Naked Motorcycles
1981Kawasaki Z 250 J
19 fields on record
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 250 J is an accessible middleweight twin suited for novice and commuting riders. This air-cooled four-stroke delivers reliable 17 horsepower and modest 115 km/h performance, earning recognition as an economical, easy-to-handle learner bike that defined the budget-conscious sportbike category of its era.
- Capacity
- 249.0 ccm
- Engine
- Parallel Twin twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 166.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 17.0 HP
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Designed as a lightweight commuter and learner-friendly all-rounder rather than a performance or adventure machine.
- Built for
- A modest, air-cooled twin with unhurried power delivery and a classic, approachable early-80s Japanese standard-bike feel.
- Not ideal for
- This is not the bike for riders seeking high-speed touring, aggressive cornering performance, or any serious off-road capability.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 249.0 ccm
- Power
- 17.0 HP
- Engine type
- Parallel Twin twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.1024 HP/kg
- Bore x stroke
- 55.0 x 52.4 mm
- Compression
- 9.5:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 115.0 km/h (71.5 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Front tyre
- 3.00-18
- Rear tyre
- 3.50-18
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 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches) | 249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches) | 249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches) |
| Fuel capacity | 13.50 litres (3.57 gallons) | 13.50 litres (3.57 gallons) | 13.50 litres (3.57 gallons) |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Z 250 J?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 250 J has a Capacity of 249.0 ccm (15.19 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Z 250 J have?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 250 J has a Power of 17.0 HP.
How many gears does the Kawasaki Z 250 J have?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 250 J has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
How much does the Kawasaki Z 250 J weigh?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 250 J has a Wet weight of 166.0 kg (366.0 pounds).
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