Kawasaki

By 2035, Kawasaki plans to have a fully electrified portfolio that will include pure EV and hybrid electric vehiclesNew Kawasaki Electric Motorcycle Based On Z250Providing a glimpse of what the future would look like at Kawasaki, two new bikes, one electric (EV) and one hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) recently raced the tracks at Suzuka Circuit. Widely popular Suzuka 8 Hours endurance racing event was purposefully chosen to ensure maximum reach for Kawasaki’s all-new electrified bikes.In addition to the visual treat, enthusiasts also got to listen to the aural notes of these bikes. EV bike had the typical hum of an electric motor whereas the HEV sounded more like a conventional ICE-based bike.As Kawasaki’s electrification plans have been delayed due to the pandemic, it is likely that things are being expedited in a proactive manner. While official timelines have not been announced, launch in markets like America can happen by the end of this year.Kawasaki electric bike featuresKawasaki’s pure-EV bike appears to borrow styling bits from Z range motorcycles. Some key features include an aggressive front fascia, sinewy fuel tank design, step-up split seats, prominent tail section, standard telescopic front forks and rear swingarm. The bike has a fairly committed riding stance with low-set handlebar and slightly rear-set footpegs.New Kawasaki Electric Motorcycle Based On Z250With close to zero body panelling, Kawasaki’s new all-electric bike should be able to extract more miles from the battery. It is not clear at this point of time if the battery is a fixed or removable unit. It looks completely packed from the sides, although there could be an opening in the fuel tank casing to reach the battery from top. VIN information shows that Kawasaki’s all-electric bike generates 15 PS of max power. It is likely to be slotted between Z125 and Z250.Kawasaki HEV bike featuresIn comparison to the naked EV, Kawasaki HEV bike is a fully-faired model. It appears to have design bits similar to that of the Kawasaki Ninja range. Some key features include sharp dual headlamps, compact windscreen, sharp panels, step-up seat and upswept exhaust. It is evident that the bike has a twin-cylinder motor and exhaust is quite similar to that of Ninja 250. Multiple air intakes can be seen, which will work to cool the motor and battery system.Other key equipment in use are conventional telescopic forks at front and monoshock rear suspension. Braking setup has dual discs at front, which looks impressive and should help manage the additional bulk of the hybrid system.Kawasaki Hybrid Motorcycle Based On Z650Considering India’s growing appetite for electric two-wheelers, Kawasaki should not take too long to launch its electric range here. Sooner the better, as rivals like Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and KTM are planning their respective electric two-wheelers for India. Kawasaki will also have to work on pricing to be able to play the volume game. More

2022 Versys 650 gets design cues from its larger sibling Versys 10002022 Kawasaki Versys 650 India LaunchADVs, adventure tourers and dual-sport motorcycles are all the rage right now. Especially for a country like India, they make more sense too owing to our fabled road conditions. Imagine riding a low-slung exotic machine and you suddenly encounter a bad patch of road. It is a nightmare to even imagine and ADVs with a relatively high ground clearance and underbelly protection are very logical for India.We have ADVs, adventure tourers and dual-sport motorcycles too. We also have them in varied engine capacities and cylinder counts ranging across a wide gamut of prices too. But a segment that strikes the right balance between price and performance has always been motorcycles falling in the middleweight category.2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 ADVKawasaki has updated their middleweight adventure tourer, Versys 650 for the model year 2022. It is priced from Rs 7.36 lakh, ex-sh. This is about Rs 40k more expensive than the older Versys 650.Unveiled at 2021 EICMA show, Versys 650 stunned the world with its bold looks that are derived from its bigger brother Versys 1000. The new Versys 650 has been on sale globally since earlier this year.2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 India LaunchThe overall design is now sharper and bolder and it even looks menacing. At front, it gets a new fairing with LED headlamps split between two chambers for low beam and high beam. It also gets LED DRLs and a 4-way adjustable windscreen. It retains its overall persona of an adventure tourer while gaining enough cuts and muscles to flex on its competition.Feature upgrades include a new TFT display that also does duties on the company’s Z900. Other prominent features are KTRC (Kawasaki Traction System) with two riding modes. The first mode will be less intrusive and can be used on an everyday basis while the second mode can be very intrusive and also kicking in early to make sure that the bike has traction at all times. This mode is helpful in the rain and wet surfaces.  