The ultimate fun at an affordable price.

The Ultimate Fun at an Affordable Price. 2022 Kawasaki Z250SL New Colors Released
In some countries including Taiwan, due to the legal system, they usually bring in bikes over 300 c.c. However, in some regions (such as Japan), 250-class bikes still have some advantages, and this time the Z250SL is one of them. In some countries including Taiwan, due to the legal system, the industry usually introduces bikes above 300 c.c. However, in some regions (such as Japan), 250-class bikes still have certain advantages, such as this Z250SL.

Although the name is close to the Z250 (Z300 in Taiwan), the Z250SL is a completely different kind of light bike, with “SL” being the acronym for Super Light, which means extremely light. It is positioned as a commuter bike.

The Z250SL, which is positioned as a commuter bike, still inherits the spirit of Kawasaki’s Z Street series in its appearance, and even though it is powered by a single-cylinder, four-stroke 249 c.c. water-cooled engine, the bike is extremely light (148 kg wet weight, 20 kg lighter than the twin-cylinder Z250) and maintains a certain level of performance. This engine is shared with the KLX 250, which has enough power at low and medium rpm and is also very quick to pull.

Although the name is similar to the Z250 (Z300 in Taiwan), the Z250SL is a completely different kind of light bike, and even though it’s positioned as a commuter bike, it still inherits the spirit of Kawasaki’s Z street bike line. The engine is shared with the KLX 250, which has enough power at low and medium rpm and is also very quick to pull, and the company has equipped the bike with a six-speed transmission.

The most striking feature of the bike is the woven steel frame, which is rarely seen on Japanese bikes, and the 2017 model has the entire frame painted in metallic lime green, making the whole thing quite dazzling. The suspension specifications are the same as those of the Z250, and the front and rear shocks are still 37mm sleeve forks / single-shot mid-mounted multi-link. There is no difference in the frame design at first glance, but the weight of the rear frame is 500g less than that of the Z250, and the tire size is also slightly smaller, these two changes represent a reduction in underspring weight, bringing the rider excellent driving response.

The Z250SL has a steel braided frame rarely seen on Japanese bikes, which contributes to the lighter weight of the bike, and the handling is no less impressive. The front and rear suspension specifications are the same as those of the Z250, while the front and rear tires are slightly smaller, and the rear frame is even 500g lighter, providing the owner with excellent driving response.

The Z250SL is available without ABS and is priced at about 116,000 yen (about 31,000 NT) less than the twin-cylinder Z250 ABS in Japan, which may not be a huge amount, but it’s definitely nice to have more options.

[Satisfaction / Strengths]

It is light and powerful enough, easy to ride, low maintenance, and its small size helps to save parking space.

About the ride

It’s light and the engine is suitable for touring. For me, the single-cylinder is the most enjoyable and direct experience, and it excels on twisty roads and curves.

About the exterior

Because I’m in love with the design of the bike at first sight, I will try to modify it without changing its appearance.

[Shortcomings]

It has no loading capacity at all, but this problem can be solved by adding a back box, but if you don’t want a back box to ruin the look, please prepare a backpack.

About the ride

There are a lot of long, straight roads that can be tiring, and it’s not suitable for two people.

About the appearance

This is a matter of personal aesthetics, no complaints. (If you don’t like it, you won’t buy it, right?) I don’t have any complaints.