidmarx
Part:<N/A> ( No RHxxxxxx02 = BLACK / No RHxxxxxx09 = CARBON )
Price: £69.95 / £129.95 ( ~$100 / ~$200 USD )

Caught this video over at YouTube. It’s really nothing more than a fly-by of a ‘Race Track Ready’ ninja 250R. One thing that stood out on this is the undertail exhaust. It gives you a nice look at how this is done, along with a few other neat goodies like Dzus fasteners on the fairings.

It’s time to start breaking out your cold riding gear! Living in Florida, I never thought I would have to go this route, but after a quick spin in 58 degree weather the other night, I realized it’s time to get a good leather jacket. Not only to keep warm… But looking good while doing it can’t hurt..

So, what gear are you guys strapping on during these cold months? Anyone have any recommendations? For a jacket I’m looking at the Alpinestars GP-Plus jacket. I was told that it would be the First and Last jacket I’ll ever need to buy…But I’m stills hopping, so any opinions would be greatly appreciated! ( And not by just me, but everyone here! I promise… Except perhaps the Aussies.. They just love to hate stuff here… )

Thoughts?