Kawasaki Z250FS
It could reach a top speed of 145 km/h / 90.1 mph.
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| Kawasaki Z250FS | |
| Manufacturer | |
|---|---|
| Production | 1979 - 80 |
| Engine | Four stroke, parallel twin, SOHC, 2 valve per cylinder |
| Compression ratio | 8.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/h / 90.1 mph |
| Ignition | Battery and coil |
| Transmission | 5 Speed |
| Suspension | Front: Telescopic fork, air assisted Rear: Swing arm 5-way adjustable spring preload |
| Brakes | Front: Drum Rear: Drum |
| Front Tire | 3.00-18 |
| Rear Tire | 3.50-18 |
| Seat Height | 737 mm / 29 in |
| Weight | 132 kg / 291 lbs (dry), |
| Recommended Oil | K-tech 10W-40 |
| Fuel Capacity | 9.1 Liters / 2.4 US gal |
| Manuals | Service Manual |
EngineEdit
The engine was a Air cooled cooled Four stroke, parallel twin, SOHC, 2 valve per cylinder. The engine featured a 8.9:1 compression ratio.
ChassisEdit
It came with a 3.00-18 front tire and a 3.50-18 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via Drum in the front and a Drum in the rear. The front suspension was a Telescopic fork, air assisted while the rear was equipped with a Swing arm 5-way adjustable spring preload. The Z250FS was fitted with a 9.1 Liters / 2.4 US gal fuel tank. The bike weighed just 132 kg / 291 lbs.
PhotosEdit
OverviewEdit
Kawasaki Z 250
Review
250cc singles seem to be the latest vogue from Japanese
manufacturers and they're injecting a certain amount of sanity and fun into
motorcycling.
The all-out effort to produce more performance is being moderated
and at the same time made attractive to the first time buyer.
The Honda and the
Yamaha we have already seen and they are both pretty bikes. The Kawasaki Z250C
is no exception. It is offered in blue making the Kawasaki the most expensive
looking of the three. But at £769 it's just £10 more than the Honda and much
less than Yamaha's SR250 custom-style model.
The motor for the Z250C is one developed from the KL250
trail bike unit. The cylinder head has larger inlet and exhaust valves and a new
self-adjusting cam chain tensioner, as found on the Z1300. Also the oil filter
has been repositioned for easy access. Apart from this the 246cc engine has the
same 70 x 64 mm bore and stroke and 26mm Keihin carburetor. Power output is 19
bhp at 8,000 rpm with the maximum torque of 12.9 lb-ft at 7,000 rpm. Maximum
torque on the trail bike is at 6,500, but its valve timing is different and it
uses a 34mm constant-vacuum carb as opposed to the piston type on the roadster.
The only other differences are in the ignition systems; the KL uses capacitor discharge whereas the Z relies on points. The roadster also has electric start, which puts it ahead of the pack. The riding position is just right. Low 'bars, good footrest position and a comfortable double-density foam seat makes the bike a pleasure to ride. The seat height is a low 29 inches - which should suit just about everyone. The Slinch wheelbase and the weight of 284 lbs dry allows the bike to be thrown around with almost reckless abandon. The seat shape is also conducive to enthusiastic behaviour since you can slide off it for corners, keeping the bike upright. The frame feels very rigid and as a consequence the bike handles very well. The suspension is well damped as it needs to be, because of the bike's low sprung weight and the cast wheels probably aren't that light, a combination that could provoke a certain amount of pogoing with ill-matched springs. The Yokohama tires contribute to the confident feel of the machine. Front tire size is 2.75 x 18 with the rear being a massive 460S x 16 but this must be more to do with marketing than performance. Stopping power is provided by drum brakes front and rear, the front being equipped with a seven-inch twin leading shoe backplate. The rear brake is a simple five-inch unit. These type of brakes are more than adequate for a machine of this weight. In practice though, braking is used only as a last resort as engine braking and the bike's maneuverability can cope with quite a lot of obstacles and the handling is good enough for corners and roundabouts to be taken at normal road speeds. If necessity dictates jumping on the brakes then you can be sure the bike will pull up quickly in a straight line.
Source:
| Make Model | Kawasaki Z 250FS |
|---|---|
| Year | 1979 - 80 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, parallel twin, SOHC, 2 valve per cylinder |
| Displacement | 248 cc / 15.1 cub in |
| Bore X Stroke | 70 x 64 mm |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Compression | 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 Tire | 3.00-18 |
| Rear Tire | 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 Liters / 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 |