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2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Gets Updated Visuals

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R underwent a massive overhaul in 2021 when Team Green introduced a new bodywork, a new electronic package and last but not least, enhanced performance to ensure the motorcycle continues to be at the highest level, not just on the street but also at WorldSBK.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R now gets Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) livery for 2023.
Remains mechanically identical to the 2021 model.

For 2023, Kawasaki has updated the Ninja ZX-10R with new visuals. More specifically, the class-leading supersport from Team Green sport Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) livery but is slightly tweaked to match the WSBK race bike.

However, the ZX-10R remains mechanically identical to the 2021 model, which is understandably so. Considering the motorcycle received significant updates in 2021.

That said, the 2023 Kawasaki ZX-10R continue to make 203hp @ 13,200rpm and 112Nm @ 11,400rpm from its 998cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, inline-four cylinder engine.

Although built as a full-blown race bike, the ZX-10R also packs a few road-focused features, including cruise control.

Meanwhile, the new generation ZX-10R is yet to be available in Malaysia as the new distributor, MODENAS, will only bring in the new motorcycle in 2023. This means we will likely get the new KRT edition next year.

WorldSBK: Jonathan Rea Agrees Two-Year Extension With Kawasaki

It’s official, Jonathan Rea will remain with Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) after agreeing on a two-year deal, putting him at Team Green for the 2023 and 2024 WorldSBK Championship season.

Rea agreed a two-year deal to remain with KRT.
Rea currently sits second in the championship, just 17 pts behind Ducati’s Alvaro Bautista.

Despite some rumours suggesting that Rea might consider a WorldSBK future without Kawasaki, Rea – who previously confirmed that he might consider retiring – expressed his delight to continue his successful partnership with KRT.

“I am really happy and excited to renew my contract with Kawasaki, to roll on for two more years. It has been an incredible partnership; we have enjoyed so much success together that it is almost a natural progression.

“There was not much negotiation needed to continue together from both sides. It was more a case of how much more motivation I had to keep racing at the highest level in the WorldSBK Championship.

“It has been an incredible few seasons; more competitive than ever. I have realised how motivated I am to continue and to continue fighting to win. Kawasaki gave me the opportunity back in 2015 to realise a childhood dream when I won the WorldSBK championship in the first year together.

“As a partnership we are so solid, and I am looking forward to continuing to make memories and representing an incredible manufacturer and brand,” said the six-time WorldSBK champion.

Kawasaki dominated the WorldSBK after winning its first title in two decades with the success of Tom Sykes in 2013; however, Rea’s dominance took the team to a new level of greatness, winning six straight titles comfortably.

Although coming up against a younger foe with Toprak Razgatlioglu claiming the 2021 title, Rea has come out swinging in 2022, taking five wins which put him in a title fight with Razgatlioglu and Ducati’s Alvaro Bautista.

CONFIRMED: Jonathan Rea Will Remain A WorldSBK Rider Next Season

Jonathan Rea will continue to race at the WorldSBK in 2023.

Rea is set to continue racing at the WorldSBK for the 2023 season.
Kawasaki is likely to renew Rea’s contract for the new season.

However, it remains to be seen whether the six-time WorldSBK champion will continue to race with team Kawasaki for the 2023 season.

Despite tailing behind Alvaro Bautista in the 2022 championship standing with a 36 point gap, the KRT rider remains a serious title challenger.

Although Rea took five race win so far with Kawasaki this season – just one shy of Bautista – his future with the team is still in doubt.

While there are ongoing rumours that he is being courted by Ducati, staying put at Kawasaki is probably the best option for the 35-year-old riderr.

“One thing for sure is that I’m not going to stay at home and watch the races; my manager is coming here this weekend and he’ll understand everything.

“Then, in the next days or weeks, there’ll be communication. It’s exciting times but I’ll be on the grid next year in WorldSBK and I can’t wait!”

Kawasaki To Expand The KLR650 Range With A New Variant In 2023

Kawasaki is set to bring another variant for its KLR650 dual-purpose motorcycle.

the new variant will join the already available Traveler, Explorer and base model.
the KLR650S claimed to feature a lower seat height.

While the motorcycle is not available in Malaysia, but the third-generation KLR650 is available in different trims in other parts of the world.

