India Kawasaki consolidates its Z motorcycle portfolio 

India Kawasaki Motors (IKM) launched the 2017 edition of its litre-class naked street motorcycles – Z1000 and Z1000R – along with the BSIV-compliant Z250 in Pune. 

The litre-class Z bikes  (Z1000 and Z1000R) are powered by four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 1043cc engine, which boasts of a rider-friendly low- and mid-range torque. The engine and exhaust systems are now revised to comply with the BS IV emission standards, disclosed the company spokesperson. 

The Z1000R variant becomes an all-new model from Kawasaki for the growing domestic litre-class superbike segment. The R variant offers a superior, fully-adjustable shock absorbers with remote preload adjuster, by Ohlins.

The front suspension setup is also tuned to match the rear monoshock unit.

On the braking front too, the Z1000R offers superior performance when compared to its sibling – the Z1000. 

The official product release states that the Z1000R is equipped with high-specification brake components like those found on the Ninja H2R. 

IKM has priced the Z1000 Standard for Rs 14.49 lakh and the Z1000R for Rs 15.49 lakh. Prices for both the CBU models are ex-showroom Delhi. 

The company has also announced the launch of its 2017 edition of the entry-level Z250 model, which is also upgraded with revised engine and exhaust systems to comply with the BSIV emission standards. The Kawasaki Z250 will be priced for Rs 3.09 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. 

India Kawasaki officials have told Autocar Processional that the updated Z250 model is already in production. IKM currently has a dealer network of 12 stores across India.

Kawasaki, which ended its eight-year-old alliance with Bajaj Auto for the sale and aftersales service of Kawasaki motorcycles through Bajaj’s Probiking network last month, will be looking to accelerate sales. In FY2016-17, the company sold a total of 1,307 motorcycles, up 1.87 percent year on year.