Two years since the official launch of the Ninja ZX-25R in Indonesia, the quarter-liter screamer will finally make its way to Malaysia.
However, the Ninja ZX-25R will only be on display as part of a promotion by Kawasaki Malaysia at the Malaysia MotoGP held at Sepang International Circuit.
Nonetheless, it is an exciting development as Modenas Chief Executive Officer Roslan Roskan previously said that the 250cc inline four-cylinder motorcycle will officially arrived as a 2023 model early next year.
So for those would be in Sepang for MotoGP, please make your way to Kawasaki Malaysia booth to take a closer look.
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)
Kawasaki recently showcased a couple of their electric motorcycle prototype during Suzuka 8 Hours.
Kawasaki’s EV prototype makes an appearance at Intermot.
The electric and hybrid prototype will form the basis of Kawasaki’s upcoming EVs.
That was the first time we laid our eyes on Kawasaki’s electric and hybrid project, with both bearing Team Green’s current two-wheel range.
That said, since both motorcycles were prototypes, no further details were revealed to the public at the time.
However, Kawasaki took the opportunity to allow the public to take a closer look at their prototypes at the Intermot motorcycle show in Cologne, Germany.
While Kawasaki remained tight-lipped on its upcoming project, Kawasaki Motors Europe managing director, Masaya Tsurono, revealed that the prototype “will form the basis of an actual future production machine.”
Despite the push for electrification, Tsurono said that Kawasaki would continue developing cleaner internal combustion motorcycles as well as further research on e-fuel and biofuel.
Kawasaki UK has officially opened their order books for the 2023 Kawasaki H2R, signalling the arrival of one of the most powerful production motorcycles from Team Green.
Kawasaki H2R is a track-only supercharged machine developed by Kawasaki next to the road-legal H2.
The H2R makes 326hp and claims a top speed of 380km/h.
While further detail remains scarce but with more than 300hp, the H2R represents what every manufacturer can do when given the utmost freedom.
Thanks to its supercharged four-cylinder engine that consumes 200 litres of air a second, Kawasaki claimed the H2R could hit a max speed of 380km/h.
Nevertheless, we expect the 2023 model year to receive minor upgrades, considering the track-only H2R was already ahead of its time during its introduction in 2015.
The H2R is 20kg lighter than the stock (and road legal) H2 and features slick tyres and a full titanium exhaust.
We expect the H2R to continue to feature top-notch track components, including Ohlins suspension, KYB shocks and Brembo brakes.
According to Kawasaki UK, interested parties can submit their order for the 2023 Kawasaki H2R with a recommended selling price of GBP50,000 (RM262k).
Launched in 2020, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R was an instant hit in neighbouring Asian countries.
Currently, the ZX-25R is only available in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
The Ninja ZX-25R makes 51hp and 22.9Nm of torque.
Last year, the quarter-litre screamer got a new colourway in Indonesia, including Lime Green, Passion Red, Metallic Matte Graphene Steel Grey and Metallic Spark Black.
Unfortunately, all other specifications remain unchanged.
However, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R gets new equipment and electronic package for 2023, including a new RR trim, announced by Kawasaki Indonesia.
Priced at IDR129,900,000 (RM39k), the Ninja ZX-25RR features a new fully adjustable Showa SFF-BP 37mm front fork and adjustable horizontal back-link BFRC lite gas-charged shock.
Also new on the 2023 model year is a new TFT instrument cluster replacing the semi-digital meter on the previous model. Thanks to the new dash, riders can now connect the bike to their smartphone via the Kawasaki Rideology app.
In addition, Kawasaki also introduced a new exhaust system that now meets Euro 4 emission standards.
Other notable features include:
assist & slipper clutch
economical riding indicator
electronic throttle valve
KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter)
KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control)
power modes
Powering the 2023 Ninja ZX-25RR is an inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC mill displacing 249.8cc that produces 51hp @ 15,500rpm (with Ram Air) and 22.9Nm @ 14,500rpm.
Power goes through a 6-speed transmission with a claimed max speed of 197km/h.
