Kawasaki Ninja 250R (EX250J) — Example photo: Holger 1983, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons

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Kawasaki · Shim-adjusted overhead-cam four-stroke, wet sump, gearbox shares engine oil, chain drive

Ninja 250R (EX250J)

Library entry covers 2008-2012

52 factory 27 guideline

Published source

Kawasaki Ninja 250R Service Manual, Periodic Maintenance Chart 2-3 to 2-5

Factory workshop manual. Covers 2008-2012 (EX250K8F manual).

79 items for a 2009 model, grouped by interval the way a factory chart is laid out.

How this bike is built (what the schedule is based on)

Engine cycle: Four-stroke
Engine lubrication: Wet sump (oil in crankcase)
Oil filtration: Replaceable cartridge or spin-on filter
Valve gear: Overhead cam, shim adjusted (incl. desmo)
Ignition: Electronic (CDI / transistor / ECU)
Charging: Alternator / stator with rectifier
Battery: Wet cell (flooded lead-acid, needs topping up)
Fuel system: Two or more carburetors
Cooling: Liquid cooled
Primary drive: Gear or chain inside engine, shares engine oil
Gearbox oil: Shares engine oil
Clutch control: Hand lever, cable
Final drive: Chain
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Swingarm, single shock / cantilever
Front brake: Disc, hydraulic
Rear brake: Disc, hydraulic
Wheels: Cast / alloy, tubeless
Sidecar: No sidecar

Maintenance schedule

2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (EX250J)

On the road: every 200 mi

1 item

Check engine oil level

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Each fuel stop on old machines. Dry sump: check the tank hot, engine idling or just stopped, per your manual.

On the road: every 300 mi

2 items

Check lights, horn, brake light switches

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline
Check tire pressures

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

On the road: every 400 mi

1 item

Lubricate drive chain

Pre-ride / on the road

Factory

Manual: Drive chain lubrication condition - inspect. Factory: Every 600 km (400 mile)

On the road: every 500 mi

1 item

Check coolant level

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

On the road: every 600 mi

1 item

Check chain slack and rear wheel alignment

Pre-ride / on the road

Factory

Manual: Drive chain slack - inspect. Factory: Every 1 000 km (600 mile)

Every 1,000 mi or 6 months

1 item

Inspect tire tread, sidewalls and date codes

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Every 3,000 mi or 12 months

5 items

Clean fuel tap filter / sediment bowl

Fuel and air

Guideline
Clean drive chain thoroughly (remove and soak, re-lube)

Final drive

Guideline

Non O-ring chains on old machines: remove, clean, soak in hot chain grease or lube, refit with the master link clip closed end leading.
Inspect fork seals, stanchions and fork boots

Front end

Guideline
Check footrests, pegs, rear brake and gear lever pivots

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Grease and check center / side stand and springs

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline

Every 3,728 mi

1 item

Check brake pads and discs

Brakes

Factory

Manual: Brake pad wear - inspect. Factory: Every column from 6,000 km

Every 4,000 mi or 6 months

1 item

Brake fluid level - inspect

Brakes

Factory

Factory: As printed: Every 6 months; marks at 1 (0.6), 6 (4), 12 (7.5), 18 (12), 24 (15), 30 (20), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))

Every 4,000 mi or 12 months

6 items

Inspect, clean and gap spark plugs

Engine

Guideline
Adjust clutch free play, lubricate cable and lever pivot

Primary and gearbox

Guideline
Brake fluid leak (brake hose and pipe) - inspect

Brakes

Factory

Factory: As printed: Every year; marks at 1 (0.6), 6 (4), 12 (7.5), 18 (12), 24 (15), 30 (20), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Brake hose and pipe damage - inspect

Brakes

Factory

Factory: As printed: Every year; marks at 1 (0.6), 6 (4), 12 (7.5), 18 (12), 24 (15), 30 (20), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Brake hose installation condition - inspect

Brakes

Factory

Factory: As printed: Every year; marks at 1 (0.6), 6 (4), 12 (7.5), 18 (12), 24 (15), 30 (20), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Brake operation (effectiveness, play, no drag) - inspect

