It rates the Trq @ 16lbs @10,000 rpms isn't the current 250 18lbs?

They don't give HP ratings though. If it actually lost some power I will just buy a bigger cc bike for my next bike.

And the compression ratio went down from 12.4:1 to 11.6:1

 

According to Kawasaki's site, here are the differences (2007 vs 2008):

Displacement: 248cc vs 249cc
Max Torque: 18.1 lb-ft @ 10,000 rpm vs16.0 lb-ft @ 10,000 rpm
Compression Ratio: 12.4:1 vs 11.6:1
Rake/Trail: 27°/3.3 in. vs 26°/3.3 in.
Front Tire Size: 100/80-16 vs 110/70-17
Rear Tire Size: 130/80-16 vs 130/70-17
Wheelbase: 55.1 in. vs 54.7 in.
Front Suspension / wheel travel: 36mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.5 in. vs 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork / TBD
Rear Suspension / wheel travel: Uni-Trak® with aluminum linkage / 5.1 in. vs Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® with 5-way adjustable preload / 5.1 in.
Rear Brake Type: Hydraulic disc vs Single 220mm petal disc with two-piston caliper
Seat Height: 29.3 in. vs 30.7 in
Dry Weight: 304 lb. vs 333 lbs.
Overall length: 80.0 in vs 81.9 in
Overall height: 43.1 in. vs 28.0 in (this is obviously a typo, though )

 

Hmm... if it really haslost hp and increased a little bit of weight (29 lbs), I'm sure that will put off a few people... although I'm not really sure if that difference would be TOO noticeable. What are your guys' thoughts?

I'm a little upset that it's a little taller than my current '07. I had to shave the seat down in order to get my feet on the floor. Curse these short legs!!!!

 

Sounds like the numbers are pretty close so I don't think alot of people will be rushing out to buy it based on that. IMHO it will be the updated styling that will sell it, but I think my Nin-jet looks great just like it is![sm=icon_rock.gif]

 

It's awesome looking but if the performance is less then I prob won't get one I will just move to a bigger bike. If the HP is up 5hp or more I might get another 250. The 2lbsof trq isn't that bad but if it dropped the HP is prob the same if not less also. Maybe use the piston from the old 250 engine to raise the compression

 

I wish I could move to a bigger bike... if only it weren't for my short legs. I know I can always mess around with the suspension ona bigger bike ... to accommodate my lack of height... but I'm a bit paranoid about messing with the stock suspension specs hehehe

 

Im 110lbs. and 5"8 do you think it will be able to zip me off. I don't know what those terms mean, and really don't feel like using dictionary.com.

 

Zip off as in have some get up and go. Then the answer is yes it moves pretty fast to 60mph about 6 seconds. I weigh 135lbs and the bike is pretty peppy.

 

Just keep what you have and go 40 over when it is time. Not a lot more, just enough.

 

Feeling a little disappointed myself. They gave the styling a big upgrade, but it seems like the engine has gotten weaker and the bike has gotten heavier! I was expecting team green to put a little more pep in the baby ninja's step. Especially considering what Kawasaki and other manufacturers have accomplished with 250cc. Kawi had the ZX-2R with 45hp, Honda had the CBR250RR which had 45hp and revved to 18000. Suzuki's GSX-R250 also had 45hp, as does the Yamaha FZR250. So why can't they give the new bike an engine they already know how to build?[:-]