kawasaki Archives

Kawasaki Z125 breaks cover

Kawasaki has discreetly released a promo video, some details and also a few official images of its newest model – the Z125.

Expected to be offered in two variants (Kawasaki Z125 automatic and the Kawasaki Z125 Pro with clutch), both models are powered by Kawasaki’s 125cc four-stroke single cylinder engine.

Kawasaki has announced that the bike will also come with a 24mm throttle body along with upside down forks, petal brake discs (200mm front, 184mm rear) and 12-inch wheels, while the claimed kerb weight stands at only 101kg. while its overall length is 1,700mm and the seat height is 780mm.

As much as the design is concerned, Kawasaki has given the Z125 an aggressive sense of styling, inspired by the other Z models in the stable.

It is said that the Kawasaki Z125 will be available in three colours – ‘Candy Lime Green’, ‘Metallic Graphite Gray’ and ‘Candy Burnt Orange’.

2016 Kawasaki Ninja H2 – a dark sparkle

The supercharged monstrosity known as the Kawasaki Ninja H2 has gained a new paint scheme for its 2016 model year version. The new scheme, which Kawasaki calls “Mirror Coated Spark Black”, gives the Ninja H2 a much more darker stance as a result of the scheme’s blackened-out theme and nature.

Besides this dark new paint job, Kawasaki has not announce any further changes to its supercharged halo bike. Minus the new paint, it is highly likely that the model would remain mechanically unchanged from its current form.

Kawasaki has also yet to confirm if it would continue to offer the Ninja H2’s track-only sibling, the Ninja H2R, throughout 2016 as well.

You can check out the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja H2’s darkened new personality in the gallery we’ve prepared below.

Sources: YouTube, Asphaltandrubber and Visordown

Kawasaki Vulcan S Café and SE revealed

Kawasaki has discreetly taken the wraps off two new variants of the Vulcan S, called the Vulcan S Café and Vulcan S SE at the ongoing American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) in Orlando, Florida.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe adds a new tinted wind deflector, an exclusive color scheme, as well as deflector mounts over the headlight. Besides the wind deflector, the Café variant adds a Matte Carbon Gray color scheme with a Candy Lime Green stripe running down the middle of the bike. ABS comes standard on the Cafe.

And then, there is the Vulcan S SE which features a two-tone Metallic Imperial Blue and Metallic Spark Black color with matching blue striping on the wheels. The SE model also comes standard with ABS.

While additions on these special variants go only as far as the cosmetics are concerned, they are expected to further boost the model’s sales.

Speaking of sales, there has not been any official announcement on whether the Kawasaki Vulcan S SE and Cafe will arrive on local shores, but looking at how successful it is here, the chances are quite high, we must say.

Kawasaki ZX-14 updated for 2016

Kawasaki has taken the wraps off the 2016 version of the Kawasaki ZX-14 earlier this week, with a few key upgrades which includes a tweaked ECU, a new instrument cluster, as well as Brembo monobloc brake calipers. The upgrades were all in line with meeting the latest Euro4 emission regulations.

According to Kawasaki, the tweaked ECU has managed reduce emissions whilst maintaining the bike’s maximum output of 207hp, making it among the most powerful bikes to be unveiled this year.

Powering the beast is a 1,441cc liquid cooled, four-stroke, inline-four cylinder engine which produces 207hp, enabling the bike to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 2.6 seconds, with an electronically restricted top speed of 299km/h.

Set to be available in two variants (ZX-14R and the ZX-14R Performance Sports) for 2016, notable changes include the new instrument cluster with LCD displays with dot-pattern background, black and white interchangeable displays, Brembo M50 monobloc brake calipers with Brembo radial-pump master cylinder, stainless steel brake lines, Ohlins TTX39 rear shock absorber, as well as Akrapovic exhausts.

Coming soon: sharper Kawasaki ZX-10R

Ageing Kawasaki ZX-10R supersports will receive sharpened enhancements soon.

(more…)

Top 10: Middleweights for beginners

If you happen to be one of those who has just obtained your B-Full license; looking for a first big bike that has decent amount of power, offers practicality for daily usage, yet doesn’t blow a big hole in your bank account, you’ve come to the right place, as we have a list of middleweights compiled for your reference.

