View source for I have a 1986-1987 model. What's different?

[[Category:New Riders]]
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So, you have a 1986-1987 Ninja 250. 
What’s the difference? 

==The Body== 

====Fairings and Plastics====

The fairings on the 1986 and 1987 ninja are completely different from the 1988 and up models, including the “fairing stay” bracket that bolts from the frame and holds on the plastic panels. Fairings are not interchangeable and frankly the 1986 and 87 model plastics look much better then the ’88 and up. Consider yourself lucky and stick with the original plastic. I do not know of any aftermarket source for 87 plastics. 
Since this model was only released in the USA for two years, a few decades ago, chances are that your fairings are pretty jacked up. It gets better; I have never seen a good set of fairings that weren’t repaired for this model ninja. You should plan on doing some body work if you want your ninja to look its best. It’s not too hard and if you do it yourself it’s not expensive either. I prefer fiberglass for my plastic repairs but there are many options available. I use fiberglass because its cheap, does not require any special tools and it’s easy to use. The Cons of fiberglass are that it is heavy and will not flex like plastic, generally this is not a big deal unless you are using a massive amount of fiberglass. The pro’s use a technique called plastic welding, which is expensive and requires special tools and not as strong as fiberglass. However plastic welding is just as light as plastic and requires no drying time so it can be done at the track between races. 

====Windshield====

The 1986-87 windshields are different from the 88 and up bikes, mostly because the fairings are different. It is also very small and largely ineffective as a windshield. A larger replacement windshield used to be available, made by [http://www.targa-acc.com/ Targa]. SKU: 24-952S-TG. It seems that this screen is no longer being made. I purchased mine for like $60, and overall I am happy with it. Because of the longer windshield and the angle that it points some riders may find that when pointing the wheel all the way to the right, depending on how they have the clutch lever set up the windshield may obstruct movement. It’s really only a problem when backing up and turning, like when you back out of the driveway and on to the street.

====Mirrors====

Mirrors are usually one of the first things to go on a motorcycle because they stick out the farthest and are the first thing to hit the ground. On my 87 ninja I took some mirrors from an 88 and up bike and purchased some longer bolts from my local hardware store to make them fit. The 88 and up mirrors are a lot easier to adjust and I prefer them to the 86-87 design. By just using longer bolts there is a gap between the fairing and the mirror base so the look is not perfect. However the mirrors base can be trimmed to achieve a stock look and eliminate the gap. 

====Seats====

The 1986-1987 ninja 250 uses two seats instead of one dual seat found on the 88 and up model. If you have the seat at all I suggest that you just get it reupholstered and re-padded. I took both of my seats and the knee grips down to a custom upholstery shop in town and had them all re-foamed and reupholstered with black marine vinyl for $200. It makes a big difference and is a lot more comfortable then stock. One thing I had done differently was to cover the screw holes on the knee grips. This makes the panels completely smooth. To properly secure the panels simply attach some heavy duty Velcro to both sides of the mounting points and stick it on. Because of the bikes aerodynamics the panels will not get blown off, even at speeds over 100mph. The panel is also a lot easier to remove so troubleshooting on the side of the road is possible without using any tools.
 
====Instrument cluster====

Since the 1986-87 model has a different fairing stay bracket and fairings naturally a different instrument cluster is in order.  It has all of the same gauges as the 88 and up model but is shaped differently to closer match the fairing lines.

====Handlebars====

The handlebar risers on a 1986-87 are not as tall and point more outwards then the 88 and up models.  DANGER the handlebar part number is the same for 1986-87 as 1988 and up bikes but they are NOT interchangeable.  If you order handlebar risers make sure that the vendor knows its for a 1986-87 model and that the part numbers are the same.  The actual handlebar is interchangeable

==The Brakes==

====Rotor==== 

This was one of the hardest things to deal with so far but now that I have done all the leg work it should be easier from now on. You will find that most major distributors have your rotor listed as EBC part number MD4031LS and they may even list it as available. THIS ROTOR DOES NOT EXIST.

EBC discontinued it years ago and never removed it from their catalog, so all the distributors think they can get it and list it, and will even quote a price. I contacted EBC and they agreed to take my old rotor and re-produce it, and for my cooperation receive a free one. I mailed my rotor off to England and they found that it has the same specs as the left rotor on a GPZ550 for a few years around 1984. The model number is MD4002LS and this rotor is available for purchase. Since EBC is such a cool company they sent me a free rotor anyway. So, use front rotor EBC # MD4002LS. This is now listed in the 2008 [http://www.ebcbrakes.com/motorcycle.html EBC catalog pdf] for the EX250 E1/E2 Ninja.

====Brake Pads==== 

Pads are pretty easy to get for the 1986-1987 Ninja 250. The front pads are the same model that some larger bikes use for the rear brake, so there are still a lot of options. The original author of this article likes the [http://cyclebrakes.com/html/galfer_brake_pads.html Galfer green] brake pads. He feels they are more rotor-friendly. General [[What replacement pads should I consider?|FAQ recommendations]] are for sintered pads in the front. 

'''Part #s'''

*Kawasaki 

:Front: 43082-1062 
:Rear:  43082-1062
 
*EBC

:Front Organic: FA85 Front Sintered: FA85HH
:Rear Organic: FA85 Rear Sintered: FA85HH

*Galfer

:Call [http://cyclebrakes.com/index.html Cycle Brakes] for assistance.

====Calipers, lines and Master Cylinder==== 

I suggest that when re-doing your brakes purchase a rebuild kit for your Caliper and master Cylinder. Rebuilding will make your brake parts perform like they did when they were new without “overbuilding” your brakes to the point that you loose gradual stopping power. The lines can be replaced but I have yet to find a source for pre-made hoses other then the stock originals. However there are many sources that will gladly build you some custom lines for not much more then off the shelf lines if you let them copy your old ones.

