KawasaKi unveils Z250 aBs, Z400 aBs se

FOLLOWING 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 SE ABS 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 Z800inspired figure. But the general styling has remained the same since the 2013 model.

The new Z250 is lightweight, having shed a remarkable 4kg with its new steel trellis frame that is inspired by the Ninja H2.

Both Z250 and Z400 get a Sugomiinspired 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 fourvalve parallel twin engine producing 37.7hp and 23.5Nm of torque. Also, a lighter assist and slipper clutch feature is now available on the six-speed type transmission.

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 four-stroke, two-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine that 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 semidigital instrument panel and 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 more options for the Malaysian market.

“The Z400 is also perfect for entrylevel lady riders, given its agile and nimble handling and, at the same time, is a head-turner as the bike has an aggressive look”, he added.

The Z250 ABS is available in Candy Lime Green and the Z400 SE ABS in Pearl Storm Grey. They retail at RM21,998 and RM28,755, respectively, but excluding road tax.