We knew that a bigger version of Kawasaki’s ZX-25R is on its way and it will be called the ZX-4R.
Kawasaki Indonesia to launch a new motorcycle on October 1, 2022.
The motorcycle is likely the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R.
We also knew that Kawasaki has filed a trademark application of the ZX-4R in various countries including in North America and Asia, signalling the arrival of the new motorcycle.
What we don’t know is that Kawasaki plans to introduced the ZX-4R much sooner than we predicted.
According to a new teaser video posted on Kawasaki’s Indonesia social media account, there is a new Ninja ZX on its way this October.
To be fair, the 30 second video provides little hints aside from revealing the ZX nameplate.
So far, Kawasaki already updated its current ZX range, including the ZX-25R, ZX-6R and ZX-10R.
That said, the new product launch is likely to be the upcoming Ninja ZX-4R inline-four motorcycle.
If the reports are true, then we have something to be excited about for 2023.
Kawasaki has signed an agreement with the biggest carmaker, Toyota, to work on the development of hydrogen engines for motorcycles.
Kawasaki and Toyota penned a deal to develop hydrogen engines.
Toyota recently launched the Toyota Mirai, the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell car.
While Kawasaki is known to be active in developing sustainable alternatives to the ICE, the new alliance with Toyota just took the effort a step further.
Despite already being in advanced stages in terms of hydrogen technology, Kawasaki wants the new deal with Toyota to help speed up the process.
Furthermore, Toyota recently launched the Toyota Mirai, the world’s first commercially available hydrogen fuel cell car, for which more than 2,600 examples have already been sold globally.
According to reports, the two parties agreed on the deal earlier this month, with Toyota President Akio Toyoda driving a hydrogen-powered Kawasaki ATV at the Twin Ring Motegi.
Team Green already showcased its first electric and hybrid motorcycle recently at Suzuka 8 Hours. That said, the official unveiling will happen soon.
More good news is coming to India as Japanese manufacturer, Kawasaki plans to introduced the W175 in the country.
Kawasaki W175 is headed to India to compete with the small capacity market.
Features 175cc single-cylinder engine that makes 13hp and 13.2Nm.
Due to the huge demand of small capacity motorcycle in India, several bike makers is registering good numbers in the country.
Bajaj Pulsar range is a hit in India followed by Yamaha and Honda.
Understanding the demand, Kawasaki now wants a piece of that pie with the Kawasaki W175.
Mechanically, the W175 makes 13hp and 13.2Nm from its 177cc single-cylinder engine. Although the engine capacity is 12cc bigger than Yamaha’s FZ X, the W175 is four kilograms lighter.
However, the retro bodywork, inspired by the bigger W800, makes the W175 more appealing especially for younger riders.
The W175 is also a popular bike in South East Asia, but sadly it is not available in Malaysia unless the new Kawasaki distributor in the country plans to do something about it.
Kawasaki has introduced the traction control function on the 2023 Ninja 650 and Z650.
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Z650 gains traction control.
Retains the same 649cc parallel-twin engine.
While the same features are regarded as industry standard, this is the first time that traction control function is equipped on the Ninja and Z650.
The two motorcycle will feature three diferent Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) settings to meet the rider’s need.
In Mode 1, the KTRC system is more preserve while Mode 2 the intervention sets in earlier to deal with lower-traction situation especially riding on wet roads.
Also, users can turn off the traction control system entirely, allowing more fun factor especially on the track.
Riders can also access their preferred KTRC setting via the Bluetooth-enabled TFT instrument colour.
Nonetheless, the Ninja 650 and Z650 runs on the same 649cc parallel-twin engine capable of producing 67hp and 65Nm.
The bike is suspended by a non-adjustable 41mm telescopic fork and a horizontal back-link rear shock.
There is no denying the fact that motorcycles are a big part of our lives. We are surrounded by bikes. We feel that it is safe to say that almost every Malaysian has been on a motorcycle at least once in their lives.
Although two-wheelers have been around Malaysia since independence, their popularity grew massively only after the Honda Cub took over the world. Since the first ever Honda Cub, hundreds of bikes landed on our shores, but only a handful went on to become icons, thanks to either good design or downright reliability.
