Kawasaki Z250 Archives

MODENAS Ninja 250 and Z250 Almost Ready For Launch!

MODENAS has prepared a specialised assembly line for Kawasaki models only.
Both the Ninja 250 and Z250 will be assembled locally at first.
Eventually all twin-cylinder Kawasaki models will be assembled in Malaysia under the MODENAS brand.
You can purchase one at a ‘Kawasaki Shop’ or ‘Kawasaki Station’.

MODENAS has confirmed that it will be introducing the locally assembled Ninja 250 and Z250 both with ABS and non-ABS models, sometime at the end of July of this year.

This comes after Kawasaki upped its stake in MODENAS from the previous 19% to 30% with a further 18% on the cards if certain conditions are met.

Part of this acquisition involves the local assembly of certain Kawasaki models which will eventually include the entire twin-cylinder range and more.

The local assembly of Kawasaki models will start with the twin-cylinder Z250 and Ninja 250 models (models with and without ABS will be available).

In a rare preview of the assembly plant at the MODENAS plant in Gurun for members of the media, MODENAS showcased its specialised Kawasaki assembly line that was put together by Kawasaki Japan and Thailand.

MODENAS assures that the quality of locally-assembled Kawasaki models will be identical to the imported models since a lot of the assembling capabilities include input from Kawasaki engineers, which ensures consistency in the manufacturing process.

MODENAS also showcased a unique dyno test machine that was specially flown in from Japan. The dyno machine is the first of its kind in ASEAN that has the capabilities to test both the front and rear wheels with the purpose of testing engine output and braking capabilities, which is important since some Kawasaki models come with twin-channel ABS.

Every single MODENAS-Kawasaki model assembled in Malaysia will have to begin its life by first proving its worth in the dyno machine. Only after MODENAS engineers are confident the bike meets all Kawasaki and MODENAS requirements, will it be released for distribution.

The MODENAS Ninja 250 and Z250 will be available at two types of dealerships. MODENAS says the new Kawasaki-MODENAS bikes will be available at Kawasaki branded shops called ‘Kawasaki Shop’, which is basically a exclusive Kawasaki shop similar to the Ninja Shops of before.

The second types of dealerships will be called ‘Kawasaki Station’, which are not exclusive Kawasaki dealerships but rather a multi-brand dealership which also offers Kawasaki-MODENAS products.

In terms of design, the MODENAS Ninja 250 and MODENAS Z250 are identical to their Kawasaki siblings except for a few MODENAS stickers differentiating the two models.

Currently all parts are imported from Kawasaki Thailand and assembled locally in Malaysia, with up to 33% local content set to be introduced later.

As for pricing, unfortunately there is no indication as yet, but MODENAS CEO Mr Roslan Roskan (pictured above) promises competitive prices that could just be lower than before. Deliveries are expected to begin at the end of July.

EMOS officially appointed as Malaysian Kawasaki distributors

Kawasaki Z250 To Get A Four-Cylinder Treatment

After the success of Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-25R, the Japanese firm is said to be working on another 250cc four-cylinder engine.

The ZX-25R was a huge success since its launch and probably the most powerful quarter-litre bike to date.

It’s probably thanks to the Ninja success, Team Green is rumoured to be developing a naked version of the 250cc screamer.

Similar to the ZX-25R, we can assume the quarter-litre naked bike feature the same high-spec goodies such as premium inverted forks, radially mounted brake callipers and quickshifter.

Nonetheless, the new motorcycle will feature the same 250cc four-cylinder engine capable of producing 51hp @ 15,500rpm and 22.9Nm @ 14,500rpm.

Based on how strong the ongoing rumour is, we can expect that the development of the new motorcycle is already underway.

Gallery: The joy of owning a Kawasaki

Kawasaki Malaysia has a unique way of providing some fun for owners of Kawasaki motorcycles.

Every Sunday, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer encourages its owners to meet up at the Kawasaki headquarters in Glenmarie Shah Alam.

There are no pre-planned rides, nothing glamorous. Riders just meet at the HQ and decide what they want to do on that day. They decide where to ride and what to do at that point itself.

The bike maker works with various Kawasaki clubs like the Z250 club, Z800 club and the Versys club to bring owners together. But that doesn’t mean only owners of a certain bike are allowed to come; every Kawasaki owner is encouraged to come together.

We had a chance to witness this camaraderie for ourselves last Sunday. About 30 Kawasaki riders came together at about 830am not knowing where they were going or what the plans were, they just showed up.

After everyone showed up, it was decided that the group was going to ride to Sungkai, Perak for lunch and return back before 3pm.

From the HQ, the group rode to a nearby ‘mamak’ restaurant for breakfast, which was paid for by Kawasaki Malaysia.

On the safety front, Kawasaki Malaysia provided marshalls to help ensure everyone’s riding within limits.

All riders were encouraged to bring full riding and safety gear, but those who did not were not turned away, just advised on the need for proper riding gear especially for long distance rides.

Kawasaki Malaysia is one of the few manufacturers that actively engages its owners and customers to go on weekend rides. Kudos to the company for this amazing effort.