Well, its no 250, but a 400cc version of this bike was announced for the U.S. market!
https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/motor...LIST-_-VEHICLE
I'm a big fan of putting your money where your mouth is. I figured an inline 4 250cc would have to be in the $8-10K range to make sense, and this larger 400 is in that range. Already got a deposit down on one for when it comes in. Looks to be around 80 horsepower, 16,000 RPM, 415 pound curb weight.
I was wondering how they were going to handle component specs, I figured when I was thinking up the potential of one coming to the U.S. it would either have to be a stripped down basic model with cheap components to bring the MSRP down, or a fully equipped top of the line model with adjustable everything and race spec components to entice the trackday bros. Looks like they bridged the gap, fully adjustable rear suspension, but only preload adjustable front. Adjustable levers, up/down quickshifter, dual front discs with radial mount calipers.
Exhaust system is set up in a way that makes it easy to install a slip on exhaust and keep the catalytic converters, which is awesome. Although, if its anything like the Z900 I rode recently, the intake noise is honestly intoxicating enough that I may just keep the stock exhaust on it. I'm more of a fan of quieter exhausts nowadays.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enth...us/ar-AA16Zvml
Glad to see some positive press of it coming out right away. Whenever one of these high spec small displacement bikes is discussed, there is always someone who comes in and says you can get more bike for less money with something bigger. Of course you can, go on craigslist and pick up an early 2000's literbike if you want power on a budget.