Kawasaki H2R, H2 Elite Squad attends to the premium H2R and H2 owners
Set up with the launch of the Ninja H2R and Ninja H2
The Elite Squad transports the Ninja H2R/H2 to the Kawasaki Exclusive Service Centre for expert care and repair
By now, the Kawasaki Ninja H2R and Ninja H2 have established themselves as being the most powerful production motorcycles being sold to the general public.
But the Kawasaki H2R and its H2 sibling are not just about an extremely powerful supercharged engine stuffed into a frame. No, the H2 and H2R represents the pinnacle of mechanical engineering. Being so earns Kawasaki Heavy Industry’s (KHI) revered “River Mark” – the mark of excellence for innovations with historic significance. Kawasaki isn’t wrong when they are promoted as “Built Beyond Belief.”
As such, the track-only H2 and road-going H2R are premium products, hence the owners of the products expect premium service.
In this sense, Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., KESB created the Kawasaki H2R and H2 Elite Squad. The Elite Squad was activated as soon as the first units of the Ninja H2R and Ninja H2 were handed over (click here for our coverage on the ceremony).
A H2R or H2 owner may call 03-5566 5662 to book an appointment. The Kawasaki H2R and H2 Elite Squad will then arrive at a location specified by the owner, pick up the bike and deliver it to the Kawasaki Exclusive Service Centre (KESC) for expert maintenance or repair.
The Elite Squad transports the H2R or H2 inside an enclosed van, to ensure safety and your privacy.
All KESCs are equipped with comprehensive equipment, including special tools and electronic diagnosis equipment that are unavailable at non-official workshops. Similarly, the personnel at KESC are specially trained to handle the maintenance and repair of the special H2R and H2. That in itself is great assurance that your H2R or H2 is well taken care of.
KESB quotes RM159.00 within the first 30km. However, if the owner requires a pick-up service only outside the 30km radius, an additional charge of RM1.38/km is levied; while for pick-up and return service, an additional RM1.17/km is charged.
Kawasaki has just launched their latest 2018 Kawasaki ZX-10RR which comprises of mainly two colour changes to the components.
The 2018 ZX-10RR still carries its race-ready 998cc, liquid-cooled, inline-four, DOHC engine which has been slightly refined for better performance and reliability.
The latest generation ZX-10RR has been priced from £16,249 (around RM90,959) in the UK market.
Kawasaki has just revealed the latest generation superbike that is the 2018 Kawasaki ZX-10RR. Highly regarded as one of the best superbikes around and proven at the hands of the 2017 WorldSBK World Champion Jonathan Rea of Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT), the latest evolution comprises of mainly ‘two colour changes to the components’. (more…)
Kawasaki has just released a short teaser video indicating that they will be launching another supercharged motorcycle at this year’s EICMA Show in Milan, Italy.
With the tagline “Supercharge your journey”, this new machine might just be the highly-anticipated sport touring version of the manic Kawasaki H2.
Rumours are also pointing out to the possibility of this being a brand new supercharged 1400 GTR but we will only know for sure come 7 November 2017.
Previous rumours pointing towards giant Japanese manufacturer releasing another exciting supercharged machine appears to be true, ladies and gentlemen. Just a couple of days ago, Kawasaki released a short teaser video announcing that the new bike will be revealed on 7 November 2017 during EICMA 2017 or the Milan Motorcycle Show. (more…)
Kawasaki Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd (KMSB) is known for being actively involved in several activities and program as a way to give back to the community.
Events from road safety campaigns to Hari Raya Open Houses, KMSB has organised a number of programs as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Kawasaki Malaysia is also very particularly active this year in organising a special test ride road show across the country where they offer test rides plus free bike inspections.
