Kawasaki

In keeping with Eliminators of the past, Kawasaki Eliminator 400 gets a 400cc engine from its Ninja counterpart, making 48 PS and 37 NmNew Kawasaki Eliminator 400Kawasaki has brought one of its iconic nameplates back from the dead. If you have been following recent developments regarding Kawasaki’s pavilion at the Osaka Motor Show, you might have guessed where this is headed. Yes, the speculations turned out to be true, and Kawasaki Eliminator 400 has been launched.The Japanese brand is launching it in two different variants, Standard and SE. The former is priced from 759,000 Yen (roughly translated to Rs. 4.7 lakh) and the latter is priced at 858,000 Yen (roughly translated to Rs. 5.31 lakh). SE gets special additions over the Standard variant.New Kawasaki Eliminator 400Kawasaki Eliminator 400 – The New Cruiser In TownEarlier, Kawasaki had teased a cruiser motorcycle on social media and even recently, we were teased with veiled motorcycles at Kawasaki pavilion in 2023 Osaka Motor Show. Automotive fraternity was on its heels, anticipating the revival of the Eliminator nameplate, which has turned out true.Eliminator series is a true textbook-cruiser and was first introduced in 1985, starting with Eliminator 900 and soon expanded its portfolio with EL125, EL175 (Bajaj Eliminator in India), EL250, VN250, ZL400, ZL600, ZL750, ZL900 and ZL1000. Kawasaki Eliminator 400 is the spiritual successor of ZL400 of the yesteryear.New Kawasaki Eliminator 400Eliminator 400 – Dimensions, Specs, Engine, Brakes, SuspensionMost of the Eliminator series got powertrains from their Ninja counterparts of similar displacements categories. That stays true here as well as Kawasaki Eliminator 400 gets the same powertrain as Ninja 400. It is a 398 cc parallel twin motor capable of developing 48 bhp of power and 37 Nm of torque, coupled to a 6-speed gearbox.New Kawasaki Eliminator 400 SpecsUnlike typical cruisers with torquey long-stroke engines, Eliminator 400 gets a big bore setup with redline pegged at 10,000 RPM. Drivetrain setup will be key here, to offer a similar character as a cruiser. The newly-developed trellis frame is suspended on 41mm USD front forks with 120 mm travel and twin shock absorbers at the rear with 90 mm travel.New Kawasaki Eliminator 400Kawasaki Eliminator 400 measures 2250 mm in length, 785 mm in width, 1100 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 1520 mm. Even with a low seat height of 735 mm, Kawasaki has managed to carve out a decent 150 mm ground clearance. Front gets a 310 mm single disc setup and rear gets 240 mm disc. Both are equipped with twin-pot brake calipers.New Kawasaki Eliminator 400With 12L of fuel in the tank, Kawasaki Eliminator 400 weighs in at 176 kg (SE weighs 178 kg), which is very spritely, when compared to cruisers with similar thrust. In Kawasaki’s cruiser lineup, Eliminator 400 sits below Vulcan S with a 650 cc engine derived from Ninja 650.Loaded With Modern Features, New TechOwing to Eliminators of yesteryears, 400 gets round LED headlights and a round fully-digital instrument cluster. Turn indicators and tail lights are LED too, but they could have been round as well. Exhaust routing from both cylinders are channeled within a common pipe ending in a single canister setup.New Kawasaki Eliminator 400 vs Vulcan S – Riding PositionThe more expensive SE variant gets fork gaiters, a waterproof USB-C charging socket, special seat with leather, Mitsuba Sankowa GPS and two cameras at the front and back enabling dashcam function as well. It is not yet confirmed whether Kawasaki is bringing this to India or not. If launched in India, it will take on the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. More

Kawasaki Eliminator 400 could get the same 399 cc engine parallel twin motor from Ninja 400, making 43 bhp and 37 NmKawasaki Eliminator 400cc Render by Young Machine
Does Kawasaki Eliminator 400 ring any bell to you? No? How about Bajaj Eliminator? This rings a distant bell, doesn’t it? That is because Kawasaki-Bajaj JV sold Eliminator 175 cruiser bikes in India for some time. It was a cruiser motorcycle manufactured in India and exported to global markets.
