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Naked Motorcycles

1981Kawasaki Z 250 C

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19 fields on record

The 1981 Kawasaki Z 250 C is a lightweight custom cruiser ideal for beginner and casual riders seeking affordable, manageable transportation. Its humble single-cylinder air-cooled engine delivers reliable 17 horsepower with classic cruiser styling, making it best known for accessibility and low maintenance requirements.

Capacity
246.0 ccm
Engine
Single
Gearbox
5-speed
Wet weight
132.0 kg
Seat height
Not on record
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Power
17.0 HP (12.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM
Other years 1980 1981 1982 1983

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 23Agility 63Comfort 40Off-road 15Touring 25Road manners 45
Off-road & trail15%
Cornering45%
City riding60%
Daily riding55%
Touring25%
Two-up20%
Track15%
Best for
Designed as a basic, economical allround commuter rather than a performance or adventure machine.
Built for
A modest single-cylinder classic with humble performance but simple, approachable charm.
Not ideal for
This is not the bike for riders seeking highway speed, long-distance touring comfort, or any off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
246.0 ccm
Power
17.0 HP (12.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM
Engine type
Single
Power/weight ratio
0.1288 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke
70.0 x 64.0 mm
Compression
8.9:1
Cooling system
Air
Valves per cylinder
2
Torque
Not on record - add it
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Performance
Top speed
126.0 km/h (78.3 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wet weight
132.0 kg
Fuel capacity
9.00 litres
Seat height
Not on record - add it
Dry weight
Not on record - add it
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Expanding brake
Rear brakes
Expanding brake
Front tyre
2.75-18
Rear tyre
4.60-16

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 1980198119821983
Capacity 246 cc 246 cc 246 cc 246 cc
Fuel capacity 9 L 9 L 9 L 9 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Z 250 C?

The 1981 Kawasaki Z 250 C has a Capacity of 246.0 ccm (15.01 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki Z 250 C have?

The 1981 Kawasaki Z 250 C has a Power of 17.0 HP (12.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM.

How many gears does the Kawasaki Z 250 C have?

The 1981 Kawasaki Z 250 C has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

How much does the Kawasaki Z 250 C weigh?

The 1981 Kawasaki Z 250 C has a Wet weight of 132.0 kg (291.0 pounds).

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