I am wondering if this seems right. I have a 2011 250R and when I am in 6th gear traveling at 40mph is it right for the bike to be at about 6RMP's? It seems high to me. I obviously know that I can't shift again. When I get to highway speeds of 55+ I'm assuming I'll be running at 8 or 9RPM's...is this normal? Do these bikes run high like that? I'm new to this so I just want to make sure....:confused:

In 6th gear @7500 rpms im at ~60mph indicated on the speedo. I'm sure everyone will chime in and attest that you will be that high, I mean the bike gets fun at 8000+ rpms. :)

Yea, it's a small engine so rpms will definitely be high (redline is over 13k). If you're going freeway/highway, chances are you'll be 10-11k. Most of the power kicks in above 9k as well.

the 250 loves revving and what you are seeing is perfectly normal. get used to it and enjoy it. zoom... :ride:

I only run at red-line!


Not really but doesn't it sound cool.

am I the only one who is never going 40 in 6th gear?

Hi, Nicole! Welcome to ninjette.org. These bikes aren't happy until 6k RPMs, and riders most don't even shift until 7-8k for casual riding, 8-9k in twisties. Not at all uncommon to get up to 10 or 11k, as that is where you get the peak horsepower. Just don't do that during the break in period. :) Here is the Ninjette's power curve, with the red line being the stock pipes:

http://areapnolimits.com/images/product/250r_08_dyno_big.gif

If you want to have some fun, check out the Ninja Speed Calculator (http://dmitriy.levchenkov.com/misc/n250SpdVsRpm/index1.html). Here is another Ninja Speed Calculator. (http://faq.ninja250.org/speed/) According to the calculators (though built for old gen, it should be close), you should be at 7100 RPMs in 6th when your speedo indicates 60mph. At 6000 RPMs in 6th, you should be going 50. You may notice that the calculator shows "real" vs. "indicated" speed. Yup, your ninjetted exaggerates how fast you are going by about 8%.

...I am wondering if this seems right. I have a 2011 250R and when I am in 6th gear traveling at 40mph is it right for the bike to be at about 6RMP's? It seems high to me. I obviously know that I can't shift again. When I get to highway speeds of 55+ I'm assuming I'll be running at 8 or 9RPM's...is this normal? Do these bikes run high like that? I'm new to this so I just want to make sure....:confused:

If your bike is stock, your gearing should be 14/45 (14 tooth front sprocket / 45 tooth rear sprocket). @ 5000 rpm you should be doing approx 40 mph in 6th gear, because the speedo reads a little high it my read an indicated 45 mph +/- 1-2 mph.

So to answer your question 6k rpm for 40 mph in 6th gear is high. However 40 mph @6k rpm in 5th gear is more in the ball park.

The 250 ninja is a high revving lil beast it will do well at hwy speeds in the 8k range, but if you grow tired of the high speed buzz, a sprocket change is probably in order. I suggest a 15/42 or 15/41 gear set up. This will make the bike run at lower rpms, slightly improve mpg, make the bike ride longer in any given gear, and takes advantage of the available HP the bike has without always riding WOT.
Doing the sprocket change (15/42) will make the speedo read 70 mph @ 7k rpms. Your actual speed will be 65.2 mph.
Stock gearing the speedo would be 69/70mph( indicated) @ 8k rpm. Actual 65 mph.

You can use this calculator to check any sprocket combos. For rear wheel size check other then put in 75.92 in the circumference box. Type in sprocket size, rpm and gear. http://ninja250.kingston.net/speed.html

If you feel the bike is still running high for an indicated gear speed. Have the dealer check it. it could be a faulty IC igniter. They will be able to check what the actual rpm output is against what the tachometer is reading.

this bike loves 80mph@ 11k rpm and can stay there all day, it loves you back for it. it's actually just cruising there, no matter what sound is, (so many pipe systems).

In 6th for me my Tach is 1500rps over speed. So 60 puts me at 7500 or so. What is your idle speed set at?

I just started riding and I am always cruising between 6-7 grand. Is that too high to be cruising at? Anything above 7 sounds too high. I understand people say they shift at high rpms, but what about cruising?