Engine SpecsMechanically, the 2022 Versys 650 is identical to the outgoing model. It still gets the same tried and tested 649 cc parallel-twin engine. This engine makes 66 bhp and 61 Nm. It also powers other Kawasaki motorcycles like Z650, Ninja 650, Z650 RS and Vulcan S.Two colour options are on offer – Lime Green and Metallic Phantom Silver. 2022 Versys 650 will compete against motorcycles like Benelli TRK 502, Benelli TRK 502X, Honda CB500X, Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT and the newly launched Triumph Tiger Sport 660 in the mid-sized ADV motorcycle segment. Take a look at the full feature list in the image gallery below. More

Ninja 400 was available earlier in India, but had to be discontinued due to stricter BS6 emission norms2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 BS6Since April 2020 when BS6 emission norms came into effect, Kawasaki has worked consistently to expand its portfolio in India. Most of the models were updated to BS6 in 2020-2021. Among the ones that are still pending is Ninja 400. Not anymore.Kawasaki recently launched Euro 5 compliant version of Ninja 400 in international markets In Europe, Kawasaki has also updated Z400 to Euro 5 standards. Now they have launched the updated BS6 Ninja 400 in India. As per the official website, 2023 Ninja 400 India price starts from Rs 4.99 lakh, ex-sh. This is the same price at which the BS4 Ninja 400 was available, before it got discontinued.2023 Ninja 400 stylingKawasaki Ninja bikes are designed to be gorgeous and new Ninja 400 carries forward that pedigree. Quite a few styling bits have been borrowed from Ninja H2. Some of the key features include slim dual LED headlamps, sleek LED DRLs, transparent windscreen, front cowl-mounted funky rear view mirrors, low-set, wide handlebar, sculpted fuel tank, split-seat design and upswept exhaust. Bodywork adds significant volume, which ensures the big bike look and feel for Ninja 400.Colour options for Ninja 400 include Lime green and Metallic Carbon Gray. Both colour themes are equally appealing, although the Gray version appears to have a far more magnetic persona. It also looks superior in terms of aggression, dominance and street presence. Both colour variants have lively graphics that add an extra dose of sportiness.2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 BS6 – Launch price official websiteNew Ninja 400 has a hybrid cockpit, featuring a large analogue tachometer at the centre. On left are the warning lamps, while the right side has a multi-function LCD screen. Gear position indicator is placed centrally for easy viewability.New Ninja 400 performancePowering Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a 399cc, liquid cooled, parallel twin, DOCH, 8 valve motor that generates 45 PS of max power at 10,000 rpm and 37 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed transmission. The engine has been tuned to deliver optimal performance across the rev range along with smooth response and controllability. Kawasaki has also improved the engine’s design, making it as compact as a 250cc motor.Ninja 400 utilizes a Trellis frame, integrated with 41mm telescopic forks at front and gas charged monoshock suspension with preload adjustability. Braking is handled by 310 mm and 220 mm petal discs at front and rear, respectively. Dual-channel ABS from Nissin is offered as standard.2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 BS6 – SpecsWith a relaxed rider triangle, Ninja 400 can suit a wide variety of rider sizes and riding environments. The bike has ergonomically placed handlebar and slightly foot-forward foot pegs, which ensure comfortable rides and optimal control and handling. Seat height of 785 mm also helps achieve better control and handling, even for shorter riders. More

