Kawasaki has introduced two new entry level sports bikes at Intermot in Germany today. These two small displacement models were announced for EICMA last November but it is only now that full details have been revealed in Cologne, Germany. Designed for Europe’s A1 license category, Kawasaki Ninja 125 and Z125 are inspired from Kawasaki’s larger models in terms of design. While the Z125 is inspired from the flagship Z1000, the Ninja 125 takes some styling cues from the Ninja ZX10R.
Targeting a younger segment of riders across Europe, which is its primary market, these two new bikes enhance the company portfolio in the low displacement segment. Kawasaki Ninja 125 in a green and black color scheme borrows styling from the WSBK Ninja ZX-10RR race bike. It measures 1,935mm in length, 685mm in width and 1,075mm in height. Saddle height is at 785mm offering the rider a forward riding position.
Kawasaki Z125 also boasts of an aggressive stance with dimensions as long as its Ninja 125 counterpart but it stands 740mm in width and 1,015mm in height. Saddle height is at 815mm while being a street fighter, seating position is more relaxed as compared to that seen on the Ninja 125. The Z125 also receives a large LED headlamp, massive fuel tank and wider tyres.
Common features seen on both the Kawasaki Ninja 125 and Z125 a tubular trellis frame with box type swingarm along with similarities extended to chassis, engine, transmission, exhaust and braking system. Both the models sit on 17” alloy wheels fitted with 100/80-17 M/C 54S front and 130/70-17 M/C 62S rear tyres and get dual channel ABS as standard.
Engine specifications have not yet been detailed but the Kawasaki Ninja 125 and Z125 get their power via a 125cc liquid cooled engine. The engine delivers 11.7 Nm @ 7700 rpm and 15 PS 10,000 rpm via 6 speed gearbox. Z125 has a ground clearance of 185 mm while Ninja 125 has a ground clearance of 170 mm. Kerb wt is 146 kgs and 148 kgs respectively.
Though launch is eagerly anticipated, Kawasaki Ninja 125 and Z125 may not launch in India where the 125cc performance bikes are yet to see much demand. It is also difficult for the company to price these two models to comply with customer’s expectations. However, in international markets, the Ninja 125 will compete with the KTM RC125 and Aprilia RSV4 125 while Kawasaki Z125 will take on KTM 125 Duke in terms of competition.
