- The 2019 version gets major cosmetic changes
- It is based on a reworked chassis and boasts of higher power figures
- India launch of the bike is not confirmed yet
Kawasaki launched the 2019 version of its quarter-litre naked bike, the Z250, at the Thai Motor Expo 2018. The motorcycle has received major cosmetic changes along with updates on the engine and frame. It gets a single colour option of pearl stardust white/metallic spark black. The 2019 Z250 is priced at 163,000 THB (Rs 3.48 lakhs).
The headlamp of the bike has been redesigned and it gets LED lights now. It further gets an elongated visor and the fully digital instrument cluster has been borrowed from the Z650. The Z-shaped tank extensions have been replaced by a smaller bikini fairing while the up swept tail section looks same as the new-age Ninja models.
The 2019 Z250 is based on a reworked steel trellis frame which is claimed to be lighter. Powering the bike is a 249cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled motor which now churns out 36.8bph of power and 23Nm of torque. The 2018 model generates 31.5bhp and 21Nm. It is mated to a six-speed gearbox.
Suspension duties on the motorcycle are handled by telescopic forks on the front and a monoshock at the rear. For braking, it utilises semi-floating disc on both the ends with Nissin calipers. Unlike the 2018 model, this bike gets ABS as standard.
As for the India launch of the 2019 Z250, there are no reports yet. The currently sold Z250 competes against the KTM 390 Duke and the Benelli TNT 300 which has been recently re-launched in India.