The updated Kawasaki Ninja 400 is expected to command a premium of Rs 25,000 over the older model2022 Kawasaki Ninja 400While Kawasaki’s India lineup starts with the locally manufactured Ninja 300, the brand’s global range in most of its international markets starts with the 400 range comprising Ninja 400 and Z400. Both motorcycles have now been revealed in their updated iterations.2022 Kawasaki Ninja 400, Z400 RevealedFor 2022, Kawasaki has updated emission norms for the fully-faired sports bike as well as the naked streetfighter. Ninja 400 and Z400 now comply with the mandatory Euro 5 emission norms in European markets. Kawasaki offered Ninja 400 in India previously before it was discontinued in early 2020 when BS6 emissions kicked in.With the sports bike adhering to Euro 5 norms, it is on its way to making a return to the Indian market. In fact, the Japanese brand has also teased the fully-faired sports bike on its social media handles hinting at its imminent launch in India. Both Ninja 400 and Z400 are based on the same platform and underpinnings.While Ninja 400 flaunts a fully-faired look with twin LED headlight units and a clip-on handlebar, Z400 gets an aggressive streetfighter design with a wide handlebar. Both motorcycles pack common visual highlights, split-type seats, a slim raised tail section, a muscular 14-liter fuel tank and an upswept exhaust.[embedded content][embedded content]17-inch designer alloy wheels are also common for both bikes. There have been no styling updates on either of the bikes except for new colour schemes on both models. Ninja 400 is available in two colour options including Lime Green with Ebony (KRT Edition) and Metallic Carbon Gray with Metallic Matte Carbon Gray.Powertrain, Hardware SpecsPowering both speed machines is a 399cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that generates 44.3 bhp and 37 Nm of peak torque. While the power figure remains identical, torque output has declined by 1 Nm. Although, it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker since kerb weight of both motorcycles remains the same.This power plant is mated to a six-speed gearbox via a slip and assist clutch which is claimed to be 20 percent lighter than its previous iteration. No changes have been made to the cycle parts as well since both bikes continue to be suspended on 41mm telescopic forks up front and a preload-adjustable mono-shock. Braking is handled by a 310mm petal disc at front and a 220mm disc at rear which are aided by a dual-channel ABS.2022 Kawasaki Ninja 400 – India launch teaserFeatures & PriceOther features on offer include a part digital and a part analogue instrument cluster. We would have liked it if the Japanese superbike brand could have updated the latest avatars of both models with a fully digital TFT display. The updated Ninja 400 has been priced at 6,250 GBP (around INR 6.04 lakh) while Z400 now costs 6,000 GBP (around INR 5.8 lakh). The last time Ninja 400 was on sale in India, it was priced at about Rs 5 lakh, ex-sh. More

Kawasaki had planned the launch of Kawasaki W175 in India but it seems to be delayed indefinitely2023 Kawasaki W175Kawasaki in India is well known for offering performance motorcycles at a reasonable cost, as compared to some rivals. The motorcycle that catapulted Kawasaki towards success in India, is Ninja 300. It offers decent performance for the money with twin-cylinder smoothness and a rev-happy character.But Kawasaki has many more motorcycles in international markets. Some of the models have single-cylinder engines and are targeted toward the premium commuter category. Best example of such a motorcycle is Kawasaki’s W175 which is available in a few south-east Asian countries like Indonesia.2023 Kawasaki W175Kawasaki recently launched 2023 version of the W175 in Indonesia. It is Kawasaki’s smallest capacity retro-themed motorcycle. The updated motorcycle remains visually true to the model it replaces. With its round headlamp, single cradle chassis, and retro-looking ribbed seat cover, it screams retro and classic.W175 comes in three avatars namely TR, TRSE and Cafe Racer. TR is a scrambler variant, TRSE is a roadster variant and Cafe Racer is, well, a Cafe Racer. These variants make sure that customers get a desired package from Kawasaki’s entry-level retro motorcycle. Kawasaki has also introduced new colours with the W175.2023 Kawasaki W175TR gets a ribbed seat cover, raised fenders at the front and rear and a bash plate. It is finished in the traditional Kawasaki green paint scheme which we have come to like. TRSE gets similar styling but it gets two special edition paint schemes that are inspired by the 1950s. Cafe Racer gets a headlight cowl matching the body colour and special graphics on fuel tank and side covers which gives it a sporty appearance.Specs and PricingKawasaki W175 has retained the engine and its tuning from the model it replaces. It is an air-cooled, 177 cc single-cylinder motor churning out 13 PS and 13.3 Nm. Numbers from this engine make it feel rather uninspiring but there’s another number that will help