Brakes

Factory

Factory: As printed: Every year; marks at 1 (0.6), 6 (4), 12 (7.5), 18 (12), 24 (15), 30 (20), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))

Every 4,000 mi

1 item

Brake light switch operation - inspect

Brakes

Factory

Factory: As printed: marks at 1 (0.6), 6 (4), 12 (7.5), 18 (12), 24 (15), 30 (20), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))

Every 6,000 mi or 12 months

5 items

Clean carburetor float bowl(s), check float level and jets

Fuel and air

Guideline

Ethanol fuel varnishes old carbs quickly in storage.
Check charging voltage and regulator / cut-out

Ignition and electrics

Guideline
Check swingarm bushes for play

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Inspect rear shocks for leaks and damping

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Lubricate speedometer / tachometer cables, check drive

Controls and cables

Guideline

A dry speedo cable whips the needle and eventually kills the instrument.

Every 7,500 mi or 12 months

18 items

Change engine oil

Engine

Factory

Manual: Engine oil - change. Factory: Initial 1,000 km (600 mi); then every 12,000 km (7,500 mi) or year
Coolant leak (water hose and pipe) - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: As printed: Every year; marks at 1 (0.6), 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Engine stop switch operation - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: As printed: Every year; marks at 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Headlight aiming - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: As printed: Every year; marks at 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Lights and switches operation - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: As printed: Every year; marks at 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Replace oil filter

Engine

Factory

Manual: Oil filter - replace. Factory: Initial 1,000 km (600 mi); replaced with oil
Water hose damage - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: As printed: Every year; marks at 1 (0.6), 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Water hose installation condition - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: As printed: Every year; marks at 1 (0.6), 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Check throttle cable(s) free play and return

Fuel and air

Factory

Manual: Throttle control system - inspect. Factory: Initial 1,000 km; then 12,000 km or year
Fuel hose and pipe damage - inspect

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: As printed: Every year; marks at 1 (0.6), 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Fuel hose and pipe installation condition - inspect

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: As printed: Every year; marks at 1 (0.6), 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Fuel leak (fuel hose and pipe) - inspect

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: As printed: Every year; marks at 1 (0.6), 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Check steering head bearing adjustment

Front end

Factory

Manual: Steering play - inspect. Factory: Initial 1,000 km; then 12,000 km or year
Front forks/rear shock absorber oil leak - inspect

Front end

Factory

Factory: As printed: Every year; marks at 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Sidestand switch operation - inspect

Rear suspension and frame

Factory

Factory: As printed: Every year; marks at 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Check wheel bearings for play

Wheels and tires

Factory

Manual: Wheel bearing damage - inspect. Factory: 12,000 km or year
Tire air pressure - inspect

Wheels and tires

Factory

Factory: As printed: Every year; marks at 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Lubricate control cables and lever pivots

Controls and cables

Factory

Manual: Chassis parts - lubricate. Factory: 12,000 km or year

Every 7,500 mi

16 items

Air suction system damage - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: As printed: marks at 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Bolts and nuts tightness - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: As printed: marks at 1 (0.6), 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Check valve clearances (shim adjusted)

Engine

Factory

Manual: Valve clearance - inspect. Factory: Marked at 12/24/36 x1000 km (7.5/15/24 x1000 mi)
Coolant level - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: As printed: marks at 1 (0.6), 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Idle speed - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: As printed: marks at 1 (0.6), 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Replace spark plugs

Engine

Factory

Manual: Spark plug - replace. Factory: Marked at 12/24/36/48 x1000 km
Tie-rods operation - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: Printed per the re-read doubt: Tie-rods operation - inspect is a separate row from Rocker arm operation, marked at 12/24/36 (x 1 000 km), 7.5/15/24 (x 1 000 mile), taken as every 12,000 km (7,500 mi), same as the existing entry. (From the re-read doubt notes: Kawasaki Ninja 250R (EX250J), printed line or second operation stated in the DOUBT line.)
Clean / inspect air filter