I just started riding and I am always cruising between 6-7 grand. Is that too high to be cruising at? Anything above 7 sounds too high. I understand people say they shift at high rpms, but what about cruising?

I have a 15/42 setup and I cruise in that range alot. For me that is 55-65 mph. it is like the comfort zone on my bike. On a real good day around 9k feels real sweet as well. if you look at your tach, your bike is only at 1/2 its max capability.

I run from 7k up. When I take off in first I take it up to 10-11 befor I shift and hardly ever drop under 7 k unless I am stoping lol. Our bikes are ment to run that high and in that rpm range. Have trust and faith in that little parallel twin it loves to rev high and scream. The engine can take it just have to get use to it is all.

I just started riding and I am always cruising between 6-7 grand. Is that too high to be cruising at? Anything above 7 sounds too high. I understand people say they shift at high rpms, but what about cruising?

It may sound high but like some of the other posters say, power doesnt kick in till 8-11k so if you need that extra boost, it's nice to be somewhere near that range. If you cruise at 4-6k and you need that extra power to go around someone or get out of a dangerous situation, you will need to spend that extra second to downshift a couple times even to get to use the peak power of the engine.

Just ride and try to get used to the bike. Every bike is different, like a person that you live with. Takes a little while to get used to their schedule and adjust so that the both of you get along.

Thanks everyone for the info! Looks like Monday is the next time Ill have it out. Only gonna be 40 tomorrow with rain! Monday it'll be a whopping 50 lol
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I have mine set at 15/41 gearing and just as DaBlue1 said it is roughly 1K RPM to 10MPH.

At 70MPH I run 7K RPM on my gauges or fairly close to that but I have alot of power left to go as fast as I need.

Took it to 100MPH already and it was just starting to stretch its legs running at 10K RPM. However the flip side is that you will be a little slower taking off from a stop. I am fairly light so my bike does not struggle taking off.

Saves me alot on gas too.:thumbup:

I have mine set at 15/41 gearing and just as DaBlue1 said it is roughly 1K RPM to 10MPH.

At 70MPH I run 7K RPM on my gauges or fairly close to that but I have alot of power left to go as fast as I need.

Took it to 100MPH already and it was just starting to stretch its legs running at 10K RPM. However the flip side is that you will be a little slower taking off from a stop. I am fairly light so my bike does not struggle taking off.

Saves me alot on gas too.:thumbup:

This 15/41 gearing set-up I hear about...is there a DIY for this?

Ours got 43/14 on the front sprocket... Maybe they changed the gearing slightly on the fuel injected model.

Mine has a slightly smaller diameter tyre (150-60-17), but I should get:
Gear RPM@60 RPM@80 RPM@100 RPM@120
1 12826 17101 21376 25652
2 8827 11770 14712 17655
3 6951 9268 11585 13902
4 5722 7630 9537 11445
5 4933 6577 8222 9866
6 4404 5873 7341 8809

mph 37.5 50 63 75


Torque is pretty good from 6000, so I've been trying to stay above that.

sigh......

15/45 here - 85mph (indicated) at 9k rpm all freaking day......

like others have said, this is where our bikes are MOST happy.

ride it like you stole it............and enjoy:thumbup:

This 15/41 gearing set-up I hear about...is there a DIY for this?

I didn't do it. I ordered the parts and had the motorcycle shop install it.

no notice in powerband change until 7k or higher, Nicole give a ride report after you have had some fun red lining. Did you feel you had better response/throttle control like I do in high revs? The throttle is your most important riding control play with the diff rpm's in the same gear and you will see.

So I have been to 2 dealers that say my rpm/speed range is normal, the hell it is!! At 60mph the tach is showing 8900k....WTF do I do! Call Kawasaki? Dealer just told me to change to a 15t sprocket if I don't like it. Well if I do that (just to get the RPM's to normal range) I als have to buy new chain and new rear sprocket to make the wear even. Anyone else riding at these rpm's on their 2012 250r? or am I the only one? :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

I know the ninja 250r has different teeth count on the rear sprocket depending on regions, so this may play a factor for some people.

