Kawasaki Z250SL

Motorcycle markets in Southeast Asia, India, and China are growing so fast that almost every major motorcycle manufacturer is either developing bikes for these areas and/or building motorcycles there to avoid tariffs. One of the most interesting bikes we've seen lately is a 250cc Kawasaki single, the Ninja Z250SL.

Why would Kawasaki develop a new single in these markets instead of sticking with the existing parallel twin? A single, with fewer moving parts, is typically significantly less expensive to manufacturer than a twin, and pricing is critical to success in these countries.

This new liquid-cooled, fuel-injected powerplant produces a claimed 27 hp at 9,700 rpm and 17 pound-feet of torque at 8,200. The chassis has a trellis-style frame with a 37mm fork and a single Uni-Trak shock, while a 290mm front and 220mm rear disc are clamped by twin-piston calipers. Seventeen-inch wheels are shod with a 110/80 front tire and a 130/70 rear. Claimed dry weight for the faired version is 333 pounds.

So what are the chances of this lightweight bike heading Stateside? With most motorcycles being built for international markets and Kawasaki no longer making a 250 Ninja for ours, the Z250SL could be just what Team Green needs to fill in the lineup below the higher performance Ninja 300 twin.