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  • 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400 Officially Unveiled – Gets New Colours

    Kawasaki Ninja has now received its Euro-5 emission compliance, means it is likely to achieve BS6 norms as well and arrive in India
    Kawasaki has officially revealed the upcoming 2021 Ninja 400. This middle-weight faired monster has been absent from the Japanese bike maker’s India portfolio ever since our automotive industry made the transition to BS6 emission norms.

    While Ninja 400 has not been very popular on our shores, it has been a very popular motorcycle in certain overseas markets. Most importantly, it now gets a Euro5 compliant engine which is equivalent to BS6 compliance in India. Hence, it is expected that the bike might hit showrooms in India soon.
    New Paint Schemes
    2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400 gets minor cosmetic upgrades with three brand new shades. First option is pearl nightshade teal in a combination of metallic spark black with white body graphics. Second option is Passion Red which also gets subtle white graphics. The final option is a combo of metallic graphite grey and black with body graphics and stripes in lime green.

    Interestingly, makers have ditched the signature Kawasaki lime green colour with their trademark shade making appearance on graphite grey/black combo only. Apart from these, there are no other changes to 2021 Ninja 400.
    Design
    In terms of design, it takes inspiration from its elder siblings, especially Ninja 650. At front, it gets a traditional Kawasaki split headlamp cluster with dual LED headlights. At the rear, it gets a ZX-10R inspired LED tail light. In comparison to Ninja 300, the updated Ninja 400 gets a sharper design along the fairing, fuel tank and body panels. The LED turn indicators at rear remain mounted on the fender. Other notable highlights are a stepped-up seat, a raised windscreen and a sloping fuel tank.
    Hardware & Features
    It is still based on a trellis frame structure, however, it is lighter than its predecessor by 6 kg. 2021 N400 weighs 168 kg. As opposed to a 17-litre fuel tank on the current model, the new model can golf only 14 litres of fuel. Suspension duties are carried out by 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork sourced from Kayaba at front and preload adjustable mono-shock at rear.

    Anchoring duties on the bike are done by 310mm and 220mm petal discs at front and rear respectively. It is equipped with a dual-channel ABS sourced from Nissan. It stands on 17-inch spoke alloys which are wrapped around by 110/70 section and 150/70 section of tyres at front and rear respectively. It also gets the usual LCD panel as its instrument cluster.
    Powertrain and Price
    New Ninja 400 draws its power from an updated 399cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled motor. This engine cranks out 49 PS of maximum power at 10,000rpm while peak torque of 39 Nm comes at 8000rpm. This unit is linked to a six-speed gearbox.
    The updated Ninja 400 is expected to come to India soon, however, there has been no official word from Kawasaki yet. It is expected to be priced around Rs 5 lakh (ex-showroom) mark in India. More

  • 2021 Kawasaki Z125 Pro Gets A Facelift With Added Colour Schemes

    The updated Z125 Pro launched in Japan is unlikely to find its way to India in the near future
    Japanese bike maker Kawasaki has introduced an updated version of Z125 Pro. The naked baby motorcycle gets a new set of colour schemes in its latest iteration. The updated paint schemes include options like Pearl Night Teal and Metallic Flat Spark Black.
    Design

    The changes are, however, restricted to the colour palette as there are no aesthetic or mechanical updates. The design and feature list are identical to the pre-updated model. The naked mini roadster gets the usual bold front fascia with a sporty headlamp, underbelly exhaust pipe, fuel tanks extensions and engine cowl.
    Mechanical Details
    It employs a small 125cc twin-valve single-cylinder engine which produces a healthy 9.25 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 9.5 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. It is coupled with a 4-speed gearbox. Needless to say, the Japanese brand promises not only stunning looks but also an excellent performance on the naked roadster.