compensate, weight. At just 126 kg, it is significantly lighter than other retro-themed motorcycles in its class. Due to its weight advantage, W175 has a better power:weight ratio than its rivals.W175 also gets traditional front telescopic suspension and twin shocks at the rear. It also gets traditional braking hardware in the form of a disc at front and a drum unit at the back. Also, a single-cradle chassis. The motorcycle also gets halogen bulbs throughout. Even though the design seems to be inspired by the bigger W800 street, it comes off as low-rent.2023 Kawasaki W175Kawasaki has priced W175 in Indonesia starting from 33.4 million Rupiah for TR (around Rs. 1.77 lakh), 34.4 million Rupiah for TRSE (around Rs. 1.82 lakh) and 35.6 million Rupiah for Cafe Racer (around Rs. 1.89 lakh). W175 has been spotted multiple times testing in India. Even though the launch was imminent, Kawasaki never did it. For its 175 cc capacity, it seems a logical competitor to Yamaha’s FZ-X. But it would be priced around the well-established 350 cc motorcycles from Royal Enfield, Honda, Jawa and even Yezdi.  Given Kawasaki’s premium image in India and looking at the prices of W175 in Indonesia, we can speculate that the pricing of W175 retro motorcycle will be on the higher side. But Kawasaki brand value and low kerb weight could be deciding factors in W175’s success in a market like India where the craze for retro-themed motorcycles is rising by the day. More

Kawasaki is trying to play safe by launching a motocross balance bike for kids as the brand’s first electric two-wheeler offeringKawasaki Electric Motorcycle PrototypeDespite the rage of electric mobility created in the past few months, some auto manufacturers continue to prefer IC engines. Especially Japanese automakers like Kawasaki, who have spent blood and sweat on building quiet, clean, vibe-free and performance-oriented IC engines, aren’t ready to let go of their powertrains.That said, transition from IC engines to battery-powered vehicles is inevitable and too much delay in their development will push the particular band behind its rivals. Hence, Kawasaki made a bold announcement last year that it would be launching as many as three electric motorcycles by the end of 2023.Kawasaki Electric Bike TeasedIn fact, in October last year, Kawasaki revealed that by 2035, all its models would run on electrified powertrains- either fully electric or hybrid electric vehicles. First of these bikes is now gearing up for its launch soon as the Japanese superbike brand has teased its first battery-powered motorcycle. The teaser released on the brand’s social media handles, reveals that this bike will be making its global debut on June 7, 2022.From the teaser, it can be inferred that the upcoming model could be a motocross bike intended for kids. This shows Kawasaki’s inhibitions about entering a completely new territory and playing safe. The company will also be taking lessons from Harley Davidson when the iconic American brand jumped into the electric mobility space with the LiveWire electric bike.The Good Times are Electric ??Stay tuned for June 7th. Sign up to learn more at: https://t.co/sNf6sioczE#GoodTimes #Kawasaki pic.twitter.com/T0qP6qmqJG— Kawasaki USA (@KawasakiUSA) May 18, 2022The teaser hasn’t revealed any significant details about the upcoming model but shares glimpses of the new bike appearing in the reflection of the rider’s helmet visor. The motorcycle appears to don a similar camouflage print of green and yellow which is typical of Kawasaki. The Japanese brand isn’t completely averse to electric two-wheelers as it has been toying with multiple prototypes for several years now.Some unconfirmed reports have mentioned that this upcoming battery-powered bike could be named Elektrode since Kawasaki has trademarked this moniker in many international markets. The upcoming bike is most likely to be a balance bike for kids instead of a full-fledged dirt bike.Other Electric Bikes From KawasakiApart from the upcoming electric motocross, Kawasaki is also slated to launch two more eclectic two-wheelers this year. One of them could be a fully electric derivative of Ninja 300 which will be based on the concept bike EV Endeavor. This electric Ninja 300 Concept made its first appearance back in 2019.Later the same year, Kawasaki filed patents for a hybrid motorcycle, images of which floated on the internet. Last year, the superbike brand revealed a concept prototype for its first hybrid electric motorcycle. This concept prototype used the same tubular steel frame as Ninja 400 and features a 399cc parallel-twin motor along with a large electric motor mounted above the transmission. More