J Tires

General notes

Wheel sizes on the J series are 2.75" front and 3.50" rear.
Stock tire sizes are bias ply 110/70-17 front and 130/70-17 rear.

Until someone posts otherwise, we won't guarantee that any sizes other than OEM will give enough clearance on the front fender (or out back). Many of the tires listed below come in (taller than stock) 110/80-17 and 130/80-17. If you use one of these tires, please post and let us know how they fit.

Many of these tires have been used on the EX250F. Reviews can be found on the tire models page.

If you have any information to add to this page, please post it in the Next Generation forum.

Radials

There is really only one choice in radials for the EX250J, and that's the Bridgestone BT003RS. A check of all the major tire manufacturer websites shows that most of them don't have radials recommended for the (smallish) rim sizes on the EX250J. There are a couple that list a 110/70ZR-17 for the front, but without a compatible rear.

Do not combine one radial and one bias-ply tire. For more information on this, see the Dunlop FAQ.

Bridgestone BT-003 Racing Street

Front: 110/70ZR17 Rear: 140/70ZR17

Bridgestone USA Bridgestone Japan

This is the tire for Ninja 250 racing. They fit on the rims and are a good track tire, but read the site info carefully. Bridgestone puts them between a track day and race tire, and also doesn't recommend them for wet conditions. They are probably not the best choice for a daily rider.

Discontinued radials

Avon Azaro-ST AV45/AV46

Front: 110/80ZR17 Rear: 140/80ZR17

The Azaro's replacement, the Storm-ST AV55/AV56 requires a larger rim than the EX250J has.

Bridgestone BT090

Bridgestone used to make the BT090 Pro in sizes for the Ninja, but it has been replaced by the BT003RS. The BT090 that is currently available in our sizes is a tube-type, made for spoke-wheeled motards, not the cast aluminum ones on your 250.

Sport bias-ply

Bridgestone BT45

Front: 110/70-17 Rear: 130/70-17

FAQ link

Metzeler Lasertec

Front: 110/70-17 Rear: 130/70-17

FAQ link

Pirelli Sport Demon

Front: 110/70-17 Rear: 130/70-17

FAQ link

Dunlop GT501

FAQ link

Note: The GT501s that were OEM on some 2008 bikes, in sizes 130/70-17 rear and 110/70-17 front, are only available if you live in Australia or Great Britain.

There are no recommendations for GT501s as of Feb 15, 2009. If you want to be our guinea pig, please do so. The closest sizes available are Front: 110/80-17 Rear: 140/80-17.

Touring bias-ply

Avon Roadrider

Front: 110/70-17 Rear: 130/70-17

FAQ link

Kenda K671

Front: 110/70-17 Rear: 130/70-17

FAQ link

Michelin Pilot Activ

Front: 110/70-17 Rear: 130/70-17

Continental ContiGo

Front: 110/70-17 Rear: 130/70-17

IRC Roadwinner RX-01

Front: 110/70-17 Rear: 130/70-17

Don't put IRC tires on your bike. Just don't.