Kawasaki has unveiled the new Ninja 125 and Z125 at
2018 INTERMOT motorcycle show in Germany. The motorcycles will compete with the
likes of the KTM RC125 and the 125 Duke in the European markets.
The Kawasaki Ninja 125 is a fully faired motorcycle
while the Z125 is a naked roadster. Unlike the bigger Ninja motorcycles, the
125cc model features a single-pod headlight instead of a dual unit. Above the
headlight is a tall windshield that is aimed to offer protection from windblasts.
Behind the windscreen is a clip-on handlebar that offers sporty ergonomics. The
motorcycle features the KRT graphics that is also seen on the bigger Ninja
motorcycles.
Apart from the full fairing design, there are no
other major differences. Thus, the Ninja 125 and the Z125 have the same tubular
trellis frame, box section swinging arm, a chiselled fuel tank and a split
step-up seat. The exhaust and alloy wheel design, too, are similar on both the
motorcycles. The headlight design, unlike the bigger Ninja/Z-Series
motorcycles, is identical. The Z125 features a flat, single-piece handlebar
that offers upright and city-friendly ergonomics.
Suspension and braking setup is similar too and both
motorcycles feature 37 mm conventional telescopic front forks and a
preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. A petal-type disc brake on both ends
provides the stopping power. At the front, there's a 290mm single disc, while
at the rear there's a 220mm single disc. The motorcycles get dual-channel ABS
as standard.
Mechanical specifications are identical too. Thus,
the Ninja 125 and Z125 use a 125 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC
engine that is tuned to deliver a healthy 14.8 hp and 11.6 Nm of torque. This
engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission. It is claimed to deliver a strong
mid and high-range performance.
There is a marginal difference in the kerb weight as
the Ninja 125, with its full fairing design, tips the scale at 148 kg while the
Z125 weighs 146 kg. Both models would prove too costly for India, and so,
Kawasaki may refrain from entering the 125 cc-class here.