Fuel and air

Factory

Manual: Air cleaner element - clean. Factory: Marked at 12/24/36 x1000 km
Synchronize carburetors

Fuel and air

Factory

Manual: Engine vacuum synchronization - inspect. Factory: Marked at 12/24/36 x1000 km
Clutch operation (play, disengagement, engagement) - inspect

Primary and gearbox

Factory

Factory: As printed: marks at 1 (0.6), 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Chain guide wear - inspect

Final drive

Factory

Factory: As printed: marks at 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Inspect chain and sprockets for wear (measure stretch)

Final drive

Factory

Manual: Drive chain wear - inspect. Factory: Marked at 12/24/36 x1000 km
Front forks/rear shock absorber operation (damping and smooth stroke) - inspect

Front end

Factory

Factory: As printed: marks at 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Clean and grease rear suspension linkage

Rear suspension and frame

Factory

Manual: Rocker arm operation - inspect. Factory: Marked at 12/24/36 x1000 km
Tire tread wear, abnormal wear - inspect

Wheels and tires

Factory

Factory: As printed: marks at 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))
Wheel/tire damage - inspect

Wheels and tires

Factory

Factory: As printed: marks at 12 (7.5), 24 (15), 36 (24) (x 1 000 km (x 1 000 mile))

Every 10,000 mi or 2 years

1 item

Compression test (or leak-down)

Engine

Guideline

Every 14,913 mi or 2 years

1 item

Replace brake fluid

Brakes

Factory

Manual: Brake fluid - change. Factory: 2 years; marked at 24,000 and 48,000 km

Every 15,000 mi or 2 years

1 item

Repack / replace steering head bearings

Front end

Factory

Manual: Steering stem bearings - lubricate. Factory: 2 years; marked at 24,000 km

Every 15,000 mi or 3 years

1 item

Change fork oil

Front end

Guideline

Some early telescopic forks are grease filled or use very small oil quantities. Check your manual.

Every 15,000 mi

1 item

Grease swingarm pivot

Rear suspension and frame

Factory

Manual: Swingarm pivot - lubricate. Factory: Marked at 24,000 km only

Every 18,000 mi

1 item

Replace chain and sprockets (wear based)

Final drive

Guideline

Every 20,000 mi or 4 years

1 item

Repack / replace wheel bearings

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Cup-and-cone and taper roller hubs need periodic repacking and adjustment.

Every 22,369 mi or 3 years

2 items

Inspect coolant hoses and clamps

Engine

Factory

Manual: Radiator hose and O-ring - replace. Factory: 3 years; marked at 36,000 km
Replace coolant

Engine

Factory

Manual: Coolant - change. Factory: 3 years or 36,000 km (24,000 mi) mark

Every 25,000 mi or 6 years

1 item

Replace swingarm bushes / bearings

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline

Every 29,826 mi or 4 years

3 items

Replace fuel lines

Fuel and air

Factory

Manual: Fuel hose - replace. Factory: 4 years; marked at 48,000 km
Inspect brake hoses; replace old rubber

Brakes

Factory

Manual: Brake hose and pipe - replace. Factory: 4 years; marked at 48,000 km
Rebuild calipers and master cylinders (seals)

Brakes

Factory

Manual: Rubber parts of master cylinder and caliper - replace. Factory: 4 years; marked at 48,000 km

Every 30,000 mi or 6 years

1 item

Rebuild forks: seals, bushes, springs

Front end

Guideline

Every 6 months

1 item

Clean battery terminals, check charge and strap

Ignition and electrics

Guideline

Every 2 years

3 items

Replace air filter element

Fuel and air

Factory

Manual: Air cleaner element - replace. Factory: Replacement chart: 2 years, no odometer mark
Inspect wiring, bullet connectors and ground points

Ignition and electrics

Guideline
Inspect frame, welds and lugs for cracks

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline

Every 6 years

1 item

Replace tires on age (regardless of tread)

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Guideline lines: Intervals here are general guidelines for the machine's era and layout, compiled for this app. They are not factory manual figures. Check your workshop manual, and edit any interval in the bike's Schedule tab.