Two 125cc machines to further enhance the Kawasaki line-up designed to entice new riders to the benefits of motorcycling have been announced, with a Ninja 125 and Z125 offering breaking cover in Europe, where they are expected to have a strong reception.
2019 Kawasaki Ninja 125
It remains to be seen whether these models will be available in Australia, where Honda’s CB125F has been a consistent top seller, thanks to offering an almost unbeatable value entry point to the sport.
2019 Kawasaki Z125
Extensive research conducted by Kawasaki’s across Europe showed that design and styling were the top priority with potential owners (both male and female) followed closely by the image and reliability of the brand.
2019 Kawasaki Ninja 125
Both new 125cc machines have styling inspired by Kawasaki models in iconic brand families leading, it is hoped, to a “ladder of opportunity” as riders migrate up the capacity scale as their experience and licence develops.
2019 Kawasaki Z125
Equipped with a single-cylinder, water-cooled engine rated at a healthy peak of 11kw and offering a maximum of 11.7Nm of torque, both the Z125 and Ninja 125 deliver strong mid and high-range urge with a typical Kawasaki high revving top end.
Both machines also feature sleek trellis type frames providing a slim, compact package that is easy to handle.
2019 Kawasaki Ninja 125
The European research on younger riders was matched by a group of more experienced potential owners further up the age scale who declared that a 125cc motorcycle was the perfect balance of power, performance and physical size for their requirements. Whether the same would be true in the Australian market is another matter…
2019 Kawasaki Z125
The Z125 has the uncompromising naked looks that the Z brand is so famous for. With its full-grown size, low seat height and the 146kg curb mass; the youngest sibling of the Z family will represent a great entry point to the enduringly popular naked segment.
2019 Kawasaki Ninja 125
Ninja style is clearly visible in the new Ninja 125 with a silhouette and graphic treatment that owes much to Jonathan Rea’s three-time WorldSBK winning Ninja ZX-10RR. With the big bike look and feel, the 125cc machine fits well in the Ninja family.
2019 Kawasaki Ninja 125
Like the Z125, the Ninja 125’s willing engine is wrapped in a tubular trellis frame matched to a box section swinging arm. Top that off with the low seat height and 148kg ensure the young Ninja package is complete and ready to take on those sporty adventures ahead.
2019 Kawasaki Ninja 125
2019 Kawasaki Ninja 125 & Z125 Tech Talk
Displacing 125cc, the new Ninja 125 and Z125 engines deliver the maximum allowable 11kW (15 PS) for an A1 licence compliant machine, and offer a top speed of approximately 110 km/h.
2019 Kawasaki Ninja 125 – 11kW is on offer for A1 licence compliance in Europe
Power feeling is focused on the range below 100 km/h – ideal for getting around town and short excursions to the countryside. Smooth power delivery contributes to the Ninja 125 and Z125’s 125cc feel-good engine performance.
A typical Kawasaki engine, it delivers good “punch” at high rpm continuing to pull right to the rev limiter.
2019 Kawasaki Ninja 125
A smooth-shifting six-speed transmission complements the sporty street performance, offering a gear for every situation. Electric starter and fuel injection ensure hassle-free starting at the push of a button.
2019 Kawasaki Z125 – Electric Start
The trellis frame enables a slim, compact package that is easy to manage, and makes it easy to reach the ground. 37mm telescopic fork contributes to both light, nimble handling as well as a composed riding character.
2019 Kawasaki Z125 – 37mm forks
Kawasaki’s linkage-equipped Uni Trak rear suspension also delivers a smooth ride over a wide range of road conditions. Sporty 10-spoke 17” wheels are fitted with slim tyres contributing to light, nimble handling.
Lightweight wheels, with dual-piston calipers front and rear
The high-spec brake system was designed especially for motorcycles and features a very compact ABS unit. Independent activation maximises sporty control.
ABS is standard
The Ninja 125’s ergonomics were designed with sporty street riding in mind. The riding position is naturally aggressive, with the rider leaning forward to reach the racy clip-on handlebars.
The Ninja offers an aggressive clip-on style ‘bar assembly
The Z125 offers the same light, nimble handling character of the Ninja 125, but a more upright riding position and wider handlebar put the rider in the ideal position for active control, facilitating dynamic, sporty riding.
The Z125 on the other hand features more upright ‘bars and as a result, seating position
The Ninja 125 will be available in Lime Green/Ebony/Metallic Graphite Gray, Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Matte Fusion Silver, Candy Plasma Blue/Metallic Flat Spark Black, subject to local market availability.
The Z125 will be available in Metallic Flat Spark Black/Pearl Flat Stardust White, Candy Lime Green/Metallic Flat Spark Black, Candy Plasma Blue/Metallic Spark Black, subject to local market availability.
2019 Kawasaki Ninja 125 / Z125 Specifications
Australian availability yet to be announced.
Claimed Power: 11kW[15hp]@rpm
Claimed Torque: 11.7Nm@7700rpm
Wet/Dry Weight: 148 / 146kg
Fuel capacity: 11L
Engine: Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke, four valve, DOHC, 58 x 47.2mm bore x stroke, 125cc, 11.7:1 compression ratio, EFI, 28mm throttle-body
Gearbox: Six-speed return
Clutch: Wet, multi-disc
Chassis: Trellis frame, Uni Track Swingarm
Rake: 23.8 / 23.1°
Trail: 90mm
Suspension: 37mm telescopic forks, 110mm travel, single shock preload adjustable five-step, 120mm travel
Brakes: 263mm front rotor, dual piston caliper, 193mm rear rotor, dual piston caliper
Wheels & Tyres: 100/80 – 17, 130/70 – 17
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 1330mm
Seat height: 785 / 815mm
Ground clearance: 170 / 185mm
Overall width: 685 / 740mm
Overall Length: 1935mm
Overall height: 1075 / 1015mm
Instruments: Backlit LCD ditigal display
2019 Kawasaki Ninja 125 & Z125 Gallery