The base KLR650 comes as it is while the Traveler edition features top case for extra carrying capacity. However, the Explorer variant gets all the fancy panniers, crash bars and auxiliary lighting.

However, the Japanese marquee is set to introduce another variant, the KLR650S according to Australia’s vehicle certifications on June 16,2022.

Reported by Motorcycle.com, the documents hints that the new ‘S’ variant could make its way in 2023.

Other manufacturer tends to designate the ‘S’ as a Sport variant but in the case of Kawasaki, the KLR650S could refer to a lower seat variant.

Kawasaki applied the same nomenclature to its KLX230S motorcycle earlier this year. The KLX230S joins the KLX230 platform introduced in 2020 that features a lower 32.7-inch seat.

Not only that, Kawasaki also decrease the front suspension travel to 6.2″ from 8.7″. This allows shorter riders to enjoy the KLX230S without the intimidating height.

Such move could also benefits riders who wants to own the KLR650. Currently, the KLR650 boast 7.9″ of travel and 34.3″ stand-over height.

Nonetheless, it’s still just a speculation at this point and we just have to wait the official announcement from Team Green in the coming months.

(Source: Motorcycle.com)

Kawasaki To Unveil The 2023 Ninja 1000SX This Month

Kawasaki is set to roll out the new generation Ninja 1000SX sports tourer motorcycle on July 15, 2022.

to feature a similar design language as the ZX-10R.
engine revised for improved power delivery and comfort.

According to reports in Japan, the 2023 model will feature a sportier design with the engine and ergo’s updated for better performance and comfort.

Other notable upgrades include a new 4.3-inch TFT display and seats optimised for touring.

Moreover, the visual aspect of the 2023 Ninja 1000SX will be revised for a sportier stance with a visual comparison that could be made to an older variant of the ZX-10R sports bike.

Kawasaki already got rid of the bike’s two tailpipes configuration to just one, further mimicking the ZX-10R sports bike looks.

Powering the Ninja 1000SX will be a 1,043cc inline-four cylinder engine that packs a decent punch but is revised for better power delivery at the low and mid rev range.

Meanwhile, a Japanese publication, Bike News, reports that the new generation Ninja 1000SX will cost around JPY1,595,000 (RM51.7k).

Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki And Suzuki To Remove Up To 20 Models By End Of The Year

Japan’s impending emission regulations will trigger a major overhaul for the country’s Big Four motorcycle brand.

Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki will eliminate 10% from existing models.
the Big Four set to electrify its current line up by 2040 (Honda) and 2050 (Yamaha).

Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki are set to discontinue up to 20 models by the year’s end due to Japan’s updated emission regulation.

Worldwide emission regulations have forced many manufacturers to discontinue some models in recent years, with Yamaha ditching the street-legal R6 and for a track-only R6 Race, while Harley-Davidson had to remove its Evo-powered Sportster from the European market.

The trend is set to occur in Japan as the country’s emission regulations update will spell more models’ demise by the year’s end.

According to reports in Japan, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki will remove 10% out of 190 models currently offered by the country’s Big Four.

Honda will discontinue 10 out of its 80 models, with rumours circulating in the country suggesting that the iconic Gold Wing is also included on the chopping block. Honda recently axed the CB400 Super Four.

Meanwhile, Yamaha is set to retire the FJR1300 tourer, with Suzuki potentially reducing its volume by discontinuing five models, including the GSX-250R.

Despite the immense shake-up, Honda aims to recover by electrifying its lineup by 2040 with Yamaha, which shared a similar mission of zero-emission by 2050.

However, with the Big Four comprising 40% of the world’s two-wheel supply, eliminating 20 models could hugely impact the market. Not to mention, an electric motorcycle isn’t a cheaper option for the mass.

5 Things To Know About The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R Set To Land In Malaysia Next Year

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R is finally coming to Malaysia, two years after its official debut in Indonesia.

The ZX-25R is fitted with the smallest inline 4-cylinder engine in the market.
A high revving machine, the quarter litre screamer can go up to 17,000rpm.

The quarter-litre screamer will arrive early next year by the newly appointed distributor and partner, MODENAS.

The confirmation news was delivered by none other than MODENAS CEO Roslan Roskam, during our recent visit to the company factory plant, in Gurun, Kedah.

