ZigWheels Exclusive: New Kawasaki 250cc naked bike undergoing homologation

ZigWheels has learnt that a 250cc naked from Kawasaki is currently undergoing homologation formalities and other tests at ARAI in Pune. The bike in question is the Z250, which will be the entry-level Kawasaki offering in our two-wheeler market. The Kawasaki Z250 is a quarter-litre streetbike with its styling being influenced by the Z800. The design of the bike is that of a typical naked bike with minimal body panels, also the edgy and brash styling should appeal to two-wheeler enthusiasts.The Kawasaki Z250 employs a part-analogue-part-digital instrument cluster with a large tachometer and digital display for speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge etc.

Powering the new Kawasaki Z250 is a 249cc; liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine developing max power of 32PS at 11,000rpm and peak torque of 21Nm at 9,000rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear-wheel via a six-speed gearbox. The chassis is a diamond type steel frame as seen on the first Kawasaki offering for our market, the Ninja 250R. The motorcycle uses 37mm telescopic forks upfront and a monoshock at the rear to handle suspension duties. Braking is done by a single 290mm petal disc at the front and 220mm petal disc at rear, while ABS isn’t available as an option also.

Part sharing with the Ninja 300 is quite evident as the Z250 borrows the tail section, exhaust, instrument cluster, Y-spoke alloy among the others from the faired motorcycle. The Kawasaki Z250 like its siblings will be brought in to our shores via the CKD route. We expect Kawasaki to price the Z250 around the Rs 3 lakh mark and enter our market by second half of 2014. At this pricing, the Z250 will directly rival the Suzuki Inazuma and will be the third offering under the “Z-family” after the Z1000 and Z800. Also Read: Kawasaki Z250 First Review