Kawasaki Z250C (1979-80)

The Kawasaki Z250C motorcycle was produced between 1979 and 1980. It features a four-stroke parallel-twin engine with SOHC and two valves per cylinder, with a capacity of 248cc and a compression ratio of 8.9:1. Induction is handled by two 26mm Keihin carburetors, while the bike has a battery and coil ignition and an electric start. The maximum power output is 14.2 kW or 19 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, with a maximum torque of 18 Nm or 12.9 lb-ft at 7,000 rpm. Transmission is a five-speed with a chain final drive. Suspension includes a telescopic fork with air assistance in the front and a five-way adjustable spring preload swing arm in the back. The brakes are drums and the bike has alloy 7-spoke wheels with a 3.00-18 front tire and a 3.50-18 rear tire. The seat height is 737mm or 29 inches, and the dry weight is 132kg or 291lbs. The fuel capacity is 9.1 liters or 2.4 US gallons, and the bike has an acceleration of 0-100 km/h or 62mph in 11.3 seconds with a top speed of 145km/h or 90.1mph. The Kawasaki Z250C was compared in a 1979 road test against the Yamaha XS250 and the Honda CB250N in the Which Bike magazine.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Kawasaki Z 250FS

Year: 1979 – 80
Engine: Four stroke, parallel twin, SOHC, 2 valve per cylinder
Capacity: 248 cc / 15.1 cub in
Bore x Stroke: 70 x 64 mm
Cooling System: Air cooled
Compression Ratio: 8.9:1
Induction: 2 x 26mm Keihin carburetors
Ignition: Battery and coil
Starting: Electric
Max Power: 14.2 kW / 19 hp @ 8 000 rpm
Max Torque: 18 Nm / 1.8 kgf-m / 12.9 lb-ft @ 7 000 rpm
Transmission: 5 Speed
Final Drive: Chain
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork, air assisted
Rear Suspension: Swing arm 5-way adjustable spring preload
Front Brakes: Drum
Rear Brakes: Drum
Front Tyre: 3.00-18
Rear Tyre: 3.50-18
Front Wheel: Alloy, 7 spoke, 2.75 – 18
Rear Wheel: Alloy, 7 spoke, 4.60 – 16
Seat Height: 737 mm / 29 in
Dry Weight: 132 kg / 291 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 9.1 Litres / 2.4 US gal
Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph: 11.3 sec
Top Speed: 145 km/h / 90.1 mph
Road Test: Yamaha XS250. Kawasaki Z250. Honda CB250N. Which Bike 1979