Kawasaki announced its 2013 Ninja 250 beginner model with an updated engine, ABS and ZX-10R-inspired styling. The changes come as Kawasaki faces competition in Honda‘s CBR250R which has stolen some of the Ninjette’s sales.

The updated 249cc Parallel Twin engine receives new sleeveless die-cast cylinders as well as updated pistons, crankcases and a new exhaust. The 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 250 makes use of dual throttle valves like its big brothers the ZX-10R and ZX-6R. According to Kawasaki, the second ECU-controlled throttle valve helps to regulate intake airflow for a linear response, more efficient combustion and added power.

In most markets the Ninja 250 received fuel injection in 2008, though the U.S.-spec model had retained its carburetors. There’s no official announcement but we hope the U.S. model will finally catch up with foreign versions. Continue Reading »

Kawasaki is issuing a recall for certain 2012 Ninja 250R and Ninja 650 sportbikes as well as the Versys 650 due to a risk of the passenger footpegs falling off.

According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the circlips on the footpegs’ mounting pins may break under engine vibrations, potentially leading the footpegs to detach. This poses a potential danger to the passenger. A fallen footpeg may also become a distraction to the rider and create problems for other vehicles. Continue Reading »

Kawasaki is giving away a free 2011 Ninja 250R or Bayou 250 ATV at each of 820 participating dealerships across the U.S. as part of its “Good Times Sales Event” promotion.

The contest also features a number of instant win prizes ranging from discounts on accessories and service to Green Day music downloads to one of four 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaqurero cruisers.

“This multi-tiered program represents one of the largest promotional outreach campaigns the company has undertaken, and the event is by far the largest vehicle giveaway in Kawasaki’s history,” says Chris Brull, Kawasaki director of marketing.

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Recently here on Motorcycle.com, we’ve been bringing you reviews of a handful of Honda scoots that are available to our neighbors (or is that neighbours?) to the North in Canada, yet remain forbidden fruit for American consumers.

Reviewer Costa Mouzouris gave us a look at the naked CB1000R that Honda Canada is considering importing, the already-available half-faired CBF1000, and the entry-level CBR125R.

Meanwhile, Honda’s competitors have also announced some new products for Canada that have yet to be made available in the U.S. Yamaha Motor Canada is importing the new Fazer 8 and FZ8, while Kawasaki Canada announced it will offer the new Ninja 400R.

But before you start thinking of Canada as the land of milk and honey and “$#!+ we ain’t getting”, Honda brings some sobering news about the Canadian motorcycle industry, especially when it comes to the Japanese manufacturers.

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The Bennche Megelli 250r will finally be available for purchase at the end of March 2010, motorcycle.com will have the exclusive opportunity to get a full review done and find out if this entry bike can actually be a Ninja 250r killer.  Not only is this bike easy on the eyes but the price point is just as attractive at $3,499.  The Megelli comes with a liquid cooled, four-stroke, single cyclinder 249cc engine.