Most companies nowadays are focused on bringing in the best products to the market as their main method of earning an income. It’s no different for Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (KMSB) and their extensive list of outstanding bikes currently on sale. Apart from the bikes, did you know that Kawasaki Malaysia is also very active when it comes to giving back to the community? (more…)
Five time WorldSSP champion Kenan Sofuoglu suffered a triple hip fracture during Saturday’s qualifying session when he crashed out at the Magny Cours Circuit in France.
The 33 year old Turkish rider was well on his way to a front row start before crashing out and declared unfit to race due to the extensive injury.
With only two rounds remaining, it is uncertain whether Sofuoglu can heal in time to fight for the 2017 WorldSSP title with the current leader, Lucas Mahias from GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team.
The 2016 WorldSSP World Champion Kenan Sofuoglu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) recently missed the last French round at Magny Cours Circuit after crashing out during Saturday’s qualifying session. The five time World Supersport champion was declared unfit after suffering a horrendous triple hip fracture. (more…)
The Kawasaki Versys-X 250 offers the fun of adventure-motorcycling at a great price
It is also designed with features for adventure riding
It should appeal not only to beginners but also to seasoned riders
Courtesy of advpulse
The Kawasaki Versys-X 250 has come a long way from when adventure, adventure-touring, dual-purpose bikes that were big, tall, powerful beasts; runaways from the dunes of the Paris-Dakar Rally. Anyone remember those mighty 750cc and 900cc V-Twin DP (dual-purpose) bikes in the 90’s? Well, those were the granddaddies of adventure motorcycles.
The motorcycle class in the Paris-Dakar Rally (now Dakar Rally) had started out with competitors on smaller, single-cylinder bikes but as an arms war pushed the factories and riders to gain the upper hand against each other, the bikes became bigger and heavier, and of course more powerful. The single-cylinder, enduro-based bikes that were sold to the public and modified to race, gave way to purpose-built machines that were then sold afterwards as replicas.
However, with the increase in speed came increased number crashes and fatalities in the world’s toughest rally. That had the organisers knocking back the multi-cylinder format to single-cylinder bikes to cap the speeds, first from 690cc and to 450cc since 2011.
On the road, ironicaly, it went the other way in terms of engine capacities. Most true adventure and adventure-touring motorcycles in the market are being dominated by middleweight (750cc to 80cc) to open-class (1000cc and above) models.
The open-classers are not cheap for most motorcycle enthusiasts, unfortunately, ranging from around RM80,000. The middleweights on the other hand, are usually priced from RM50,000. Engine power range between 70bhp to 160bhp.
1. Smooth Power
Riding in the rough is not all about outright speed. Average offroad speeds are typically 30km/h, the fastest top speed being approximately 60km/h. Anything above that is for the pros, or if you’ve signed your last will and testament.
Let’s face it, most of us aren’t full-time or even part-time motocross or enduro riders.
The Versys-X 250 produces 33.5bhp and 21.7 Nm of torque, with a wet weight of 173kg, for a 5.2kg/bhp ratio. Comparing it to the Kawasaki KLX250 enduro, the KLX250 produces 23bhp and 21Nm of torque, but weighs only 136kg wet, for a 5.6kg/bhp ratio. They are actually very close to each other.
Why the lower horsepower on the KLX? Because too much speed in the rough isn’t necessarily a means to an end. Just like the big Dakar bikes of yesteryears.
For the Kawasaki Versys-X 250, beginners would appreciate it, pros would find it interesting.
Not only that, the throttle response is smooth and benign at the initial opening.
2. Controllability
Riding offroad is all about the ability to handle a bike that’s on the edge of tyre adhesion, besides being able to point it where you want it to go.
Courtesy of advpulse
Sure, the bigger bikes have more electronics but they are still heavier, taller and may have too much power for the rough for most riders to handle.
Smooth and predictable power delivery and throttle response is super important.
Controllability stems from acceptable power, smooth power delivery, lightness, narrowness of the bike, long-travel suspension and especially for beginners, an acceptable seat height.
3. Lightweight
The motorcycle will jump, drop, slide, squirm under you as your ride offroad. Soon, your arms, leg, back, and core muscles will start to feel “The Burn.”
