Kawasaki Z250 review, test ride

We take Kawasaki’s latest quarter-litre naked streetbike for a spin, and here’s what we think.

Published on Dec 01, 2014 02:04:00 PM

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The Kawasaki Z250 shares its powerplant with the older Kawasaki Ninja, the 250R, albeit with a different state of tune to suit city riding. The 249cc, four-stroke, parallel-twin cylinder engine revs enthusiastically across a wide powerband. It’s a liquid-cooled unit and makes 31.1bhp of power at 11,000rpm, with maximum torque of 2.2kgm produced at 10,000rpm.

We came away impressed by the well-mannered nature of this creamy smooth engine. As expected of a twin, torque at low engine speed is mild, but once past 4,000rpm, the power delivery gets stronger. The Z250 mid- and top-end power delivery feels satisfyingly strong. The Z250's clutch is well weighted, the naked motorcycle’s six-specced transmission shifting with a smooth, precise feel, in a 1-down, 5-up pattern. The Z250 managed to pass the 60kph barrier from rest in 3.64seconds, thereon taking 8.42secs to pass 100kph.

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 on the Z250 is aggressive due to a straightish, forward set handlebar, and footrests placed to the rear for a sporty riding stance. The Z250 rider feels involved with good feedback from the bike, thanks to its smooth engine and responsive throttle. The Z250 is good fun to ride through the twisties. It is quick to tip in and out of corners, and does so 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, the Z250 corners with ease and holds revs long enough to really enjoy the bike. The Z250 offers pliant ride when cruising at city speeds and feels confident even at higher speeds.