Kawasaki Z 250 and Ninja 250: what is the difference between the models?


Kawasaki Z250 (2013-2014)Kawasaki Z250 ABS (2015-2017)Kawasaki Z250 ABS (2019+)

Kawasaki Z250 naked model

appeared in 2013 as a budget representative of the Kawasaki Z-series road motorcycles. The model was focused primarily on the Asian market and was practically not supplied to European countries.

The Kawasaki Z250 is built on the basis of the second-generation Kawasaki Ninja 250R sports model, inheriting the frame, engine and chassis from it.

The Kawasaki Z250 was based on an in-line 2-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a volume of 249 cm³ and producing 31 hp. power and 21 Nm of torque. Maximum performance - at 8500-11000 rpm.

The frame of the motorcycle is a tubular steel structure and the suspension is a conventional telescopic fork at the front and a progressive monoshock at the rear. Braking system - disc, front 1 disc 290 mm, rear - 1 disc 220 mm. The calipers are 2-piston.

Since 2015, based on the Kawasaki Ninja 300, a new model has been offered - the Kawasaki Z300. The Z250 version continued to be sold on the Asian market, which by this year had received minor changes - ABS as standard equipment, as well as an Assist & Slipper Clutch.

In 2021, Kawasaki introduced another restyling of the Z250 model, which is based on the latest generation sports Kawasaki Ninja 250. Major changes compared to the previous version of Z250 ABS:

  • Appearance
    . The model received the features of the latest generation of the flagship Z1000.
  • Frame
    . New trellis design, similar to the H2 / H2R frame, the engine is the load-bearing element.
  • Pendant
    . The diameter of the fork stays increases (37 → 41 mm). New rear shock absorber (travel 134 → 130 mm).
  • Brakes
    . The diameter of the front brake disc has been increased (290 → 310 mm).
  • Fuel tank, weight, dimensions
    . The fuel tank capacity is reduced (17 → 14 l), the model becomes shorter (in overall length and wheelbase) and taller (in overall height and seat height), the curb weight is reduced (170 → 164 kg).

The main competitors of the Kawasaki Z250 in the class:

  • Suzuki GSR250 (GW250)
  • Honda VTR 250

Brief history of the model

  • 2013 - start of production and sales of the model.

Model

: Kawasaki Z250 (Asia).
Factory designation
: ER250CDF, ER250CDS.

  • 2014 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki Z250 (Asia).
Factory designation
: ER250CEF.

  • 2015 - restyling of the model. The motorcycle changes its name to Kawasaki Z250 ABS, getting ABS as standard (optional in some countries), slipper clutch and Assist & Slipper Clutch.

Model

: Kawasaki Z250 ABS (Asia).
Factory designation
: ER250DFF.

  • 2016 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki Z250 ABS (Asia).
Factory designation
: ER250DGF.

  • 2017 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki Z250 ABS (Asia).
Factory designation
: ER250DHF.

  • 2018 - model not produced.
  • 2019 - restyling of the model.

Model

: Kawasaki Z250 ABS (Asia).
Factory designation
: ER250EKF.

  • 2020 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki Z250 ABS (Asia).
Factory designation
: ER250ELF.

  • 2021 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki Z250 ABS (Asia).
Factory designation
: ER250EMFNN.

  • 2022 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki Z250 ABS (Asia).
Factory designation
: ER250ENFNN.

What do the owners say?

Judging by the reviews, this bike is great for motocross. It is advised to take this model, since it is still in production and meets all the requirements of current competitions and environmental standards.

Spare parts for this equipment are easy to obtain, and therefore maintenance will not be expensive.

For the cross-country version, this is important, because no matter how strong the equipment, the risk of breakdowns is high due to extreme operating conditions

Of course, all owners advise buying a new bike. It is possible to get a good used one, but there is a risk that something somewhere will break faster. According to the owners' description, the motorcycle handles well in rural areas, but is less comfortable on the road than road variants and even enduros.

It is possible to buy new equipment for about 300 thousand Russian rubles, but according to reviews from those who bought a used one, in this case it is possible to purchase a bike several times cheaper. About 150 thousand Russian rubles - that’s how much such a bike costs on the secondary market. But this is the minimum.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the Kawasaki KX 250F is a machine that has proven itself. The bike looks interesting and bright. It does not and cannot have any special differences from other motocross bikes. These machines have been made approximately the same for many decades.

