The Kawasaki ZXR 250 is a 249 cc in-line four cylinder sports motorcycle produced by the motorcycle division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries conglomerate. Introduced in 1989, with a minor update for the 1990 model year, and a considerable redesign for 1991, after which the ZXR250 received only colour scheme changes until production ceased in 1999. Like the Honda CBR250R/CB250RR, Yamaha FZR250RR and Suzuki GSX-R250, the ZXR250 is noted for advanced, almost excessive, engineering and design.

Ninja ZXR 250 models

• ZX-250A: Sold from 1989 to 1991.
• ZX-250C: Sold from 1991 to 1999. Changes in bodywork, suspension, electricals, engine and carburettors. Increased in horsepower from previous model and reduced weight. Also known as ZX-2R in Australia, of which was imported as metallic silver coloured import from Japan.

Specifications & performance statistics (C model)

There seems to be some discrepancies about the actual power that the ZXR250 makes, though the factory Kawasaki catalog claims 45 horsepower, in some restricted models around the world 39 hp is correct. In this versions speedometer reads up to 180 km/h only.

Trivia

• Even when the "baby ninja" is the result of a 750 copy, back in 1991 Kawasaki revamped the ZXR 250 without two headlights separate from each other, side by side, but the old design remained in the bigger 750 until 1996.