Courtesy of Ksatria Pinandhita
Now imagine if you’re riding a 200+kg bike while all that’s happening.
Not fun.
Your body and mind might give up soon enough, followed by a spill. Talk about putting a damper in your enthusiasm for the ride.
Let’s cite an example: This writer has ridden in ankle-deep sands in South Africa. While most participants chose the 1200cc adventure-tourers, this writer opted for a much smaller and lighter 660cc enduro. Soon, every single 1200cc rider crashed in that section except for one, but this writer got through without a single scratch. And that sand was nothing compared to the sand dunes of the Tenerife desert!
Having ridden the Versys-X 250 offroad afterwards, it’s the perfect bike for the job.
4. Slender Body
Having a narrow midsection where the seat joins the tank is an important design factor. As covered in our offroading tips article last week (click here to read), you need to stand up.
As you stand, your legs ought to be parallel to the bike’s vertical profile, instead of being splayed outwards like on a cruiser. That way, you could help to steer the bike by pushing down with your legs, or clamping onto the midsection to stabilize the bike on the faster straight sections.
The Versys-X 250 does have a narrow midsection, but there’s also a bonus.
Notice how the fuel tank slopes precipitously downwards toward to seat? That’s for the rider, especially us of Asian heights, to push our upper weight forward onto the front wheel. The sloping tank means there’s much less likelihood of it upper cutting the rider in the groin, should the bike hit a bump.
5. Long-Travel Suspension
As with adventure motorcycle convention, the Versys-X 250 has 130mm front and 150mm rear suspension travel. The front wheel is 19-inches in diameter. That combination equals a relatively spacious ground clearance of 180mm.
A long-travel suspension means there’s more “space” for the suspension to absorb hits from the ground, especially on rough “no roads” to deliver a smoother, less jarring ride for the rider.
6. Low seat-height
Although adventure bikes are generally tall, the Versys-X 250 features a low-seat height of only 815mm to accommodate beginners and us of shorter stature.
Being able to touch a foot down in while riding offroad is reassuring especially for beginners, but it’s also something which has to be done while cornering. The quicker the foot touches down means the less the bike has to lean into a corner, consequently the less chance of the tyres sliding out from underneath.
Back on the road, the lower seat height also contributes to security when the bike is at standstill or crawling through traffic.
7. Practicality
Bikes of this nature are practical and the Kawasaki Versys-X 250 is no different. But since it’s a smaller capacity bike, it has a slender profile with tall a handlebar. Coupled to its lack of weight and you have a great urban bike. Being slim with the tall handlebar means you could filter through traffic without much worry, while being lightweight means its agile.
Plus, since the bike is comparatively tall, it gives you a better field of vision ahead of the traffic all around you.
8. Touring Capability
Because the Kawasaki Versys-X 250 is an adventure bike, it has much room for luggage. Throw on a pair of GIVI panniers and a top case and voila! You’ve got yourself an adventure-tourer (just like the Versys-X 250 we reviewed here).
The liquid-cooled, four-valve per cylinder, DOHC, 249cc, parallel-Twin engine is also fuel efficient. Throughout our testing, we’ve extracted between 260 to 300km from the 17-liter fuel tank.
Top speed is a little above 150km/h and that’s fast enough for most applications.
Conclusion
In closing, the Kawasaki Versys-X 250 is the recommended for those who want to embark on the wonderful journey into adventure-riding. However, because it is practical, lightweight and agile, it should also appeal to seasoned road riders who want to try out the rough stuff. But remember that it’s also a very capable roadbike.