Although the definition of a middleweight motorcycle may vary from one person to another, we have decided to refer to what the Japanese Big Four (Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda) have agreed upon – that a middleweight bike should displace 500cc—800cc. However, not all bikes within this displacement range are suitable for beginners, as there are various models with different characteristics.

That said, here are 10 middleweight bikes in our market at the moment that are ideal for those looking for their first big bike.

1) Kawasaki ER-6N

You know that a bike is ideal for beginners when you see it being used by driving schools to teach B-Full license applicants the basics. Offered at a very competitive price, the Kawasaki ER-6N also deserves full credit for changing the big bike scene in Malaysia, becoming the first bike to make Malaysians believe that “now everyone can ride a big bike.”

Specifications

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin, DOHC 8-valve
Fuel system: Digital Fuel Injection
Displacement: 649cc
Max power: 71hp at 8,500rpm
Max torque: 64Nm at 7,000rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 17-litres
Price: RM32,000

2) Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F

Capable of handling anything from daily commuting, weekend blasts, as well as long distance touring, the XJ6 Diversion F is the latest variant of the XJ6. The bike runs on a reliable 600cc in-line 4 cylinder engine and the compact chassis is designed to deliver agile handling and confidence-inspiring road holding. This all-rounder XJ6 Diversion F is equipped with smooth action suspension systems to ensure top class riding comfort.

Specifications

Engine: Liquid cooled, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve
Displacement : 600 cc
Maximum Horsepower: 77hp at 10,000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 59.7Nm at 8,500 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17 litres
Price: RM39,800

3) Honda CB500X

Ideal for both beginners and seasoned riders, the CB500X delivers plenty of performance, thanks to the thoroughly modern, torquey 471cc parallel-twin DOHC engine. Its upright handlebar, the shape and height of the seat, and the way the power is delivered accommodates a wide variety of riders, and gives riders a lot of freedom. The CB500X is an excellent choice for riders ready to move up a displacement class, or for anyone who appreciates a great middleweight motorcycle for practical in-town riding, or fun adventure-sport touring.

Specifications

Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valves, parallel-twin
Displacement : 471cc
Maximum Horsepower: 46.9 hp at 8500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 43 Nm at 7000 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.3 litres
Price: RM28,688

4) Kawasaki Versys 650

Kawasaki’s third-generation Versys 650 has grown into a serious entry-level sports tourer that is worth every sen it asks for. Despite all the upgrades that has been added, it is still perfect for the less experienced, as well as the veterans. However, due to the height of the bike, it is not suitable for small-sized individuals. On the brighter side, it is among the more powerful candidates in its class.

Specifications

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel twin
Displacement: 649cc
Fuelling: Fuel Injection
Max power: 68hp at 8,500rpm
Max torque: 64Nm at 7,000rpm
Fuel capacity: 21-litres
Price: RM38,369

5) Suzuki Gladius 650

Launched during last year’s Malaysian MotoGP round, the Suzuki Gladius is a naked bike that is ideal for both daily riding and some occasional canyon carving. Featuring the same 645cc V-Twin engine that is fitted on its sibling – the V-Strom 650, the bike features fuel injection technology and SDTV system among other technology.

Specifications

Engine: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90-degree V-Twin
Displacement: 645cc
Transmission 6-speed
Max power: 71 hp at 9000 rpm
Max torque: 63.1 Nm at 7600 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 14.5-litres
Price: RM39,900

6) Kawasaki Vulcan S

Honestly, it doesn’t get any better than this. Never have we had a good looking 650cc cruiser with an asking price below RM30,000. No, it has no V-twin, and it doesn’t sound like a Harley-Davidson but it serves its purpose very well, both in town and on the highway.

Specifications

Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, parallel twin
Displacement: 649cc
Transmission: Six-speed
Max power: 61hp at 7,500rpm
Max torque: 63Nm at 6,600rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 14-litres
Price: RM29,989

7) Honda CB650F

Made for those who want more than the 500cc offered by the CB500 range, the CB650F, which is powered by Honda’s completely new inline four-cylinder engine produces generous amounts of low to mid-range torque, making it a formidable bike in the city and during quick runs. However, the comfortable upright sitting position, ergonomically placed levers and pegs make it an ideal bike for long distance riding as well. In all, the CB650F is catered towards those with a thirst for torque.

