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"   If you&amp;#039;re feeling the pain at the pump but just can&amp;#039;t see yourself in a four-wheeled eco machine, there are plenty of efficient two-wheelers to help you choose the right bike to save a few bucks scooting around town. Just about every sport bike offers both spectacular performance and decent mileage. But the most effective way to be like a hypermiler on a motorcycle is to choose a bike with a small displacement engine and a light weight\u2014characteristics crystallized in the pint-sized Kawasaki Ninja 250R we rode recently.   The Ninja 250R is playfully referred to as the Ninjette, and has been considered one of the better beginner bikes since its introduction over 20 years ago. This year&amp;#039;s redesign is radical, with new bodywork, more power, beefed up brakes, and\u2014most tellingly\u2014the inclusion of a gas gauge. The Ninja 250R is a great commuter bike for those willing to trade some horsepower for fuel efficiency. Best of all, the Ninja is priced at only $3499. \u2014Basem Wasef  The Specs  One of the most important features to consider for new riders is seat height, and the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R&amp;#039;s saddle sits only 30.5 in. from the ground. It has a rear cowl that can be replaced with a passenger seat for an extra $99. Hidden underneath its sporty bodywork\u2014which is available in green, red or blue\u2014is a carbureted, liquid-cooled, DOHC 249 cc parallel twin engine with exhaust routed through a 2-into-1 system.   The powerplant is now quieter and packs better low- and midrange power\u2014oh, and a tastier exhaust note too. Retuned intake and exhaust ports smooth out the power delivery, and maximum torque is a modest 16.2 lb.-ft. at a stratospheric 9500 rpm. But with only 333 pounds to haul around (plus rider), that number becomes bigger than it sounds. The engine is mated to a traditional six-speed gearbox.   Slowing this tiny package is easy with a two-piston, 290 mm petal-disc setup mounted up front, and a 220 mm disc at the rear wheel. The 37 mm fork is nonadjustable, but the rear Uni-Track suspension has five-way preload adjustability. Larger 17 in. wheels not only accommodate the larger brakes, they also enable vast possibilities for tire fitment.  The Ride  Though it looks like a scaled-down superbike, the Ninja 250R is a rather diminutive and confidence-inspiring motorcycle to throw a leg over. The smallish seat positions the rider&amp;#039;s body at a forward tilted angle, and the adjustable preload settings on the rear suspension help keep heavier passengers from compressing the suspension too much.   Taller riders might find themselves folding their legs a bit because of the Ninja&amp;#039;s compact proportions, but the upside becomes apparent at speed. The parallel twin engine starts up with ease, but requires a slight tug of the choke lever (remember that?) on cold mornings, and a minute or so of idling to completely warm up. The clutch lever is light, and twisting the throttle yields modest but deliberate acceleration. You have to rev hard for maximum forward momentum and revs get somewhat buzzy at higher rpm. Since peak power is close to 10,000 rpm, it&amp;#039;s not uncommon to find yourself shifting at or near the bike&amp;#039;s 13,000 rpm redline.   Ridden with gusto, the Ninja squirts ahead with enthusiasm. Though it will never be confused with a larger displacement sportbike, careful gear selection will ensure that the stronger parts of the powerband are always within reach. The Ninja can accelerate fast enough to merge safely with traffic and ride on highways\u2014if you ride it right. Our time spent on L.A. freeways routinely saw bursts of speed up to 90 mph\u2014more than sufficient for keeping up with fast-paced traffic.   And speaking of traffic, the Ninja 250R is adept at dodging in and out of lanes easily, thanks to its small size and featherweight poundage. Winding up the small engine is fun, but jousting the Ninja through traffic or maneuvering it through canyon roads is a thrill. In fact, its power to weight ratio can be more fun to ride than bigger, heavier motorcycles. Our only beef with the Ninja&amp;#039;s performance was its balky shifter: occasionally we hit false neutrals, and a few times the gearbox was in neutral but the green &amp;quot;N&amp;quot; didn&amp;#039;t light up on the dash.   The Ninja&amp;#039;s official fuel economy rating of 61 mph is completely attainable (and some owners claim numbers as high as 80 mpg). But our aggressive riding produced fuel economy in the low 50s. In order to make decent acceleration, there&amp;#039;s a natural tendency to redline the engine, which makes the ride a lot more fun at the expense of fuel economy. Great cruising range comes courtesy of its 4.8 gal. fuel tank, another boon for commuters.  The Bottom Line  Thanks to the fact that this little bike hasn&amp;#039;t succumbed to the rampant horsepower and displacement wars, the Ninja 250R remains a highly maneuverable, lightweight and relatively pure motorcycle to ride. If you have the patience (and right-hand restraint), you just might be able to exceed the 61 mpg rating.   The Ninja 250R offers an affordable way to beat the gas price blues while adding an element of fun to the equation. Though the U.S. version doesn&amp;#039;t come with the pricier fuel-injected setup found in Europe, the Ninja&amp;#039;s combination of sharp styling, entertaining riding dynamics and sheer enjoyment factor is hard to beat\u2014so much so that it&amp;#039;s Kawasaki&amp;#039;s best-selling motorcycle. If compact, nimble bikes are a sign of things to come, we say bring it on.   RELATED STORIES \u2022 VIDEO: 5 New Middleweight Cruiser Motorcycles  \u2022 PLUS: The Right Motorcycle Accessories Just for You  \u2022 EARLIER: How to Buy the Right Motorcycle for You   Kawsaki Ninja 250R Kawsaki Ninja 250R Kawsaki Ninja 250R Kawsaki Ninja 250R "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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