Kawasaki ZR250 (Balius) Any comments?

[Mrs Oakie]

I am going to test ride one of these tomorrow! Does anyone know much about these? Any advice would be great. Oakie believes it is just a detuned and naked version of a ZXR 250. Would it be suitable for a vertically challanged ex EL 250 rider?

[Romeo]

I'm keen to hear people's opinions on these aswell. They seem like pretty good little bikes, but there's a lot of them for sale around the $4k mark with great milage. Why do people avoid these?

They seem almost comparable to the Hornets/Bandits bar the differences with the rear tyre and frame. I wouldn't mind one for myself, as long as I repainted it in Z1 colours.

[JimO]

i had a 92 zr750 Zephyr they are probably the little brother of these it was a good enough bike having said that i sold mine for $2500

[zeocen]

I've heard they were the successor to the ZXR250 and became naked, but that could be just plain false.

I've always liked the Balius and I think it has a bit of a following in other countries, it really is one of the best looking 250's out there if you ask me.

[Devil]

Yep, great bikes, very revvy. Not really noticibly less power than the ZXR, just happens at more useful revs (despite the 19,000rpm redline).

I believe I saw an indicated 175km/h on my old one heh. Not bad for a naked 250.
Sound great, get along fine. Usual ZXR probs with cam chain tensioner ($300 or so to replace the tensioner AND cam chain, but only if you need to).
Other than that fine, but was a little awkward to find some parts a few years ago, but there are more around now.

Go for it.

[Oakie]

There are three she's looking at today. Two at $3900 with 11,000 and 17,000kms and one at $3700 with 17,000kms.
They seem to be the same physical specs as the ZXR engine, certainly the compression, bore and stroke are identical, but where the ZXR puts out about 46hp max, the ZR puts out 39hp max so I'm guessing it's just detuned. I didn't think to compare the carbies. A whole lot more upright riding position too and a nice comfy looking seat (unlike the plank of wood on the ZXR)
I guess they're at such a comparitively good price because they're a whole lot 'unsexier' than a ZXR. Suits us just fine! We think they're a nice looking bike.

[nudemetalz]

Something you may not know.
The Kawasaki Balius is a rebadged Suzuki GSX250FX.
(That's not a bad thing though)

[The Pastor]

they are fun little bikes man, they scream!

[Devil]

Something you may not know.
The Kawasaki Balius is a rebadged Suzuki GSX250FX.
(That's not a bad thing though)

hmm, not as far as I was aware.
Different engine, different suspension (even the pics you posted has monoshock rear vs twin shock, although the Balius II had twin shocks).
Pretty sure the suzuki didn't rev to 19,000...

Edit: Perhaps the Balius II (uhm, 94 onwards?) and the suzuki were from the same mould but didn't think the original balius was (from '91, which is what I had).

[nudemetalz]

Ooops, I didn't put a pic of the Balius 11 model.

Kawasaki and Suzuki have a partnership with various models, mostly just off-road incl the DRZ400/KLX400 and the latest 250 four stroke MX bikes

[nudemetalz]

More this one

[Devil]

Ah I see. Hrm, didn't know about the suzuki one. Surprising given that they've got their own bandit... (different engine)...

[Joni]

Would it be suitable for a vertically challanged ex EL 250 rider?

I am a shorty and its too tall for me... if that helps at all.

[Devil]

Depends how short you are. Lane is 5' nothing and was on tip toes on it. Can adjust the height and you could get the seat shaved down.

[Meekey_Mouse]

I looked at buying the Balius twice... when I first looked at getting into riding and a few months ago after I sold the ZXR250.

I found it was an Ok height, tall compared to the ZXR, but I was still able to flat foot it (just). I'm 161cm's tall (or short.. which ever way you want to look at it) if that helps at all.

With test riding one I found it wasn't my styled bike... lots of low down power. The seating position was a lot more upright then the ZXR, with my short arm span I found it would hurt my shoulders on long rides from having to sit upright-ish and reach for the bars.

Nice little bikes though and from the research I did they sound pretty reliable... just check the carbs. You should be able to feel noticable flat spots in the rev range if the carbs aren't running 100%.

Hope that helps and all the best with your bike searching