Kawasaki Ninja 250R (EX250J) — OEM Fluid, Tire Pressure & Maintenance Specs
249cc Liquid-Cooled Parallel-Twin DOHC 8-Valve (First Modern Quarter-Liter Sport) · Source: Kawasaki Ninja 250R (EX250J) (2008–2012) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications
According to the Kawasaki Ninja 250R (EX250J) (2008–2012) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications, the 2008–2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (EX250J) (chassis EX250J/EX250K) requires 1.4 L (1.48 US qt) of SAE 10W-40 (JASO MA2, API SG/SJ/SL) engine oil for a drain-only change and 1.7 L (1.80 US qt) with filter service (16099-003 / HF401). Standard solo cold tire pressure is 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI front (110/70-17 M/C 54S) and 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI rear (130/70-17 M/C 62S), paired with 2× NGK LMAR8G / CR8E spark plug(s) and a YTX9-BS battery.
Drain only: 1.4 L (1.48 US qt)
R 225 kPa (2.25 bar)
Est. Range: ~442 km (275 mi)
1. Engine Lubrication, Filter & Clutch Specifications
| Clutch Architecture | Wet Multi-Plate Manual Clutch NEVER use JASO MB |
|---|---|
| Recommended Viscosity & Grade | SAE 10W-40 (Alt: SAE 10W-50) · JASO MA2 · API SG/SJ/SL |
| Oil Volume (Drain / With Filter / Overhaul) |
• Drain only: 1.4 L (1.48 US qt) • With filter/strainer: 1.7 L (1.80 US qt) • Complete dry overhaul: 1.9 L (2.01 US qt) |
| OEM Oil Filter Code & Type | 16099-003 / HF401 |
| Correct Oil Level Check Method | Hold bike upright on level ground 3–5 min after warm shutdown; read crankcase sight glass |
| Oil Drain Bolt Torque | 20 N·m (14.8 lb-ft / 2.04 kgf·m) — Use fresh crush washer |
2. Cold Tire Pressures, Wheels, Ignition & Drivetrain
| Front / Rear OEM Tire Sizes | Front: 110/70-17 M/C 54S · Rear: 130/70-17 M/C 62S (Tubeless) |
|---|---|
| Cold Tire Pressure — Solo Riding |
Front: 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI Rear: 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI |
| Cold Tire Pressure — 2-Up / Loaded Touring |
Front: 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI Rear: 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI |
| OEM Spark Plug & Quantity | NGK LMAR8G / CR8E × 2 (Gap: 0.8–0.9 mm) |
| OEM Battery Code & Rating | YTX9-BS (12V 8.0Ah MF AGM) |
| Final Drive Maintenance | 520 Sealed O/X-Ring Chain — Maintain 25–35 mm slack and lube every 800–1,000 km |
| Brake Fluid & Coolant | DOT 4 · Silicate-free ethylene-glycol OAT coolant for aluminum radiators (50:50 premix) |
3. Ergonomics, Range & Scheduled Service Intervals
| Displacement · Max Power · Peak Torque | 249 cc · 32 hp @ 11,000 rpm · 22 N·m (16.2 lb-ft) @ 8,200 rpm |
|---|---|
| Seat Height & Wet Curb Weight | 775 mm (30.5 in) · 169 kg (373 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank & Est. Real-World Range | 17 L (4.5 US gal) · ~26 km/L → ~442 km (275 mi) |
| OEM Scheduled Maintenance Intervals |
• First Break-In: 1,000 km • Engine Oil / Filter: 12,000 km / 12,000 km • Air Filter / Spark Plug: 18,000 km / 12,000 km • Valve Clearance Check: 24,000 km |
4. Generation Cutoffs & Real-World Wrenching Gotchas
Model-Year & Chassis Generation Notes
Sold carbureted in North America (EX250J) and fuel-injected in Europe/Asia (EX250K), utilizing an internal cartridge element HF401.
Oil & Clutch Mechanical Engineering Note
Kawasaki lightweight parallel-twin family (Ninja/Z 250–500, Versys-X 300, Eliminator) using spin-on filter 16097-0008 (HF303) and SAE 10W-40 JASO MA2.