The enjoyment of adventure-riding shouldn’t need to be done on expensive machinery only, evidenced by the Versys-X’s wallet-friendly price tag of only RM23,789 (with GST). Truly the only kind in the Malaysian market.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valves, parallel-Twin
Displacement
249cc
Bore x Stroke
62.0 mm x 41.2 mm
Compression ratio
11.3 : 1
Fuel system
Electronic fuel injection, 28mm with dual throttle valves
Maximum power
33.1 bhp (24.7 kW) @ 11,500 RPM
Maximum torque
21.7 Nm @ 10,000 RPM
Front suspension
41mm telescopic forks
Rear suspension
Bottom-link Uni-Trak gas-charged shock, adjustable for preload
Front brakes
1 x 290 mm petal disc, 1 x balanced actuation dual-piston caliper
Adventure riding takes you to places inaccessible to most others
Adventure riding takes practice and careful planning
Once experienced, it may become your only type of riding activity
Courtesy of adventureriderz.com
Adventure riding is fun in many more ways than one.
Why not ride an offroad trail or better yet, blaze your own trail to some waterfall in a jungle where no one has been to before, compared to visiting an easily accessible waterfall that’s overcrowded, dirty and dangerous with rubbish and human effluents?
But how does one go about with adventure riding? Some people may cynically say, “It isn’t an adventure unless something goes wrong.” It’s not as bad as that. Think about discovering the many God-made beauties our country has to offer.
Here are our top tips for adventure riding.
1. Get a Proper Adventure Bike
Starting with say, a Kawasaki Versys-X 250 or a Versys 650 ABS. Or just go ahead with a Kawasaki KLX150BF or KLX250 (you may want to leave the KLX450R for the pros, though). But for the sake of simplicity, we’ll just stick to the Versys-X in this article.
Kawasaki Versys-X. Courtesy of motorcycledaily.com
The Versys-X 250 fills the role of a lightweight adventure and commuter motorcycle nicely, as it has a good balance for adventure riding when standing up on the footpegs. It’s also equipped with spoked wheels instead of cast aluminium ones. Spoked wheels are more desirable for adventure riding as they are usually lighter, absorb shocks better and can be adjusted back to shape if dented.
KLX250
The KLX range is a no brainer when it comes to adventure riding, as they are enduro motorcycles – super lightweight, slim, long travel suspension, big spoked wheels, and torquey engines. The KX models, on the other hand, are competition models for motocross, supercross and conversion to supermoto, thus they are not road legal. But you could always truck it to the starting point of your ride.
KX250F
Depending on the severity of offroading on your adventure ride, you may need to replace the Versys-X’s stock tyres to more adventure-oriented ones, otherwise the standard tyres are fine. Adventure-specific tyres not only offer more offroad grip, but they also allow the pressure to be dropped safely (more on this below).
2. Get Proper Training
Adventure riding has its specific set of skills. The route you’re going to travel on may not be severe, but it’s always good to be prepared.
Best way to learn this is at Most Fun Gym (MFG), operated by Malaysian veteran GP rider and legend, Oh Kah Beng. MFG may seem to be a hardcore motocross school, but it’s otherwise in reality. You don’t have to do the jumps. Learning offroad means learning the skills to control a motorcycle over low to no-grip situations through mastering throttle control, brake control, body control, body positioning, vision.
Training at Most Fun Gym
You’ll find your road riding skills improve too. That’s why MotoGP champs ride offroad on their off days.
3. Packing Up
This may seem frivolous but packing plays a big role in a safe hence enjoyable adventure ride.
Loaded up GIVI’s top case and panniers
A few extra items should be brought along:
Extra tool kit. Or a good multi-tool set with extensive attachments.
Cable ties. The most important kit by far.
Tyre tube or tyre puncture repair kit.
Compact electric air pump for the tyres.
Tyre pressure gauge.
First aid kit.
Flashlight.
Courtesy of advpulse
For one, heavy items such as tool kits, or camping equipment should be packed low in the panniers. Locating them high up results in a high centre of gravity and causing the top-heavy feeling (the bike likes to tip over at slow speeds).
