The Balius was born as the Balius-I in
1991. It was built for the Japanese home market so there are very few of
them in Europe and in the US. In 1997 it had a major update and become
the bike we have today the Balius-II. The 4 cylinder DOHC engine is
based on the lot more sportier ZXR250C. With its bore and stork of
49x33.1mm and maximum power of 40hp at 14000rpm you need to rew. it
hard, but with its low weight of around 151 kg its a fast bike for its
size.
Source: Kawasaki Japan
Metallic Spark Black
Moonlight Silver
Candy Thunder Blue
There are not many 4-cylinder 250 bikes
around in Europe, it would be nice to see more of them. There have sins
1997 been almost no changes. For 2004 the only update is a new colour:
Moonlight Silver.
The ER-5, another long runner in the
Kawasaki line-up. It share the engine with the GPZ500 (Ninja 500) and
KLE500. For better low and midrange its tuned to 50hp.
The ER-5 is the same type of bike as the
Balius-II a good commuter or first bike. Its low weight an low saddle
height makes it easy to handle and with its 50hp it can manage a lot
more then you may think when you see the bike. You get a lot of bike for
your money. For 2004 two new colours: Red and Black
The ZR-7 and ZR-7S. One with a half
fairing (ZR-7S) an one without. The only difference is the fairing and
more sportbike oriented instruments for the ZR-7S. The engine is
the same as in the
Zephyr 750. Unlike the Zephyr with its classic two rear shocks this
one have Uni-Track rear suspension and a more modern look. Cant find the
ZR-7 on Kawasaki Japan for 2004 so there is a chance 2003 was the last
year it was in production. There are no updates of the ZR-7(S) for 2004.
The Z1000 in its second year of
production (new
2003). It have already got a smaller brother in the Z750 and
will for 2005 have its second brother the Z750S. The Z1000 looks
like a factory built street fighter. The weight is low at 198 kg
dry and power is high at 125hp compared to similar naked models.
Probably the most stylish Kawasaki for years.
The engine is based on a bored
out ZX9R engine, tuned for more midrange to suit this type of
bike. Both swingarm and brakes (slightly smaller at 300mm in
front ) are from the ZX9R. The frame is built by big diameter
tubular high tensile steel.
In each of
its four stainless steel silencers there
are a catalyser to keep the environment green.
For 2004 there are no
changes except a new colour: Red.