2026 Kawasaki Ninja 250 & Z250 Unveiled in Japan

The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 250 and Z250 have been unveiled in Japan, marking a visual refresh for Kawasaki’s quarter-litre duo. The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 250 arrives with new dual-tone livery and updated graphics, while the Z250 gains a fresh streetfighter appearance. Both models retain their mechanical core, continuing to appeal in the 250cc segment for riders seeking a balance of performance and agility.

Engine & Performance

Under the skin, nothing has fundamentally changed. Both bikes are powered by a 248 cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel-twin engine that produces ~35 PS (26 kW) at 12,500 rpm and 22 Nm of torque at ~10,500 rpm. The motor is paired with a 6-speed gearbox, delivering a smooth and linear power delivery suitable for daily commuting and weekend rides. Kawasaki claims fuel efficiency of around 25.1 km/l (in test conditions) for the Ninja 250.

Chassis & Handling

Both bikes ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with 110/70 front and 140/70 rear tyres. The Ninja 250 tips the scales at 166 kg, while the Z250 is marginally lighter at 164 kg. Ground clearance is 145 mm for both. The Ninja 250 uses a standard telescopic front fork and a rear monoshock, while braking is handled by a 310 mm front disc and 220 mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS. The Z250 shares the same underpinnings but features a trellis or exposed frame aesthetic and street-oriented ergonomics.

In real-world riding, this setup yields nimble cornering, responsive feedback, and a comfortable balance between sporty handling and rideability in urban traffic.

Technology & Features

On the Ninja 250, the instrument cluster is a semi-digital console, pairing an analogue tachometer with an LCD display that shows gear position, speed, fuel level, trips, and efficiency readouts. Lighting is handled by twin LED headlamps with integrated LED position lamps. The design includes clip-on handlebars, sculpted fuel tank, split seats, and an upswept exhaust.

The Z250 features a more modern LCD dash with a needle-type tachometer gauge, enclosed within a semi-circular housing for a retro-modern look. The Z250’s styling leans into Kawasaki’s “Sugomi” design language, with sharper body lines and a more aggressive street presence. The 2026 update for both models is cosmetic in nature: new colour schemes and revamped graphics, but no major mechanical or feature upgrades.

Pricing & Availability

The 2026 Ninja 250 is priced at ¥726,000 in Japan (~₹4.37 lakh) and the Z250 at ¥704,000 (~₹4.24 lakh) for the Japanese domestic market. Sales begin November 1, 2025. At present, there is no confirmed plan for Indian launch; Kawasaki India continues to offer the Ninja 300 in its 250cc niche.

Conclusion

The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 250 and Z250 deliver a clean, no-frills update—refined styling, fresh graphics, and new dual-tone colour palettes—while preserving their well-balanced performance package. The root keyword, 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 250, remains central to this refresh. Both bikes retain their 248 cc parallel-twin engine, nimble chassis, and practical electronics, making them ideal for riders seeking accessible sport performance without complexity. The Ninja 250 caters more to those who want full-fairing aesthetics with sporty ergonomics, while the Z250 is tailored to riders favoring a street-fighter stance and upright posture. Overall, the 2026 updates maintain their relevance in an evolving 250cc class, offering fresh appeal without disturbing proven fundamentals.