Okay, so I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the Kawasaki Ninja 250 and its horsepower. I decided to dig in and see what I could find out, and maybe even boost it a little. Here’s what I did.
First, Some Baseline Info
I started by looking up the stock specs. From what I gathered, the Ninja 250 usually puts out somewhere around 32 horsepower, depending on the year and model. It’s not a superbike, obviously, but it’s a respectable amount for a smaller bike.
Digging Deeper
Next, I wanted to see if I could get a more accurate reading, and maybe figure out ways to bump it up a bit. So I had a game plan, here is:
- Checked the Air Filter:A dirty air filter can really choke an * it was filthy, it will replaced with a new, high-flow filter.
- Looked at the Exhaust:The stock exhaust can be pretty * with a full system for maximum flow.
- Fuel Management:If I’m messing with the air and exhaust,I got to adjust the fuel to match. A fuel controller, like a Power Commander.
The Process
First,I removed the old air filter and replaced by a new one.
Then,I replaced the stock exhaust system with a lighter, less restrictive aftermarket system. This often involves removing the old system and carefully installing the new one, making sure everything is aligned and tightened correctly.
After that,I installed a fuel controller.
Did It Work?
After all that work, the seat-of-the-pants dyno definitely felt a difference! It’s hard to say exactly how much more power I got without a real dyno run (maybe I’ll do that sometime). But the throttle response was snappier, and it definitely felt like it pulled harder through the revs. I think it was a worthwhile project!
Important Note: I should mention, modifying your bike can void your warranty, and it might not even be legal in your area, depending on emissions rules and stuff. So, you know, do your research before you start wrenching!
