Motorcycle Kawasaki ZZR 250: photo, review, technical specifications, owner reviews

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 This was a replacement for the outdated GPZ/GPX 250R models.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.

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.

History of changes

The bike didn’t change much, but there was still evolution:

1. In 1991, the headlights were redesigned and the fuel tank was reduced by a liter to 15 litres.
2. In 1992, the special version with the letter R at the end of the name was no longer offered.
3. In 1993, the maximum power is reduced to 40 hp. However, before that, she was a little higher.

The bike was already successful, so there was no point in changing it too much. For independent tuning, this is not the best choice, since this motorcycle is in some sense a rarity, and such innovations will only worsen its appearance.

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 Kawasaki ZZR 250 – an unusual sports-touring version of the motorcycle

The small-capacity Kawasaki ZZR 250 motorcycle can be a good option for beginner motorcyclists . It has a relatively low cost, attractive characteristics, and presentable appearance. The article will allow you to get to know the model as much as possible, find out the advantages and disadvantages of this technique.

Exterior of Kawasaki ZZR 250

The design of the Kawasaki ZZR 250 is in a classic sporting spirit.

The motorcycle has a sporty and aggressive design, and belongs to the “sport-tourism” class.

• Alloy wheels play an important role in the appearance, but it should be noted that previous models had more interesting wheel designs.

Specific alloy wheels distinguish the motorcycle from other bikes.

Specifications

The motorcycle was equipped with an engine that was uncharacteristic for bikes of this type - a two-cylinder in-line engine with liquid cooling and four valves on each cylinder.

The Kawasaki ZZR 250 is equipped with an engine with a power of 40 horsepower and a displacement of 248 cm 3 . Paired with the engine is a 6-speed manual transmission.

Motorcycle models that were produced before 2000 have a fuel tank with a capacity of 18 liters . For the rest, the tank was reduced by one liter.

Acceleration to hundreds

The speed characteristics are not particularly impressive to modern motorcyclists, but do not forget that the bike appeared in 1988.

• The power unit can accelerate to the first hundred in 6 seconds .
• The maximum speed to which a motorbike can accelerate is 160 kilometers per hour .

Fuel consumption

A bike of this model cannot be called economical, but gas consumption is moderate.

The manufacturer claims that per 100 kilometers the consumption is approximately 3.2–4.9 liters . However, practice shows that these figures are slightly higher and range from 4.5 to 6.0 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers.

To be more precise, a full tank will last approximately 500 kilometers.

The 18-liter gas tank is not enough for a sports-touring class motorcycle.

Of course, driving style also affects gas mileage. With a sharp change of gas, much more fuel will be consumed than with a smooth movement.

It is worth noting that the Japanese motorcycle is not picky about Russian gasoline . Therefore, even if poor quality fuel is poured, there will be no problems with the fuel system.

Suspension

The very first Kawasaki models were produced with a steel frame, but after 1992 the manufacturer began to use an aluminum frame for the structure. Due to this, the motorbike began to weigh less. This is one of the main features of the motorcycle chassis.

The suspension itself does not have a complex design; it consists of a telescopic fork and a Uni-Trak . The model has disc brakes, where the front ones are equipped with a four-piston caliper, and the rear ones are equipped with two-piston calipers. Despite the simplicity and lightness of the suspension, it is reliable and durable.

End of the ZZR era

Nothing can last forever. The Kawasaki ZZR 250 replaced outdated models and eventually became outdated itself. The last copy of this motorcycle was released in 2007. And a year later, the manufacturing company presented customers with the successor to this model; it became the Kawasaki Ninja 250R.

It is worth noting that there are still plenty of ZZR 250 motorcycles on the secondary market. It is quite possible to find a motorcycle in very decent technical condition for a relatively moderate amount. Buyers choose this model on the secondary market for its incredible reliability; in addition, spare parts for the Kawasaki ZZR 250 are inexpensive and are almost always either in stock or quickly delivered by specialized stores. The motorcycle is not a problem.

Kawasaki ZZR 250: reviews

The owners of this motorcycle are happy people. At least, this conclusion can be drawn by analyzing reviews of this motorcycle. The model is almost indestructible. The most important rule, according to the owners, is competent, timely maintenance of the motorcycle, as well as the use of high-quality spare parts and technical fluids.

Sometimes you can come across a review that says that this motorcycle lacks power. This is not entirely true; most likely, this review is left by a person who has already “outgrown” the 250 cc class and the time has come for him to consider a more powerful and voluminous motorcycle. For its engine size, the ZZR 250 is very decent.

Kawasaki EN500 - preparation for the season.

The Vulcan 500 is an excellent motorcycle for a beginner, small, light, and quite nimble. The engine that is installed can be found on the Kawasaki ER5 and Kawasaki GPZ 500 models. Therefore, the described procedure is quite suitable for them.

I'll start with adjusting the valve clearances:

I remove the tank and everything unnecessary.

I drain the antifreeze and remove the thermostat housing along with the tubes.

I unscrew the candles, black as earth:

I lift the valve cover. But you can only remove it by lowering the engine down.

