The Kawasaki ZZR 250 motorcycle appeared back in 1990. This was a replacement for the outdated GPZ/GPX 250R models. Initially, the motorcycle was sold in Japan, Europe and North America. The model belongs to the “sport tourism” class. The article will give a short review of the Kawasaki ZZR 250 and provide reviews from the owners of this model. It should be immediately noted that this motorcycle has become a true legend of the Japanese motorcycle industry. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves and begin to understand the issue gradually.
Power unit
As the engine for the Kawasaki ZZR 250, the manufacturer chose a two-cylinder four-stroke engine, which was equipped with liquid cooling, with four valves for each cylinder. The working volume of the power unit was 248 cm³. The engine produced a respectable 40 horsepower (23 Nm of torque). Maximum engine performance can be obtained in the range of 9500-12,500 rpm.
It is noteworthy that Kawasaki motorcycles (among the leading motorcycle manufacturers in Japan) were the first to be equipped with simple and very reliable two-cylinder engines in small-capacity classes.
You can take a closer look at the approach of other Japanese companies to the creation of 250 cc motorcycles of the “sport” and “sport-touring” classes of that time. A motorcycle with an engine capacity of 400 cubic meters was taken as a basis, and then the engine’s displacement was reduced, and the running speed was slightly simplified. The end result was a motorcycle that was as close as possible to the track models, and its power was approximately 45 horsepower. These motorcycles were expensive for the manufacturer, and he was forced to inflate the market value of these motorcycles. At the same time, these models did not have much reliability and were characterized by a relatively short engine life (due to the incredible boost of the power unit, small engine volume and a large number of cylinders - more than two).
Kawasaki motorcycles were made differently. The ZZR 250 is a great example of this. The model turned out to be extremely successful, it was distinguished by its reliability and from the very start of sales it became in demand in all markets. The Kawasaki ZZR 250 was not finalized for a long time due to the fact that everything was good about it. The first modifications to this model date back to 2007. The manufacturer was forced to modify the model to bring it under updated environmental requirements. No other modifications were required throughout the entire production of the model! This says a lot.
The lightweight naked bike Kawasaki Z250 , strictly speaking, has nothing in common with other motorcycles of the famous Z-series, except for some external styling. Yes, this bike, which first saw the light in 2013, is intended for Asian countries, but thanks to showrooms that sell used motorcycles, you can also purchase it from us. After getting acquainted with the motorcycle, we can conclude that it is well suited as the first two-wheeled friend for a novice motorcyclist, or simply as a bike for the city.
The Kawasaki Z250's strengths include its design, which is indeed very reminiscent of models such as the Kawasaki Z800 and Z1. The overall aggressive appearance of the naked bike seems to hint that it is not averse to doing a little mischief, however, the 250 cc engine is clearly not enough for aggressive riding, and the motorcycle weighs a lot due to its fairly budget-friendly and therefore extremely simple design. Dry weight of more than 150 kg for a city “check” - agree, this is decent.
The engine, however, turned out great, and thanks to it, the motorcycle is quite capable of competing with the Suzuki GSR 250, its direct competitor in the class, or with the Honda VTR 250. The liquid-cooled in-line twin is capable of producing 32 hp. and 31 nM of torque, however, you will have to “twist” the engine mercilessly. Peak power is achieved only at around 11 thousand revolutions, peak torque at around 8.5 thousand revolutions. As a result, the Kawasaki Z250 doesn’t have a lot of low-end performance, but a six-speed transmission with short first gears smooths out this impression. In total, the Z250 can accelerate to 160 km/h.
Despite belonging to the class of budget and not very powerful motorcycles, this model is distinguished by quite impressive dimensions, and a person who is not very knowledgeable about motorcycles would never guess that only a 250 cc engine is hidden in the steel frame of the Kawasaki Z250. Subjectively, the motorcycle seems quite heavy, but the excellent suspension (the rear monoshock absorber, by the way, is adjustable) neutralizes this impression, and thanks to the small width and narrow handlebars, the Z250 feels light and relaxed in the city.
