Kawasaki Z250 Review

Photo Courtesy: Kawasaki India

Old or young, a lion still has claws!

Kawasaki is one of the most known brands in the world, especially for its superbikes. Kawasaki was having the title of ‘producer of fastest motorbikes’ for many years, and even now if you search for the fastest bike in the world you can see the name Kawasaki in the top 5 list; may be on top 3.

On Dec 2014 Kawasaki launched its most affordable bike the Kawasaki Z250, and on April 2017 they re-launched its better version with a facelift.

Now all youngsters are curious about this bike, especially who like push bikes to their limits on the road. Those who care about the looks and style are keen on the launch of every Kawasaki versions.

Well in this review you are about to have a different news about this model, different from its predecessors.

Is this bike is good or bad; fantastic or a turn off for riders? Read further to know about the final verdict.

Photo Courtesy: Kawasaki India

Specifications

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 suspension                Telescopic forks

Rear suspension                Monoshock, box section swingarm

Front brake                        290mm petal disc

Rear brake                         220mm petal disc

Wheels                               5-spoke alloy

Rim size (f-r)                     17inches

Tyre size (f-r)                    110/70 x 17- 140/70 x 17inches

Looks and Design

First of all guys, the looks!

It’s really awesome. It is definitely from the Z family. It has that same aggressive headlamps and stance that you can see in Kawasaki Z800. If you look closer, the front and sides are similar to Z800 but not exactly same, well, a bit low on aggression.

From the back side, you might think it as Ninja 250R as the rear end is almost same as 250R. Overall, the bike looks great and it is for the big boys.

The instrument panel looks awesome as I guessed and has a sporty and aggressive feel. The big analogue rev indicator the middle in which a red line starts past 12.5 rpm and a small panel at the right bottom side. All these setups look really good and in place, and the headlamps gives good illumination for the road.

Photo Courtesy: Kawasaki India

Dynamics and Performance

Let’s talk about dynamics and performance. Z250 has got the same chassis as that of Ninja 250R, and Ninja 250r delivers good handling and the same can be said about the Z250.As Z250 got shorter wheelbase than that of Ninja 250R, you can say that it's much better than Ninja 250R in handling. It’s more agile then Ninja 250R, and it can make you feel like you have enhanced driving skills.

As most of its parts are borrowed from Ninja 250R, even the engine which has been detuned which is a liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine producing 32bhp at 11 k rpm, and a torque of 21 at 10 k rpm.

It comes with a six-speed gearbox which is good, and once it passes 7k rpm, the engine really comes to life. This engine really loves to be revved and revved, only then this bike feels sporty.

But the performance is not that impressive. When looking at the price, the performance is not up to our expectations. It doesn’t come with ABS, which is a big negative. Even though the suspensions have been softened but without compromising the agility, still it's not that comfortable on the seats.

The seating position is not that comfortable especially for long rides, and the pillion seat is also not that comfortable.

There is no slipper clutch still that’s not the big concern as the gearbox is good. Even the tyres which are given as standard are not doing justice to the bike’s superb handling. This bike is best suited for a curvy track or smooth highway where it can rev.

Price:- 3,78,000(INR)

Photo Courtesy: Kawasaki India

Final verdict:

Looks and design: 9/10

Specs & features: 6/10

Dynamics & performance: 8/10

Safety & quality: 8/10

After-sale service: 7/10

I am not going to recommend this bike as this one is not worth the money you pay for. It should only be bought by the people who are looking for style and require handling and brand name and not comfort and performance.

I would suggest you to either increase your budget and buy ninja 300R or other brands bikes. You can also wait for Ninja 250R.

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