    The Z125 Pro gets a 30mm telescopic fork at front and a preload adjustable mono-shock at rear with 100mm and 104mm travel at both front and rear respectively. Anchoring duties are carried out by 200mm petal disc at front and 184mm petal disc at rear. It stands on 12-inch alloy wheels with 100/90 and 120/70 section profile tyres at front and rear. It is very nimble and tips the scale at a meagre 101kg.
    One of the highlighted features is the Smart Regulator which Kawasaki has developed for low-displacement motorcycles. This regulator is equipped with a built-in microprocessor which enables to control the charging function of the battery. The Smart Regulator enables charging even at idling speeds when the voltage generated is at its lowest. Price in Japan is 352,000 Yen or approx Rs 2.46 lakh.
    Recent India launches
    Kawasaki recently made a string of new launches in India. This included the likes of Z900, the Vulcan S and Versys 650. All three belong to different categories of motorcycles. While the Z900 is a naked streetfighter, the Vulcan S is a proper cruiser motorcycle. On the other hand, Versys 650 is a hardcore adventure tourer bike.
    The Vulcan S and Versys 650 are powered by the same BS6 compliant 649cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled DOHC engine. In the Versys 650, it generates 66 bhp of power whereas in the Vulcan S it produces 61 bhp. Torque figures, however, remain identical at 62 Nm. The Z900, on the other hand, draws its power from a 900cc BS6 updated engine which churns out 124 bhp and 99 Nm of peak torque. All three bikes are offered with a 6-speed transmission. More

  • 2021 Kawasaki Z900 BS6 Launch Price Rs 8 L – Gets Bluetooth Connectivity

    Continuing with its BS6 upgrade plan, Kawasaki India today launched BS6 compliant Z900
    Kawasaki Motorcycles that have already been updated to BS6 include Ninja 1000SX, Ninja 650, Z650, Vulcan S, Versys 1000, Versys 650, and W800. Much awaited Kawasaki Z900 BS6 compliant motorcycle has been priced from Rs 7.99 lakhs, ex-sh. It comes with several new features in addition to the engine upgrade.

    As may be recalled, Kawasaki had launched a Z900 Special Edition earlier this year in February. Several of the features of the now launched BS6 model, were already available with the Special Edition model. At that time, the Special Edition Z900 was priced around 30k more than the standard BS4 model.
    The Special Edition Z900 was the same as the Euro 5 compliant model showcased at EICMA 2019. Kawasaki could have launched it as a BS6 compliant model, but due to some reasons, it was launched in BS4 format. The bike was imported in India in limited numbers. Power and torque output of BS6 Z900 is same as the BS4 model. The new BS6 engine churns out 125 ps / 98.6 Nm and comes mated to a 6-speed transmission.

    Kawasaki BS6 Z900 new features
    Kawasaki BS6 Z900 will come with a new all-digital TFT instrument console that enhances the overall look and feel of the cockpit. It also displays a lot more information, as compared to that of BS4 model. Another key addition is Bluetooth connectivity, which enhances overall ride experience by allowing users to access a range of features. These can be accessed via the smartphone application RIDEOLOGY THE APP.
    Talking about new features common to both the Special Edition and BS6 Z900, the motorcycle gets an all-LED setup. It looks sharper with the new LED lights, position lamps, turn signals and license plate lamp.

    In terms of performance, the bike is equipped with two power modes – low and full. The rider can choose between the two power modes depending on conditions and individual preferences. In low power mode, the power output is reduced to around 55% of the actual capacity.
    In the safety department, Kawasaki has added an advanced traction control system. This allows the rider to confidently tackle low-traction surfaces. The traction control system also improves sport riding performance. Handling the elements has also become easier with integrated riding modes of sport, road and rain.

    There’s a manual mode as well, which users can customize based on their specific needs. The riding modes work in conjunction with the power modes and traction control system. Addition of Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tyres has further enhanced the bike’s handling capabilities. More

  • 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S BS6 cruiser India-launch price Rs 5.79 lakh

    The new 2020MY Kawasaki Vulcan S BS6 is costlier by Rs 30,000 and comes in a new colour (Metallic Flat Raw Greystone)
    India Kawasaki Motors has launched the BS6-compliant 2020MY (2021MY internationally) Vulcan S middleweight cruiser, at a starting price of Rs 5.79 lakh ex-showroom. Compared to its phased-out BS4 counterpart, the new Kawasaki Vulcan S does not sport any major mechanical or cosmetic enhancement. However, it is now offered only in a new colour called Metallic Flat Raw Graystone.