Specifications

Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC Inline-4
Displacement: 649cc
Transmission: Six-speed
Max power: 87hp at 11,000rpm
Max torque: 63Nm at 8,000rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 17.3-litres
Price: RM39,999

8) Ducati Monster 795

If Japanese bikes are not your thing, and you want something more exotic, Ducati Malaysia is here to make your day with the Monster 795. Priced below RM60,000, the Monster is so user-friendly that even female riders are loving it. But that doesn’t mean that the bike is not powerful. Powered by a 795cc engine, the Monster 795 is just as exciting as any other Ducatis in the stable.

Specifications

Engine: L-Twin, 2 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, air cooled
Displacement: 803cc
Transmission: 6-speed
Max power: 87hp at 8,250rpm
Max torque: 78Nm at 6,250rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 15-litres
Price: RM59,900

9) Kawasaki Z800

Ever since it was launched in 2012, the Kawasaki Z800 has gained massive popularity, becoming arguably the most popular middleweight on our roads today. Among the factors that contributed towards the Z800’s success include its competitive price, fierce design, and of course, the generous dose of power.

Specifications

Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
Displacement: 806cc
Transmission: 6-speed
Max power: 113hp at 10,200rpm
Max torque: 83 Nm at 8000rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 17-litres
Price: RM47,989

10) Triumph Bonneville

Different riders have different preferences. Some potential first bike owners might have a soft spot for modern classics. If you fall under this group, the Triumph Bonneville is here to make your day. As much as the Bonnie looks like a classic, it rides and feels just as modern as any other new bike out there. Ideal for both daily usage and long distance cruising, the Bonnie is among the best modern classics out there in the market, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Specifications

Engine: Air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 360º firing interval
Displacement: 865cc
Transmission: 5-speed
Max power: 68hp at 7500rpm
Max torque: 68Nm at 5800rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 16-litres
Price: RM53,900

2016 Kawasaki Z1000SX gets slipper clutch and ABS

The 2016 Kawasaki Z1000SX has been revealed, and it gets a few subtle, yet important updates.

According to the company, the updates include the addition of a slipper clutch and ABS as standard, with no increase in price.

Besides the new technical additions, the sports tourer also comes in new colour options such as the Candy Plasma Blue, and a more aggressive green, similar to the Versys 1000.

The 2016 Kawasaki Z1000SX’s new assist and slipper clutch makes the lever 30 per cent lighter to pull, and reduces the tendency of the rear wheel to lock under engine braking following aggressive down-changes.

The Versys 1000 on the other hand, will come in new metallic grey and ‘metallic raw titanium’ options as well as the existing green scheme for 2016.

Meet the 48-cylinder Whitelock Tinker Toy

Ever wondered which vehicle holds the world record for having an engine with the most amount of cylinders?

If your guess is that it is something huge, like a plane, a ship, or a tank, you’re up for a great surprise as the correct answer is – a two-stroke motorcycle. Yes, you read that right.

Meet the Whitelock Tinker Toy; a 48-cylinder motorcycle which was created by Hertfordshire Superbike Centre in the UK. Based on the 2 stroke Kawasaki triples, the Tinker Toy has 48 cylinders and a capacity of a massive 4200cc. It consists of 16 Kawasaki KH250 3-cylinder engines arranged in six banks of eight and is completely road-legal.

Believe it or not, the engine is so large it has a complete single-cylinder 2-stroke engine to serve as a starter motor.

According to the builder and owner of Hertfordshire Superbikes, Simon Whitelock, the insane motorcycle actually has 49 cylinders.

“The 48 cylinder lump is slightly harder to start than your conventional motorcycle engine, so instead of an electronic starter motor, we decided to use what we call a “donkey engine”- a little sub-50cc engine, which is started, and in turn that starts the 48 cylinder engine,” said Simon.

That said, we know that you would love to see the engine work and hear how it sounds, so here it is…

Kawasaki and Suzuki to make 250cc tourers?

Rumour has it that Suzuki and Kawasaki are developing parallel twin 250cc tourers to provide new entry-level additions to their dual-sport ranges.

According to sources in Japan and India, Suzuki is developing the G-Strom 250 (basically a mini V-Strom 650), meanwhile Kawasaki is working on a Versys 250.