While we wait for the ZX-25R imminent arrival, let’s take a look at what makes the smallest inline-4 an exciting machine to look out for.

1. High rev ceiling.

To put things in perspective, a factory MotoGP bike can rev up to 18,000 rpm while an F1 car can go up to 15,000rpm.

The ZX-25R can go up to 17,000rpm, and you can get to 10,000 rpm just by riding to the nearest ‘Mamak stall’. Let that sink in.

This makes the ZX-25R an impressive engineering machine brought to you by the brilliant mind from Kawasaki.

2. Small yet powerful engine.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R gets you a 249.8cc, DOHC, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled 16-valve, in-line 4-cylinder capable of delivering 51hp @ 15,500rpm and maximum torque of 22.9Nm @ 14,500rpm.

The impressive power figure puts the bike at the top of the 250cc segment.

3. Not a beginner-friendly bike as you might expect.

With such a high rev ceiling, the power only kicks in at a dizzying 15,500rpm, and below 10,000rpm, there is pretty much nothing.

This makes the bike a bit challenging to ride, especially for new riders who might get caught out when the power kicks in all at once at 15,000rpm.

4. Perfect track bike.

To be fair, most track-oriented machines cost a fortune and the cheapest option with the proper specs you can get your hands on are 600cc supersport motorcycle.

However, Kawasaki realised that twins and singles mostly dominate the 250cc and 300cc class, and while they are good enough to take you around the track, they don’t make a lot of power.

The ZX-25R is the perfect high-revving motorcycle for the track, and with 50hp, it currently has no competition.

5. Phenomenal soundtrack.

No word can best describe how good is the sound that comes out of the ZX-25R. We suggest it might be best to take a look at the video shared by Kawasaki Indonesia.

A reminder, the bike in the video is installed with Akrapovic full system exhaust, so the eargasm is not a joke.

MODENAS To Introduce A Rebadge Versys 650 In 2023

MODENAS and Kawasaki are set to get things rolling for 2022, beginning with the Ninja 250 ABS and Z250 ABS.

rebadged MODENAS Ninja 250 ABS and Z250 ABS to reach dealership by end of July 2022.
MODENAS Vulcan S 650 will launch later this year.

The Ninja 250 ABS and Z250 ABS are among the models set to be rebadged by MODENAS as part of a new partnership with the Japanese manufacturer, Kawasaki.

The agreement will also witness MODENAS assemble between 250cc and 650cc Kawasaki motorcycles, including the Vulcan S 650, Ninja 650 and Z650.

While MODENAS will launch the Vulcan S later this year, the Malaysian motorcycle manufacturer has confirmed that the Versys 650 will follow suit in 2023.

The Versys 650 has been among the most popular sport-touring motorcycles since its introduction in 2006.

The Versys 650 is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin 4-stroke, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine that makes 65.7hp @ 8,500rpm and 60Nm @ 7,000rpm.

Recently refined to meet the Euro 5 emission standards, Kawasaki updated the new Versys 650 with Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) and a 4.3-inch full-colour TFT display.

The display can also be paired to a compatible smartphone device and the Kawasaki Rideology app, which allows riders to access instrument functions.

Other updated features include a full LED light setup, new graphics, revised styling (in line with its larger Versys 1000 cousin) and a new four-way adjustable windshield.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R To Land In Malaysia Next Year – MODENAS

The highly anticipated Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R will land in Malaysia next year.

the ZX-25R will finally hit Malaysia’s shores soon.
powered by a 249.8cc 4-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, the ZX-25R makes 50hp and 22.9Nm.

Two years since the official launch of the Ninja ZX-25R in Indonesia, the quarter-liter screamer will finally make its way to Malaysia.

According to the newly appointed Kawasaki distributor in Malaysia, MODENAS, the Ninja ZX-25R will land in Malaysia within the first half of 2023.

The information was conveyed to us by MODENAS Chief Executive Officer Roslan Roskan, during the recent visit to the MODENAS factory in Gurun, Kedah.

However, Roslan admitted that MODENAS and Kawasaki are still yet to determine whether to bring in the motorcycle as a CKD or CBU unit.

Nevertheless, it is the news everyone has been waiting for ever since the Ninja ZX-25R appeared in Indonesia.

