The Ninja 250SL
And the Z250SL
KAWASAKI has just unveiled two surprise new 250cc single-cylinder models for 2015, the Ninja 250SL and Z250SL.
Essentially faired and unfaired versions of the same machine, they produce 28hp and 16.7lbft, and will make more budget-focussed alternatives to the £5,200 Ninja 300 and newly unveiled
Z300.
Their launch helps split the sub-500cc market into two distinct categories, one populated by singles like them and the
Suzuki Inazuma 250F and the other by more powerful twins like the Ninja 300 and
Yamaha R3.
Both the new 250 models were launched for Asian markets earlier this year - the
Ninja 250SL in February and the
Z250SL in May. At that time it was not known they were also headed for Europe.
They're expected to cost around £4,000.
The Ninja 250SL and Z250SL were unveiled today at the Eicma Milan motorcycle show alongside the Z300, a naked version of the Ninja 300.
The 250s have a steel trellis frame which Kawasaki says helps provide a slim package with nimble handling. The Z250SL weighs 148kg and the Ninja 151kg.
The 249cc engine is quick-revving with 'robust mid-range', according to Kawasaki.
ABS is an option using the 'world's smallest ABS unit'.
There's a single 290mm petal-style front brake disc with a twin-piston caliper and a 220mm disc at the rear. The shock is preload adjustable.
The Z250SL has flat bars while the Ninja's are clip-ons.
The Z250SL comes in green or black and the Ninja 250SL in green and black or white and black.
Kawasaki's release included:
'249 cm3liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Single
Offering quick-revving sporty performance in a slim, lightweight and compact package, the single-cylinder engine delivers smooth, responsive power at low and medium rpm and hard-hitting power at high rpm.
Fuel injection -
Fine-atomising injectors ensure ideal fuel delivery at all rpm.
Electric start -
With fuel injection and electric start, starting is simple and hassle-free.
Original trellis frame -
Trellis frame enables a slim, lightweight and compact package as well as contributing to nimble handling.
37 mm telescopic fork -
37 mm telescopic fork contributes to both light, nimble handling as well as riding stability.
Uni-Trak rear suspension -
Kawasaki’s original linkage-equipped Uni-Trak rear suspension delivers a smooth ride and stable handling over a wide range of speeds and road conditions.
Radiator fan cover -
A cover for the radiator fan directs engine heat down and away from the rider for increased comfort.
Petal disc brakes -
Petal disc brakes front and rear deliver strong, easy-to-control stopping power and add to sporty looks.
Independent sport ABS -
For additional rider reassurance, an ABS model is also available. Its high-spec system was designed specially for motorcycles and features the world’s smallest ABS unit. Independent activation maximises sporty control.
All-digital instrumentation -
All-digital instrument panel gives the cockpit a modern, sporty look.'
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
BX250AFF/BFF
Type
Displacement
Bore and Stroke
Compression ratio
Valve system
Fuel system
Ignition
Starting
Lubrication
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Single
249 cm3
72.0 x 61.2 mm
11.3:1
DOHC, 4 valves
Fuel injection: φ38 mm x 1
Digital
Electric
Forced lubrication, wet sump
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission
Final drive
Primary reduction ratio
Gear ratios: 1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
Final reduction ratio
Clutch
6-speed, return
Chain
2.800 (84/30)
3.000 (33/11)
1.933 (29/15)
1.444 (26/18)
1.217 (28/23)
1.045 (23/22)
0.923 (24/26)
3.000 (42/14)
Wet multi-disc, manual
FRAME
Type
Wheel travel: front
rear
Tyre: front
Rear
Caster (rake)
Trail
Steering angle (left/right)
Tube diamond
110 mm
116 mm
100/80-17M/C 52S
130/70-17M/C 62S
24.0o
90 mm
36o / 36o
SUSPENSION
BX250AFF/BFF
Front:
Rear:
φ37 mm telescopic fork
Uni-Trak with adjustable spring preload
BRAKES
Front: Type
Caliper
Rear: Type
Caliper
Single φ290 mm disc
Dual-piston
Single φ220 mm disc
Dual-piston
DIMENSIONS (Ninja 250 SL)
Overall length
Overall width
Overall height
Wheelbase
Ground clearance
Seat height
Curb mass
Fuel capacity
1,935 mm
685 mm
1,075 mm
1,330 mm
165 mm
780 mm
151 kg (BX250A)
152 kg (BX250B)
11 litres
DIMENSIONS (Z250 SL)
Overall length
Overall width
Overall height
Wheelbase
Ground clearance
Seat height
Curb mass
BR250E
BR250F
Fuel capacity
1,935 mm
700 mm
1,015 mm
1,330 mm
180 mm
785 mm
148 kg
150 kg
11 litres
PERFORMANCE
Maximum power
Maximum torque
20.6 kW {28 PS} / 9,700 min-1
22.6 Nm {2.3 kgm} / 8,200 min-1
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