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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
