2001 Kawasaki Ninja's

2001 KAWASAKI NINJA® 500R
Balanced Performance
The Kawasaki Ninja® 500R sportbike provides performance approaching that of larger displacement machines for experienced riders, while entry-level riders will find its low seat height and smooth, predictable power and handling confidence-inspiring.

Powered by a liquid-cooled, in-line twin cylinder four-stroke engine with dual overhead cams actuating four valves per cylinder, the NINJA 500 delivers power that is ideal for helping novice riders gain confidence. And although the powerband may be novice friendly, this doesn’t mean experienced riders won’t find the 500R inspiring. At higher revs this engine produces surprising performance that lets seasoned riders take command.

What makes the NINJA 500R a real blast on any road is the light weight and compact design that contribute to its great handling characteristics. It has the same Kawasaki UNI-TRAK® progressive rear suspension system found on the larger-displacement NINJA models and is finished in classic NINJA motorcycle styling with an aerodynamic fairing, easy-to-read instrumentation, pop-up bungee hooks and a coolant temperature gauge. The NINJA 500R also gets ZX-7R styled turn signals, taillight and mirrors, and the headlight and handlebar switches from the ZX-6E model.

The Kawasaki Ninja® 500R is one of the most versatile sportbikes on the road as well as one of the best buys in motorcycling. Combining versatile power, comfort and affordability with distinctive Kawasaki sportbike styling, the NINJA 500R offers sportbike buyers an attractive choice in Kawasaki performance.

2001 NINJA® 500R FEATURES
Twin-Cylinder 498cc Engine
- Compact parallel twin design
- Superior engineering produces sport bike power with broad usable torque
- Good mass centralization for superior handling
Liquid Cooling
- More even running temperatures mean no “power fade” on hot days and longer engine life
- Allows closer engine tolerances for more horsepower
- Includes temperature gauge
- Auxiliary cooling fan maintains optimum temperature for best performance, fuel economy and reliability
Four Valves per Cylinder
- Better breathing for more power at high rpm
- Compact combustion chamber for increased compression ratio without detonation on today’s gasolines
- Boosts low-end torque
- Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow
34mm CVK Semi-Flat Slide Carburetors
- Precise fuel metering assures uniform power delivery at all engine speeds
- Quick throttle response
Digital Ignition
- Microprocessor-controlled timing, never needs adjustment; ultra-responsive to engine need.
Six-Speed Transmission
- Allows engine’s full potential to be utilized
- Provides excellent acceleration and relaxed highway cruising
Positive Neutral Finder
- Just lift the shift pedal from first at a stop to find neutral easily, every time
- A Kawasaki exclusive
Standard Half Fairing
- Offers good rider wind protection for more comfort
- Incorporates large, easy-to-read instruments with twin resettable trip meters
Standard Lower Fairing
- Completes the Ninja style and image
Double-Cradle Steel Box-Section Frame
- State-of-the-art, high-tensile steel, perimeter frame
- Light in weight with superior rigidity for more precise handling and better control
- Center stand also included for convenience
37mm Front Fork
- Large diameter fork tubes with thin walls for light weight and exceptional rigidity
Single Disc Front Brake with Dual-Piston Caliper
- Disc is drilled for better cooling and reduced unsprung weight
- Dual-piston caliper increases braking effectiveness
Rear Disc Brake
- Powerful and controllable
- Single-piston caliper is mounted without a torque rod like the ZX-9R
Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® Rear Suspension
- Lowers the center of gravity for better handling
- Progressive rate provides a smoother, more controlled ride
- Lightweight aluminum components provide quick suspension response
17-inch Wheels
- Wide, modern 17-inch rims fit low-profile, high-performance tires

2001 NINJA® 500R SPECIFICATIONS
Engine	4-stroke, DOHC, parallel twin
Displacement	498cc
Bore x Stroke	74.0 x 58.0mm
Cooling	Liquid
Carburetion	Keihin CVK34 x 2
Ignition	Digital
Transmission	6-speed
Frame	High tensile steel, perimeter design
Rake/trail	27 degrees/3.6 in.
Suspension type, front	37mm hydraulic telescopic fork
Suspension type, rear	UNI-TRAK® system with single shock
Wheel travel, front	5.1 in.
Wheel travel, rear	3.9 in.
Tire, front	110/70x17 tubeless
Tire, rear	130/70x17 tubeless
Brakes, front/rear	Hydraulic disc/Disc
Overall length	82.5 in.
Overall width	27.6 in.
Overall height	45.7 in.
Ground Clearance	4.7 in.
Seat height	30.5 in.
Dry weight	388 lbs.
Fuel capacity	4.8 gal.
Wheelbase	56.5 in.
Color(s)	Metallic Violet Royal/Gray Stone
M.S.R.P. (USA)	$5,099
*Specifications subject to change.

