We won’t be surprised if you mistook this bike for the Z800. It isn’t. This sharp, well proportioned motorcycle is the quarter-litre naked from Kawasaki, the Z250.
It has a prominent twin headlamp, housed in a small green cowl with a tiny visor, and this makes for an attractive and muscular face. The headlight stays on all times, a daytime running unit. The instruments are easily legible, with the rev counter redline starting at a high 13,000 rpm. Also included are a digital speedometer, trip meters, fuel-gauge and clock. The rear view mirrors, switchgear, grips and levers, all feel premium. The quarter fairing is neatly styled, and its well-spaced panels are styled to look like a large ‘Z’, which extends downwards to become the motorcycle’s underbelly. A well designed split saddle is provided to match the Z250’s edgy look. The tail panel has integrated grab handles, which come in handy. Overall quality and fit-finish are up there with the very best on offer.
The Z250 is powered by the 249cc, four-stroke, parallel-twin cylinder engine that also did duty in the older Kawasaki Ninja 250R, albeit in a different state of tune. The engine is a free-revving, liquid-cooled unit and makes 31.1 bhp of power at 11,000 rpm, and maximum torque of 2.2 kgm at 10,000 rpm. It’s a well-mannered, smooth engine, and as expected of a twin, torque at low engine speed is mild, but once past 4,000 rpm, the power delivery gets stronger. The mid- and top-end power delivery feels satisfyingly strong. The clutch is well weighted, with shifts, through the Z250’s six-speed transmission, feeling fluid and precise. The bike managed to pass the 60kph barrier from rest in 3.64 seconds, thereon taking 8.42 secs to pass 100 kph.
The Z250 uses a strong tubular steel frame and box section swingarm that work well to ensure good stability. The suspension comprises of telescopic shock absorbers in front and a monoshock unit at rear, camouflaged in black. The riding position is aggressive due to a straight, forward set handlebar, and footrests placed to the rear for a sporty riding stance. The rider get gets goods feedback from the bike, thanks to its smooth engine and responsive throttle. It’s good fun to ride through the twisties, and is quick to tip in and out of corners with playful candor. However, this Kawasaki disappoints when pulling out of the corners, feeling a touch slow to build revs from low down in the rpm range, thus forcing you to work the gearbox harder to keep the rpm needle closer to the top of the rev counter. That said, it corners with ease and holds revs long enough to really enjoy the bike. Cruising at city speeds is comfortable and high speeds are also dealt with confidence.
Braking on the Z250 is good, with strong enough bite. We managed to bring the Z250 to halt from 80 kph in 30.25 meters. It’s a shame that Kawasaki will not provide ABS brakes on the Z250 in India, neither standard nor as a paid option.
The Kawasaki Z250 is styled to guarantee a second look, and its top quality feels more than an added bonus here. Manageable weight and city friendly handling gives the Z250 an edge over segment rivals. This is a bike that aims to deliver everyday usability and sporting flavor in equal doses. While it embodies the traits expected of any top flight Japanese motorcycle, the Z250 lacks the torquey power delivery required for stop and go urban riding in India. Also, the Rs. 2.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) pricetag, puts it in a dicey position between the potent KTM Dukes and its own versatile, alluring sibling, the Ninja 300.
Specifications:
Price | Rs 2.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) |
On Sale | Now |
L/W/H | 2010/750/1025mm |
Wheelbase | 1400mm |
Fuel tank capacity | 17 litres |
Kerb weight | 168kg |
Engine layout | Four-stroke, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled |
Displacement | 249cc |
Power | 31.1bhp at 11000rpm |
Torque | 2.2kgm at 10000rpm |
Specific output | 124.9bhp per litre |
Power to weight | 185.1bhp per tonne |
Gearbox | 6-speed, 1-down, 5-up |
Front brake | 290mm petal disc |
Rear brake | 220mm petal disc |
Front suspension | Telescopic forks |
Rear suspension | Monoshock, box section swingarm |
Wheels | 5-spoke alloy |
Rim size (f-r) | 17inches |
Tyre size (f-r) | 110/70 x 17- 140/70 x 17inches |