Important items like the wallet, phone, cigarettes/vape, lighters should be packed in a waterproof or ziplock bag, and be easily accessible, so you don’t have to dig through everything to look for them.
Courtesy of advpulse
Not least of all, hook the motorcycle’s key to a large keychain. It’ll give you a good chance of locating it should it be dropped into a pool of mud or water.
Kawasaki floating keychain
4. Riding Gear
Adventure riding gear is the best as they are designed to be tough, protective and comfortable.
Hevik adventure jacket
However, if there are certain constraints, motocross wear is fine, but do wear full body armour including knee and shin guards.
Acerbis body armour
The subject of boots is open to contention, however. Many choose to wear motocross boots but this writer prefers adventure riding boots such as the TCX Track WP. First of all, the latter is more flexible, which increases comfort greatly. Secondly, adventure boots have more “aggressive” sole patterns compared to MX boots. That’s important in case you get off and push the bike. MX boots’ soles are smoother, made for sliding across the track while cornering, which means you may not have much traction in the rough.
TCX Track Evo WP adventure boots
An adventure helmet (full-face with a peak) is good, so is a motocross helmet, as they provide optimal airflow. A roadracing full-face will have you out of breath in a jiffy. An open-face is inadvisable as it doesn’t have the protective chinbar.
HJC FG-X offroad helmet
5. Tyre Pressure
With all that out of the way, it’s time to ride.
But hang on! We need to work on the tyre pressures first!
Again, if the adventure ride consists of serious offroading, the tyre pressures needs to be reduced.
Reducing the tyre pressure lets the tread “open up” for a wider footprint. The lower pressure also allows the tyres to absorb shocks from irregular surfaces, rocks and tree roots.
Reducing tyre pressure
Typical road pressures are anywhere between 200 kPa front to 280 kPa rear. A drop of half will suffice. For example, if the recommended pressure for your bike is 200 kPa, drop it to 100 kPa.
Remember we recommended that you bring a tyre pressure gauge? This is what it’s for. Also, keep in mind to re-inflate the tyres back up to the recommended pressures when you ride home on the road. That’s what the air compressor is for.
Stop & Go portable air compressor
6. Stand Up
Get your buttocks off the seat and bend your knees a little, using your legs as shock absorbers for the rear. Lean your chest slightly towards the fuel tank and splay your elbows outwards, but do not press down on the handlebar. Use them as additional shock absorbers for the front, instead.
Stand up when riding offroad. Courtesy of advpulse
Standing up brings your centre-of-gravity (CoG) down to the footpegs. Also, having your body off the seat means you don’t get hammered when the bike moves around underneath you. Sitting down in the seat, will have the bike taking you for a ride as it snakes, squirms and bounces.
The Versys models have short fuel tanks; the Versys-X’s fuel tank is sloped sharply downwards at the rear so that the rider may position his body weight towards the front when standing up.
7. Ride Loose
Your grip, arms, torso and legs should be relaxed. This allows the bike to do what it’s supposed to, and letting the suspension soak up the bumps. Fighting the bike will only exacerbate a situation. Your job is just to point the bike towards where you want it to go.
Relax your arms, legs and body – Courtesy of advpulse
8. Push Down
Cornering on the road or track means leaning your body to the inside of the corner.
When adventure or offroad riding, keep your body straight up and push the handlebar and footpeg downwards.
9. Sit Down
Standing up is necessary when you travel straight or around a gentle curve. But you need to sit back down for sharper corners.
Sit down for sharper and faster corners – Courtesy of advpulse
Keep your upper body straight up and push the handlebar downward. Stick your leg out but that leg’s knee should touch the bike. Splaying your leg wide will have the bike sliding and can lead to a lowside.
10. Throttle Control
Throttle control is probably the single most important control in adventure riding (so is on the road, as a matter of fact).
Modulate the throttle smoothly when turning it on or shutting it. Roll it on, roll it off – never slam it open or slam it shut.
