Okay, so, let’s talk about this Kawasaki EX250 project I’ve been wrenching on. I picked up this older model, a ’98 I think it was, and it was in pretty rough shape, but I saw potential, you know? It’s got that classic Ninja look, but it definitely needed some serious love.
First thing I did was a full teardown. I mean, I took this thing apart down to the frame. Wanted to see exactly what I was dealing with. The engine, a 248cc parallel-twin, was surprisingly clean, but everything else? Let’s just say there was a lot of rust and grime.
- Tear it down: Got the bike stripped bare. It was a mess, but satisfying.
- Clean it up: Spent hours, probably days, just cleaning parts. Degreaser, wire brushes, the whole nine yards.
- Paint it fresh: Frame, swingarm, various brackets – all got a fresh coat of paint after proper prep. Makes a world of difference.
The engine, as I said, was in okay shape. I did a basic service—new oil, filters, spark plugs. Checked the valve clearances, they were within spec, which was a relief. This baby’s got a four-valve-per-cylinder setup, DOHC, so it’s a bit more complex than your average single-cylinder. The 6 speed transmission is smooth and easy to use.
The fun part was finding parts. Some were easy to source, but others? Man, I was scouring forums and online shops for weeks. I finally found a decent set of used carbs, and after a thorough cleaning and rebuild, they were good as new.
Putting it all back together was like solving a giant, greasy puzzle. But seeing that engine nestled back in the freshly painted frame? That’s a good feeling. New tires, new brakes, new chain and sprockets – basically, anything that was worn out got replaced.
The moment of truth came when I finally got to fire it up. After a few cranks, that little 250 twin roared to life. Music to my ears, I tell you. I was pretty damn proud when it successfully started. It’s not the fastest bike out there, only about 36 horsepower and 18 foot-pounds of torque, but it’s light and nimble, perfect for zipping around town.
I’ve been riding it for a few weeks now, and it’s a blast. It’s a reminder that you don’t need a brand-new, super-expensive bike to have fun. Sometimes, a little elbow grease and a lot of patience can turn an old beater into something special. This project taught me a ton, and I’m already itching to start on another one. Maybe a bigger Ninja next time? We’ll see.