Kawasaki Eliminator 400cc – New Age Cruiser For Modern Gen
Bajaj Eliminator became the base for a motorcycle that is sold today under Avenger brand. Going by Kawasaki’s teasers, it is pretty evident that the Japanese brand is unveiling a slew of new products, and one of them is a low-slung cruiser. There are speculations set in place, suggesting Kawasaki Eliminator can be revived. Let’s take a look.
Kawasaki Eliminator 400cc Render by Young Machine
2023 Osaka Motor Show is being held in Japan on March 15th. This is a motor show based on customisations, but manufacturers also showcase their upcoming products, if any. First teaser from Kawasaki showed three motorcycles, a ZX-4RR (confirmed), an ADV and a cruiser motorcycle in the middle. Second teaser from Kawasaki shows veiled motorcycles at its pavilion at the Osaka Motor Show.
Looking at the round ORVMs, tail lights, and height difference between its handlebar and rear subframe, suggest that it might very well be a cruiser bike. It can be a variation of outgoing Vulcan S. But the veiled cruiser has round ORVMs, unlike a Vulcan S. We hope it is the revival of the Eliminator series to rival Royal Enfield’s dominance in the middle-weight cruiser category.
Kawasaki Eliminator 400 Revival Of An Icon
One of the popular series in Kawasaki’s lineup from the 90s was Eliminator. It was a cruiser-type motorcycle, first sold in 1985. The model started life with Eliminator 900, but soon spawned multiple engines ranging from mere 125 cc models to 1000 cc models. Model range includes EL125, EL175 (Bajaj Eliminator in India), EL250, VN250, ZL400, ZL600, ZL750, ZL900 and ZL1000.
Mostly, Kawasaki has used engines from its Ninja counterparts in the Eliminator series. Today, Kawasaki has a middle-weight cruiser in the form of Vulcan S priced at Rs. 6.4 lakh (ex-sh). With the launch of Super Meteor 650, Royal Enfield has pretty much stomped Vulcan S as the RE cruiser is priced between Rs. 3,48,900 and 3,78,900 (ex-sh).
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Rival
If Kawasaki Eliminator 400 is real, it might be a fitting weapon in the company’s arsenal against Super Meteor 650. We expect Kawasaki to use the same engine as the Ninja 400, which is a 399 cc parallel-twin motor packing 44.7 bhp of power and 37 Nm of torque. In contrast, RE’s 648 cc parallel-twin engine makes 47 bhp and 52 Nm.
Considering that Ninja 400 weighs just 168 kg, Kawasaki Eliminator 400 is likely to weigh around 200 kg. Which is far less than 240 kgs of Super Meteor 650. With less weight to lug around, Eliminator can beat Super Meteor 650 in outright performance. Tuning the engine to suit cruiser character is paramount as well. Ninja 400’s 37 Nm of torque has to be made accessible lower in the rev range to suit cruiser personality. This is not confirmed by Kawasaki, though. So, taking it with a pinch of salt would be advised. More

Kawasaki ZX-4RR KRT Edition promises an exhilarating performance and packs in a range of advanced features2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400cc 4 cyl – ZX4RFor racing enthusiasts, Kawasaki has launched Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition that packs in a 399cc, in-line 4-cylinder, 16 valve, liquid cooled motor. The track-ready bike is available in select international locations.In US, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR is available at a starting price of $9,699 (approx. Rs 7.95 lakh). With its premium pricing, launch in India is unlikely. Kawasaki enthusiasts here will have to go with Ninja 400 that is available at a starting price of Rs 5.14 lakh.Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR performanceKawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR’s all-new in-line four motor is designed to deliver unprecedented power and a high-rpm wail. It can rev up to a whopping 16,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Based on the architecture used with other Ninja ZX supersport machines, the 399cc in-line four motor has a quick-revving nature. It offers ample low to mid-range torque for city streets and high-rpm power for sport and track racing.Overall performance gets a boost with features such as the ram air intake system. This is a signature feature of Ninja ZX motorcycles. The ram air intake system works to improve cylinder-filling efficiency, which in turn helps achieve optimal engine performance. The bike has a unique racy exhaust note, made possible with the long silencer pipe and in-line four motor.2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400cc 4 cyl – ZX4RRide dynamics is among the best in segment, with a range of hi-tech features. It includes assist & slipper clutch, electronic throttle valves, Kawasaki traction control system and Kawasaki quick shifter. The bike has multiple power modes that allow users to adjust power delivery and traction control based on riding conditions and environment. Options include Sport, Road, Rain and a customizable Rider mode.Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR utilizes a trellis frame, with 37 mm USD forks at front and monoshock rear suspension. The bike has 17-inch wheels at both ends, shod with 120/70 front and 160/60 rear tyre. Braking duties are performed by 290 mm disc at front and 220 mm disc at rear. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard.Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR styling, featuresVisually, Ninja ZX-4RR is largely the same as its 250cc counterpart. Some key highlights include twin LED headlights, LED turn signals and tail lamp, compact windscreen, sculpted fuel tank, low-set handlebar and step-up split seat design. The bike has the KRT (Kawasaki Racing Team) colour theme and graphics.2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400cc 4 cyl – ZX4RThere’s a 4.3-inch fully digital TFT colour instrumentation that displays a range of information. The screen has Bluetooth and can be paired with the user’s smartphone via Kawasaki’s RIDEOLOGY app. Users can access functions such as general settings, phone notifications, riding logs and vehicle info.In terms of ergonomics, the bike has an aggressive riding posture. However, there’s some room to adjust to achieve a slightly relaxed riding position. The bike has adjustable brake and clutch levers and supersport-style aluminium footpegs. The saddle is comfortable, yet firm, allowing riders to easily shift weight as required. More

Price reduction is likely aimed at clearing existing inventory to make way for MY23 version of Kawasaki Ninja 3002022 Kawasaki Ninja 300Year-end discounts are quite common, as OEMs and dealers try to clear inventory as much as possible. Working on those lines, Kawasaki has reduced price of Ninja 300 by Rs 10,000. From the earlier price of Rs 3.40 lakh, the bike will now be available at a starting price of Rs 3.30 lakh (ex.sh).Price cut for Kawasaki Ninja 300 will be applicable till December 31, 2022 or till stocks last, whichever is earlier. Next year, Kawasaki is expected to launch the MY23 version of the bike. It will continue to rival the likes of KTM RC 390, BMW G 310 RR and TVS Apache RR310.Impact on salesFor a bike that costs Rs 3.40 lakh, a price reduction of Rs 10k is not significant. In percentage terms, it works out at around 3%. It may work as an incentive for true-blue Ninja enthusiasts, but unlikely to impact folks who have non-partisan views. However, if the inventory is not too big, the Rs 10k price cut can potentially achieve its objective.Even with the price cut, Ninja 300 will continue to be the most expensive bike in its class. KTM RC 390 is priced at around Rs 3.18 lakh whereas BMW G310RR retails at around Rs 3 lakh. Most affordable is Apache RR310, available at a starting price of Rs 2.65 lakh.2022 Kawasaki Ninja 300 price cut by Rs 10,000For the price cut to be more effective, a reduction of 5-10% could have delivered better results. A price tag closer to the 3-lakh mark would have been perceived as more beneficial from the customer’s point of view. A recent example is that of Honda CB300F, where prices have been reduced by a massive Rs 50,000. It has effectively reduced the starting price to around Rs 1.75 lakh. This is likely to have a better impact in terms of boosting sales.2022 Kawasaki Z650 discounts / benefits of Rs 35,000In addition to cutting price of Ninja 300, Kawasaki has also announced benefits of up to Rs 35,000 with the purchase of Z650. It is currently priced at Rs 6.43 lakh, ex-sh. It is powered by a 649cc parallel twin LC engine that delivers 68 PS of power and 64 Nm of torque.Kawasaki Ninja 300 MY23 expected featuresCosmetic enhancements and some tech upgrades could be the key focus areas for Kawasaki Ninja 300 MY23 version. Some new colour options can also be introduced. In its current form, Ninja 300 is offered in colour options of Lime Green, Candy Lime Green and Ebony. The Ebony colour is essentially an all-black theme with contrasting dark green highlights. Among the three, the Lime Green probably has the sportiest profile with a vibrant mix of black, green, white and red.It remains to be seen what kind of hardware changes are introduced with Ninja 300 MY23. Ninja 300 is powered by a 296cc, liquid cooled, parallel twin motor that generates 39 PS of max power at 11,000 rpm and 26.1 Nm of peak torque at 10,000 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and assist and slipper clutch.The engine has advanced features such as fine-atomizing injectors, dual throttle valves and hard Alumite coating on pistons. These work to improve ride dynamics, durability and fuel efficiency. Ride quality and overall experience could be further improved with Ninja 300 MY23. More

