Kawasaki has lined up a pair of snazzy 125 cc motorcycles for the upcoming INTERMOT 2018, a biennial motorcycle expo that is set to take place at Cologne, Germany, early next month. The newest contenders strengthen the Japanese sportsbike maker’s low-displacement portfolio. The duo will target young riders with Europe as the primary market.
Both Kawasaki Ninja 125 and Z125 derive their striking design themes from their respective big displacement siblings. The Ninja 125 carries a green-black livery which is very similar to the hugely successful WSBK Ninja ZX-10RR race bike. The fully faired compact sportsbike measures 1,935 mm in length, 685 mm in width and 1,075 mm in height. It has a saddle height of 785 mm and offers a very sporty lean-forward riding posture.
The Kawasaki Z125 too has an aggressive appeal, thanks to the purposeful LED headlamp, bold fuel tank extensions, and meaty tyres. In terms of dimensions, the Z125 is just as long as its fully faired sibling but it is 740 mm wide and 1,015 mm tall. The saddle height stands at 815 mm. The motorcycle offers a traditional streetfighter ergonomics which is slightly relaxed compared to that of the Ninja.
Both motorcycles share extensive number of common parts including the chassis, engine, transmission, exhaust system (identical canisters), suspension and braking systems, and tyres. The twins employ tubular trellis frame (fabricated using the same technology that benefits the flagship H2) with box-type swingarm. Braking system consists of a disc at each end, most likely governed by dual-channel ABS.
The 17-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in 100/80-17 M/C 54S front and 130/70-17 M/C 62S rear tyres. More details about other equipment will be revealed at the time of world premiere on October 2 but we can expect a fully digital instrument console.
Not much about the powertrain has been revealed as on now but the Kawasaki Ninja 125 and Z125 are powered by a 125 cc liquid-cooled engine which is estimated to have a power output in the vicinity of 15-18 hp.