Japanese designers also took care of the brakes. The Kawasaki Z250’s dynamics cannot be called hurricane-force; acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes seven seconds, but is this not enough for a city motorcycle? Two disc brakes stop it quite effectively, in addition, the rear brake disc does not have a single-piston caliper, which is often found even on much more powerful and expensive models, but a two-piston one.
Yes, from a technical point of view, the Kawasaki Z250 is a typical budget “check”. But its small dimensions make it suitable for tall riders, and its truly excellent design is eye-catching. Absolutely everything in this bike has been thought through, and according to reviews from Z250 owners, there are no problems with quality, despite the fact that the motorcycle is assembled in Malaysia. You can’t go far on it - there’s not enough power and there’s no wind protection, but even in the city you’ll have to refuel infrequently - consumption is about 4 liters per hundred, with a gas tank capacity of 17 liters. So the Z250 is a very good choice as a city motorcycle, and novice motorcyclists will certainly appreciate its flexible nature.
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Revolution
The ZZR 250 made a lot of noise back in its day. In fact, he had no worthy competitors in the class. managed to create a successful model. The bike was very popular with customers. It is very strange that other manufacturers (especially Japanese) for a long time did not undertake to create a worthy competitor for this motorcycle model. This passivity of competitors, of course, was to their advantage.
But it would be more interesting for the buyer to choose from several manufacturers rather than buy the uncontested ZZR 250, although there were no complaints about it at all from ordinary motorcyclists. This motorcycle was ahead of its time!
Motorcycle suspension
One of the special features of the Kawasaki ZZR 250 is its lightweight aluminum frame (the first versions of the motorcycle had a steel frame, but after 1992 it was replaced with an aluminum frame). The motorcycle suspension itself is extremely simple, it consists of a conventional telescopic fork, as well as a progressive Uni-Trak monoshock absorber (has a five-stage preload adjustment). The model has disc brakes (single-piston caliper at the rear, four-piston caliper at the front). The suspension does not have any nuances or “blunders”. It can be described as very simple and extremely reliable. The steering wheel is small, like almost all motorcycles in the class, but the bike’s handling is excellent.
Specifications
The motorcycle's features are unlikely to impress anyone. These are the most ordinary elements that do not give the bike any special traction or outstanding speed. However, they correspond to the modern level of an average road motorcycle.
Engine
The bike's engine is a four-stroke, in-line, two-cylinder. The working volume of this unit is 249 cm³. Maximum torque is 21 Nm at 8500 rpm. At the same time, the power at its peak reaches 31 hp. at 11000 rpm.
The motorcycle accelerates relatively slowly to 100 km/h – in 7 seconds. Even some representatives of retro classics do it faster. Its maximum speed is unlikely to impress anyone - only 160 km/h. However, for many, such engine characteristics and speed indicators will be quite enough.
Transmission
The Kawasaki Z250 is driven by a chain. The motorcycle has a six-speed gearbox. This is quite enough for such a not particularly productive bike. It would hardly be possible to choose a better transmission.
Dimensions and weight
The curb weight of the model reaches 168 kg. Its seat height is 785 mm. This makes the motorcycle suitable for people of average height and build. However, if a person is quite tall, this bike may also be comfortable for him, unlike many sports bikes.
The gas tank capacity is above average and is 17 liters. This is quite a lot for such a naked bike. Since about 3-4 liters are usually consumed per 100 km of road, one full refueling is enough for a long time. This is especially convenient on long country trips.
Chassis and brakes
The frame of the motorcycle is quite durable, and its design is very aesthetic. It's not as flashy as many of Kawasaki's Z series, but it's stylish enough to be considered interesting. The model's rims are alloy, and they have echoes of the design that is usually used for sports bikes.
The steering wheel is as stylish as the rest of the elements. The mirrors are especially elegant. The rear suspension is Uni-Trak. There are five spring preload adjustments. At the front there is a 37 mm telescopic fork.