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R has been launched at a starting price of 10,50,00,000 Indonesian Rupiah (~ INR 5.63 lakh)2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX 25RA total of three variants of 2023 Ninja ZX-25R are on offer, the base model, ABS SE variant and top-spec Ninja ZX-25RR. Ninja ZX-25R ABS SE variant is available at Rp 123,500,000 (approx. INR 6.62 lakh) whereas ZX-25RR costs Rp 129,900,000 (approx. INR 6.97 lakh). Top-spec variant gets some premium hardware along with customization options.While much of the design and styling is same as earlier model, new colour options have been introduced for 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R. The base model is available in Metallic Spark Black colour option, which is essentially an all-black theme. ZX-25R ABS SE variant gets colour options of Metallic Matte Graphene Steel Gray and Candy Persimmon Red. Top-spec Ninja ZX-25RR is probably the most captivating, as it gets Kawasaki Racing Team livery in Lime Green shade.2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R new featuresOne of the key updates for 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R is a fully digital TFT instrument console. The outgoing model is equipped with a semi-digital instrument console. It has an analogue tachometer in the centre, flanked by indicators on left and a rectangular LCD panel on the right. While the semi-digital console has its charm, the new full digital console is more in tune with the times.A major benefit of the new TFT display is that it has significantly reduced clutter. Cockpit area of 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R appears a lot more refined and sophisticated. The display is placed at an angle, which should ensure easy viewability. 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R also gets Bluetooth connectivity. Users should be able to pair their smartphones to access calls, text messages, etc. Journey logs and maintenance schedule can be accessed via Kawasaki’s Rideology app.2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX 25RAs compared to the outgoing model, 2023 Ninja ZX-25R gets a larger upswept exhaust. Apart from that, there aren’t any major changes to the bike. Some key highlights include split LED headlight, compact visor, sporty graphics and decals and split seat design.Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R utilizes Trellis frame, integrated with USD front forks and monoshock rear suspension. Top-spec model comes with additional adjustability options. Braking duties are performed by 310 mm disc at front and 220 mm disc at rear.Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R India launchIt is unlikely that Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R will be launched here anytime soon. The bike’s pricing can limit its possibilities in India. Nonetheless, the bike will surely be a lot of fun to ride with its track-focused performance and advanced tech features.2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R continues with the same 249.8 cc, in-line four, liquid cooled motor. It generates 51 PS of max power and 22.9 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Advanced features include assist and slipper clutch, electronic throttle valves, quick shifter and traction control. The bike has three power modes, which can be used to adjust power delivery based on user preferences and ride conditions. More

