Kawasaki’s 250 single due soon

‘Z250SL’ could be launched next week

KAWASAKI is due to launch a naked 250 as early as next week, according to Indian bike websites.

The single-cylinder machine will be called the Z250SL, not the ER-2n as previously thought, according to reports.

It’s a naked version of the Ninja 250L, which was launched in Asian markets in February.

EU-registered design sketches of the naked edition have raised the possibility it could be destined for Europe.

Both versions share the same frame and engine, with 28hp and 16.9lbft.

The Z250SL is expected to weigh around 144kg compared to the fully-faired Ninja 250’s 151kg. It could be launched in Indonesia as early as April 30, according reports.

Kawasaki’s current UK offering in the small-capacity market is the parallel-twin Ninja 300, which makes 39hp and costs from £4,799,

The Z250SL model might be better positioned to compete with Honda’s single-cylinder CBR300R, due to go on sale this year, while helping to set the Ninja 300 apart as something more sophisticated, justifying a higher price.

A naked version of the Ninja 250SL was seen in spy shots in January.  

Thanks to Indonesian website TMCBlog for the leaked picture.