I know the ninja 250r has different teeth count on the rear sprocket depending on regions, so this may play a factor for some people.

I am stock 14/45

Plus when it is cold out or i am just starting out my ride the rpm's are about 100ok lower than what i normally see (Prob right where they should be) asked the dealer about the cdi, he said that they haven't seen that issue with the 2012's. Well ****...how about checking it a-hole. The won't even check the things that i feel are wrong with it. I even have the extended warranty, I know they dont get paid for warranty work, but this sucks if I have to play through hoops with Kawasaki just to get one of their dealers to play fairly. I depend on this bike to get to work everyday, can't afford for something to be wrong with it, especially when it is brand new. :mad: harumph

At 50MPH -80MPH I'm usually at an RPm = 100x my speed. after 80MPH its about 1.5-2x my speed ascending according to speed.

Just for reference.

At 50MPH -80MPH I'm usually at an RPm = 100x my speed. after 80MPH its about 1.5-2x my speed ascending according to speed.

Just for reference.

So at 60mph your only at 6000 rpm's? how is that possible?

So I have been to 2 dealers that say my rpm/speed range is normal, the hell it is!! At 60mph the tach is showing 8900k....WTF do I do! Call Kawasaki? Dealer just told me to change to a 15t sprocket if I don't like it. Well if I do that (just to get the RPM's to normal range) I als have to buy new chain and new rear sprocket to make the wear even. Anyone else riding at these rpm's on their 2012 250r? or am I the only one? :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

You still having problems convincing a dealer that your readings are off?

What you need to do is call, write or e-mail Kawasaki Consumer Services. Tell them you have an extended warranty on a 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250 that has a faulty tachometer and no dealer will fix it or trouble shoot it. Demand that they remedy the situation by contacting a local dealer that will. You need to take them proof the tach is faulty. Inquire of Kawasaki what the exact RPM reading should be for 60 mph. And see what they say. Some one has to answer you.

Mailing Address:
Attn: Consumer Services
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
PO Box 25252
Santa Ana, CA 92799-5252
Our Consumer Services Department is also available at (866) 802-9381. Our hours are Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 Pacific Time.

http://www.kawasaki.com/OurCompany/ContactUs.aspx

So at 60mph your only at 6000 rpm's? how is that possible?

15/41 or 15/42 sprockets will get you to run approx 60 mph(indicated) @ 6000 rpms

Use Gearing Commander (http://www.gearingcommander.com/) to find various information on gearing for your bike.

Thank you blue, I will be contacting them asap.

So at 60mph your only at 6000 rpm's? how is that possible?
sorry i meant to type 100x + 1000 so like 50 mph is 6k 60mph is 7k

sorry i meant to type 100x + 1000 so like 50 mph is 6k 60mph is 7k

Still that is low, what gearing are you using? Am I the only one on here that is at 9k rpm@ 60mph?

Still that is low, what gearing are you using? Am I the only one on here that is at 9k rpm@ 60mph?

9k seems high, i have stock gearing but i know nothing about whats high or low, i thought my 10k at 80 was high. Maybe is your speedo really off? Drive next to a 07+ civic and look through the window lol to check your speed, or get a GPS

..........Am I the only one on here that is at 9k rpm@ 60mph?

I don't know if you are the only one.

I know that your clutch is slipping.

Are you sure that the clutch cable is lubricated and has some slack?

I don't know if you are the only one.

I know that your clutch is slipping.

Are you sure that the clutch cable is lubricated and has some slack?

Dealer said clutch is good when I took it in

I don't know if you are the only one.

I know that your clutch is slipping.

Are you sure that the clutch cable is lubricated and has some slack?

Dealer said clutch is good when I took it in. The rpm isn't bouncing around, like its slipping, just high for the speed I am going

If your tachometer and speedometer are working properly, the dealer was wrong.

At 9K rpm, your bike should be doing 70~75 mph.