That said, below is our list of the top 10 iconic bikes that basically ruled our roads. In fact, some of them are still going strong today.
1) Honda Cub (Also known as the Honda ‘Bulat’)
Unveiled in 1958, the Honda Cub did not only rule Malaysian roads, but the whole world. It is in fact, the bike that was responsible for changing the image of bikes on a global scale. Just like how Air Asia made flying accessible to the masses, the Honda Cub was the first motorcycle to reach homes. First introduced as the C70, the Cub has gone through many generations, and is still going strong. We won’t be surprised if this bike, which is also dubbed as the greatest bike ever built by many, outlives many of us.
2) Honda EX5
The EX5, which is the Honda Cub’s “grandchild”, is without a doubt, the most popular bike to be on our streets. Unveiled in 1986, the EX5 was the first motorcycle for many Malaysians. Initially powered by a 97cc made in Japan, the EX5 was updated with a 110cc engine. Known for its durability and reliability, the EX5’s legacy is still going strong, and doesn’t seem like it will be slowing down any time soon.
3) Yamaha Sport 100
Photo courtesy of malaysianbikers.com.my
Also unveiled during the same era as the EX-5, the Yamaha Sport 100, which is also more commonly known as the “100 sports” by Malaysians, was the next most popular thing after the EX-5. Still being used by many riders, both young and old, the Sport 100, which is infamously known for emitting white smoke(it is a two-stroker), is still being widely used nationwide, 30 years after its debut.
4) Suzuki RGV 120
In the 1990s, the Malaysian ‘Kapchai’ market saw a new buying trend – the demand for two-strokers was on the rise. Younger riders were more interested in “radical” models, that came with a clutch, and could easily go past the speed limit, and looked more modern than bikes like the EX-5 and the Yamaha Sport 100. This was when the Suzuki RGV 120 came into the picture and took over the streets. Sought mostly by the youth back in the days, the first thing that will come to our mind when we see the RGV 120 is definitely the infamous modified screaming exhaust pipes. How can we forget that?
5) Yamaha RX 115
Photo courtesy of Yamaha RX 115 Fan Club Facebook
The Yamaha RX 115 was a naked 115 cc bare-boned motorcycle which made its debut in 1981. Besides Malaysia, the RX 115 is also very popular in Thailand, Pakistan, Turkey, Uruguay, Singapore and Colombia. Today, the RX 115 will surely be present at any and every retro motorcycle show or gathering held in Malaysia.
6) Yamaha RXZ
If there was one bike that was guaranteed to get you attention from the ladies back in the 1990s, it was definitely the Yamaha RXZ. Powered by a potent two-stroke 135cc engine with insane amount of torque, the RXZ was not only good looking, but packed quite a punch in terms of performance as well. Truth be told, it was arguably the best looking bike of its time.
7) Kawasaki KR-150 Series (KIPS)
First unleashed in 1990 by Kawasaki, the Kawasaki KR-150, which is also known as the KIPS, was one of the favourites among speed-demons of the 90s. Looking like a mini GPZ 600, the KR150 was among the most powerful and reliable tw0-strokers to rule our streets. Even though the glory days of two-stroke engines are long gone, we can still see a few running around our roads till today.
8) Yamaha TZM 150
Photo courtesy of Motomalaya.net
A legendary bike based on the TZR 250 that could kick out an impressive 35hp at 10,500RPM. Thanks to the powerful liquid-cooled, two-stroke engine with 59.0mm x 54.0mm bore and stroke setup, the TZM could rev to insane rpm. Complemented by 30mm Mikuni carbs, the engine was capable of propelling this bike up to 208km/h. How is that for performance?
9) Suzuki TXR 150 Panther
If there was one bike that could match, or outdo Yamaha’s RXZ in terms of styling and performance, it was none other than the Suzuki TXR 150 Panther. Some say that it could even outperform the TZM. First launched in 1982, the Panther’s production ended in 1991. Although the official production of the Panther didn’t go on for as long as some of its rivals, the bike has a massive cult following and still remains popular among retro bike enthusiasts.