If the bike slides in a turn, don’t slam shut the throttle like what your instinct tells you to do. A slide doesn’t mean the bike is totally out of control. It’s just a sign that the sliding tyre or tyres have less traction.
Stay on the gas! – Courtesy of Ksatria Pinandhita
Instead, you could maintain the same throttle position and lift the bike up slightly by either using your leg or the handlebar, or both. If you need to slow down more, remember to roll off the throttle. Cutting the throttle immediately when the bike is sliding will cause an abrupt back-torque (engine braking) and that will result in the tyre breaking all available traction.
When we tested the Versys-X, we noticed that the engine’s power is softer initially, before picking up at 3000 RPM. On one hand, that’s to not scare beginners, but it’s also meant for smoother throttle response when adventure riding. The model is also equipped with a Slip & Assist clutch to control engine braking.
11. Don’t Jump on it!
As with the throttle, you should also be smooth on the brakes. Never grab the brakes but apply pressure progressively.
Additionally, do not brake in a slide. Use the throttle.
Similar to the throttle, the Versys-X’s front brake is a little soft at the beginning of its stroke.
The Versys-X’s brakes are nicely progressive
12. Look!
The simple adage applies: “You go where you look.”
Don’t stare at the big rock in your path if you don’t intend to hit it. Look to the sides and you will miss it.
Look where you want to go – Courtesy of rockymountainatvmc
So, there you go. Follow these pointers and you will want to forget about road riding and who knows, you may devote yourself to adventure riding. These tips may seem complicated at first, but they are actually rather simple and straightforward when you put them together.
The Kawasaki Test Ride Roadshow “Always Close to You” visits Plaza Angsana, Johor Bahru from 22nd to 24th September 2017
Test ride the latest Versys-X 250, Versys 650 ABS, Z650 ABS, Ninja 650 ABS, Z900 Special Edition (ABS)
Kawasaki owners can have their bikes serviced by professionally trained Kawasaki Exclusive Service Centre personnel
The Kawasaki Test Ride Roadshow – called Always Close to You – visits Johore from 22nd to 24th September 2017 and here’s the perfect opportunity for Johoreans and those in the southern regions to test ride your dream Kawasaki.
To be held at the Plaza Angsana, Johor Bharu parking lot from from 10am to 6pm, Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) (KMSB) will organize a whole host of activities for everyone to have a good time, as with Kawasaki’s tagline – Let The Good Times Roll.
The main attraction will of course be the test rides, and KMSB will prepare their latest motorcycles for the program, including the Versys-X 250, Versys 650 ABS, Z650 ABS, Ninja 650 ABS, and Z900 Special Edition ABS. The test rides will highlight the performance, handling, comfort and versatility of these models. Visitors are sure to find one (or two, or all of them) which suits his/her personality.
Participants of the test ride will receive a lucky draw coupon each to stand a chance to win exciting prizes.
Apart from the test rides, KMSB will also display the Ninja ZX-10R WSBK Replica, the bike which had won the 2013, 2015 and 2016 World Superbike Championship titles. (Kawasaki may well be on their way to another WSBK title in 2017.) The world’s fastest production motorcycle, the supercharged Kawasaki H2 will the ZX-10R’s company.
Existing Kawasaki superbike owners will also enjoy the exclusive opportunity to have their pride and joy inspected and serviced by trained Kawasaki Exclusive Service Centre (KESC) personnel.
Other than KMSB’s activities, representatives from Shoei helmets, Alpinestars riding gear, and Bridgestone tyres will put up their latest products on show. AEON Credit Service and Tokio Marine Insurance will be present as well to provide consultation should you fall in love with a bike you’ve just test rode.
The Kawasaki Test Ride Roadshow has come a long way since its start in May this year (click here to read about the first show). You may also check out KMSB’s Facebook page (click here) and website (click here) for more information.
Yesterday’s WorldSSP300 race in Portugal saw Ana Carrasco (ETG Racing) became the first ever female rider to win a World Championship motorcycle race.