From the pistons to the rear wheel, the link is solid as a rock, except for the clutch, where some slip can occur for several reasons.

The most common reason is improper adjustment, which keep some pressure on the pusher bar and don't allow the discs to press to each other all the way.

Other reasons are bad oil, weak springs and warped discs.

You need to verify that the clutch cable is not putting any pressure on the lever by the clutch cover after the hand lever is released.

If your tachometer and speedometer are working properly, the dealer was wrong.

At 9K rpm, your bike should be doing 70~75 mph.

From the pistons to the rear wheel, the link is solid as a rock, except for the clutch, where some slip can occur for several reasons.

The most common reason is improper adjustment, which keep some pressure on the pusher bar and don't allow the discs to press to each other all the way.

Other reasons are bad oil, weak springs and warped discs.

You need to verify that the clutch cable is not putting any pressure on the lever by the clutch cover after the hand lever is released.


Damn I am a newb with this ****. I .mp3 that I have the right amount of play in my clutchlever, are you talking about the adjustment down by the actual clutch on the engine?

The regulation by the hand lever should be sufficient to get the proper play.

I was referring to the lever that enters the clutch cover.
That lever should have some play when the cable is not pulled up by hand.

Sometimes the play at the hand lever is correct, but the cable needs lubrication and does not release that bottom lever completely.

Please, check these links out:

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Lubing_the_cables

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Adjusting_the_clutch_cable

The regulation by the hand lever should be sufficient to get the proper play.

I was referring to the lever that enters the clutch cover.
That lever should have some play when the cable is not pulled up by hand.

Sometimes the play at the hand lever is correct, but the cable needs lubrication and does not release that bottom lever completely.

Please, check these links out:

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Lubing_the_cables

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Adjusting_the_clutch_cable

Thanks moto, hopefully it just needs adjustment. I don't do wheelies our anything crazy so the clutch itself should be fine. Have 3000 miles on bike.

Your are welcome :)

Yes, please, check the play and lube the cable and report back to see if that solves the rpm's issue.

Best !

Your are welcome :)

Yes, please, check the play and lube the cable and report back to see if that solves the rpm's issue.

Best !

Cleaned and lubed the cable, play in lever was way too much, after adjusting to barely any pay, just 2 mm the bike ran about 500k less in 6th at 60mph. ran at 8500rpm @ 60mph. Did some more adjusting to give a little less play when I got home, will see on Monday if that brings me closer to 8k @60 :o

Cool; we are progressing !

Indeed! I hate having to take the bike to a shop, rarely have to take my car because I have taught myself how to do pretty much everything. With the bike I am hesitant because it all seems like foreign territory to me. If it wasn't for this forum I wouldn't be able to do half the stuff I have done. :grouphug:

Still not sure if the play is correct, wish I had someone to show me it a video showing correct amount of play, need to see what it feels like. Should you be able to wiggle the lever down by the case cover?

........Should you be able to wiggle the lever down by the case cover?

Yes, a little bit.

You want zero cable force over that lever during normal operation.

This is one of those cases where a little play don't hurt anything.

I'm still not used to cruising at such a high RPM, coming from my BMW which in 5th does 85 and about 4800 RPM. Kinda weird having my bike do 60 about 7500. I feel like I'm going to break it! But... then it revs above 10k and sounds like sex

I'm still not used to cruising at such a high RPM, coming from my BMW which in 5th does 85 and about 4800 RPM. Kinda weird having my bike do 60 about 7500. I feel like I'm going to break it! But... then it revs above 10k and sounds like sex

What sprocket setting do you have? I also have a 2012 250 with stock setup 14/45. And I am running 8800k rpm at 60 mph. Trying to figure out what is wrong with bike

Im 7k rpm @ 60mph with stock sprockets.

Im 7k rpm @ 60mph with stock sprockets.

Wtf is wrong with my ****, dealer says its fine, but 8800 is way to high. Clutch is fine. Bike only has 3k miles

Elevation may play a role?

Elevation may play a role?