10) Yamaha 125Z
The Yamaha Y125Z or better known as Yamaha Z (in Europe) is a 125 cc two-stroke underbone bike which made its debut in 1998 as a successor of the Y 110 SS. It is said that the 125Z was the first 2-stroke underbone motorcycle to come with a catalytic converter. Beside being sold in most Southeast Asian countries especially in Malaysia and Singapore, it was also sold in Greece.
Kawasaki arguably among the major motorcycle manufacturers pushing for electrification.
Kawasaki to launch two new electric bikes in November.
The E2 and E2-R will be Team Green first electric range.
The Japanese firmalso went on to showcased its electric and hybrid two-wheelers at Suzuka 8 Hours. The hybrid looks somewhat like the Ninja while the electric looks much smaller and looks like the firm’s Z250.
At the time, there’s no words regarding the launch date but according to British Motorcyclist Federation (BMF), Team Green plans to launch its first electric range in November.
Also, BMF claimed Kawasaki’s upcoming motorcycle will be called the E2 and could produce a peak power of around 30hp. That puts the E2 around 14hp less than the Ninja Z400.
Interestingly, BMF also reports that there will be a fully faired version of the E2 and potentially will be called the E2-R albeit sharing the same peak power.
While Kawasaki is yet to release any further info on its upcoming E2 and E2-R electric motorcycle, the latest report looks encouraging from the marquee.
Kawasaki decided to surprised the crowd at the recently concluded Suzuka 8 Hours by showcasing a demonstration run of the company’s electric and hybrid prototypes.
Kawasaki unveiled the all-electric and hybrid EV models at Suzuka.
The all-electric is modelled after the firm’s Z range while the hybrid EV takes on Ninja’s design cue.
Team Green first unveiled the hybrid motorcycle project back in November 2020, one year after teasing the public with the electric prototype at EICMA 2019.
However, during the Suzuka 8 Hours weekend, the company decided to demonstrate the near-production version in front of the home crowd.
The fans were allowed to witness the all-electric and hybrid powertrains.
Based on the video below, the Z range styling carries the electric motor while the hybrid EV project bore full fairings modelled after the Ninja series.
Kawasaki showcased the all-electric Z range first and followed by the HEV motorcycle, which looks considerably larger than its electric counterpart thanks to its dual-mill setup.
The HEV model also considerably louder than the all-electric motorcycle.
Unfortunately, Kawasaki did not unveiled the mechanics behind the two projects but looking at the finishing, the Japanese marquee might introduced the two motorcycle soon.
It is no secret that Kawasaki plans to introduce the Ninja ZX-4R in 2023, as confirmed by the latest report in Japan.
The current ZX-25R is set to be joined by the bigger ZX-4R.
A new VIN decoder suggests that the ZX-4R will be available in two trims, ABS and non-ABS.
Japanese publication, Autoby managed to get an inside scoop regarding the 399cc inline-four cylinder motorcycle.
Now, thanks to the latest report by Motorcycle.com, a new Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) decoder released by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has confirmed that Kawasaki will indeed introduce the Ninja ZX-4R model for 2023.
This means that unlike the ZX-25R – currently only available in Japan and other Asian markets due to emission restrictions – the Ninja ZX-4R will make its way to the U.S. and Europe.
The VIN decoder was dated March 22, which stated the following listings that you can check out HERE.
The first row on the first column listed ZX400PP. According to Motorcycle.com, the Z.X. refers to a high-performance sportsbike, while the 400 indicates the engine capacity followed by the letter “P” representing 2023MY.
The complete VIN decoder listings – specifically the first two rows of the seventh column – clearly state the number of cylinders of the ZX400PP and ZX400SP.
The ZX-4R could be offered in two trims, ABS and non-ABS, hence the ZX400PP and ZX400SP.
Like the ZX-25R, the upcoming ZX-4R is likely to present a significant increase of power over the Ninja 400’s 48hp, with rumours going around suggesting the 400cc inline-four cylinder motorcycle to put out around 59hp.