2001 KAWASAKI NINJA® 250R
The Sportbike Starting Point
With a high-output engine nestled in a lightweight, compact chassis, the Kawasaki NINJA® 250R sportbike makes a perfect starting point for budding motorcyclists. The Ninja 250R offers the legendary performance and aggressive styling that only a Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle can provide at an economical price, making it the ideal choice for new sportbike enthusiasts.

Powered by a liquid-cooled, in-line twin cylinder four-stroke engine with dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, the NINJA 250R delivers smooth, predictable power that is ideal for those just starting out. More experienced riders can find the NINJA 250R’s performance inspiring with its 14,000 rpm redline and six-speed transmission.

What makes this NINJA motorcycle a real joy for any rider is its light weight and compact design. It has a confidence-inspiring low seat height, convenient electric starting and a Kawasaki UNI-TRAK® progressive rear suspension system similar to that found on the larger-displacement NINJA models. It is finished in classic NINJA motorcycle styling with an aerodynamic fairing, easy-to-read instrumentation, pop-up bungee hooks and a coolant temperature gauge.

Combining Kawasaki NINJA® performance at a great price, the NINJA 250R makes a perfect starting point for budding motorcyclists who want the legendary performance only a Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle can offer, and all in an economical package.

2001 NINJA®250R FEATURES AND ADVANTAGES
Twin-Cylinder 248cc Engine
- Compact parallel twin design
- Light weight, high revving, with a broad torque curve
- Usable power, simple for reliability, durability
- Good mass centralization for superior handling
- Oil level window allows easy and accurate inspection
Liquid Cooling
- More even running temperatures for long engine life, no “power fade” on hot days
- Allows tighter engine clearances for quieter running
- Includes temperature gauge
- Engine is maintained at optimum temperature for best performance, fuel economy, and reliability
Four Valves per Cylinder
- Better breathing for more power at high rpm
- Compact combustion chamber for increased compression ratio without detonation on today’s gasolines
- Boosts low end torque
- Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow
High Velocity Induction Technology (H.I.TEC)
- Provides a smooth flow of air to the carburetors for maximum top-end
- Carburetor and intake port diameters are sized for quicker mid-range throttle response
Silent Cam Chain
- Low friction coating on chain guides reduces wear, increases power
- Runs quietly, reliably
Automatic Cam Chain Tensioner
- Keeps timing “spot-on” without maintenance and promotes greater reliability
Six-Speed Transmission
- Allows engine’s full potential to be used
- Provides excellent acceleration
- Relaxed highway cruising
Positive Neutral Finder
- Just lift the pedal from first at a stop to find neutral easily
- A Kawasaki exclusive
Bottom-Link UNI-TRAK® Rear Suspension
- Lowers the center of gravity for better handling
- Progressive rate provides a smoother, more controlled ride
Handlebar Mounted Choke
- Convenient location makes starting and warm-up easier
Diamond Frame
- Lightweight, high-tensile steel for amazing rigidity
- No down tubes for lower engine placement, lower center of gravity
- Good ground and cornering clearance
Single Disc B.A.C. Front Brake
- Balanced Actuation Caliper front disc brake for excellent feel and long pad wear
Single Disc Dual-Piston Rear Brake
- Powerful, reliable, controllable stopping power
Centerstand and Sidestand
- Permits easy parking, cleaning or servicing
4.8 Gallon Fuel Tank
- Incredible range is great for commuting

2001 NINJA® 250R SPECIFICATIONS
Engine	4-stroke, DOHC, 8-valve parallel twin
Displacement	248cc
Bore x Stroke	62.0 x 41.2mm
Cooling	Liquid
Carburetion	Keihin CVK30 x 2
Ignition	Electronic CDI
Transmission	6-speed
Frame	Tubular Diamond design
Rake/trail	27 degrees/3.3 in.
Suspension type, front	Hydraulic telescopic fork
Suspension type, rear	UNI-TRAK® system with single shock
Wheel travel, front	5.5 in.
Wheel travel, rear	5.1 in.
Tire, front	100/80x16
Tire, rear	130/80x16
Brakes, front/rear	Hydraulic disc/Disc
Overall length	80.1 in.
Overall width	28.0 in.
Overall height	43.1 in.
Ground Clearance	6.1 in.
Seat height	29.3 in.
Dry weight	304 lbs.
Fuel capacity	4.8 gal.
Wheelbase	55.1 in.
Color(s)	Firecracker Red/Ebony, Lime Green/Metallic Blue Violet
M.S.R.P. (USA)	$3,299
*Specifications subject to change.