rpm issues on 2012 ninja 250

tdog7812 · June 18th, 2013, 06:50 AM

On my bike its been like this since i got it, i now have 2000 miles on it. I did first oil change at about 900 miles. I used 10w40 full synthetic 4 stroke motorcycle oil. Regardless at 70 mph sometimes it will be at almost 11,000 rpms and sometimes 70 is just barely over 9000(which still seems to high.) The other day i went out for a ride and my 60 mph had the rpms at 9000, when they usually stay at a little over 8000(which again I think is too high.)

I read on a couple of forums that 60 mph in 6th gear should be at 7000 rpms-give or take a few. and that 70 mph should be at 8300-8500 rpms in 6th gear.

even when my bike doesnt run extra high rpms like it did the other day, it still seems to be too high. the idle is fine, it idles at 1500-1600.

What is wrong with my motorcycle??? i took into kawasaki and the guy told me he thinks its normal for it to be at 10,500 rpms at 70 mph, it isnt!

csmith12 · June 18th, 2013, 06:54 AM

Lol.... check your sprockets sizes first. The rear will have the number stamped right on it. You will have to count the teeth on the front. Stock is 14f/45r. Maybe yours are not stock. Sounds like you would prefer a 15/42 setup. But try just a 15 front first and adjust from there.

csmith12 · June 18th, 2013, 06:59 AM

Assuming everything is stock and the bike is still relatively new.

Another idea is your clutch is slipping due to a tight cable and you have to rev harder to go faster. Turn you bars lock to lock and ensure the clutch cable is not getting tight at any point throughout. Adjust for proper slack as needed.

Motofool · June 18th, 2013, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdog7812

.........What is wrong with my motorcycle??? i took into kawasaki and the guy told me he thinks its normal for it to be at 10,500 rpms at 70 mph, it isnt!

Do you feel as the tach does?

csmith12 · June 18th, 2013, 07:35 AM

Hernan's comment reminds me of the CDI issue with some ninjas tach reading a higher value in error. Maybe you have that going on.

subxero · June 18th, 2013, 08:00 AM

my bike has stock gearing. in 5th i hit 13k at just over 80mph speedo indicated. In 6th gear i run just over 10k at 80mph speedo indicated

Like other said, is your tach right?

and not to sound like i am dissing you or anything but make sure you are in the gear you think you are in. It happens to everyone, i was cruising on the highway the other day thinking i was in 6th the whole time (wasn't paying attention to gauges) then i went to take my exit which i generally go fast on and i heard the engine whining and thought huh? sounds like it is running harder than normal...oh... i am in 5th gear

tdog7812 · June 18th, 2013, 11:47 AM

It is in 6th I know because I try to shift it up one more and it doesn't. It isn't just the tach either you can tell by the way the engine sounds. My friends doesn't sound like mine he has a stock 2012 like mine.

Motofool · June 18th, 2013, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdog7812

It is in 6th I know because I try to shift it up one more and it doesn't. It isn't just the tach either you can tell by the way the engine sounds. My friends doesn't sound like mine he has a stock 2012 like mine.

Then, post #3 is it.

tdog7812 · June 18th, 2013, 03:03 PM

i hope so! I'll have to check it out when i get home.

Asspire · June 18th, 2013, 09:00 PM

at 75 mph my tach will read 9000 rpm cold, 10,000 when its hot. The CDI has mood swings it seems.

I'm with csmith12, sounds like a clutch issue.

g21-30 · June 27th, 2013, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

Hernan's comment reminds me of the CDI issue with some ninjas tach reading a higher value in error. Maybe you have that going on.

I will bet it's the CDI overheating. Stock tires/sprockets/etc. 50 MPH=6000 RPM, 60 MPH=7000, 70 MPH=8000...... That's why I use the older CDI, plus no rpm limiter! Check out the DIY section

tdog7812 · June 27th, 2013, 10:35 AM

I think Cdi maybe too. It doesn't do it for a while. It doesn't start until its warmed up. Also in hotter weather it gets worse

g21-30 · June 28th, 2013, 10:29 AM

^^Get a few of those reusable ice packs and put around the CDI. See how long it takes before you start having issues! I will bet it helps!

Then you will know for sure!

LNasty · June 28th, 2013, 11:48 AM

I currently have my bike in dealership receiving a new tach, Have no idea what it looks like because Kawasaki sent a different one for them to put in because of their past issues with the original tachs. I recently put in a 15t front sprocket and it had made my rpm's what they should be when at a 14t but normal tach and cdi. I don't think this new tach will fix the issue but will see hopefully today

LNasty · June 29th, 2013, 10:56 AM

Going to pick bike up from dealer today. They installed new type of tach, supposedly it fixed the issue, will see.

mariorivera830 · June 30th, 2013, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LNasty

Going to pick bike up from dealer today. They installed new type of tach, supposedly it fixed the issue, will see.

