Are you a fan of the performance and style of Kawasaki bikes? If so, there’s great news for you! Kawasaki has announced updated versions of its popular Ninja 250 and Z250 bikes for 2026. These new models will be available for sale in Japan from November 1, 2025. While these updates are primarily cosmetic, they have significantly enhanced the bikes’ appearance and appeal. Let us explain in detail what’s special about these new models and why they could be your next bike.
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2026 Kawasaki Ninja 250
The biggest change in the new Kawasaki Ninja 250 is its color options and graphics. The company has introduced two new dual-tone colors that further enhance the bike’s sporty identity. The first color is Metallic Carbon Gray with Metallic Yellowish Green. It’s essentially an all-black shade with sporty yellowish green graphics. You can see this contrasting shade on the front cowl, side fairing, and panels below the rear seat. Another color option is Candy Persimmon Red with Galaxy Silver, which looks even more dynamic and attractive. This color scheme uses an exciting blend of red, black, and white. The random application of colors on various body parts gives the bike a distinctive and unique identity.
Design and Features
In terms of design, the 2026 Ninja 250 remains largely similar to the previous model, but it has several unique features that make it stand out. It features twin LED headlamps with integrated LED position lamps. A compact visor, wide clip-on handlebars, a sculpted fuel tank, split seats, and an upswept exhaust are among its highlights. The bike features a semi-digital instrument console that combines an analog tachometer and a multi-function LCD display. This display shows gear position, clock, speedometer, fuel gauge, trip meter, odometer, and fuel efficiency readings. All this information is available to the rider in one place.
2026 Kawasaki Z250
The Z250 is essentially the same as the Ninja 250, but without the fairing. It also has some other distinctive features, such as a different design for the headlamp and front cowl, handlebar-mounted rear-view mirrors, a small visor, and uniquely shaped tank extensions. The bike also features a distinctive LCD display with a needle-type tachometer. The overall design is semi-circular, and the casing has old-school vibes. The 2026 Kawasaki Z250 is available in a single color – Metallic Carbon Gray with Ebony. Compared to the previous model, you can see changes in the color shade on the headlamp cowl, tank, shroud, main frame, and tail cowl. The graphics have also been updated.
Engine and Performance
Both bikes share the same 248cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel 2-cylinder engine that produces 35 PS of power and 22 Nm of torque. Fuel efficiency is rated at 25.1 km/l. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Braking setup includes 310 mm front and 220 mm rear disc brakes. Both bikes have a seat height of 795 mm and a fuel tank capacity of 14 liters. The front and rear wheels are 17-inch units, wrapped in 110/70 and 140/70 tires, respectively. While the Z250 weighs 164 kg, the Ninja 250 is 2 kg heavier. Both bikes have a ground clearance of 145 mm.
Pricing and Availability
In Japan, the 2026 Ninja 250 will start at 726,000 yen (approximately Rs. 4.37 lakh) and the Z250 at 704,000 yen (approximately Rs. 4.24 lakh). However, if these bikes are launched in India, their prices may be significantly higher due to customs duties, taxes, and other expenses. Given Kawasaki’s strong presence in the Indian market, it is likely that these bikes will soon appear in Indian showrooms.
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If you want a sports bike that not only offers powerful performance but is also up-to-date in style and technology, the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 250 and Z250 could be excellent options for you. The Ninja 250 is perfect for those who prefer a fully-faired sports bike, while the Z250 is ideal for those who want a combination of comfort and aggression from a naked street bike. Both bikes embody Kawasaki’s quality and reliability and will last you a long time.