9 Responses to “What level of octane gas should I use for my 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R?”

1. SarasotaRiders says:

   December 1, 2009 at 5:13 pm

   I would normally agree with mad jack, except for the fact that we have a 2008 ninja 250r and it specifically states 87 in the manual.

   Doesnt always exactly depend on the compression ratio of the engine. My CBR600RR takes 87, while my Miata takes 93. Go figure.
2. Magz™ AMCNAS leader says:

   December 1, 2009 at 5:13 pm

   anything over 89 and you’re throwing money away, depending on your altitude…
3. Ralfcoder says:

   December 1, 2009 at 5:13 pm

   Check the owner’s manual. Or listen to the bike. If you get pinging on acceleration, go up one grade.
4. bob b says:

   December 1, 2009 at 5:13 pm

   i use the 89 on my bikes and occasionally will fill with 91 – 93 the same with my cars
5. Mad Jack says:

   December 1, 2009 at 5:13 pm

   This engine has a compression ratio of 11.6:1. This would be considered a high compression engine. You should be using 92 octane.

   A little bit of information about octane. Octane really has nothing to do with the quality of the fuel. The octane rating is the amount of compression the fuel can withstand before it will spontaneously combust. The higher the octane, the more compression it can withstand.

   Using low octane fuel in a high compression engine can cause detonation. Detonation is a condition when the fuel air mixture ignites from the engine compression before the spark plug fires. Detonation can cause severe internal engine damage. This damage is usually burned pistons and valves.

   These bikes get decent fuel mileage. The little extra that it will cost to use 92 octane fuel in this bike will be worth your while.
6. vimal says:

   December 1, 2009 at 5:13 pm

   check the technical features of the vehicle
7. txhypnotist says:

   December 1, 2009 at 5:13 pm

   87 is regular and just fine.
8. 51 says:

   December 1, 2009 at 5:13 pm

   Here’s a thought

   READ THE MANUAL
9. Roberto says:

   December 1, 2009 at 7:16 pm

   go to kawasaki.com and look up your bike on the spec sheet and it will give you the specs for fuel, also read the owners manual it gives alot of information