What did you tell them? I have the same problem sometimes. Some trip I can cruise at 80 @ 10k rpms, then the very next trip 10k rpms barely gets me to 70-ish. Mine is still under warranty too, so I might as well get it serviced while I'm off. Thanks!

LNasty · June 30th, 2013, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariorivera830

What did you tell them? I have the same problem sometimes. Some trip I can cruise at 80 @ 10k rpms, then the very next trip 10k rpms barely gets me to 70-ish. Mine is still under warranty too, so I might as well get it serviced while I'm off. Thanks!

I told them that the rpm's were higher than normal and it seemed to happen when it was hour out. I said I called Kawasaki, which I did, and told dealer that they are aware of this issue with these bikes and to bring it in to dealer. will get a good test of bike tomorrow when I ride to work, will update you then. If this doesn't work, not sure if I will go back to dealer. Was such a hassle just to get this tach due to backorder that it became a headache

mariorivera830 · June 30th, 2013, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LNasty

I told them that the rpm's were higher than normal and it seemed to happen when it was hour out. I said I called Kawasaki, which I did, and told dealer that they are aware of this issue with these bikes and to bring it in to dealer. will get a good test of bike tomorrow when I ride to work, will update you then. If this doesn't work, not sure if I will go back to dealer. Was such a hassle just to get this tach due to backorder that it became a headache

sounds good, I'll look forward to your experience. Be safe out there. I'm always a little scared on the first ride after some maintenance.

LNasty · July 1st, 2013, 01:20 PM

After riding to work in 93 degree weather, I found that the new tach did not solve the issue. I am still showing 8500 rpm @ 60 mph in 6th and that is with a 15t sprocket in the front. Deciding if I will take it back for more work, but since its not really affecting any sort of performance with the bike I may not. If you take yours in let me know what they do and your results

CobraC · July 16th, 2013, 02:21 PM

I have the same problem. I had my bike serviced (new chain/front sprocket 14T). Verified front sprocket is 14T visually. After getting it back from the shop and rode for about 600-800miles(went out of town) and came home then lubed my new chain. Now have driven it another 400miles since i got home. Verified chain slack and everything. The only thing i've found out of place is possibly i need to replace the rear wheel cushions and do rear wheel alignment.

The fact is i still have high rpm's like i changed to a 15T and I dont have a 15T. I can hear the engine top out at like 85-90 whereas before i could top out and redline at 95+. I also have incurred a wherring noise which wasnt there before either. It's frustrating cus the shop wants me to bring it back in but yet they dont want to cover anything even though theyre the ones who changed the sprocket/chain.

csmith12 · July 17th, 2013, 08:21 AM

Welcome Shawn, I hope you get your issue sorted.

June 18th, 2013, 06:50 AM	#1
tdog7812 ninjette.org member Name: Tyler Location: North Eastern, Ohio Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250r Posts: 42	rpm issues on 2012 ninja 250 On my bike its been like this since i got it, i now have 2000 miles on it. I did first oil change at about 900 miles. I used 10w40 full synthetic 4 stroke motorcycle oil. Regardless at 70 mph sometimes it will be at almost 11,000 rpms and sometimes 70 is just barely over 9000(which still seems to high.) The other day i went out for a ride and my 60 mph had the rpms at 9000, when they usually stay at a little over 8000(which again I think is too high.) I read on a couple of forums that 60 mph in 6th gear should be at 7000 rpms-give or take a few. and that 70 mph should be at 8300-8500 rpms in 6th gear. even when my bike doesnt run extra high rpms like it did the other day, it still seems to be too high. the idle is fine, it idles at 1500-1600. What is wrong with my motorcycle??? i took into kawasaki and the guy told me he thinks its normal for it to be at 10,500 rpms at 70 mph, it isnt!