During the global introduction, Kawasaki Indonesia showcased four different colour options with two different variants up for grabs: the base 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R and the Ninja ZX-25R Special Edition (SE).

The differences between the base model and the Special Edition are the additions of selectable riding modes, quick-shifter (both ways), and traction control as standard for the SE.

As for the engine, the Ninja ZX-25R’s 249cc inline-four DOHC engine produces a staggering 50hp at 15,500rpm (51hp with ram air) and 22.9Nm of max torque at 14,500rpm. In other words, you will have some good times when you rev this baby hard.

Other specs include:

Power Mode Selection (Full or Low)
New race-inspired Trellis frame
37mm front Separate Function Fork – Big Piston (SFF-BP)
Horizontal back-link rear suspension
Dunlop GPR300 radial tyres
LCD instrument display
180kg (182kg for SE)
15-litre fuel tank

What Can Kawasaki Owners Look Forward To In Malaysia?

With MODENAS taking on the role of distributing Kawasaki models in Malaysia, the company has committed to a number of things.
MODENAS plans on establishing key service points throughout the country for Kawasaki models.
Kawasaki too is committed to the local market by making parts available for local owners.

Fans and owners of Kawasaki motorcycles in Malaysia were left in a lurch when the long term distributor – Kawasaki Malaysia Sdn Bhd – had to stop operations.

The move was part of a global alignment program where Kawasaki themselves took on the distributorship of its products rather than relying on local distributors.

Kawasaki did this through an official presence in markets, or by purchasing stakes in local companies, such as what it has done with MODENAS.

Kawasaki has always had an equity in MODENAS which previously stood at 19%.

However, the company recently increased its equity in MODENAS to 30%.

And that figure could be taken as high up as 48% if certain conditions are met.

This is all well and great, but what about Kawasaki owners in the interim?

Where do they go when it comes to servicing their motorcycles, sourcing for parts or even claiming warranties should the need arise?

We were recently invited to tour the MODENAS assembly plant in Gurun, Kedah, where MODENAS and Kawasaki executives met us and other members of the media for a question and answer session.

MODENAS has clarified that it will take on the job of servicing, warranty claims and sourcing of Kawasaki spare parts.

Servicing can be done at either ‘Kawasaki Shops’ or ‘Kawasaki Stations’. The difference between the two is that the former will be an exclusive Kawasaki shop where else the latter will be a multi brand shop that also sells and services other brands.

MODENAS says that it plans to introduce 20 Kawasaki service points by the end of 2022, and this figure will go up to 40 by mid-2023.

What about servicing at shops which were once branded as Kawasaki or Ninja Shops?

These shops will be able to continue servicing Kawasaki models and can order Kawasaki parts directly from MODENAS.

However, they will not be able to entertain warranty claims.

Warranty Claims can only be carried out ‘Kawasaki Shops’.

MODENAS has also committed to making available a range of spare parts.

During the press session, MODENAS executives clarified that the company will be ordering up to 80,000 parts dating back to 1992.

But it doesn’t just end there, should you need parts that are not immediately available in the market, you could approach a Kawasaki or MODENAS outlet to have it ordered.

And so for Kawasaki owners in Malaysia, the good times will continue to roll.

MODENAS Does Not Rule Out Building A Super Moped!

Confirmed: MODENAS Vulcan S Will Be Introduced Later This Year!

MODENAS Ninja 250 and Z250 Almost Ready For Launch!

MODENAS Does Not Rule Out Building A Super Moped!

There has been a lot of noise online among fans of MODENAS.
Many are asking the company to also build a high capacity super moped to rival the likes of the Yamaha Y16 and the Honda RSX.
But the company has been unable to respond, until now.
With Kawasaki as its partner, MODENAS could finally take on the super moped category.

Great news for fans of the super moped, MODENAS has confirmed that it will not rule out its participation in the super moped category.

MODENAS has been under pressure on the digital front about producing a super moped underbone motorcycle, but has been unable to respond.

However, with the involvement of Kawasaki, MODENAS CEO Mr Roslan Roskan has confirmed that the company will not rule out producing a super moped.

