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I had my IC Igniter (ignition/timing control ) replaced because it was not working properly. In high outside temps (80 degrees or above) the tachometer would be off any where between 200-500 rpms. That was at idle and throughout the range of gears and speeds. This would only happen after extended riding time in the heat. It ran fine when it was cooler.
It has been noted by Kawasaki that there was a design flaw in the 2008 Ninja 250 IC Igniter ( susceptible to heat ) and apparently they were changed (improvements) somewhere in the production line for the 2008's. Kawasaki says they have not had a problem in the 2009's, however 2009's did not ship until the winter when avg temps are much cooler. New owners and riders with stock gearing will get varying high rpm's anyway that may go unnoticed and my not have extended riding times in the heat. Trying to keep it (the IC Igniter) cool may not solve the problem.
My bike is a 2009 that had the same problem. The reason I noticed it was because when I changed my gearing (15/42) it made rpm and speed readings almost match, (for example; 1200- approx 1350 rpm @ idle, 5000 [email protected] approx 50 mph, 6000 [email protected] approx 60mph) which was normal in cool conditions.
When the IC Igniter malfunctioned the readings were off.
So now my IC Igniter is replaced. With the new one there was an immediate response in pick up and power throughout the range of gears that was not there before. It was almost like I had gained some horsepower somewhere. What ever the improvement to The IC Igniter is definitely apparent . Slightly better throttle response, stronger pulling, smoothed out rpm's and I'm hoping better gas mpg.
I don't know what exactly Kawasaki did, whether the timing is change 1/2 degree or so or just overall better programming and components. but it was worth replacing....for now. Now I just have to wait until the temps start staying in the 80's to see if it is truly fixed.
So if you have a 2008 or 2009 with this problem I recommend letting Kawasaki fix it under warranty. Keep an eye out on your speed and rpm's, that will be your gauge. The cost of the IC Igniter is $370.00 if you were to replace it yourself.
It has been noted by Kawasaki that there was a design flaw in the 2008 Ninja 250 IC Igniter ( susceptible to heat ) and apparently they were changed (improvements) somewhere in the production line for the 2008's. Kawasaki says they have not had a problem in the 2009's, however 2009's did not ship until the winter when avg temps are much cooler. New owners and riders with stock gearing will get varying high rpm's anyway that may go unnoticed and my not have extended riding times in the heat. Trying to keep it (the IC Igniter) cool may not solve the problem.
My bike is a 2009 that had the same problem. The reason I noticed it was because when I changed my gearing (15/42) it made rpm and speed readings almost match, (for example; 1200- approx 1350 rpm @ idle, 5000 [email protected] approx 50 mph, 6000 [email protected] approx 60mph) which was normal in cool conditions.
When the IC Igniter malfunctioned the readings were off.
So now my IC Igniter is replaced. With the new one there was an immediate response in pick up and power throughout the range of gears that was not there before. It was almost like I had gained some horsepower somewhere. What ever the improvement to The IC Igniter is definitely apparent . Slightly better throttle response, stronger pulling, smoothed out rpm's and I'm hoping better gas mpg.
I don't know what exactly Kawasaki did, whether the timing is change 1/2 degree or so or just overall better programming and components. but it was worth replacing....for now. Now I just have to wait until the temps start staying in the 80's to see if it is truly fixed.
So if you have a 2008 or 2009 with this problem I recommend letting Kawasaki fix it under warranty. Keep an eye out on your speed and rpm's, that will be your gauge. The cost of the IC Igniter is $370.00 if you were to replace it yourself.
