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First
motorcycle home Honda  KawasakiSuzuki Aprila Yamaha Hyosung Cagiva
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Kawasaki Kawasaki like the other Japanese brands have been around for years! However unlike these others Kawasaki didn't get into car building. In terms of motorcycles they've made some landmark models like the original 'Z' bikes. However the subsequent ZX or ZZ-R and Ninja series haven't been all that great - they were by no means bad but they just weren't up to their competitors from Yamaha, Honda or Suzuki. Thankfully there have been exceptions like the famous ZZR1100 or ZX-11. Kawasaki essentially owns the this class, they have at least 4
models to choose from! Unfortunately these models have been
around with very little change for many years, in the GPX's case
since 1986. That said it speaks highly of model in question! |
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ZZR250 Specifications in Brief
Engine: IL2 cylinder 4-stroke Comment I've actually ridden one many years ago. In fact it was the first 'real' motorcycle I rode. This model was supposed to replace the GPX in 1990 but as you can see it never happened! It's styling was based on the then new ZZR or ZX styling theme and back in then it was a bit of good looker. Today it still holds its own but details like glass headlamps give away its age. It's engine is the same as the GPX although its body is clearly much different. The ZZ-R has 'alloy' frame while the GPX has paint steel hidden by a fairing. The ZZR feels and looks bigger than the GPX. It's a personal thing to decide between the two bikes. As for handling personally I couldn't tell the difference back then and as history shows that's probably why I got the Across. Furthermore I never liked the 'putt putt' noise made by comparatively low revving twins. The Across had 4 cylinders and that's what I liked. (2007 Post Script: I had the opportunity to ride one recently! and it reaffirmed my comments and like to add that the handling is needed pretty good just soft) Price ($Aust) 2007 How much does the ZZ-R250 cost ?
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GPX250R Specifications in Brief
Engine: IL2 cylinder 4-stroke Comment I've actually ridden a couple over the years! I can report that it is a step up from say the CBF. Still looks OK after all these years - back in the 80's I remember it was the bike to get. But the flame decals and other details make it look like a try hard - don't pull up next to the Hyosung or a CBR250RR unless you wan to see how its aged. Performance and handling as I remember is OK - it rides well to the detriment of ultimate handling. It was a bit too soft when trying to push it. Otherwise it has a ton of stuff which will make it a suitable long term ownership easy like center stand and lots of parts - not that you'd need them. Compared to the Across? The Across had notably more bottom end zing and firmer suspension and definitely had a better handling balance at higher speeds. But that was back then and today Kawaski rates the GPX above the ZZR! Whether it is really any better? only you can tell. Either bike is a great choice. Price ($Aust) 2007 How much does the GPX250 cost ? Like the ZZR ask for a proper
deal. These bikes have made their ROI many times over do don't
feel guilty. |
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Eliminator EL250 Specifications in Brief
Engine: V2 cylinder 4-stroke Comment I haven't ridden this particular bike despite being on the market for years. It hasn't changed much except for the alloy rims as opposed to the spoked ones on the original release. The new blacked alloys are in my opinion a step backwards in terms of looks. Furthermore the conical mufflers here don't help either, the original cylindrical ones looked much better. As you can tell I don't like the look of this bike. I wish I could say that its worth getting because of its performance and handling...but the only thing I can say is that its a heavy bike and it won't be all that fast. 10 years ago they claimed 20Kw but now they claim 26Kw without any change in hardware. Loyal Eliminator owners will probably hate me but there are other better looking and performing Harley-ish type bikes. If you really like it then go for it but make sure you get a good deal. If you look closely at the mechanical specs you'll find a lot of similarities to the ZZR and GPX. I think some stampings may have been reused for this model! Price ($Aust) 2007 How much does the Eliminator EL250 cost ? |
KLX250R Specifications in Brief
Engine: 1 cylinder 4-stroke Comment I haven't ridden this particular bike despite being on the market for years. It certainly hasn't changed much either. Still it can be registered for the road but with those tyres your asking for trouble. I'm sure you can probably change the rims and tyres... Early versions didn't have an electric start but the latest ones do. Besides it can only do 120km safely without running out of petrol. This bike is really for those who live in the bush and need something that can take them to town and home again reliably or those who like to venture off road or racing on the weekends. For town dwellers you can probably take it to the shops and probably have a hoot getting to work on it. Being a single its got a ton of low rev power for traffic light take offs but it does not have the handling stability or top speed you're looking for. All up its a great looking bike in Kawasaki green it appears to go well. If you have long enough legs go for it because it's something different. Price ($Aust) 2007 How much does the KLX250R cost ? |
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Copyright © 1999 - 2007 Peter Lee (written content & all custom graphics).
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