Kawasaki is aiming for a smooth transition to EVs and doesn’t seem to be in a rush to make the switchKawasaki Electric Motorcycle. Image – KawazedzWith its ICE-based motorcycles still going strong, Kawasaki has been rather slow in catching up with rivals in EV segment. The company has a long-term plan, wherein it aims to achieve a fully-electrified portfolio by 2035. It will include pure EVs as well as hybrid electric vehicles.At INTERMOT 2022, Kawasaki has showcased a new EV prototype that appears to be of A1 specification (125 cc, 15 hp). It is the same model, as was showcased at Suzuka 8 Hours endurance racing event earlier this year in August. At the event, Kawasaki had also showcased a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). Kawasaki electric two-wheelers could be launched in select markets such as US and Europe in 2023.Kawasaki new EV prototypeDesign and styling of Kawasaki EV prototype unveiled at Intermot 2022 is borrowed from Kawasaki’s Z range motorcycles. The EV prototype has a sinewy profile with aggressive front fascia, sculpted fuel tank, sharp body panels, exposed frame and split-seat design. It will be getting an all-LED setup. Riding stance seems fairly committed with low-set flat handlebar and slightly rear set foot pegs.In terms of hardware, the EV prototype has standard telescopic forks at front and swingarm rear suspension. Alloy wheels have a trendy design and are shod with track-focused performance tyres. The bike has disc brakes at both ends. Sound note of this bike is close to the typical hum of an electric motor, as was revealed at Suzuka 8 Hours racing event.[embedded content][embedded content]While the EV prototype has a captivating profile, key details such as range, battery capacity, charging time, etc. are not available at this point of time. Kawasaki has done well to keep things tightly under wraps. Only the VIN information was revealed earlier, which showed that the prototype will generate 15 PS of max power. That should be good enough for some thrilling rides in an urban environment.It is not certain if Kawasaki EV prototype will have a fixed or removable battery pack. The batteries are placed in the bike’s underbelly, encased by the frame from all sides. The battery pack should be accessible via the faux fuel tank lid.Focus on ICE modelsWhile it has started working on its electric and hybrid portfolio, Kawasaki has always maintained that its primary focus will be on ICE-based two-wheelers in the near future. That seems like a logical thing to do, as the company has global operations with a comprehensive range of ICE-based two-wheelers.The capital investments involved, production platforms, human resource skilling, supply chain networks, etc. cannot be altered at short notice. Kawasaki’s 2035 target to achieve full electrification seems just right for enabling a smooth transition. The company has to ensure that its pure EVs and HEVs continue to offer the same level of performance and reliability, as associated with its current breed of ICE two-wheelers. More

Kawasaki W175 was supposed to be launched much earlier, but plans apparently got delayed due to the pandemicNew Kawasaki W 175ccIt was in November 2020 that Kawasaki W175 was spotted on road tests in India for the first time. Now around two years later, W175 has been launched in India. W175 is the smallest capacity retro-themed Kawasaki bike, offered in Asian markets such as Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines. It is also exported to Latin American countries such as Mexico, Uruguay and Bolivia.In Indonesia, there are three versions on offer, the standard W175, W175 Cafe and W175 TR. In Indian market, only the standard variant has been launched as of now. W175 is manufactured locally, which has helped keep costs down. Two colours are on offer, with prices starting from Rs 1.47 lakh, ex-sh.Kawasaki W175 featuresDesign inspiration for Kawasaki W175 comes from its larger sibling, W800. Kawasaki W series has a rich history spanning more than 50 years. The first bike in this series, W1, was launched in 1966. Continuing on that journey, Kawasaki W175 has an alluring old-school profile with features such as round headlamp and rear view mirrors, fork gaiters, tear drop shaped fuel tank, quilted single piece saddle and wire-spoke wheels.There will be two colour options, Ebony and Special Edition Red. While the former is essentially an all-black theme, the latter is a dual-tone colour option of red and black. In both, most of the components have been blacked out such as front suspension, headlight casing, engine, swingarm and exhaust pipe.New Kawasaki W 175ccInstrumentation is fairly simple with analogue style speedometer, odometer, trip meter and turn signals. W175 signifies the pure joy of riding and absolutely no distractions with things like Bluetooth connectivity and app-based functions. Signature W