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Bimota’s new motorcycle introduction at EICMA 2022 comes in the form of the 2023 BX450, with the dirt bike borrows much of its design and specification from Kawasaki’s KX450.

  • Bimota’s upcoming tourer is powered by a supercharged four-cylinder motor from the Kawasaki H2 SX.
  • The Tera will feature a unique semi-active suspension developed with Marzocchi. 

Alongside the BX450, the Italian maker also provides enlightenment on the upcoming supercharged tourer currently under development in Rimini. 

While the bike is yet to be ready, Bimota already has an official name for the model, which will be called the Tera. 

The Tera made its first appearance in the form of a design sketch at last year’s EICMA before later it was confirmed that the new supercharged tourer would be based on Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 SX. 

According to Bimota COO, Pierluigi Marconi, motorcycle fans around the world should expect something exciting from the Tera. 

“Never before have Bimota been present in this market segment. No one has this much fun and function in one package.

“The Tera is an attention grabber that will act like a halo for Bimota by attracting further consumer attention to our impressive vehicle lineup,” said Marconi. 

We have yet to get the details but based on reports from reputable media, the Tera will feature an all-new steering system, including a new semi-active suspension developed in partnership with Italian specialist Marzocchi. 

The Kawasaki H2 SX is perhaps the most powerful sports tourer available in the market and for 2023, the supercharged machine will feature auto-high-beam. 

  • The Kawasaki H2 SX received significant update in 2022 including a new radar sensor technology.
  • For 2023, Kawasaki adds Auto-High Beam to the H2 SX electronic package. 

Not much has changed on the 2023 H2 SX as the potent sports tourer already fitted with a host of upgrade last year including a twin radar system that features adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and blind spot detection. 

Kawasaki also equipped the H2 SX with a new 6.5-inch TFT in 2022 that allows the bike to get connected with Kawasaki Rideology app. 

Nonetheless, the most significant upgrade for 2023 is the introduction of the Auto High Beam (AHB) function. 

Although the name itself is self-explanatory, the AHB works together with the light-detecting sensor which then send information to the computer to notify when it is necessary to activate the high-beam. 

The on-board cameras detect the light level from the bike’s surrounding including street lights and vehicles and calculate the whether the high-beam should be engaged. 

“For the system to function, the dimmer/passing switch must be set to high beam and the bike must be travelling above 20 km/h in darkness. With the system engaged a green icon is displayed on the 6.5” TFT multifunction, colour instrument screen,” said Kawasaki. 

Additionally, Kawasaki also welcome the return of the SE variant in 2023, which features Kawasaki Semi-Active Electronically Damped Suspension with Skyhook. 

Bimota has finally stepped out of its comfort zone of fine street bikes by introducing the BX450 enduro motorcycle. 

  • Bimota continue its closed partnership with Kawasaki with the introduction of BX450. 
  • Based on the Kawasaki KX450 dirt bike. 

The BX450 is the firm’s genuine competition motorcycle, ready to take on major enduro events across the globe. 

For the record, the BX450 is built based on Kawasaki’s iconic KX450. It features the same aluminium twin-spar frame with a classic lower double cradle that houses a powerful 449cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve single with 12.5:1 compression. 

However, Bimota’s technical team also adds an electric start, an advanced ECU with specific mapping and a traction control system. 

In addition, the Bimota BX450 also features an Arrow exhaust system as standard. 

Nonetheless, some parts from the Kawasaki KX450 are retained on the BX450, including a fully-adjustable 49mm Showa male-slider fork and Kawasaki’s Uni-Trak monoshock linked to the swingarm. 

Braking is done via a Nissin 4-piston brake callipers mated to a single-disc at the front and rear. 

Meanwhile, the spoked wheels are fitted with Metzeler 6 Days M+S tires with 90/100-21 front and 140/80-18 rear. 

More importantly, Bimota shed its weight to just 110kg, making it a lightweight bike ready to take on the dirt road. 

Unfortunately, like all Bimotas, the BX450 will be limited to just a few hundred units. 

Kawasaki has updated its neo-retro Z650RS with a new colour scheme for 2023. 

  • Kawasaki Z650RS was launched back in September 2021. 
  • Features the same 649cc parallel-twin engine found in the Z650 and Ninja 650. 

Joining the already available Candy Emerald Green is the new Metallic Moondust Gray X Ebony for the 2023 model year.

The Kawasaki Z650RS is the Japanese latest take on neo-retro naked bike jumping on the success of the bigger and bolder, Z900RS.

Continuing the firm’s trusted 649cc parallel-twin platform, the Z900RS 650RS makes a decent 67hp @ 8,000rpm and 64Nm @ 6,500rpm. 

The new colourway is already available in Japan since 1st November. 

Like its Z650 and Ninja 650 cousin, the Z650RS is equipped with the same 41mm front fork and horizontal link rear shock with preload-adjustable.

Braking is done by a dua twin-piston front callipers clamping on a 300mm disc while governed by a dual-channel Bosch ABS.

Other features include:

  • assist/slipper clutch
  • 820mm seat height
  • full LED light setup
  • classic analogue dial with digital display

Kawasaki owners can now breathe easily in case of a breakdown as Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS) has officially introduced its roadside assistance services. 

  • New Kawasaki owners can enjoy up to four free towing services in a year.
  • Customers can reach out to Kawasaki Roadside Assistance via toll-free line. 

EMOS, in its press statement, said that the service covers all-new Kawasaki and Modenas rebranded models manufactured in 2022 and registered from August 1, 2022.

According to MODENAS CEO Roslan Roskan, the service is part of the company’s initiatives to provide the best services for its customers.

“We are always looking at providing convenience for our customers. Accidents happen and motorists do not want to walk on the side of the highway pushing their heavy motorcycles to an auto mechanic shop. 

“Therefore, we have decided to focus more of our resources on helping our customers get fast, efficient and safe towing for their motorcycles rather than being forced to leave them stranded by the roadside,” he said. 

The 24 hours roadside assistance includes a free 100KM round-trip towing throughout West Malaysia and to all major towns in East Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak. 

However, for towing that exceeds 100km, an additional RM2.00 per kilometre will be imposed. In addition, towing services shall cover both major and minor engine/motor breakdowns and accidents. 

Each member is entitled to four free towing services a year, but the service is valid for only one year from the registration date.

Owners can reach out to Kawasaki Roadside Assistance at any time via a toll-free number at 1-800-880-008. 

 

Kawasaki Malaysia has officially showcased the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R during a special preview at the Sepang International Circuit.

  • Currently, the ZX-25R is only available in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
  • The Ninja ZX-25R makes 51hp and 22.9Nm of torque. 

To our surprise, the unit on display is the newly updated Ninja ZX-25R previously launched in Indonesia, earlier last month. 

That said, the Ninja ZX-25R features TFT instrument display 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.

The ZX-25R also features new adjustable front suspension and electronic package.

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.

However, no official price is announced just yet with the ZX-25R is expected to be launch mid of 2023. 

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)
  • Horizontal back-link rear suspension
  • Dunlop GPR300 radial tyres
  • LCD instrument display
  • 180kg (182kg for SE)
  • 15-litre fuel tank

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.

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