The G-Strom 250, which is expected to be based on the Suzuki Inazuma 250, will apparently be providing an adventure-styled bike, with power coming from a 250cc parallel twin engine.

The Kawasaki Versys 250 on the other hand, is expected to share the frame and the engine of the Ninja 250 and the Z250 sold here.

Although there has not been any official announcement or any solid evidence regarding these two bikes, the idea of smaller-engined, cheaper bikes with the stance and look of ‘big’ adventure-style machines does sound possible as the 250cc bike market has seen rapid growth lately.

With models like the KTM Duke 390, RC 390, Kawasaki Ninja 250, and Z250 selling like hot cakes here, there is no reason for manufacturers to not take full advantage of the high demands of the sub RM35,000 segment.

While the Versys 250 and the G-Strom 250 remain as rumours, let us stay tuned for further updates from the manufacturers.

Kawasaki middleweights get new colours for 2016

Kawasaki has revealed new colour options for the ER-6f, the ER-6n, the Versys 650, as well as the Vulcan S.

While the Versys 650 and the Vulcan S are new models, the ER-6f and ER-6n were expected to go through an extensive update by mid 2016, but looking at Kawasaki’s decision to introduce new paint options, we feel that it is safe to say that the refreshed ER-6f and ER-6n will take longer than we expected to make their debut.

Coming back to the new paint options, the ER-6f gets three options for the 2016 season. The iconic green Candy Lime Green version now features fairing sides in Metallic Spark Black fading to a lighter colour fairing lower. In a similar style, the Candy Persimmon Red model also has Metallic Spark Black fairing sides while the Metallic Carbon Gray option sticks to an all over single colour approach.

Like its ER-6n partner, each new for 2016 ER-6f comes with a coloured rear shock absorber spring and pin-striped wheels as standard. All the new colour options are available on ABS and non-ABS models.

The Vulcan S on the other hand, is now available in white. The beige Urban City White option is joined by Metallic Matt Carbon Gray, creating an impactful and purposeful look. All the new colour options are available on ABS and non-ABS models.

And then we have the Versys 650, which is currently available in Metallic Matte Carbon Gray and Metallic Spark Black machine. New for next year are the striking Candy Matte Orange and Pearl Stardust White combined with Metallic Spark Black option.

On another note, Kawasaki mentioned in the press release that it has many announcements due in the near future. So, we can expect 2016 to be a pretty busy and interesting year for the brand.

Chaz Davies and Jonathan Rea reign supreme at Sepang

English riders Jonathan Rea and Chaz Davies reigned supreme during race 1 and 2 respectively at the Pirelli Malaysian Round of the eni FIM Superbike World Championship in Sepang last weekend.

Race 1

In the beginning stages of race 1, it looked like Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Time) was on his way to the chequered flag as he was ahead of Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati SBK Team) and Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) by approximately 3 seconds, Sykes’ tyres gave way with 4 laps remaining, allowing Davies and Rea to overtake him.

The battle between them lasted all the way until the last corner, where Davies managed to overtake Rea, only to get overtaken again right before the finishing line. In fact, the pair swapped places three times on the final lap before the last corner. The victory at Race 1’s marked Rea’s 10^th win this year.

The winners aside, the closest on track fight was between the Aprilia pairing of Leon Haslam and Max Biaggi who were dicing for 5^th and 6^th.

Wildcard entry Max Biaggi, who represented the Aprilia Racing Team on the other hand finished third, claiming a historic 71^st podium finish, extending his own record of being the oldest rider to ever stand on a WorldSBK podium.

Sylvain Guintoli also claimed a season best 4^th after his Pata Honda appeared to be kinder to its tyres while Poleman Sykes dropped to 5^thafter setting a blistering pace that saw him shatter the lap record in the early stages.

Alex Lowes was 6^th aboard the Voltcom Crescent Suzuki ahead of Leon Haslam (Aprilia Racing Team), Althea Racing pairing Matteo Baiocco and Niccolo Canepa, and Jordi Torres (Aprilia Racing Team) who dropped from what looked like a safe 4^th to 10^th in the final few laps.

David Salom (Team Pedercini), Randy de Puniet (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki), Leon Camier (MV Agusta Reparto Corse), Roman Ramos (Team Go Eleven) and Leandro Mercado (Barni Racing) completed the point scorers.

