Kawasaki

Kawasaki Ninja 400 Based Hybrid Electric Motorcycle PrototypeKawasaki is working on a wide range of fully electric and hybrid motorcycles for the next few years
Kawasaki has made some major announcements recently which reveals the intentions of the Japanese superbike manufacturer for the future. The bikemaker has revealed that by 2035, all its models would run on electrified powertrains- either fully electric or hybrid electric vehicles, in major international markets.
In regard to this idea, the company is planning to launch ten new fully electric and hybrid motorcycles by 2025. The first of them was recently showcased at a presentation meeting in Japan. The prototype revealed is slated to be the first hybrid electric motorcycle from Kawasaki.
However, this isn’t the first motorcycle with an electric powertrain to be unveiled by the Japanese brand. Earlier in 2019, Kawasaki had revealed the electric Ninja 300 Concept, called EV Endeavor. Later the same year, the company filed patents for a hybrid motorcycle, images of which floated on the internet. The recent prototype unveiled is expected to be based on the same patents.
Kawasaki Ninja 400 Hybrid Prototype – Details
Going by the images, Kawasaki appears to have used Ninja 400 as the base for the exposed prototype of the hybrid bike. It features a parallel-twin engine which is bolted onto a new tubular steel frame with a large electric motor mounted above the transmission. The electric motor derives its energy from a small 48V battery pack located under the seat.
Kawasaki Ninja 400 Based Hybrid Electric Motorcycle Prototype
As per Kawasaki, the hybrid powertrain is equipped with a regenerative feature that tops up the battery when low on charge. Another interesting aspect of this hybrid motorcycle is that within city limits, the bike would completely run on battery and electric motor, cutting out power from the combustion engine. This mode will be useful when some cities introduce zero emissions zones in the future.
Automated Transmission
The bikemaker has equipped the prototype with GPS technology that automatically switches to electric power as soon as the bike enters city limits. Outside the city limits, the motorcycle will draw energy from both the combustion engine and electric motor in order to boost its performance. The entire system is paired with an automated transmission system with buttons for gear shifts.
The setup comprises an automated clutch and a servo-operated shifter that enables gear shifts through push button changes. Other details revealed from the images include a pair of telescopic front forks and rear mono-shock supporting the tubular steel frame. Stopping power is provided by single disc brakes on both wheels while being linked to dual-channel ABS.
Kawasaki Electric Motorcycle Prototype
Although no exact timeline for its launch has been confirmed, we won’t be surprised if this motorcycle reaches production within a span of a year. That said, Kawasaki is not likely to bring this hybrid motorcycle to India since hybrid vehicles are not considered as electric vehicles in the country hence do not enjoy the same benefits under the FAME II policies. More

2022 Kawasaki Z125Due to pricing issues and market dynamics, Kawasaki Z125 and Ninja 125 are unlikely to be launched in India
As part of its strategy to continually refresh its portfolio, Kawasaki has introduced updated colour options for Ninja 125 and Z125 2022 model. In the Indian market, Kawasaki Z range currently comprises Z650, Z900, Z H2 and Z H2 SE.
Kawasaki 125cc Range – 2022 updated colour options
A total of three colour options are available for Z125. One of these is Metallic Flat Spark Black / Pearl Flat Stardust White, which has been replaced with Pearl Flat Stardust White / Metallic Spark Black on the 2022 model.
The only major difference is that the quantum of white paint has been reduced. It is now limited to the top section of the fuel tank, a small portion of tank shrouds and front fender. 2022 Z125 also gets updated graphics. These changes have ensured a refined look and feel for the bike.
Another colour option is Metallic Flat Spark Black / Metallic Spark Black, which has been replaced with Metallic Flat Spark Black. The latter ditches the visual anomalies present on 2021 model due to its dual shades of black. The new colour theme brings the bike close to an all-black look and feel. Graphics have also been updated, just like other new colour themes.
2022 Kawasaki Z125
Refinements have also been introduced for the third colour option of Candy Lime Green / Metallic Spark Black. In 2022 model, lime green shade has been reduced significantly. It is largely limited to the headlamp cowl and front fender. In 2021 model, the lime green shade extends to the fuel tank and tank shrouds. The green bits have been replaced with black and light grey shades on 2022 model.
Colour options on offer with the Ninja 125 are similar to Z125. These are Lime green/ebony/pearl blizzard white, Metallic spark black/metallic flat spark black, Pearl flat stardust white/metallic spark black. Ninja 125 also gets the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) colour scheme.
Kawasaki 125cc 2022 engine and specs
Engine and other hardware are the same as earlier for 2022. The bikes are powered by a 125cc, liquid cooled, DOHC, 4-valve motor. It is capable of generating 15 PS of max power at 10,000 rpm and 11.7 Nm of peak torque at 7,700 rpm. As per A1 driving license rules applicable in Europe, Z125 power and torque are at their max permissible limit. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
2022 Kawasaki Ninja 125
Kawasaki Z125 utilizes a tubular diamond steel frame with telescopic front forks and gas-charged rear shock with adjustable preload. Braking duties are performed by 290 mm and 220 mm single petal disc at front and rear, respectively. At both ends, the bike has dual piston calliper. ABS is offered as standard.
In European markets, Z125 standard variant is priced at €4,399 (approx. Rs 3.80 lakh). The SE variant costs €4,499, which is around Rs 3.87 lakh. As of now, it doesn’t seem like Kawasaki is making any plans to bring Z125 to India. But in case it makes it to our shores, it will primarily rival the likes of KTM 125 Duke. The latter retails at a starting price of Rs 1.71 lakh. More