====Gearing====
 
The 86-87 models came geared more suitable for freeway cruising. The rear sprocket was a 42 tooth instead of the 45 tooth that came stock 88 and up. With this gearing a stock 1987 ninja 250 would have an estimated top speed of 112MPH and cruise the freeway at 70MPH running about 9500RPM. In town the 87 feels sluggish compared to later models but on the freeway it cruises right at the beginning of its power band  (different cam and carbs, keep reading)so it’s got more room for acceleration. I have yet to confirm it but I believe the same aftermarket gears bolt right on so you have the same choices as everyone else if you decide to change the gear ratio 

====Shocks====
 
The Rear shock on a 1986-1987 is the exact same shock as on the ninja 500, that’s right the adjustable one that everyone buys and installs as an upgrade. the 86-87 model came with it stock 
    
==The Motor==

====Carburetors====

The 1986-87 models came equipped stock with 32mm carbs vs. the 30mm that came stock with 88 and up models.  The larger carbs were downsized in 1988 to make the bike more friendly to drive around town.  If you plan on getting K&N filter pods make sure you get the correct size

====Camshafts====

From the years 1986-1992 the cam has 280 degrees of duration meaning that the valves are open longer.  On this particular engine this provides more top end power at the expense of mid range.  My bike feels like it really starts pulling at 9k RPM, pulls all the way to 14k and that’s a blast; it feels sluggish off the line unless you slip the clutch and keep the RPM high.  1993-later model cams have 272 degrees of duration, they have better low and mid range power.  They seem to be better suited for in town driving.  Cam timing is different as well with the 1986-87 being timed at 38 degrees compared to 42 degrees on later models.  On all models the timing is static and its not practical to attempt adjusting it

====Valves====

The valves as far as I can tell are the same length and size but this is unconfirmed.  I do know that the valves and valve seats are softer and run out of clearance faster on the 1986-87 then later models.  I find myself adjusting valves every season or 3000 miles.  It would probably go longer but I always find at least one valve out of spec at 3k

====Electronics====

The stator cover (left motor cover)has different pick up coils, if you want to use a newer CDI / wiring harness on a 1986-87 motor you must change the stator cover to match.  Also the plug is the same for 88 to 94 model wiring harnesses but they are wired differently so you will have to reconfigure the plug for it to work.  1994 and up wiring harnesses have a anti-hotwire mechanism that will have to be bypassed in order for it to work on an early motor

====Exhaust====

The stock exhaust is pretty close to the 88 and up models but when buying a Muzzys exhaust for earlier models it’s a different part number.  I haven’t confirmed it but I believe there is a difference in one of the mounting points.

====Engine swapping====

This is pretty much beyond the scope of the FAQ, but we can give you some hints and point you in the right direction. We would normally tell you to consult the service manual, but it is not really much help when describing the flywheel removal/replacement, which is the complicated part.

You can swap any '88-07 (F series) engine into an '86-87 (E series) chassis by swapping the alternator cover and flywheel from the older engine to the newer engine. By swapping the alternator covers you swap out the wiring and ignition pick up coils.

Once you remove the alternator cover on the 250, the flywheel is one bolt and a few special tools away. ''But'', it does require (on a 1 to 10 scale) a 7+ skill/confidence level. So, if you don't have the kind of experience needed for this, the simplest way may be to take both engines (with alternator covers removed) to any decent automotive or motorcycle mechanic and ask them to swap flywheels. It should cost less than 1/2 hour labor for this work, depending.

Here are some guidelines if you decide to go at this yourself: When the alternator cover is removed, the flywheel is exposed. In order to swap flywheels, you will need three 'special' tools, usually rentable at a local tools/equipment place:

1. A gear puller with (minimum) 8 inch jaws and 8 inches of reach. Example: [http://www.posilock.com/ManPullers/man108opt.htm Posi Lock model 108] or Kawasaki tool part #57001-1223

[[image:Posi-Lock108.jpg|90px]]
[[image:flywheel.jpg|150px]]

2. A tool for holding the flywheel while you apply torque to the flywheel bolt. Example: [http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/jhtml/detail.jhtml?prodId=IrwinProd100322 Vice-Grip model 20R] or Kawasaki #57001-1222

[[image:20r.jpg|150px]]

3. A good torque wrench, capable of 51 ft-lbs (69 N-m) torque, for flywheel bolt replacement.

====Clutch cover====

On a related note, the -E series clutch cover (right side engine cover) is different than the cover on the -F series, but it is not necessary to swap it. You can identify an -E series clutch cover because it is mostly flat, whereas the -F series shows the outline of the clutch actuator (the one which pushes on the clutch push rod when you pull the clutch lever). 

The functional differences between the two covers are that the the -E series one will slightly rub your boot when using the brake lever and eventually wear the paint off. Additionally, the -E series cover will leave an area of unpainted -F engine showing about 1/5 the size of a dime near the oil sight glass, and the -E series cover contains a noise dampener which the -F series does not. That is why the cover on the -E is a little bigger and has the flat area. One member has had an -E series cover on his -F14 for several years now.  

[[Image:87 EX250.JPG|500px]]


Note: This is my compilation of data that I have accumulated over the years of owning my 1987 ninja 250.  Most of it wouldn’t have been possible without the www.ninja250.org forum and its resident experts such as Wes, Motorman, Iron Craig and Jim Race. If you know someone with a 1986-87 ex250 please forward this to them, I promise it will save a few headaches.