Kawasaki Z250 (2013-2014) Review: The Stylish Streetfighter That Packs a Twin-Cylinder Punch

Introduction

The Kawasaki Z250, produced between 2013 and 2014, is a motorcycle that defies its modest displacement with a personality far larger than its 248cc parallel-twin engine suggests. Positioned as a naked counterpart to the Ninja 250R, the Z250 strips away the fairings to deliver a raw, urban-focused riding experience. With design DNA borrowed from its bigger sibling, the Z800, this bike blends aggressive styling with approachable performance—a combination that makes it a compelling choice for new riders and commuters seeking flair without intimidation. Let’s dive into what makes this generation of the Z250 a standout in the 250cc category.

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Design: Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

The Z250’s design is its first—and perhaps strongest—selling point. Kawasaki’s “Sugomi” styling philosophy, which emphasizes predator-like aggression, is evident here. The angular headlamp unit, borrowed directly from the Z800, gives the bike a menacing front profile. Paired with the bikini fairing’s green accents and black plastic cladding, the Z250 looks like it’s ready to pounce, even at a standstill.

The sculpted fuel tank, floating side cowls, and stepped seat contribute to a muscular aesthetic. At a glance, the Z250 could easily be mistaken for a larger displacement machine. The side profile reveals a compact wheelbase (1,400 mm / 55.1 in) and a low seat height (785 mm / 30.9 in), which contrasts with its otherwise imposing stance.

Practical touches include a functional engine underbelly cover (plastic, but effective for minor debris protection) and a rear seat grabrail integrated into the tail section. The exhaust, shared with the Ninja 300, is a subdued black-and-silver unit that doesn’t detract from the bike’s clean lines. However, the IRC tires (110/70-17 front, 140/70-17 rear) feel out of place on such a sharp design—a hint that upgrades might be worthwhile.

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Instrumentation & Ergonomics: Function Over Frills

The Z250’s cockpit is minimalist but functional. The digital-analog instrument cluster, borrowed from the Ninja 300, features a central tachometer, LCD speedometer, fuel gauge, and an Eco indicator—a nod to fuel efficiency. The lack of a gear position indicator is a minor annoyance, but the display is legible even in direct sunlight.

Ergonomically, the Z250 strikes a near-perfect balance. The wide, flat handlebar encourages a relaxed upright posture, while slightly rear-set footpegs (365 mm / 14.4 in from the seat) add a hint of sportiness. The seat itself is plush enough for hour-long commutes, though taller riders (over 180 cm / 5’11”) might find legroom cramped. For shorter riders, the low seat height inspires confidence in stop-and-go traffic.

Switchgear quality is average—functional but not premium. The absence of a hazard light switch feels like a missed opportunity, and the non-adjustable brake levers might irk those with smaller hands. That said, the mirrors offer excellent rear visibility, a rarity in this segment.

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Engine & Performance: Smooth Operator

At the heart of the Z250 lies a 249cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine—a proven powerplant from the Ninja 250R. Tuned for 32 HP (23.4 kW) at 11,000 RPM and 21 Nm of torque at 8,500 RPM, this engine prioritizes refinement over brute force.

City Riding:
Thumb the electric starter, and the twin settles into a muted idle. Carburetion (via twin Keihin CVK30s) is crisp, with minimal throttle lag. The Z250 pulls cleanly from as low as 2,500 RPM, making it a stress-free companion in urban chaos. Even in third gear at 30 km/h (18.6 mph), the engine refuses to judder—a boon for stoplight crawls.

Highway Performance:
Where the Z250 truly shines is in its mid-range. Between 6,000–10,000 RPM, the engine delivers linear acceleration, hitting 100 km/h (62 mph) in third gear. The exhaust note transitions from a hum to a throaty growl past 7,000 RPM, adding acoustic excitement. Top speed is capped at 170 km/h (105.6 mph), though sustained runs above 120 km/h (74.5 mph) are marred by windblast—a naked bike trade-off.

Gearbox & Clutch:
The 6-speed transmission is slick, with precise shifts. Clutch pull is light, reducing fatigue in traffic. However, the absence of a slipper clutch (added in 2015 models) becomes apparent during aggressive downshifts.

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Handling: Agile, But Tyres Hold It Back

Kawasaki’s diamond-type steel frame and box-section swingarm provide a rigid yet nimble foundation. At 168 kg (370 lbs) wet, the Z250 flicks through traffic with ease. The suspension setup—37 mm telescopic forks and a Uni-Trak rear shock—is tuned for comfort, soaking up potholes without drama.

Cornering:
Push the Z250 into bends, and it responds eagerly. The 26-degree rake and 82 mm (3.2 in) trail lend quick steering, though the IRC tyres lack grip when cold. On damp roads, confidence plummets—a switch to Metzeler Sportecs or Pirelli Diablos would transform the bike’s cornering prowess.

Braking:
The single 290 mm front petal disc (2-piston caliper) and 220 mm rear disc deliver adequate stopping power. However, the lack of ABS and the tyres’ limited bite lead to occasional lock-ups under hard braking.

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Competition: How Does the Z250 Stack Up?

The Z250’s rivals in 2013–2014 included:

1. KTM Duke 390:
2. Pros: 44 HP, ABS, Metzeler tyres.
3. Cons: Harsh ride quality, vibey single-cylinder engine.

4. Verdict: The Duke dominates in power and tech but lacks the Z250’s refinement.

5. Honda CBR250R:

6. Pros: Fuel injection, optional ABS, comfy ergonomics.
7. Cons: Bland styling, softer suspension.

8. Verdict: A pragmatic choice, but less thrilling than the Z250.

9. Yamaha MT-03 (660cc):

10. Pros: Larger engine, iconic design.
11. Cons: Heavier, higher price.
12. Verdict: Overkill for urban riders; the Z250 is more accessible.

The Z250’s Edge:
Its twin-cylinder engine offers unmatched smoothness in the 250cc class. While down on power compared to the Duke 390, it’s far more forgiving for daily use. The design also ages better than its competitors—a head-turner even today.

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Maintenance: Keeping Your Z250 in Prime Shape

1. Carburetor Care:
   The Keihin CVK30 carburetors demand periodic cleaning, especially if the bike sits unused. Use a fuel stabilizer and consider annual jet inspections.

2. Chain Maintenance:
   The O-ring chain requires regular lubrication. Upgrade to a DID VX3 chain for longevity.

3. Tyres:
   Replace the stock IRCs with grippier options like Michelin Pilot Street Radials for improved safety.

4. Brake Upgrades:
   Swap brake pads for EBC HH sintered variants for better bite.

5. Suspension Tweaks:
   Adjust the rear preload (5 settings) to match your load—stiffen it for two-up riding.

MOTOPARTS.store Recommendations:
- High-performance air filters (K&N or BMC) to unlock smoother throttle response.
- LED auxiliary lights for enhanced visibility.
- Gel seat covers for long-distance comfort.

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Conclusion: A Timeless Entry-Level Icon

The Kawasaki Z250 (2013–2014) remains a standout in the 250cc naked segment. Its combination of head-turning design, silky-smooth twin-cylinder engine, and user-friendly ergonomics makes it a versatile choice for commuting and weekend joyrides. While it’s not without flaws—chiefly the underwhelming tyres and lack of ABS—these are easily remedied with aftermarket upgrades.

For riders seeking a motorcycle that blends style, reliability, and just enough performance to keep things interesting, the Z250 is a compelling proposition. And when you’re ready to elevate its capabilities, MOTOPARTS.store has the parts and expertise to transform this already-capable machine into your perfect two-wheeled partner.

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Specifications sheet

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