The rear brakes on the Kawasaki Z250 are discs with a diameter of 220 mm. It is equipped with a two-piston caliper. The front brakes are a 290 mm disc, accompanied by a two-piston caliper. This is quite enough for such a not particularly powerful model.
Bike appearance
The design of the motorcycle is in the classic Japanese sports spirit. The model is characterized by smooth lines and shapes. There is a certain aggressiveness in the appearance of the motorcycle. Also striking is the factory colorful color scheme of the model. Although from the first glance at the motorcycle it becomes clear that this is a model from the “sport-tourism” class. It must be said that the bike looks stylish and aggressive, in no small part due to its specific alloy wheels. It is worth noting that in the first releases of the model the wheels were more interesting than those of later models. But perhaps this is just a matter of taste.
For whom
This is a fairly moderate motorcycle in its characteristics, which only acquired some features of its exterior from sports. However, many naked bikes have such a fleeting similarity with high-speed bikes.
Here are the main advantages of the model:
- balance of elements;
- good handling;
- stylish, moderately ornate design.
In a word, the bike was an excellent solution for people who did not at all want to buy a high-speed sports motorcycle, but got some pleasure from the way such models look.
Kawasaki ZZR 250: technical specifications
Let's repeat about the engine: the engine has a displacement of 248 cm³. The two-cylinder four-stroke engine has a power of 40 horsepower (23 Nm of torque). The transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox. Chain drive. The weight of the motorcycle is 146 kilograms. The maximum speed of the Kawasaki ZZR 250 is 160 km/h. Acceleration to the first hundred is 6 seconds. The fuel tank volume is 18 liters (on updated models released after 2000, the tank volume decreased and amounted to 17 liters), and the dry weight of the motorcycle “grew” by two kilograms.
Review of the Kawasaki ZZR 250 (EX250H) motorcycle
I became the proud owner of a gray and black Kawasaki ZZR-250 ! Having read the forums, I expected that it would be a vegetable, BUT I must tell you that for a novice motorcyclist it’s just a rocket! The engine spins up to 14 thousand revolutions, and the maximum speed is 190 km/h. Of course, I checked the maximum speed, but not right away... after two weeks, but for now I had enough adrenaline at the starts from traffic lights. The Zizer accelerates on par with the Toyota Celica GTS, that is, it reaches 100 km/h in about 7 seconds. About a month and a half later, the plug on the Zizer leaked, no problem, it was repaired. Otherwise, there were no technical problems. The engine always started, the gears shifted smoothly and didn't slip out, the brakes worked, and the lights were on. By the Kawasaki ZZR-250 has a very modest appetite, both for gasoline (5-6 liters per hundred) and for consumables. One brake disc in front, two cylinders, 40 horsepower - all this means that you need 2 brake pads, not 4, two spark plugs, not 4, but 40 hp. They don't eat up the sprocket chain so quickly. I used the motorcycle every day, from April to October, for the most part I traveled around Moscow, to work and on business, the Zizer steers well in traffic jams. The light and fairly narrow motorcycle (again due to the two-cylinder engine) passed perfectly through the busiest streets. I didn’t waste a single gram of gasoline; the motorcycle passed through any traffic jams (it drove me crazy). I tried a short distance on a Zizer, to Uglich and back (about 250 km one way). The motorcycle never let me down, the only thing it lacked was power reserves.
I bought a motorcycle and was immediately blown away. For 250cc it goes very well on the road. The engine is tuned in such a way that a lot of the motorcycle's power goes to acceleration. As for the fit, it is very comfortable. Although this is a real sports bike, you don’t have to ride lying down. Typical for all Kawasakis - when you engage first gear, it sticks loudly. motorcycle weight 145 kg and 45 hp. judge for yourself. I was very pleased with the purchase.
For 250cc this is just a machine!!! The season was completed without problems (about 9500 km), not counting oil changes and consumables. For beginners, this is just the thing, and it’s easy to operate, and the motz itself is light. Acceleration is simply wonderful (5.6 seconds to hundreds..) On the highway it rushes normally, although 165 km/h at 12000 rpm, in the city the only problem is that the mirrors get in the way in traffic jams...
