You'd be better off leaving the bike stock, thoroughly cleaning the carbs, putting on a set of the Kenda K671s (very good tires for the money btw). Definitely a good idea taking the MSF course, and getting a legitimate service/workshop manual either from eBay or ordering it directly from Kawasaki. You can check
here for more ideas/info/suggestions whether it's for a new rider or repairing/maintaining the Ninja 250.
Tony
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1997 Yamaha Seca II - mostly stock, Racetech upgraded forks, FZ6R rear shock, Oxford Heated Grips, Barkbusters Blizzard Handguards, a Scottoiler vSystem chain oiler. My
Mileage Tracker Page.