Z250SL

2017 Kawasaki Z250SL Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in Kawasaki's naked motorcycle lineup, the 2017 Kawasaki Z250SL pairs a 249 cc (15.2 cu in) liquid-cooled single cylinder, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 28 HP (20.4 kW) at 9,700 rpm while maximum torque reaches 22.6 Nm (16.7 lb-ft) at 8,600 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 112.4 HP per liter and a 1,100 rpm working window between peak torque (8,600 rpm) and peak power (9,700 rpm), the engine character is reflecting a performance-oriented street tune that balances strong mid-range pull with an energetic top-end rush.

On the scales, the Z250SL measures 148 kg (326 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.19 HP/kg (5.29 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 785 mm (30.9 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance, combined with a 1,330 mm (52.4 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry. The 11-liter (2.9 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 170 km/h (106 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Kawasaki archive, this model family spans 3 indexed model years from 2015 to 2017, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.