Our Cars: Kawasaki Z250SL

27 July 2016: Say hello to our little green Kawasaki

These days a 250cc motorcycle has limited appeal. The capacity is too large for a learner and, for most A2 or full licence holders, it’s too small to provide enough excitement or flexibility. And yet here I am, introducing my 250cc motorcycle, despite the fact I have a full, unrestricted licence. Maybe I just like Candy Lime Green?

Actually, small, light, cheap motorcycles are my guilty pleasure and the Z250SL fits the bill perfectly. Compared to other A2 licence-friendly machines it’s down on power and torque – but its weight of just 148kg (SL stands for Super Light) is comparable to a Yamaha R125, the sportiest learner-friendly bike on sale.

But it has roughly twice the power and torque of the £4399 R125 and it costs less, at £3649. For me, the Kawasaki is a bit like reliving my teenage years riding an Aprilia RS50, but with enough grunt to make use of motorways and the bonus of a reliable four stroke engine, rather than a screeching two-stroke. And I really do like Candy Lime Green. A lot.

Peak power is a fairly inconsequential 28PS at 9700rpm, with peak torque of 23Nm from 8200rpm. For the first few weeks those numbers are out of reach, however, since until the 600 mile running in service I have to keep the revs down. That is proving difficult, given the way the bike wakes up suddenly at about 6000rpm.

The Z250SL is as light and small as a 125, but with twice the power

Fortunately, 60mph is at around 5000rpm, so keeping up with traffic doesn’t mean upsetting the brand new engine. Being so small and light, the Z250 is extremely easy to ride through corners. The riding position is reasonably comfortable, despite fairly high foot pegs, largely thanks to the sensible handlebars.

Kawasaki also sells a Ninja 250SL, which is broadly the same as the Z250SL but for its full fairing, clip-on handle bars and lower pegs. It only costs £200 more, so if the Z250SL appeals but you want sportier styling it’s a good bet. You'll just have to settle for gloss green instead of metallic. There’s also a KRT version of the Ninja 250SL with World Superbike colours for £3949.

So far the Z250SL has only covered a few miles, but I’ve already decided it needs an aftermarket exhaust, since it makes barely any sound at all. I think, both for ensuring other drivers notice me and for the sake of my own entertainment, motorcycles should be easy to hear and easy to see, so a near silent exhaust is no good.

The Z250SL will be with me for the next few years, so I’ll be giving it a thorough long term test. The first job, before anything else, is getting the running in period out of the way. As is the norm for motorcycles, a first service is due after 600 miles. It’s simple enough, with just an oil change and a once over to ensure things are all in good order. 

    Later: First service and first problem »

Updates

17 December 2016: Winter riding

John's decided, with a very significant amount of reluctance, to ride around in the winter weather, just to see how the Z250SL copes.

17 November 2016: Two-up on the Z250SL

Can you carry passengers on the Z250SL or is it strictly a one-up machine?

17 October 2016: Time to get some better tyres

The original equipment tyres supplied with the Z250SL aren't great, so John's changed them for some Michelin Pilot Streets.

12 September 2016: Bring the noise

John has changed the standard exhaust silencer on the Z250SL to make it a bit more noticeable in traffic.

12 August 2016: First service and first problem

The Kawasaki's engine has been liberated by the run-in service - but it hasn't all been plain sailing.

27 July 2016: Say hello to our little green Kawasaki

For the next few years John will be enjoying the company of a bright green, 250cc Z250SL. This is why he chose it...