Kawasaki Balius-II (ZR250B) — OEM Fluid, Tire Pressure & Maintenance Specs
249cc Liquid-Cooled Inline-4 DOHC 16-Valve (ZXR250-Derived Screamer Naked) · Source: Kawasaki Balius-II (ZR250B) (1997–2007) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications
According to the Kawasaki Balius-II (ZR250B) (1997–2007) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications, the 1997–2007 Kawasaki Balius-II (ZR250B) (chassis ZR250A/ZR250B) requires 2.3 L (2.43 US qt) of SAE 10W-40 (JASO MA2, API SG/SJ/SL) engine oil for a drain-only change and 2.7 L (2.85 US qt) with filter service (16099-003 / HF401). Standard solo cold tire pressure is 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI front (110/70-17 54H) and 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI rear (140/70-17 66H), paired with 4× NGK CR9E spark plug(s) and a YTX9-BS / YTZ10S battery.
Drain only: 2.3 L (2.43 US qt)
R 225 kPa (2.25 bar)
Est. Range: ~308 km (191 mi)
1. Engine Lubrication, Filter & Clutch Specifications
| Clutch Architecture | Wet Multi-Plate Manual Clutch NEVER use JASO MB |
|---|---|
| Recommended Viscosity & Grade | SAE 10W-40 (Alt: SAE 10W-50) · JASO MA2 · API SG/SJ/SL |
| Oil Volume (Drain / With Filter / Overhaul) |
• Drain only: 2.3 L (2.43 US qt) • With filter/strainer: 2.7 L (2.85 US qt) • Complete dry overhaul: 3 L (3.17 US qt) |
| OEM Oil Filter Code & Type | 16099-003 / HF401 |
| Correct Oil Level Check Method | Hold bike upright on level ground 3–5 min after warm shutdown; read crankcase sight glass |
| Oil Drain Bolt Torque | 29 N·m (21.4 lb-ft / 2.96 kgf·m) — Use fresh crush washer |
2. Cold Tire Pressures, Wheels, Ignition & Drivetrain
| Front / Rear OEM Tire Sizes | Front: 110/70-17 54H · Rear: 140/70-17 66H (Tubeless) |
|---|---|
| Cold Tire Pressure — Solo Riding |
Front: 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI Rear: 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI |
| Cold Tire Pressure — 2-Up / Loaded Touring |
Front: 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI Rear: 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI |
| OEM Spark Plug & Quantity | NGK CR9E × 4 (Gap: 0.8–0.9 mm) |
| OEM Battery Code & Rating | YTX9-BS / YTZ10S (12V 8.0–8.6Ah MF AGM) |
| Final Drive Maintenance | 520 Sealed Chain — Maintain 25–35 mm slack |
| Brake Fluid & Coolant | DOT 4 · Silicate-free ethylene-glycol OAT coolant for aluminum radiators (50:50 premix) |
3. Ergonomics, Range & Scheduled Service Intervals
| Displacement · Max Power · Peak Torque | 249 cc · 40 hp @ 14,000 rpm · 20.6 N·m (15.2 lb-ft) @ 10,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Seat Height & Wet Curb Weight | 745 mm (29.3 in) · 159 kg (351 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank & Est. Real-World Range | 14 L (3.7 US gal) · ~22 km/L → ~308 km (191 mi) |
| OEM Scheduled Maintenance Intervals |
• First Break-In: 1,000 km • Engine Oil / Filter: 12,000 km / 12,000 km • Air Filter / Spark Plug: 18,000 km / 12,000 km • Valve Clearance Check: 24,000 km |
4. Generation Cutoffs & Real-World Wrenching Gotchas
Model-Year & Chassis Generation Notes
Evolved from the monoshock ZR250A into the twin-shock 1997–2007 Balius-II (ZR250B) with K-TRIC ignition and 17,000+ rpm ZXR250 inline-four DNA.
Oil & Clutch Mechanical Engineering Note
Kawasaki inline-four family (ZX-25R/4RR/6R/10R/14R, Z900/RS, Ninja 1000SX, H2) sharing filter 16097-0008 (HF303) and SAE 10W-40 JASO MA2 synthetic oil.