FOLLOWING up the launch of the latest Z series in April, Kawasaki Malaysia organised a test ride for the media recently.
Four Z250 ABS and a Z400 ABS SE were made available during the 60km ride from Bangi to Cyberjaya and back. The ride was preceded by a product briefing.
The Z250 and Z400 are naked versions of the Ninja 250 and Ninja 400, with a host of upgraded features.
The most obvious difference of the latest Z250 is its Z650 inspired design, compared to the previous Z800-inspired figure. But the general styling has remained the same since the 2013 model.
The new Z250 is lightweight, having shed a remarkable 4kg off its new, Ninja H2-inspired steel trellis frame.
Both Z250 and Z400 get a Sugomi-inspired styling from their bigger siblings: the head section slightly lowered and the tail section raised a little for a slimmer and sharper look. Like a scorpion.
Underneath the improved facade, the Z250’s engine is powered by a 249cc fuel injected and liquid cooled 4-valve parallel twin engine producing 37.7 hp and 23.5 Nm of torque. Also, a lighter assist and slipper clutch feature is now available on the 6-speed type transmission.
Braking on the Z250 uses a single 290mm brake disc at the front while the rear gets a single 220 mm disc on dual piston calliper.
The Z400 ABS, first revealed during the annual motorcycle trade show or EICMA in Milan in November last year as a replacement for the Z300, is powered by a 399cc 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine which produces 45hp at 10,000rpm and 38Nm of torque at 8,000rpm. It also gets a new fuel injector.
The Z400 is 2kg lighter than the Z300 thanks to the new steel trellis frame. Its 30.9-inch seat height is low by most standards, but Kawasaki Malaysia assured taller riders like me that accessories are available for us.
A dual-channel ABS also comes as a standard feature for both Z250 and Z400. Other notable features on both bikes are a more muscular looking fuel tank, a widened handlebar, a Z650-inspired semi-digital instrument panel and also new LED lighting for both headlight and taillight.
Kawasaki Malaysia general manager and director, Datuk Jeffrey Lim, said the introduction of the Z400 was to provide a wider range for the Malaysian market.
“The Z400 is also perfect for entry-level lady riders given the agile and nimble handling of the bike at the same time, a head-turner as the bike has an aggressive look”, he added.
The Z250 ABS is available in Candy Lime Green and Z400 ABS SE in Pearl Storm Grey and retail at RM21,998 and RM28,755 respectively (excluding road tax).