June 18th, 2013, 06:54 AM	#2
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Lol.... check your sprockets sizes first. The rear will have the number stamped right on it. You will have to count the teeth on the front. Stock is 14f/45r. Maybe yours are not stock. Sounds like you would prefer a 15/42 setup. But try just a 15 front first and adjust from there. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

June 18th, 2013, 07:35 AM	#5
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Hernan's comment reminds me of the CDI issue with some ninjas tach reading a higher value in error. Maybe you have that going on. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

July 17th, 2013, 08:21 AM	#21
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Welcome Shawn, I hope you get your issue sorted. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

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June 18th, 2013, 06:59 AM	#3
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Assuming everything is stock and the bike is still relatively new. Another idea is your clutch is slipping due to a tight cable and you have to rev harder to go faster. Turn you bars lock to lock and ensure the clutch cable is not getting tight at any point throughout. Adjust for proper slack as needed. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

June 18th, 2013, 08:00 AM	#6
subxero dirty boy Name: Joe Location: Johnstown, PA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): I don't even know anymore?? Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '14	my bike has stock gearing. in 5th i hit 13k at just over 80mph speedo indicated. In 6th gear i run just over 10k at 80mph speedo indicated Like other said, is your tach right? and not to sound like i am dissing you or anything but make sure you are in the gear you think you are in. It happens to everyone, i was cruising on the highway the other day thinking i was in 6th the whole time (wasn't paying attention to gauges) then i went to take my exit which i generally go fast on and i heard the engine whining and thought huh? sounds like it is running harder than normal...oh... i am in 5th gear

June 18th, 2013, 11:47 AM	#7
tdog7812 ninjette.org member Name: Tyler Location: North Eastern, Ohio Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250r Posts: 42	It is in 6th I know because I try to shift it up one more and it doesn't. It isn't just the tach either you can tell by the way the engine sounds. My friends doesn't sound like mine he has a stock 2012 like mine.

June 18th, 2013, 03:03 PM	#9
tdog7812 ninjette.org member Name: Tyler Location: North Eastern, Ohio Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250r Posts: 42	i hope so! I'll have to check it out when i get home.

June 18th, 2013, 09:00 PM	#10
Asspire Fix It Till Ya Break It Name: Asspyre Location: T.Dot Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 08 250RRrrrr Posts: 623	at 75 mph my tach will read 9000 rpm cold, 10,000 when its hot. The CDI has mood swings it seems. I'm with csmith12, sounds like a clutch issue.

June 27th, 2013, 10:35 AM	#12
tdog7812 ninjette.org member Name: Tyler Location: North Eastern, Ohio Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250r Posts: 42	I think Cdi maybe too. It doesn't do it for a while. It doesn't start until its warmed up. Also in hotter weather it gets worse

June 28th, 2013, 10:29 AM	#13
g21-30 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Sam Location: Northern Virginia Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R 2009 Posts: A lot.	^^Get a few of those reusable ice packs and put around the CDI. See how long it takes before you start having issues! I will bet it helps! Then you will know for sure!

June 28th, 2013, 11:48 AM	#14
LNasty Daily Jap rider Name: Lance Location: La Porte Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250r Posts: A lot.	I currently have my bike in dealership receiving a new tach, Have no idea what it looks like because Kawasaki sent a different one for them to put in because of their past issues with the original tachs. I recently put in a 15t front sprocket and it had made my rpm's what they should be when at a 14t but normal tach and cdi. I don't think this new tach will fix the issue but will see hopefully today

June 29th, 2013, 10:56 AM	#15
LNasty Daily Jap rider Name: Lance Location: La Porte Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250r Posts: A lot.	Going to pick bike up from dealer today. They installed new type of tach, supposedly it fixed the issue, will see.

July 1st, 2013, 01:20 PM	#19
LNasty Daily Jap rider Name: Lance Location: La Porte Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250r Posts: A lot.	After riding to work in 93 degree weather, I found that the new tach did not solve the issue. I am still showing 8500 rpm @ 60 mph in 6th and that is with a 15t sprocket in the front. Deciding if I will take it back for more work, but since its not really affecting any sort of performance with the bike I may not. If you take yours in let me know what they do and your results

July 16th, 2013, 02:21 PM	#20
CobraC ninjette.org newbie Name: Shawn Location: Austin Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): '08 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Posts: 1	I have the same problem. I had my bike serviced (new chain/front sprocket 14T). Verified front sprocket is 14T visually. After getting it back from the shop and rode for about 600-800miles(went out of town) and came home then lubed my new chain. Now have driven it another 400miles since i got home. Verified chain slack and everything. The only thing i've found out of place is possibly i need to replace the rear wheel cushions and do rear wheel alignment. The fact is i still have high rpm's like i changed to a 15T and I dont have a 15T. I can hear the engine top out at like 85-90 whereas before i could top out and redline at 95+. I also have incurred a wherring noise which wasnt there before either. It's frustrating cus the shop wants me to bring it back in but yet they dont want to cover anything even though theyre the ones who changed the sprocket/chain.