Specifications

Technical characteristics of Kawasaki Z250 and Kawasaki Z250 ABS:

ModelKawasaki Z250/Z250 ABS
Motorcycle typenaked
Year of issue2013-2017, 2019+
Framesteel diagonal
steel tubular - Z250 (2019+)
engine's type2-cylinder, 4-stroke, in-line
Working volume249 cm³
Bore/Stroke62.0 x 41.2 mm
Compression ratio11.3:1
11.6:1 — Z250 (2019+)
Coolingliquid
Number of valves per cylinderDOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel supply systemInjector with dual throttle valves
Ignition typetransistor
Maximum power31.0 hp
(23.0 kW) at 11000 rpm 37.0 hp (27.0 kW) at 12500 rpm - Z250 (2019+)
Maximum torque21.0 Nm (2.1 kg*m) at 8500 rpm
23.0 Nm (2.4 kg*m) at 10500 rpm - Z250 (2019+)
ClutchWet Multi-Disc, Cable Driven
Assist & Slipper Clutch – Z250 (2015+)
Transmission6-speed
type of drivechain
Front tire size110/70-17M/C (54H)
Rear tire size140/70-17M/C (66H)
Front brakes1 disc, 290 mm, 2-piston caliper - (Z250 ABS - ABS)
1 disc, 310 mm, 2-piston caliper (ABS) - Z250 (2019+)
Rear brakes1 disc, 220 mm, 2-piston caliper - (Z250 ABS - ABS)
Front suspension37mm telescopic fork (non-adjustable), 120mm travel 41mm
telescopic fork (non-adjustable), 120mm travel - Z250 (2019+)
Rear suspensionUni-Trak swingarm with monoshock (5-step preload adjustable), 134 mm travel
Uni-Trak swingarm with monoshock (5-step preload adjustable), 130 mm travel - Z250 (2019+)
Motorcycle length2015 mm
1990 mm - Z250 (2019+)
Motorcycle width750 mm
800 mm – Z250 (2019+)
Motorcycle height1025 mm
1060 mm – Z250 (2019+)
Wheelbase1410 mm
1370 mm – Z250 (2019+)
Seat height785 mm
795 mm - Z250 (2019+)
Minimum ground clearance145 mm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph)7.7 sec.
Maximum speed155 km/h
Gas tank capacity17.0 L
14.0 L - Z250 (2019+)
Motorcycle weight (curb)168 kg – Z250
170 kg – Z250 ABS

164 kg - Z250 (2019+)

Motorcycle Kawasaki Z 250 2021 review

The description of the Kawasaki Z 250 2021 motorcycle is in the queue for publication of the article. Announcement: Today, for almost every new motorcycle that comes into being, marketers strive to carve out their own niche. This one is a road sport, this one is a recreational enduro. But what class should we include a motorcycle that has a little bit of everything? A good bike should have a reliable engine, comfortable ergonomics and simple controls...

The Kawasaki Z 250 is a fairly popular motorcycle in Russia equipped with a low-power 23 hp engine. Despite the fact that good models of motorcycles have a very respectable price, and the season for their use is relatively short, the motorcycle market is developing rapidly. And if you believe the words of dealers, then some models of recently released motorcycles are selling like hot cakes at the beginning of the season, and the models brought to Russia are clearly not enough to fully satisfy consumer demand.

A motorcycle has long ceased to be an alternative to a car, and the times when this equipment was bought only because there was not enough money for a full-fledged car are forgotten. Nowadays, two-wheelers can be called technological marvels in many cases, and their cost can be compared with that of prestigious cars.

Many people have started buying motorcycles for hobby purposes as riding or even collecting them has become a good pastime for many people. Many motorcycles, for example the Kawasaki Z 250, whose technical characteristics make it possible to call the model a prestigious brand, are in demand among both beginners and experienced motorcyclists.

Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 248 cc / 15.2 cu-in. see, appeared as a result of long work of inventors who sought to create a model that was not inferior in characteristics to other versions of the motorcycle. In some cases, these models are not only not inferior, but also ahead of other motorcycles, as they have minimal fuel consumption and other excellent parameters.