New Kawasaki Z650RSWhile the design of Z650RS will be based on the new-retro Z900RS, its underpinnings and powertrain will be based on other 650cc motorcycles from Kawasaki
Earlier last month, Kawasaki teased a retro-classic derivative of Z650 called Z650RS on social media . It has now made its official debut. It will be launched in India later this year.
Unlike Z900RS which will likely be offered as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) in India, Z650RS is expected to reach our shores via the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route. This will allow the new New Kawasaki 650cc Retro Classic motorcycle to be priced aggressively at around Rs. 7.00 lakh (ex-showroom).
Design & Proportions
In terms of design, it borrows major styling cues from its larger sibling Z900RS with a similar round headlight, circular rear-view mirrors, a flat-type seat with a ribbed pattern, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank and an upswept exhaust. In comparison to its sister model- Z650, the Z650RS gets a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1405mm down by 5mm. This could be due to a revised swingarm and suspension setup offered by Kawasaki.
However, overall the Z650RS is slightly longer when compared to its street naked sibling (by 10mm) thanks to a longer tail section. Also, height has gone up from 1065mm to 1115mm due to a significantly taller and wider handlebar. Ergonomics are expected to be upright and comfortable for both touring and commuting purposes. Kerb weight of Z650RS has been pegged at 187 kgs which is 1 kg lighter than its naked streetfighter counterpart.
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Hardware Configurations
Some changes might be made to the dynamics of Z650RS with slight tweaks to the suspension setup and wheels. Further, a distinction between Z650 and Z650RS will be laid by offering new paint schemes to the latter.
Suspension duties on the motorcycle will be handled by 41mm telescopic forks upfront and a horizontal back-link unit with adjustable preload at rear. Braking hardware will consist of disc brakes at both front and rear wheels accompanied by dual-channel ABS as standard.
Engine Specs
It will be based on the same 650 cc platform comprising a tubular steel frame underpinning other Kawasaki siblings such as Z650, Ninja 650, Versys 650 and Vulcan S. It is powered by the same 649 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor which delivers 67.3 bhp at 8000 rpm and 64 Nm at 6700 rpm. This unit will be paired with a 6-speed gearbox. As per the type approval documents leaked earlier last month, the motorcycle has a claimed top speed of 191 kmph.
New Kawasaki Z650RS
Upon its launch, Z650RS will be the second retro-style motorcycle from Kawasaki after W800. The former being a neo-retro offering with modern elements while the latter is a proper retro motorcycle. In India, it will give a tough competition to Triumph Bonneville. However, both bikes are nowhere near Royal Enfield 650 cc Twins- Interceptor and Continental, as far as pricing is concerned. More