    The previous 2019MY version, which came in either Black or Pearl Lava Orange shade, was available from Rs 5.49 lakh or Rs 30,000 less. Pearl Lava Orange was added at a later stage and hence, one can expect the Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer to widen the palette to more options in the near future.
    Kawasaki claims that the Vulcan S, with its ERGO-FIT option (meant to make the motorcycle more accessible to riders under 5’8” inches), is a “fun-to-ride cruiser that stands apart” from the usuals. Across the globe, it rivals the Harley-Davidson Street 750.

    The American motorcycle maker plans to wind up local production in India to concentrate more on key markets such as North America. At the moment, the BS6 2020MY Street 750 carries a starting price tag of Rs 4.67 lakh ex-showroom thanks to a major discount. To an extent, Triumph Motorcycles India’s Bonneville Street Twin (now in BS6 format) and Royal Enfield 650 Twins can also be considered as alternatives to Kawasaki’s latest BS6 middleweight.
    Key features and equipment
    The Kawasaki Vulcan (and Vulcan S) is essentially a cruiser model in the brand’s popular ‘650’ range which also comprises of the Z650 naked sports, Ninja 650 sports tourer and Versys 650 adventure tourer. It boasts of features or characteristics such as a 14-litre fuel tank, adjustable ERGO-FIT adjustable riding position, offset rear monoshock suspension, 1575mm wheelbase, underbelly exhaust, semi-digital instrument console, etc.

    The motorcycle rides on 120/70R18 (F) and 160/60R17 (R) tyres. Braking duties are carried out by 300mm dual-piston and 250mm single-piston disc brakes at the front and rear, respectively. In standard format, the rider sits 705mm up from the ground. Unladen, ground clearance stands at 705mm while wet weight hits 235kg.
    Engine & specs
    As mentioned before, the cruiser shares its power plant with a few other models within the brand. The 2020MY Kawasaki Vulcan S is powered by a BS6-compliant 649cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel-twin engine making 59.94bhp @ 7,500rpm and 62.4Nm @ 6,600rpm. This is mated to a 6-speed transmission. More

  • BS6 Kawasaki Versys 650 India Launch Price Rs 6.79 Lakh

    Kawasaki India has announced the launch of BS6 Versys 650 today
    Japanese bike manufacturer has expanded its India portfolio by launching the BS6 compliant Versys 650. The popular adventure tourer is now offered at a price of Rs 6.79 lakh (ex-showroom) which makes it dearer by just Rs 10,000 to its BS4 predecessor.

    The Versys 650 is the third motorcycle from Kawasaki in the 650cc category to adhere to the stricter BS6 emission norms after the Ninja 650 and the Z650. While almost all the other motorcycles in their portfolio had already received the BS6 update, the Versys 650 was due for the BS6 treatment.
    The 2020 Kawasaki Versys 650 is also now the most affordable adventure tourer offering in the Japanese brand’s portfolio since the Versys-X 300 has been discontinued. Apart from the updated engine, there isn’t much change to the latest iteration of the middleweight ADV tourer.
    Design wise, the Versys 650 remains identical as it sports the same wide handlebar and twin headlamp setup common to the Kawasaki range. It comes with only one colour option- candy lime green. It still makes do with a semi-digital instrument cluster which was offered in the BS4 version.

    BS6 Kawasaki Versys 650 Specs
    It’s the same story when it comes to underpinnings. The diamond frame rests on an adjustable and long-travel 41 mm dia upside-down front fork with stiff springs which is the key to active control of the bike’s front-rear weight transfer. The rear suspension unit is a remote adjustable monoshock whose preload can be adjusted via a knob.
    Specs
    Kawasaki says this long travel suspension helps deal with broken roads in a mature fashion. The bike stands on 17-inch alloy wheels on both front and rear and braking duties are carried out by petal disc brakes with dual-channel ABS. The Versys 650 still enjoys an impressive ground clearance of 170mm.
    The only noticeable change is the 649cc parallel twin engine which is now compliant to the stricter emission norms. As is the case with many other high-end powerful bikes, the Kawasaki Versys 650 too has lost power in the transition from BS4 to BS6, although quite minimal. The 649cc unit now generates 66 PS of power at 8500rpm as opposed to 69 PS of power offered in the BS4 version. The torque figure remains the same at 61 Nm at 7000rpm. It continues to be mated to the smooth shifting 6-speed gearbox.
    Bookings of the Kawasaki Versys 650 have started both at the showroom level as well as on the website. Customers can just drop in an enquiry at the website and they will be contacted. At present, there are no direct rivals of the Versys 650 in India, however, the competition in this segment is said to intensify with the launch of the Suzuki V-Strom 650, and the Benelli TRK 502 BS6 models sometime later this year. More

  • Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R Carbon achieves 190 kmph top speed – Video

    Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R Carbon was ridden on the track by professional racer Andi Muhammad Fadly
    Launched in Indonesia earlier this month in July, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R has generated significant buzz among biking enthusiasts. While the looks are definitely something to rave about, Ninja ZX-25R’s primary attraction is its 4 cylinder 250cc engine. In a video uploaded by ‘Kawasaki Indonesia’, we see the true potential of Ninja ZX-25R unleashed on the race track.

    This is a carbon custom unit designed to further improve the bike’s performance. As seen in the video, the custom bike is able to achieve top speed of 190 kmph. The body comprises carbon composite materials and it has been created by A-Tech Japan. Other customizations include Yoshimura Hepta-Force TSS exhaust, TK chain & sprocket, Sunstar disc brake and Dunlop tyres. Some parts have also been provided by Sniper Japan.
    Performance
    Although it’s a quarter litre motorcycle, Ninja ZX-25R generates 50 hp of max power at a staggering 15,500 rpm. Its max rev rate is even higher at 17,000 rpm. That’s some serious power coming from a 249cc, liquid-cooled, inline-four engine. By increasing the ram air intake, the power output can be further boosted to 51 hp. Ninja ZX-25R power output is not only above its quarter litre rivals, but also beats some higher capacity motorcycles. For example, KTM RC 390 makes 43.5 hp whereas Yamaha R3 churns out 42 hp. Watch Andi take the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R Carbon around the Sentul Circuit in video below.

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    Even one of its bigger siblings, the twin-cylinder Ninja 400 generates 49 hp. However, torque output of Ninja ZX-25R is comparable to other bikes in its class. Peak torque output is rated at 22.9 Nm at 14,500 rpm.
    With a kerb weight of 182 kg (ABS model), the bike is also heavier than several same class and some above class motorcycles. For example, twin-cylinder Honda CBR250RR weighs only 168 kg. Ninja 400 is also lighter than Ninja ZX-25R. Suspension duties are performed by 37mm Showa front forks and Kawasaki’s back-link rear suspension. Braking system comprises 310 mm and 220 mm disc at front and rear respectively.

    Kawasaki ZX25R achieves 190 kmph
    In Indonesia, the bike has been launched in two variants, a Standard Edition and a Special Edition. The latter is offered with features such as riding modes, traction control, dual-channel ABS and bi-directional quickshifter. While the standard variant is offered in only metallic spark black, special edition colour options include Spark Black/Pearl White, Candy Plasma Blue/Metallic Spark Blue and Lime Green/Ebony Metallic.
    India launch
    Bike enthusiasts in India would certainly like to ride Ninja ZX-25R, but its launch in the country is still uncertain. With its range of equipment, the Ninja ZX-25R may come with a high price tag. While it costs approximately Rs 5 – 5.88 lakh in Indonesia, Ninja ZX-25R price in India could be in the range of Rs 6.5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh. More

  • 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400 launched in Thailand – With 15 colour options

    The new Kawasaki Ninja 400 with glossy blue colour theme has an unique appeal
    As a part of usual model year update, Kawasaki has introduced four new colour options for the 2021 Ninja 400 fully faired motorcycle in Thailand. The Ninja 400 is relatively new and hence there are no mechanical changes this time around.

    The new colour options for the 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400 include glossy blue, glossy black, grey and an updated KRT livery. All the four liveries adopt multi-colour scheme with one primary hue. For example, the KRT edition is a combination of quintessential Kawasaki green, black, red and white.
    The glossy black option features subtle white decals at strategic places while the grey motorcycle sports neon green accents all around. The glossy blue shade looks unique and features white decals. In all, there are 15 colour options (single tone and dual tone) to chose from.

