Kawasaki has launched their new entry level motorcycle for the Indian market, the Z250. This new motorcycle as the name suggests is categorised under the Z-class and is a naked motorcycle. The Z250 has been launched at a price of Rs. 2.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
As is the case with bigger Z-class motorcycles like the Z800 and Z1000, the design language is sharp with a funky looking headlamp fairing, floating side cowls in ‘Z’ shape, split and step-up seats, full-size exhaust with silver accents, 5 bi-spoke alloy wheels etc. Where the front end and side profile are noticeably different, the rear end resembles the Ninja 300 currently on sale. The bike has an analogue + digital instrument cluster identical to the Ninja 300. Riding position is not upright with a single-piece conventional handlebar.
Powering the Z250 you have a 249cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin petrol motor producing 33 BHP of power and 21 Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed transmission. There is no slipper clutch provided on the Z250 like you have on the Ninja 300. There is a telescopic front fork and rear monoshock for suspension duties. Stopping power comes from a 290mm front petal disc brake and a 220mm rear petal disc brake. Kawasaki still does not offer ABS even as an option while international models do get it.
The Ninja 300 costs about Rs. 4 lakh on-road and the Z250 will cost somewhere in the range of Rs. 3.3 – 3.4 lakh on road. We think that the Z250 is still a bit overpriced for all that it offers. Now, the Suzuki Inazuma makes a very competitive product proposition with almost similar specs, but just a little plain Jane design language. Not to forget, the KTM Duke 390, with more power, more tech and even ABS for a much lower price tag will be the clear winner.
The Z250 is currently available as CKD kits with about 40% localisation. Deliveries for the Z250 begin next month and the company has a nearly over ambitious plan of selling 300 units in the near future.