New Kawasaki KX450Kawasaki also offers its entry-level motocross in the form of KX100 in India which is priced at Rs 4.87 lakh (ex-showroom)
Kawasaki has launched the latest iterations of its adventure twins- KX250 and KX450 in India at a price of Rs. 7.99 lakh and Rs. 8.59 lakh respectively (both prices ex-showroom). Both motorcycles are meant for hardcore off-roading and could be classified as proper dirt bikes. These are not road-legal motorcycles.
Bookings for the new KX250 and KX450 are open at all Kawasaki dealerships across the country. Starting with their design, both KX250 and KX450 are very similar in their styling barring a few minor variations. Underpinning the dirt bikes is a revised lightweight aluminium frame that is claimed to improve dynamics of the motorcycles.
Updated Styling, Ergoomics
Design of the motorcycles hasn’t been tinkered with, however, ergonomics on both bikes have been improved. This involves a redesigned fuel tank, a flatter tank seat and slimmer shrouds.
The Japanese bikemaker has fitted the dirt bikes with an ERGO FIT adjustable handlebar while footpegs have also been repositioned. Further, the handlebar on both bikes has been equipped with a Renthal aluminium Fatbar as a standard feature to counter vibrations.
New Kawasaki KX250
Revised Hardware Configuration
Handling of the bike has been improved too with a retuned race-ready suspension setup comprising 49mm inverted telescopic forks at front and a new Unit Trak unit at rear. Both units are adjustable for compression and rebound damping. For KW250, the suspension travel is pegged at 314mm and 316mm front and rear respectively.
For K450, the figures stand at 305mm and 307mm for front and rear respectively. Braking hardware consists of single disc brakes with 270mm rotor and twin-piston calipers at front and 250mm rotor and a single-piston caliper at rear. KX250 weighs 107 kilos while KX450 tips the weighing scales at 110kg.
Retuned powertrain
Significant updates have been made to the powertrain for improved performance. KX250 is powered by a 249cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with factory-racer tuning. While exact output figures haven’t been shared, peak power output has been increased by 1.4 PS.
New Kawasaki KX450
This has been achieved by Revised processing for the throats of intake and exhaust manifolds. Also, crankcase has been redesigned to reduce weight which has impacted performance.
A similar set of updates has also been made on the 449cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine powering KX450. Both powertrains are paired with a 5-speed gearbox. This is the first time that Kawasaki is offering a hydraulic clutch on its motocrosser range.
More importantly, both motorcycles are offered with an electric start previously not offered. There is nothing much on offer as creature comforts since these bikes are built for a different purpose. Both bikes, however, receive a launch control mode. More

New Kawasaki Ninja 650 For India
In India, 2022 Kawasaki Ninja 650 will compete against Honda CBR650R and the upcoming Aprilia RS 660
Kawasaki has launched the MY2022 Ninja 650 in India at an introductory price of Rs 6.61 lakh (ex-showroom). The updated model made its global debut a couple of months ago has received a bunch of new changes including new paint schemes, improved mechanicals and a sharper design.
Interested buyers can book the updated Ninja 650 at the nearest Kawasaki dealership or via the company’s official India website. The middleweight supersport motorcycle continues to sport an aggressive exterior design that gets accentuated with two colour options on offer- the traditional Lime Green and a new Pearl Robotic White.
Updated Styling
Design-wise, the updated 2022 Ninja 650 is largely similar to the outgoing model. It retains ZX-6R-like sharp fascia which appears to be aerodynamically enhanced. The bike’s front end is dominated by twin LED headlights with LED DRLs.
Additionally, Ninja 650 gets a new and improved windshield which is now lower and flush-fits with the upper cowl. It is set at a more upright angle to offer the rider decent wind protection.
New Kawasaki Ninja 650 For India
In both paint schemes, the engine cowl and belly pan are painted in white. The TFT colour instrument cluster is carried over from the previous model and now gets Bluetooth connectivity as standard. The console could be paired with the rider’s smartphone using the Rideology smartphone app. The blacked-out alloy spoke alloy wheels get green rims which add a nice sporty contrast.
The side turn indicators are integrated onto the front fairing whereas the side body panels feature a neat air scoop for more aerodynamic efficacy. Other styling highlights include a split-seat style, underbelly exhaust, front apron-mounted rearview mirrors, an aggressive fuel tank, and a clip-on handlebar along with rear-set footpegs which offer a committed riding posture.
Mechanical Specs
At the heart of the fully-faired motorcycle is the same 649cc Liquid-cooled, Parallel-Twin engine that delivers 67 bhp at 8,000rpm and 64 Nm of peak torque at 6,700 rpm. This unit is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Team Green continues to employ a steel trellis frame supported by a 41mm telescopic fork at front and a preload-adjustable horizontal back-link mono-shock at rear.
Braking hardware comprises a pair of 300mm petal discs chewed by 2-piston calipers up front and a 220mm disc at rear. The middleweight supersport rolls on 17-inch alloys which are shod by new Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tyres. In India, 2022 Kawasaki Ninja 650 will go head to head against the upcoming Aprilia RS 660 and Honda CBR650R. More