The oil that was used in the engine is old and nasty.

You can only wipe it off with a rag. In such cases, I recommend using a flush, adding fresh oil, driving it for 1000 km and replacing it again.

Then it’s the turn of the carburetors:

On the diaphragm there is rubbish already familiar to me, similar to flower pollen in summer puddles after rain.

Further without comments Writing every time about how to change the brake fluid is already boring and lazy for me. The photo is more informative for the owner, who is very attentive and sensitive to the motorcycle.

After the fall I had to straighten the left arc:

Complaints about a rattle from the clutch revealed little wear on the basket, which is normal for such years and mileage and not yet fatal.

As can be seen from the photo, the basket is driven by a powerful multi-row chain, which is not so easy to loosen. But personally, I prefer the gear drive, although some smoothness is lost.

It was not possible to check the quality of engine tuning in the snowdrifts, and in the heat, I had to tighten the PMS screws a little for more stable engine operation.

Economical

The fuel consumption officially declared by the manufacturer for the Kawasaki ZZR 250 is 3.2-4.9 liters of gasoline for every hundred kilometers. This is in theory, in practice it comes out to about 4.5-6.0 liters per hundred kilometers (average). But the exact fuel consumption value always depends on your riding style, the quality of gasoline and the health of your motorcycle. In any case, the motorcycle is not too power-hungry, but it cannot be called an economical bike either; in this regard, everything is usual, without surprises (pleasant or unpleasant).

It should be noted that the bike is quite loyal to Russian fuel. This is very important because some motorcycle models are very sensitive to poor quality fuel, and all this can lead to serious problems with the bike’s fuel system, but with the ZZR 250 there will be no such problems.

Specifications

It’s worth noting that this model’s hardware is weak for a sportbike by today’s standards. In the late eighties these were quite acceptable technical characteristics.

These weak parameters are not only a minus of the Kawasaki ZXR 250, but also a plus. For example, this machine is ideal for those who like the look of old sports bikes, but do not need high dynamic performance at all.

Prices

A used ZZR 250 can be bought today for 2-2.5 thousand dollars, if you consider options from abroad and without mileage in Russia. If you look at the options on our market, they start at 80 thousand rubles. As practice shows, models that do not have mileage in Russia are in better technical condition and last longer, and therefore do not cause the owner absolutely any trouble. But everyone chooses a model according to their goals and financial capabilities.

When buying a motorcycle, pay attention to its technical condition, so as not to spend half the motorcycle season (which in Russia is not very long anyway) on eliminating all the flaws left by the previous owner. In any case, we repeat, spare parts are not too expensive, and the structure of the motorcycle is quite simple, that is, it is possible to repair the bike yourself, without contacting specialized services, provided that you have sufficient technical knowledge, the necessary tools and relevant experience.

What bike owners say:

In many videos, Kawasaki ZXR 250 owners note that it is very leisurely compared to modern sportbikes. However, this, according to some, makes it more suitable for people unfamiliar with the class and also makes it easier to move around the city.

The bike handles well and does not fall over at low speeds, for example, in a gradually flowing traffic jam. Many owners note this. The only problem that almost everyone talks about is that it is not so easy to get spare parts for this old model.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the Kawasaki ZXR 250 is an excellent bike not only for its time, but even today. Yes, it is inferior in terms of characteristics to the top models of our time, but its capabilities are enough to please speed lovers. Well, connoisseurs of old sportbikes will generally be delighted.

Bottom line

Who is the Kawasaki 250 suitable for? It is suitable as a first motorcycle or as a bike for every day. You won’t be able to take part in extreme high-speed racing on it (but the 250 cc motorcycle class is not for that at all). This is a faithful friend for measured trips on high-quality surfaces for reasonable money. On such a motorcycle it is quite possible to go on a long trip. It won't be very comfortable, but it can be worse. Perhaps this was the benchmark among Japanese motorcycles in its class in its time and for this money.

Many motorcycle enthusiasts say that they bought this model as a first bike for one or two seasons, but continued to ride it for five or more seasons. This motorcycle is too alive, and there is something about it that sinks into the very heart. Ultimately, motorcyclists still sold this bike, reluctantly and buying a more powerful model. But some motorcyclists left it in their garages just in case and bought an additional, more powerful motorcycle.

If we talk about this motorcycle as an option for beginners, then the Kawasaki ZZR 250 is best suited for this role. With this bike you will experience the whole range of necessary sensations: you will feel the wind, the road, drive, adrenaline and speed. The model is suitable for learning all basic driving techniques, while the driver is guaranteed a feeling of pleasure from all this. You will really like the motorcycle, and it will be able to quickly adapt to your riding style and your habits. With it you will quickly gain the necessary riding experience.

The Kawasaki ZZR 250 will definitely go down in world history. In the entire history of motorcycle creation, there are very few models that can successfully exist for thirty years without any serious technical modifications. This is one of those few bikes that can safely be called unique of its kind!

Motorcycle Kawasaki ZZR 250: photo, review, technical characteristics, owner reviews on News4Auto.ru.

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