Race 2

In Race 2, it was drama at the first corner itself as Max Biaggi (Aprilia Racing Team) crashed out of contention. The next drama occurred when former champion Tom Sykes crashed at Turn 9 with ten laps to go. This was a big blow to Sykes as it ended his championship ambitions for 2015.

Up front, the battle this time was once again between Chaz Davies and Jonathan Rea. Thanks to his consistent pace until the end, Davies was able to secure his 3^rdvictory in four races, moving into 2^nd overall in the championship standings. Jordi Torres of the Aprilia Racing Team finished third, claiming his second podium finish of the season.

Sylvain Guintoli (Pata Honda) scored another 4^th position, his best weekend of the season ahead of team mate Michael van der Mark who made up for his race one retirement with a fine 5^th.

Leon Haslam was 6^th on his Aprilia Racing – Red Devils machine, finishing a tenth behind the Dutchman.

David Salom (Team Pedercini), Alex Lowes, Matteo Baiocco (Althea Racing) and Roman Ramos (Team Go Eleven) were 7^th to 10^threspectively with Niccolo Canepa (Althea Racing), Leon Camier (MV Agusta Reparto Corse), Randy de Puniet (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki), Tom Sykes and Leandro Mercado (Barni Racing) completing the points finishers.

After the action in Sepang, the race for overall title has gone all wrong for Tom Sykes, who was almost 90 points ahead of the closest competitor last week. Well, looks like he has nobody else to blame except himself, or maybe his tyres.

The overall leader now is Jonathan Rea of Kawasaki Racing Team with 452 points, followed by Chaz Davies of Aruba IT Ducati team with 308 points. And then we have Tom Sykes with 295 points.

The next round will be taking place at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain, on September 20^th.

MSC 2015 Rd.2 – Bittersweet weekend for Prince Lubricants Racing Team

Prince Lubricants Racing Team marks a bittersweet outing in Round 2 of the Malaysia Superbike Championship 2015 (MSC 2015) held during WSBK Malaysia 2015.

(more…)

Bikesrepublic

kawasaki

Kawasaki Z125 breaks cover

2016 Kawasaki Ninja H2 – a dark sparkle

Kawasaki Vulcan S Café and SE revealed

Kawasaki ZX-14 updated for 2016

Coming soon: sharper Kawasaki ZX-10R

Ageing Kawasaki ZX-10R supersports will receive sharpened enhancements soon.

Top 10: Middleweights for beginners

2016 Kawasaki Z1000SX gets slipper clutch and ABS

Meet the 48-cylinder Whitelock Tinker Toy

Kawasaki and Suzuki to make 250cc tourers?

Kawasaki middleweights get new colours for 2016

Chaz Davies and Jonathan Rea reign supreme at Sepang

MSC 2015 Rd.2 – Bittersweet weekend for Prince Lubricants Racing Team

Prince Lubricants Racing Team marks a bittersweet outing in Round 2 of the Malaysia Superbike Championship 2015 (MSC 2015) held during WSBK Malaysia 2015.

Buy a Kawasaki, Get Another One For Free!

Bimota KB998 Rimini (2025) Dilancarkan di EICMA 2024

2025 Bimota KB998 Rimini Launched at EICMA

2024 Kawasaki Z900RS SE Arrives in Malaysia

5 Perkara Mengenai Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja yang Anda Mungkin Tak Tahu

5 Stuff about the Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja you May not Know

Kawasaki Johor Bahru telah Dibuka

Kawasaki Johor Bahru Opened

Kawasaki Z900SE dan Z900ABS Dilancarkan Dengan Warna Baru!

Kawasaki Z900 ABS and Z900 SE Gets New Colours in Malaysia!

Kawasaki KLX 230 S dan 230 SM Di Kemaskini Untuk 2024!

Kawasaki Introduces Updated KLX 230 Models

Archive

Tyre Review: Michelin Power 6 – Predictable In The Wet & Dry

2025 Honda ADV350 Launched in Europe, New Features Galore

New Vehicle Sales Expected to Hit 800,000 Units in 2024

2025 Benelli Tornado 550 Debuts

2025 BMW R 12 S Launched, Beautiful Homage to the R90S

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

BikesRepublic