The 20 year old Spaniard was locked in battle throughout the race but was able to pull off a stunning win at the very last corner and finish straight where she crossed the chequered flag first.
Currently, Italian Alfonso Coppola (SK Racing) still sits on top with only a single point separating him and the runner up, Marc Garcia (Halcourier Racing).
The WorldSBK round last weekend held at the iconic Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal saw quite a few historic moments. One of the most memorable events has to be the photo finish at the end of the WorldSSP300 race where 20 year old Spaniard Ana Carrasco crossed the chequered flag in first place. Carrasco became the first woman ever to win a World Championship motorcycle race in history. (more…)
Kawasaki’s motorcycles are famously popular for many reasons
Kawasaki has historically produced the most potent and great looking motorcycles
Click here to visit Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia)’s website for the comprehensive list of models
Kawasaki motorcycles are manufactured by the Motorcycle & Engine Division of the Kawasaki Heavy Industries juggernaut. Kawasaki motorcycles have come a long way since their inception in the early-60s to become what it now one of the Big Four out of Japan.
Here in Malaysia, it was Kawasaki who paved the way for large capacity motorcycles as mainstream bikes, instead of being just the toys of the rich. Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. are also supplying motorcycles to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM).
But what made Kawasaki a popular brand? While Kawasaki does have a proud heritage, that alone doesn’t guarantee a brand’s success.
We’ve put together the top reasons why you should own a Kawasaki, and these are a few of those factors that have made Kawasaki a force majeure.
1. History of Engineering Excellence
Kawasaki Heavy Industries which includes Kawasaki Motorcycles Co., Ltd. has its roots in shipbuilding since 1896. Started by Shozo Kawasaki, it went on to become an industrial juggernaut, involved in building ships and submarines, railway rolling stock, aircraft, steelworks, robotics, space vehicles, and motorcycles.
The very first Kawasaki motorcycle engine – the KE-1 – in 1952 were designed and built by Kawasaki’s aircraft engineers to aircraft technology. It would mark Kawasaki’s motorcycle pedigree ever since as employing groundbreaking technologies
Those technologies would in turn affirm that Kawasaki motorcycles as the fastest production motorcycles, in their classes, if not in the world. They would soon turn into icons and legends. Case in point are a long list of Kawasaki models such as the H1 Mach III (1969), Z1 (1972), KZ100R (1981), GPz900R – the first Ninja (1984), GPz600R (1985), ZZ-R1000 a.k.a. ZX-10 (1988), ZXR750 or ZX-7 (1989), ZZ-R1100 a.k.a. ZX-11 (1990), ZX-12R (2000), ZX-10R (2004), ZX-14 (2006) and, of course, the H2R and H2 (2015).
And we haven’t even touched on the other ranges, ATVs and watercrafts yet!
2. Racing Heritage
Kawasaki had cut their teeth in competition, from Japanese endures in the early-60s to Anton Mang’s victories in the 250cc and 350cc world championships. Reg Pridmore’s 1977 win at Pocono on a Kawsaaki Z1 marked the first AMA Nationals win on a Japanese motorcycle (he took the 1977 and 1978 AMA Superbike titles, too). And who could forget Eddie Lawson’s dominance of the 1981 and 1982 AMA Superbike Championships on the Kawasaki KZ1000R. “Steady Eddie” would go on to be a four-time World 500cc Champion.
Kawasaki has also won four World Superbike Championships, three of those in the last four years. Tom Sykes won in 2013, followed by Jonathan Rea in 2015 and 2016 on the Kawasaki ZX-10R. Rea is currently leading the 2017 championship and looks set to the third successive title.
While there’s no doubt that MotoGP enjoys the bigger audience, WSBK is important nevertheless as the series is based on production motorcycles. It means that those bikes being raced in WSBK are the same bikes you and I could purchase at a Kawasaki dealer.
