2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic on 2040-motos

Moto blog

2014 Kawasaki Estrella Retro-Styled 250 Announced for Japan

Fans of classic-styled motorcycles will have to go to Japan to find the 250cc Kawasaki Estrella. The Estrella has been around since 1992 but apart from a few years of European availability in the late ’90s, has mostly been confined to Kawasaki’s home market. Updated for 2014 with a new seat and color options, the Estrella remains powered by an air-cooled 249cc Single.

2022 Kawasaki Z650RS Review - First Ride

Retro-styling on a middleweight favorite. Credit: Photos by Kevin Wing “I’m not a fan of the Darth Vader looks.” It’s a line we hear often whenever we test one of Kawasaki’s sporty bikes, especially from the Z family of naked bikes. Internally known as the Sugomi design language, Kawasaki says “Someone, or something, possessing sugomi inspires awe, leaves an indelible impression, is daunting in stature or ability, and commands respect.” Maybe it does, or maybe it doesn’t, but angular lines and sharp creases also alienate a section of the motorcycling world who like the modern tech and power from Kawasaki’s Z line, but could do without the sugomi styling.

A Weighty Issue

For as long as I can remember, motorcycle manufacturers have been playing fast and loose with regard to what they claim for the weight of their bikes. The “dry weights” they foisted upon us had little basis in reality. The “dry” part of that claim meant that listed weights on a spec chart were the result of all fluids being MIA from the bike, including necessities like engine oil, coolant and fork fluid (not to mention fuel), but even that didn’t fully explain the overly optimistic specs.