I'm at sea level, down by the gulf

I am wondering if this seems right. I have a 2011 250R and when I am in 6th gear traveling at 40mph is it right for the bike to be at about 6RMP's? It seems high to me. I obviously know that I can't shift again. When I get to highway speeds of 55+ I'm assuming I'll be running at 8 or 9RPM's...is this normal? Do these bikes run high like that? I'm new to this so I just want to make sure....:confused:

In 6th gear (stock everything) I run 9k at 70 indicated... ad just under 8 at 60 indicated... That's pretty normal... I'm not sure why you're going 40 in 6th gear, I'd be in 5th personally, but I think my bike runs just under 6 at 40 ind when I'm downshifting and such...

I'm at sea level, down by the gulf

ok, you should be close to max potential for the bike then.

ok, you should be close to max potential for the bike then.

So my rpm being at 9000 at 60 mph is normal for down here?

Just ride it hard like the dirty bike she is. :thumbup:
When I rode my ninja 250 I would ride it to around 12k rpm if I wanted to go quick then I shifted. Otherwise I would cruise around 8 - 9k rpm. I think 9000 rpm at 60mph doesn't sound right but it still has up to 12k which is where it really peaks for power.

So my rpm being at 9000 at 60 mph is normal for down here?

i dont have time now, but a few years back i made a post on another forum about maxing out each gear.

Took bike to a different dealer they were able to see what I am dealing with with the rpm issue. Kawasaki is having them replace the tach first to see if that does anything, if not then they will move to the next thing, which will prob be cdi. Suck though cause now I won't have my Nike for at least a week, only been three days and I am having major withdraws:(

Suck though cause now I won't have my Nike for at least a week, only been three days and I am having major withdraws:(

Try living in OH and going to school almost 3 hours away from home... :p

Just called dealer for an update on my bike being fixed, said that part is going to take a while to come in and to come pick bike up if I want so that I have something to ride. well ****, at least i will be riding again, but now i will have to bring it all the way back over to dealer just so they can put the new tach in, which I already know won't solve the problem, then I will have to wait for another ungodly amount of time before next part (likely a new CDI) comes in. What takes so long for Kawasaki to send the dealer a bloody part? Is it coming from Japan? Do they have to decontaminate the part first from all the radiation? WTF! :madtyping:

Howdy. Any update? Did you get this eventually figured out?

I'm asking because I just purchased a 2012 ninja 250 with 800 miles. After break in I took it on the interstate.

In sixth gear:

60mph is 9,000
70mph is 10,500
80mph is 12,000

Yes, 80 is just under redline!

That seems too high and I can't figure out why. Sprockets are stock, I'm pretty sure.

Howdy. Any update? Did you get this eventually figured out?

I'm asking because I just purchased a 2012 ninja 250 with 800 miles. After break in I took it on the interstate.

In sixth gear:

60mph is 9,000
70mph is 10,500
80mph is 12,000

Yes, 80 is just under redline!

That seems too high and I can't figure out why. Sprockets are stock, I'm pretty sure.

Your clutch is slipping and heating up the oil too much.

Your clutch is slipping and heating up the oil too much.

If that were the case, the revs would be a bit unstable and oscillate up and down right? I presume it would show up on the tach?

This is totally stable at those numbers, like clockwork, so I don't think that my clutch is slipping. 12k is 80mph, and doesn't go above or below as long as I hold 80mph.

If that were the case, the revs would be a bit unstable and oscillate up and down right? I presume it would show up on the tach?

This is totally stable at those numbers, like clockwork, so I don't think that my clutch is slipping. 12k is 80mph, and doesn't go above or below as long as I hold 80mph.

Not necessarily, it could slip in balance.
If that is the case, revs should go up respect to the speed of the bike for conditions of high torque demand, such like hill sand strong wing.

The difference in noise and vibration between 10K and 12K is evident, but you may not be familiar with either one yet.

It has been discussed here that some bikes have defective CDI that can produce a false reading of rpms'.
The tachometer works based on number of sparks per second that the CDI feels and convert into the input for the tachometer.

Please see post #8 above, as well as this thread:
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=42329&highlight=tachometer