“Modenas does not rule out building a super cup model, ‘kapchai’ models make up a big part of local business, and Kawasaki is willing to explore smaller capacity engine capacity. The underbone category offers the highest growth segment, and so for MODENAS to grow further with Kawasaki as our partner we will participate in this segment, our plant has the capacity and we are prepared,” said Mr Mr Roslan.

Mr Roslan also hinted that should the company build a super moped, it will be powered by a high capacity engine, perhaps more than 150cc.

Kawasaki has always had a stake in Modenas, previously holding a 19% equity in the Malaysian national motorcycle maker. However, Kawasaki has increased its stake in MODENAS to 30% and may take that figure up to 48% if certain conditions are met.

Part of this includes technology sharing, sales and marketing as well as local-assembly of certain Kawasaki models which for now only includes models below 650cc.

Kawasaki does not build underbone motorcycles, but with MODENAS under its wing now and with the booming underbone category, we could still see a MODENAS super moped on our streets, but there’s no telling when.

Confirmed: MODENAS Vulcan S Will Be Introduced Later This Year!

MODENAS Ninja 250 and Z250 Almost Ready For Launch!

Confirmed: MODENAS Vulcan S Will Be Introduced Later This Year!

Kawasaki has increased its stake in MODENAS from 19% to 30% and part of this plan includes the local assembly of certain Kawasaki models.
MODENAS has confirmed that the Vulcan S will be assembled in Malaysia.
The plans will eventually include the local-assembly of all twin-cylinder Kawasaki models.

Ever since Kawasaki increased its stake in MODENAS, the Malaysian motorcycle industry has been abuzz with which Kawasaki models will be re-introduced as MODENAS models.

Besides confirming that the Ninja 250 and Z250 (ABS and non-ABS) will be locally-assembled and introduced as MODENAS models, Modenas CEO En Roslan has also confirmed a third model.

The ever popular Kawasaki Vulcan S will also be locally assembled at the MODENAS plant in Gurun and introduced as the MODENAS Vulcan S.

“We will be introducing four Kawasaki CKD models this year, and one of them will be the Vulcan S,” confirmed En Roslan.

As part of its strategy, all Kawasaki models assembled in Malaysia by MODENAS will carry the MODENAS brand instead of Kawasaki.

MODENAS will also be distributing CBU Kawasaki models such as the Ninja ZX10R, the Z900RS, the Versys 1000 and also the Ninja 1000 SX.

As for purchasing the Vulcan S, the model will be introduced towards the end of the year at Kawasaki shops throughout Malaysia.

MODENAS says it plans to introduce two types of Kawasaki shops in Malaysia:

1. Kawasaki Shop: This term is as simple as it gets, and the Kawasaki Shop will only sell Kawasaki models exclusively as well as genuine Kawasaki accessories and merchandise.

2. Kawasaki Station: This is a multibrand dealership that will also offer Kawasaki products. This is not an exclusive dealership.

There is no indication in pricing, but MODENAS has hinted that it will be lower than before.

MODENAS Ninja 250 and Z250 Almost Ready For Launch!

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The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R underwent a massive overhaul in 2021 when Team Green introduced a new bodywork, a new electronic package and last but not least, enhanced performance to ensure the motorcycle continues to be at the highest level, not just on the street but also at WorldSBK.

It’s official, Jonathan Rea will remain with Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) after agreeing on a two-year deal, putting him at Team Green for the 2023 and 2024 WorldSBK Championship season.

Jonathan Rea will continue to race at the WorldSBK in 2023.

Kawasaki is set to bring another variant for its KLR650 dual-purpose motorcycle.

the new variant will join the already available Traveler, Explorer and base model.

the KLR650S claimed to feature a lower seat height.

Kawasaki is set to roll out the new generation Ninja 1000SX sports tourer motorcycle on July 15, 2022.

Japan’s impending emission regulations will trigger a major overhaul for the country’s Big Four motorcycle brand.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R is finally coming to Malaysia, two years after its official debut in Indonesia.

1. High rev ceiling.

2. Small yet powerful engine.

3. Not a beginner-friendly bike as you might expect.

4. Perfect track bike.

5. Phenomenal soundtrack.

MODENAS and Kawasaki are set to get things rolling for 2022, beginning with the Ninja 250 ABS and Z250 ABS.

The highly anticipated Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R will land in Malaysia next year.

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