After making a sweet spot in the hearts of enthusiasts with its Ninja 300, Kawasaki had struck again with its yet another onslaught in the entry-level performance motoring, Z250. It was first launched in 2013 for the Asian markets post which the Japanese Green team gave the Z300 for Australia and Europe.

Designed and engineered on the lines of the bigger Z’s, the Z250 also promises to give the thrills of the Ninja in a more affordable package. After the Ninja 300, we were speculating that Kawasaki might launch its Z300 on our shores, but that seems out of the question at the moment. Nonetheless, we stay optimistic with this Z250 making rounds of eastern roads. It gets Euro IV compliant engine, new color schemes, and the much needed ABS. Good news is never too late.

STYLING

The styling curves and lines have remained the same since the 2013 model, because why will you change something that is already good?

Carrying the trademark Sugomi-inspired styling from its elders, this naked 250 is described by the elegant bodywork having sharp lines flowing from head to tail and is minimalistic to the core. The slim and close fitting bodywork gives its representation as light and agile image. Style front, it adorns the cues from its elder Z900 and Z1000 brothers, and Kawasaki may have added a few new touches. As it is, the Z styling has been “more sharp and fewer curves” from the headlight and all the way to the tail.

Out front, just like the bigger Zs’, twin headlight unit design is housed in a chiseled W cowl on which the meter visor sits to compliment the design. Going even further in the bloodline, the 250 gets a Z-shaped running bikini fairing extending below from the tank, and it envelops the engine compartment at the front. Apart from a visual extravagance, it is also a functional unit that delivers excellent heat management properties; evidently designed in some science lab this one.

Broad and muscular fuel tank add to the bulkiness of the motorcycle which is also due to the running bikini fairings. The footrest in the 250 has an aluminum finish to it, and the massive engine and the wheels have been painted black to add some boldness to the overall design of the motorcycle. The quality of the plastic looks impressive, and a pass switch has also been added to the new 250 which was missing previously.

There is also some amount of storage space under the seats which come in handy. Taking more components from the Ninja 300, the upswept tail cowl finishes the sporty image and houses the unique led tail light. Beautifully contoured exhaust pipes flow from the engine housing and are fed into a compact muffler design with stylish stainless steel end caps.

The instrument cluster is neatly tucked behind a small fly screen and looks futuristic with its combination of analog and digital panels. The tachometer is a full-sweep dial with the speedo taking the digital route. A nice touch included is the “Eco riding indicator” encouraging riders to drive on lower RPMs and higher gears. The same you see on the Ninja 300.

Overall Dimension

POWERTRAIN

The 2018 model will feature the same four-stroke, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, 249cc engine that has been running since 2013. This time, it gets Euro-IV compliancy. It is the perfect learner- requirements to give the new generation of bikers a nice push into the motorcycling world. Being pinned within the frame, it keeps the mass centralized and thereby making the bike feel agile and nimble.

The digital fuel injected unit is capable of churning out a healthy 31 hp at 11000rpm, with peak torque 15.5 lb-ft delivered at 10000rpm. This is a high revving engine which can max at an astonishing 13000 rpm tuned to produce strong low and mid-range torque. It is a highly responsive and a reactive power mill that rewards the rider into being very engaging to extract every ounce of power from it through a six-speed gearbox.

Taking innovation from the elder siblings, the 250’s engine makes use of aluminum cylinders with friction-reducing T-treatment instead of the old heavy iron sleeve and help in keeping the engine cooler than before. Similar to our Ninja supersport models, dual throttle valves give precise control of intake air, resulting in linear throttle response across the rpm range.

You don’t get any assist and slipper clutch option or a positive, neutral finder like the ones you find on the Ninja 300. There is, however, an ECO mode for an efficient riding experience.

Engine Specification

RIDE AND HANDLING

The Z250 will command an upright and relaxed yet sporty riding position offered by the wide and flat handlebars. The footpeg positions along with the low saddle will give a greater level of confidence to the rider which is still further enhanced due to the scooped fuel tank section where the rider can tuck in and start having fun. A low seat height and slim overall design facilitate riders placing both feet on the ground, for smoother, confident stops. Split seats look comfortable, though the pillion might get a bit fussy.

There is a reason why the Z250 is regarded as one of the best lightweights in the category. They have used circuit-developed lighter and rigid, diamond type steel frame that makes use of the engine’s centralization to balance out masses evenly. Steering head angle of 27 degrees allows easy flicking of the motorbike around corners.

Just like the other Kawasaki machines, the Z250 is one fantastic package regarding equipment and dynamics. This bike carries conventional performance equipment with regards to suspension units. Fixed-rate 37mm front forks have a relatively soft setup, and at the rear, Kawasaki’s Uni-Trak mono shock system is tethered to the swingarm and comes with 5-way adjustable preload settings.

The wide 140 mm rear tire matches the engine’s sporty performance, contributes to the aggressive street-fighter image and offers superb straight-line stability. Braking job has been given to a single 290 mm petal discs at the front and clutching on it is a 2-piston hydraulic caliper, and the rear also gets a 290mm disc with a 2-piston caliper. For 2018, Kawasaki has introduced ABS option either as standard or optional. Thank you.

Chassis Specifications

PRICE

Kawasaki Indonesia has priced this naked sportsbike for Rp 53,900,000 ($ 3,700) for the standard variant which comes in Red, Black and Grey options while the ABS edition will fetch for Rp 60,600,000 ($ 4,200) and will come only in Black & Grey.

It's being rumored that, like the Ninja 300, the Kawasaki Z250/300 could reach both the US and Europe. Bringing the bike to the U.S. market shouldn’t be too complicated, as the engine has already passed emissions tests and other regulations required by DOT.

Price

COMPETITION

KTM Duke 250

In 2017 came a surprise from KTM when they launched the Duke 250. KTM has just used the sweet spot between the Duke 200 and Duke 390 by launching the Duke 250 in some of the international markets last year. It looks like, after the success of the Duke 200 and 390 models, KTM brought in a new sortie in the segment with the next generation of Duke Cousins running a 250cc motor under the belly.

Aesthetically it is an entirely new design that borrows cues from its eldest brother, the Super Duke R. It has the new streetfighter design philosophy seen on the new 390. The bodywork is more aggressive and mental than the outgoing model and includes sharp design language with tank spoilers and the newly uplifted tank design, all made to cut just through anything.

The power mill is where the differences between Duke 250 and the other two Dukes are the most prominent and for the records – the Duke 250 comes with a reworked form of the Duke 200’s engine. The Duke 250 runs on the bored out version of the Duke 200 – it is a four stroke, single cylinder, liquid cooled, 248.8cc engine, which pumps out 31 hp of maximum power and 17.7 lb-ft of torque.

VERDICT

For 2018, the aura of the motorcycle remains the same, and with the introduction of new colors and ABS, the bike gets a whole new appeal for itself.

Parked on the street or riding the highways, it will always look stunning with its potent engine shining through the minimal bodywork. Its style reflects its purpose. The aggressive engine gives it truckloads of power at your disposal delivered in a crisp and smooth manner leaving behind a throaty exhaust note.

It is designed for maximum riding pleasure around town, and its lightweight is felt from the moment you lift the bike off the stand. Exhilarating without being overly intimidating, the combination is just sublime. It sure does come close to making many mid-weight motorcycles go into the shadow. And that is what making a statement is about.