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theycallmeebryan · 05-02-2009, 07:59 PM

Hello all. My first post here. I have been browsing the boards for quite a long time.

I bought a completely stock 2003 Kawasaki Ninja 250 in summer of 2008 (with 885 miles on it!) and have been riding it as much as possible in order to save on gas. I commute primarily on the highway to college and to work, so the bike most of its life is ridden at 75-80mph.

Here is a gas log since i have bought the bike:

Aerodynamically, the bike is stock.

The stock final drive on the Ninja 250 is 3.21. On 07/16/08 i installed a 15 tooth front sprocket to lower the final drive to 3.00. At the same time, i replaced the tires with taller profile touring tires (effectively also making the gears taller). Stock, the ninja 250 speedo (and likewise odometer) read about 8-10% more than actual. With the new tires, that error was brought within 1% roughly.

On 08/26/08 i installed a 39 tooth rear sprocket, lowering the final drive to 2.60. The bike has just enough power to keep me going at highway speeds. Above 60mph i always ride in a tucked position (i have mastered a comfortable tuck that i can sustain for over an hour straight). At 75-80mph, Even raising my head up from behind the stock windscreen drops my speed about 2-3mph with a constant throttle position.

I would also like to note that the 3 60's mpg points in my log reflect fuel periods with "Spirited driving" with a group of friends. I think its pretty neat that I can pilot the little ninja more aggressive than normal, yet still yield over 60mpg.

05-02-2009, 07:59 PM	#71 (permalink)
theycallmeebryan Master EcoModder Join Date: May 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 389 2003 Ninja EX250 - '03 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 90 day: 78.57 mpg (US) Saturn - '99 Saturn SL1 Base 90 day: 47.27 mpg (US) Thanks: 25 Thanked 58 Times in 37 Posts	Hello all. My first post here. I have been browsing the boards for quite a long time. I bought a completely stock 2003 Kawasaki Ninja 250 in summer of 2008 (with 885 miles on it!) and have been riding it as much as possible in order to save on gas. I commute primarily on the highway to college and to work, so the bike most of its life is ridden at 75-80mph. Here is a gas log since i have bought the bike: Aerodynamically, the bike is stock. The stock final drive on the Ninja 250 is 3.21. On 07/16/08 i installed a 15 tooth front sprocket to lower the final drive to 3.00. At the same time, i replaced the tires with taller profile touring tires (effectively also making the gears taller). Stock, the ninja 250 speedo (and likewise odometer) read about 8-10% more than actual. With the new tires, that error was brought within 1% roughly. On 08/26/08 i installed a 39 tooth rear sprocket, lowering the final drive to 2.60. The bike has just enough power to keep me going at highway speeds. Above 60mph i always ride in a tucked position (i have mastered a comfortable tuck that i can sustain for over an hour straight). At 75-80mph, Even raising my head up from behind the stock windscreen drops my speed about 2-3mph with a constant throttle position. I would also like to note that the 3 60's mpg points in my log reflect fuel periods with "Spirited driving" with a group of friends. I think its pretty neat that I can pilot the little ninja more aggressive than normal, yet still yield over 60mpg.