The Kawasaki Z 250 belongs to a common class of motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125 to 250 kb. cmAs a rule, these are light and relatively low-power motorcycles. Here you will get flexible control, easy steering and low weight of the motorcycle. Therefore, such motorcycles are suitable for almost every beginner, regardless of their characteristics. The exception is motorcycles with two-stroke engines of the “sport” and “cross” classes, since bikes of this class are distinguished by more power and an extremely sharp response to the throttle, which also does not make them obedient to control.

Go to the entire range of Kawasaki motorcycles, on this page you can find Kawasaki Z 250 motorcycles from other years of production and information about them

Comfort

The car is comfortable on the track and in rural areas. Otherwise, road motorcycles and even enduro motorcycles are much more convenient. What this technique is definitely not suitable for is tourism. Neither the seat nor the tank volume help to achieve comfort while traveling.

Besides, this won't last long. Even if you plan your route correctly, you will still run out of fuel very quickly.

The car has proven itself in motocross handling. It takes turns on hills faster than many other models driven by the same professional, traverses sand better and jumps further from jumps. In many ways, this has to do with well-chosen dimensions and technical characteristics.

Comfort

The model is not as ergonomic as modern ones. For example, the gas tank rises up sharply on the rider's side and is less comfortable to lean on and lie down on compared to many more modern motorcycles. However, otherwise the bike will be quite comfortable for those who are accustomed to sports-class cars.

Convenient for beginners, as is often mentioned in one or another review of the model. Of course, it’s better not to start with a sports motorcycle, but if a person is ready for a specific fit and dynamics, it’s hardly possible to imagine a better option than this.

Maintenance will be slightly difficult, given the fact that spare parts are not always easy to obtain

On the other hand, if handled carefully, the motorcycle will work properly for quite a long time.

At least, judging by the description of their experience by several experienced owners, it will be possible to use it quietly for several years, and there will not be a hint of any problems. Well, then, if the bike is used carefully, you will only need to replace consumables.

It is important to remember that this is not a dirt bike and therefore is not suitable for off-road use. Taking into account how much this or that spare part costs, and how difficult it is to get it, it will be much more comfortable, in principle, never to drive into rough terrain

It is enough to look at a couple of photos taken after such trips to understand the inappropriateness of such trips.

Advantages

The new Kawasaki Z800 turned out to be a balanced and exciting motorcycle.

  • The advantages include the balanced and high-quality assembly of the motorcycle, a powerful engine and a moderately streamlined shape, which classifies the model as “naked”, but also covers the bike with plastic.
  • ABS brakes and a rigid suspension that will allow you to confidently take turns.

The model is quite popular all over the world. This unit has a powerful engine that can reach high speeds. At the same time, it has a balanced suspension installed so that when driving on city roads, the driver can confidently hold the motorcycle. The Z800 is designed primarily for experienced drivers, as a beginner may not be able to handle the power.

For beginners, there is the Z800E model, whose technical characteristics are understated.

and disadvantages

With such a large gas tank, you will have to refuel quite often.

  • If you frequently drive on long highways at high speeds, gasoline will quickly run out. The motorcycle can be tuned at Kawasaki dealerships, however, this will cost a lot of money.
  • Another disadvantage is the injection engine of the motorcycle, since it is very demanding on the purity and quality of gasoline. Since there is no windshield on the steering wheel of the motorcycle, the driver experiences discomfort already at 140 km/h.

What bike owners say:

In many videos, Kawasaki ZXR 250 owners note that it is very leisurely compared to modern sportbikes. However, this, according to some, makes it more suitable for people unfamiliar with the class and also makes it easier to move around the city.

The bike handles well and does not fall over at low speeds, for example, in a gradually flowing traffic jam. Many owners note this. The only problem that almost everyone talks about is that it is not so easy to get spare parts for this old model.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the Kawasaki ZXR 250 is an excellent bike not only for its time, but even today. Yes, it is inferior in terms of characteristics to the top models of our time, but its capabilities are enough to please speed lovers. Well, connoisseurs of old sportbikes will generally be delighted.

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