    2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400
    We expect the new colour options to be introduced in international markets in due course. The medium displacement sportsbike is yet to receive its BS6 updated in India and we expect the updated model to come with revised colour options.
    2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400 specifications at a glance
    The fully faired medium displacement motorcycle is powered by a 398 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine which outputs 47.5 hp and 36 Nm of torque. The motor is mated to a 6-speed transmission via a slipper clutch.

    2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400
    Underpinning the 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400 is the familiar steel trellis frame which is equipped with 41 mm telescopic front forks and Uni-Track rear monoshock. The motorcycle sits on 17-inch alloy wheels that come wrapped in 110/70R-17 front and 150/60-R17 rear tyres. Braking system comprises a 310 mm front disc, largest in this displacement class, and 220 mm rear disc. The Nissin ABS module is claimed to be one of the smallest devices of its kind. Salient features include LED headlamps and digi-analog instrument cluster.
    A new baby Ninja is in town
    Kawasaki recently debuted the new ZX-25R supersports motorcycle bringing back the four-cylinder 250 cc configuration which was popular in the 80s. The 249 cc liquid-cooled engine has its redline at a heady 17,000 rpm and screams on its way there. Power and torque figures stand at 51 hp and 22.9 Nm of torque.
    Yes, it is more powerful than the larger engined 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400. With high-end features like traction control, riding modes, quick shifter, etc., the ZX-25R would be pricier than the Ninja 400 when it goes on sale in several international markets. It remains to be seen if the Japanese two wheeler maker will bring its pocket rocket to India or not. More

  • Kawasaki ZX-25R screaming on a hot lap of Jerez – 360 degree 4k video

    Kawasaki ZX-25R. 5th Gear, 155 kmph, 16k+ rpm. Shifting to 6th gear.

    The motorcycle manages to hit a speed of 185+ kmph towards the end of start-finish line
    The Kawasaki ZX-25R is not a regular quarter liter motorcycle because it has at least two cylinders more than any of the existing products in its displacement class. The in-line 4-cylinder setup may seem a bit over-the-top to us, the current generation of riders, but it was quite a rage in the 80s. So, Kawasaki knows exactly what it is doing with the reincarnation of its four-cylinder pocket rocket.
    Kawasaki ZX-25R devouring Circuit de Jerez

    Kawasaki recently released a video of its newest supersports motorcycle being put through its paces by the brand’s WSBK rider Jonathan Rea at the Jerez circuit. As you can see, the little neon green monster screams away to glory as it zooms from corner to corner. The four-cylinder configuration allows the engine to quickly rev all the way up to its 17k rpm redline, outputting a glorious sound track in the process.
    As evident from this 360 degree video, the Kawasaki ZX-25R feels absolutely at home on the race track, ridden hard by a world class rider. The motorcycle reaches an impressive speed of 185+ kmph towards the end of main straight. Given a long enough straight, it looks like the baby Ninja could breach the 190 kmph mark, or even the 200!

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    Specifications
    The high-performance compact displacement sportsbike is not just about a nice engine note. The liquid-cooled 249 cc motor produces a stellar 51 hp at 15,500 rpm and 22.9 Nm of torque at 14,500 rpm. Mated to a 6-speed gearbox through a slipper and assist clutch, the engine is more than capable of putting most of the medium displacement motorcycles to shame.
    The video also shows how nimble the motorcycle is. Based on a chassis derived from Kawasaki’s massively successful WSBK contender, the ZX-25R is suspended by a 37 mm inverted telescopic front fork and horizontal back-link rear shock. The 17-inch alloy wheels are shod with sticky 110/70-R17 front and 150/60-R17 rear tyres. Braking is taken care of by a 310 mm front disc and a 220 mm rear unit.
    Feature highlights include ABS, traction control, riding modes and quick shifter. The Kawsaki Ninja ZX-25R is a thoroughbred track equipment which is capable of effortlessly outperforming other quarter liter motorcycles.
    How much does it cost?

    Indonesia is the first country to receive the compact displacement sportsbike. The ABS-equipped version is price at IDR 112,900,000 (around INR 5.76 lakh). The ZX-25R will reach many international markets in due course and it could be pricier than the bigger ZX-6R in some markets. We hope we will get to see this screamer in India someday. More