redelk
Moderator
Please... speak to the hand.
Posts: 3212
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posted October 16, 2007 07:36 PM
Is the new 250R a "detuned" EX250?
After a brief glance at the '08 250R and '07 EX250 specs, it's hard to tell which is actually the better performing bike.
No doubt that the 250R's 17 wheels and larger forks (37mm vs 36 mm) will be a long awaited improvement. The same could be said about it's shorter wheelbase (54.7" vs 55.1") and steeper rake angle (26° vs 27°). With numbers like that, how can it not be a better bike, right?
Though the 1.4" increase in seat height (30.7 vs 29.3") might be a problem for only the most inseam challenged, the engine and weight specs do raise some serious questions.
There is over a 10% reduction in torque output on the new 250R (16.0 ft-lb vs 18 ft-lb). This might be in part due to the drop in compression of the '08 engine (11.6 vs. 12.4). Combine the lower torque and compression numbers with a 29 lb increase in weight (333 vs 304 - dry) and it makes one wonder if the new 250R might be even more nimble than it's older sibling, but hardly the "performer" the old EX was.
I say "performer" slightly "tongue in cheek" because you'd have to wring the crap out of an old EX before anything would happen. The '07 EX might have been rated at 18 ft-lb, but was only putting about 14 ft-lb to the rear wheel. It was rated at 36 hp @ 11000 rpm, but only 26 hp made it to the rear wheel.
Needless to say, many viewed the old EX as "gutless". With the additional weight and less torque on the '08 250R, is it going to give a whole new meaning to the term? Kawasaki claims that the new model's engine is Tuned to deliver smooth, step-free power with an emphasis on low- and mid-range power for rider-friendly response.
Is this some kind of "code" telling us that you'll look cool on our new 250R but don't try to run an old EX? At least not in a straight line?
It will be such a shame that after 19 years of a "tried and true" starter bike, they finally redesign it for looks bringing it into the 21st century, only to forsake what Kawasaki has always been know for... POWER!
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There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
   
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stevewfl
Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted October 16, 2007 07:56 PM
great read, thanks
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2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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bigdtd
Needs a job
Interceptors
Posts: 4209
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posted October 21, 2007 08:34 AM
don't think most buy the 250 for the sheer power of it
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2006 Black ZX-14,6 inches over,16/42, flies out,BMC Street Filter,Brock's Street Meg,Brock's Radial Mount Strap,PClll with Race map,Dynojet LCD w/Techmount, ZX-14 fender eliminator,Pilot Power2CTs,Speedohealer,Pazzo Levers,Cox Radiator Guard, Garmin Nuvi 265WT
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beansbaxter
Needs a life
Posts: 5911
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posted October 22, 2007 09:07 AM
interesting... I suspect the mags will do some reviews come next year. If the lack of power is there, I hope they make a beef about it in the print, and (maybe) Kawasaki will beef up the power in the future.
What's the chance of the 250 going on a 2-year production run - every 2 years is a new 250 haha
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redelk
Moderator
Please... speak to the hand.
Posts: 3212
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posted October 22, 2007 09:12 AM
Before it's introduction, rumors thought they might have dumped the carbs and went with a FI set up. Guessing that it would have required a more "complex" ECU, the MSRP was estimated at around $4,300.
Since the MSRP is closer to $3,500 (still more then the EX's $2,900), it looks like they have basically stuck the old EX motor in a new chassis with contemporary bodywork (worth an extra 29 lbs).
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There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
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