Experience gained from racing success translates to technologies being adapted to road bikes available to the public.
3. Cutting Edge Technology
Kawasaki has always pushed the boundaries of engineering and technology to deliver the most potent and fun motorcycles. Rider safety is paramount, as such, Kawasaki’s motorcycles feature traction control, ABS, ride modes, high-end brakes, good suspension, etc. In fact, Kawasaki was the first Japanese manufacturer to adopt traction control, called K-TRIC (Kawasaki Throttle Ignition Response Control) on the 1400GTR. Let’s not forget the supercharged H2R and H2!
4. Cutting Edge Design
Kawasaki’s motorcycles have historically broken the mould of styling conventions to deliver stunning and distinctive designs, for example the GPz900R, ZX-14, ZX-10R, H2, among others. They not only receive admiring stares from other bikers and general public, but a riding a good-looking motorcycle is both gratifying and confidence-building.
5. Availability of Genuine Parts and Accessories
As there are greater numbers of Kawasaki motorcycles in the market, that also means spare parts and accessories are readily available, at relatively lower costs. Coupled with the availability of authorized Kawasaki dealers and workshops around Malaysia, a Kawasaki owner can be assured of quick turnaround times when repairing their bikes.
6. Large Authorised Network
There are currently 80 authorised dealers and 32 authorised spare parts dealers all across the country, including in East Malaysia. This means easy access to not only new bikes, but also for maintenance, parts and accessories. Click here for the complete listing of the nearest authorised dealers. The personnel at the Kawasaki Exclusive Service Centres (KESC) are fully trained professionals, as with those at authorized dealers.
7. Wide Range of Models
Kawasaki Malaysia’s model range (click here and select PRODUCTS) is comprehensive and covers every segment of every capacity and size, subdivided into Ninja (sports), Z (naked, standard, sport-touring), Versys (adventure touring), GTR (premium sport-touring), VN (cruisers and full-dress tourers), W (modern classic), Street (motards), KX (motocross and supercross), KLX (enduro), and J (scooter).
There are also watercraft (jetskis), ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), and Mule (utility vehicles).
Whether it’s for your first bike, only bike, an upgrade or additional bike, you can find anything that suits your needs.
8. Reliability
Truth is, Kawasaki motorcycles are reliable and provide lots of trouble-free fun. Maintain your bike well and any modern motorcycle is just as reliable at the other. As mentioned in an earlier article (click here), this writer’s Kawasaki has not encountered serious problems, apart from normal wear and tear. Many of this writer’s friends also own Kawasaki motorcycles of various models and no one has had a breakdown, unless wrongly operated or had performed modifications that are not recommended by Kawasaki.
The 2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 250 which was introduced earlier this year has been dubbed one of the most affordable adventure bikes in the current market.
This very unique option has filled the ever growing demand for the small capacity adventure bike segment which has been receiving a huge number of demands.
Priced at a very reasonable RM23,789 (basic price with GST), the multi-purpose dual sport machine allows for great fun both on and off the paved roads no matter the riding conditions.
Everyone wants a bit of an adventure in their lives. Whether it’s heading to the office during weekdays or going on weekend rides to experience some freedom from the harsh realities of the everyday life, we tend to look for that extra special bit just to make things a bit more exciting. (more…)
Kawasaki Motors has just released a short teaser video of what seems to be the Kawasaki Z900 RS modern classic bike.
The short teaser video posted on Youtube by Kawasaki Motors ended with the message “Unveiling of Kawasaki’s #TrueSpirit TOKYO, 25-10-2017”.
The date stated at the very in the end indicates that the unveiling will be made during the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show happening this October.
Looks like Kawasaki has finally confirmed the predictions to revive their modern classic range with the introduction of the 2018 Kawasaki Z900 RS. The short teaser video posted on Youtube by Kawasaki Motors ended with the message “Unveiling of Kawasaki’s #TrueSpirit TOKYO, 25-10-2017”. (more…)