2022 Kawasaki Vulcan S CruiserKawasaki currently offers Vulcan S in India at a price of Rs 6.04 lakh (ex-showroom)
Kawasaki has launched an updated avatar of Vulcan S in the USA. While the middleweight cruiser has always been a piece of eye candy for retro bike lovers, the latest update makes it even more attractive. That said, the new Vulcan S only gets a wardrobe upgrade and no mechanical changes underneath.
The updates are purely aesthetic which consist of two new colour options namely Pearl Robotic White and Metallic Matte Graphite Grey. Apart from these new shades of colour, the Japanese bikemaker has also added a new Cafe variant which gets a handful of cosmetic tweaks and a new paint scheme over the standard model.
Updated Colour Schemes
Having said that, there aren’t any significant changes to the new Cafe trim. It wears a unique triple-tone paint scheme comprising Ebon, Pearl Robotic White, and Candy Steel Furnace Orange colours. The bike also benefits from a short and dark tinted windscreen which lends it a sportier appeal. The standard model, on the other hand, is exactly similar to the outgoing model barring the new colour options.
The Pearl Robotic White paint scheme, as the name suggests, gets a predominantly white colour with cool blue livery on the fuel tank and radiator shrouds with blue/white pinstripes slapped onto the alloy wheels. The cruiser in this colour option looks icy sharp from each angle. Moving to the other option, the Metallic Matte Graphite Grey paint scheme wears a signature Kawasaki look with the use of black and green colours.
2022 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cruiser
Similar Styling & Features
Vulcan S continues to flaunt its signature styling elements such as an inverted triangular headlight, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, underbelly exhaust muffler and black rearview mirrors which match with the bike’s frame. The cruiser remains an ergonomically friendly bike as riders can adjust the handlebar, footpegs, and seat according to their preference.
The middleweight cruiser gets a semi-digital console that features an analogue tachometer and an LCD display for readouts like speed, odometer, trip meter, ABS status, fuel gauge, etc. Sadly it does miss out on a TFT instrument console like other modern Kawasaki bikes which is offered with smartphone connectivity.
Mechanical Specs
2022 Vulcan S is still powered by the same 649 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that delivers an output of 60 bhp at 7,500rpm and a peak torque of 62.4 Nm at 6,600rpm. This unit is paired with a six-speed gearbox. Suspension duties are handled by 41 mm telescopic forks at front and a 7-step preload adjustable off-set mono-shock at rear.
Kawasaki has priced the updated Vulcan S starting at $7,299 (approx. INR 5.5 lakh) for the standard trim while the Cafe variant comes at $7,899 (approx. INR 5.9 lakh). While there are no updates as of now, we can expect the latest iteration of Vulcan S to hit Indian markets by the end of this year. More

2022 Kawasaki Z125 PRO
2022 Kawasaki Z125 is aimed at entry-level young riders as a learner’s motorcycle
Kawasaki has launched the 2022 Z125 Pro in USA at a price of USD 3,299 which is equivalent to INR 2.45 lakh. The mini moto is a direct rival to Honda Grom 125 and will serve as an entry-level model to the Japanese bikemaker’s Z range of naked motorcycles. It is unlikely to launch in India anytime soon.
The new model comes with a fair share of updates, most of which are cosmetic in nature. That said, the overall design of the mini bike is retained with an aggressive streetfighter styling masked under its miniature size. It gets a standard halogen headlight that looks sporty at the outset.
Styling & Features
The aggressive styling is compounded by the motorcycle’s distinctive fuel tank shrouds and sharp lower cowl. While we are not sure if this one is small enough to be categorised as a ‘Monkey’, its diminutive size is enough to stress out the muscles of taller riders if they rode one for a long duration.
Some other styling highlights include golden coloured front forks, an LED taillight, an underbelly exhaust, an underbelly pan, designer alloy wheels and a single-piece saddle with a strap in the middle. The latest iteration of Z125 is available in three colour options including Metallic Flat Spark Black, Pearl Shining Yellow and a dual-tone Pearl Robotic White/Candy Plasma Blue.
2022 Kawasaki Z125 PRO
What enhances its sporty appeal are the funky body graphics on tank shrouds. In terms of features, it gets a semi-digital instrument with a digital LCD screen and an analogue tachometer with an integrated fuel gauge and gear position indicator.
Mechanical Specs
2022 Kawasaki Z125 Pro derives its energy from a 125cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine which generates 14.5 bhp and 9.62 Nm of peak torque. This motor is paired with a 4-speed gearbox.
Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks at front and an adjustable mono-shock at rear. Anchorage is carried out by petal-shaped disc brakes of 200mm and 184mm rotors at front and rear respectively. Unfortunately, there is no ABS to assist the disc brakes.
Honda Grom Specs
In comparison to Z125 Pro, the recently updated Honda Grom is powered by a 9.57 bhp and 10.9 Nm of peak torque. The mini moto is coupled with a 4-speed gearbox. Riding on 12-inch wheels, the bike is supported by 31mm USD forks and a rear monoshock. Braking duties are handled by 220mm and 190mm disc brakes at the front and rear, respectively. More