branding can be seen at the bottom section of the instrument console. Fuel tank also has the W branding in a contrasting red shade.Kawasaki W175 specsHardware setup is pretty straightforward, a double cradle frame integrated with telescopic front forks and dual rear shock absorbers. Riding stance is quite comfortable, as the bike supports the rider’s natural position. The bike has disc brake at front and drum brake at rear. Both ends have 17-inch wheels, shod with 80/100 front and 100/90 rear tyre.Powering Kawasaki W175 is a 177cc, air cooled motor that churns out 13 PS of max power at 7,500 rpm and 13.2 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. While the numbers seem quite frugal, W175 can still deliver optimal performance owing to its low weight of just 135 kg.W175 will be fun to ride across city streets, as it also has the right numbers in terms of length (2,006 mm), wheelbase (1,320 mm) and seat height (790 mm). While it won’t have any direct rival, Kawasaki W175 can be a challenger to the likes of Yamaha FZ-X, Royal Enfield Hunter 350, Honda CB350, Jawa and Yezdi Roadster. More

Kawasaki W175 borrows design cues from its elder sibling W800 and promises retro bike vibesKawasaki W175 for India. Credit – Abhishek ChowdhuryKawasaki made a lot of news recently with its electric and hybrid powertrain. The Japanese company even plans for a fully electric portfolio by 2035 including both fully electric and hybrid models. In that regard, Kawasaki recently showcased a fully electric prototype similar to a Z250 and a hybrid prototype similar to a Ninja 250.With futuristic prototypes displayed, now Kawasaki India is set to get back to retro and classic bikes with a likely launch of Kawasaki W175. Based on Kawasaki’s Block Your Date invite for September 25, and the leaked brochure, it is highly likely that W175 is the next product from the brand. Also, it is widely speculated that it will be made in India, to keep the costs down as well.India Made Kawasaki W175 BrochureKawasaki W175 was supposed to launch a long time ago, but was believed to be delayed indefinitely. It was spotted testing multiple times in India around 2020. Okay, let’s not talk about 2020. Even though Kawasaki is known for its multi-cylinder engines in India currently, Kawasaki has had a history of selling budget commuters like Boxer in India with Bajaj.But W175 will be anything but budget. It will be targeted toward the premium commuter category and is also available in countries like Indonesia. Speaking of Indonesia, W175 recently got a new update there. It is available in three avatars namely TR, TRSE and Cafe Racer. TR is a scrambler, TRSE is a roadster, and Cafe Racer is, well, a Cafe Racer. India will get two colour options – Ebony and Special Edition Red.Kawasaki W175 for IndiaIn terms of features, India made Kawasaki W175 will get an analog speedometer, an analog odometer and an analog trip meter, a halogen headlight, halogen turn indicators and taillights. It will also get spoked wheels with a clean and minimal design with fewer body panels. Expecting more? Well, it is a retro motorcycle. What more do you want?Kawasaki W175 for IndiaSpecs & PricingKawasaki W175 is powered by a 175cc single-cylinder engine. It is an air-cooled motor that is capable of generating around 13 bhp and 13.3 Nm and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Looking at the specs, one might feel that this engine is a little uninspiring. But Kawasaki is trying to compensate with another number. That is its weight. Or, the lack thereof. At just 126 kg, it is significantly lighter than any retro bike that is donning an engine of this capacity.India made Kawasaki W175 gets traditional telescopic suspension at front and dual shock absorbers at the rear. Braking hardware is also pretty meek with just front disc brakes. While rear has to do with drum brakes. All these are mounted on a single-cradle chassis. But because of its weight advantage, W175 is likely to have a far better power:weight ratio when compared to its rivals.Kawasaki W175 for India. Credit – Abhishek ChowdhurySpeaking of rivals, Kawasaki W175 doesn’t have many. Going with premium retro bikes, we have FZ-X at the bottom end and Royal Enfield, Honda, Jawa and Yezdi bikes. With Hunter 350, Royal Enfield seems to have established itself firmly at Rs. 1.5 lakh. Speculations revolve around the Rs. 1.5 lakh price mark. Given Kawasaki’s premium image and the low 126 kg weight, Kawasaki W175 seems like a decent proposition. More