The highly anticipated Kawasaki ZX-4R looks to be on its way, as confirmed by the latest reports.
Talk of a new 400cc inline-four sports bike has been around for quite some time, ever since the introduction of the quarter-litre ZX-25R.
Japanese publication, Young-Machine – known for getting the latest insight for Japanese motorcycles – has made the ZX-4R its latest cover for April with a render that is likely to be close to the final product.
The headline also suggests that Kawasaki is prepping for an official reveal very soon.
While the ZX-4R is somewhat related to the ZX-25R, the former will follow the ZX-10R design, prominently the sunken headlight and the air-duct.
Reports also suggest that the new bike will feature premium components, from Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), USD forks and riding modes.
We have yet to secure any information regarding how much power it might produce, but rumours have that it could be around 75hp and above.
Kawasaki recently updated the H2 SX range with all-new radar technology for 2022.
However, the latest reports suggest that there is more to come from Team Green. The firm is reportedly developing a camera-based system to work alongside the radar sensors.
The 2022 H2 SX has two radars, one at the front that enables adaptive cruise control and collision warning, whereas the rear operates the blind-spot monitoring system.
While the H2 SX is not the first bike to feature the radar assisted system, the motorcycle is the only one to hide the Bosch-made sensors compared to the Ducati Multistrada V4, KTM 1290 Super Adventure and the BMW R 1250 RT.
However, while the technology is a big step for two-wheelers, it is not the perfect solution to enhance rider’s safety due to its inability to sense colour, light and surface detail.
To overcome this, Kawasaki is developing a camera system (similar to the one you see on modern cars) as confirmed by the latest patent applications.
According to reports, the camera would likely be placed behind the screen in a purpose-built panel.
While the patent did not reveal much, the document says explicitly that the camera will assist the front headlight, which means it could control the bike’s high and low beam according to the riding condition.
It could also provide extra input to the radar sensor technology by recognizing obstacles or hazards on the road.
We can easily understand the system by looking at today’s cars to see how the camera operates.
Understanding this, the H2 SX could be the safest bike in the future and the first to adopt the camera system ahead of its rival.
Team Green has just updated its Versys-X 250 range with an exciting new adventure colourway for 2022 in Japan.
The baby adventure-tourer with off-road-ready spoke-wheels now comes in two colour schemes, Candy Lime Green X Metallic Flat Spark Black and Metallic Ocean Blue x Pearl Robotic White.
The Japanese firm’s revised Versys-X 250 will be available beginning February.
Apart from the new colours, the Versys-X 250 now comes fitted with a pannier case as standard with 17 litres of storage on both sides. The updated bike also comes equipped with an engine guard, centre stand and power socket.
However, the fog lamp that appears in the photos is an added option.
Running on the same 250cc parallel-twin engine taken from the Ninja 250, the baby Versys makes 33hp but with a more low-end torque compared to the Ninja’s mid-to-top-end performance.
Other features include a 130mm telescopic front fork, link-type rear mono-shock with 147mm suspension travel, and a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel.
The Kawasaki ZX-25R is almost a walk down memory lane, taking us back to the glory years of the 4-cylinder screamer of the 80s and 90s.
Although we have yet to see the bike making its way to Malaysia, we are still hopeful that it just might, under the new management of MODENAS.
Nevertheless, Kawasaki is already working on another tempting machine in the form of a more powerful 400cc version, retaining the high-reving appeal of the original 1990 ZXR400.
The rumour first came out during the global introduction of the ZX-25R itself; however, reports in Japan have confirmed that the ZX-4R is sure to be launched soon.
Moreover, Kawasaki already filed a patent in 2019 showcasing a design that states “preferably applied to a vehicle having four-cylinder 400cc engine.”
Based on a rendered image shared, the upcoming ZX-4R is expected to be fitted with the same components from the existing ZX-25R, including the tubular steel frame and the banana swingarm.
According to reports, the ZX-4R will feature a revamped front and headlights, heavily inspired by the latest ZX-10R superbike together with the ZXR400 paint scheme.
Since the ZX-25R makes 50hp @ 15,500rpm with Ram-Air, the ZX-4R could churn out close to 80hp.
Kawasaki marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic Z Series with four special models.
To honour the signature models, Kawasaki recreates the look of its Z900RS and Z650RS, while the naked siblings, the Z900 and Z650 get a trailblazing new colour.
Kawasaki developed a special painting process for the Z900RS and Z650RS to capture the colour scheme of the original Z1 with a combination of a deeper brown and burnt orange candy.
In addition, the RS also gets a vibrant gold wheelset.
Team Green also adds the 50th-anniversary emblem on the tank and engine case cover including a retro-inspired 900 Double Overhead Camshaft badge.
While the Z900RS and Z650RS is almost a perfect rendition of the original Z series, the Z900 and Z650 displayed the Z1100GP Firecracker Red livery.
The modern Z900 and Z650 also get a blazing red rim along with the anniversary emblems on the fuel tank and fender.
According to reports, the 50th Anniversary Z Series will land in Japan on February 1 2022.
While the majority of motorcycle manufacturers are shifting towards the development of electric motors, some are investing heavily in alternative fuel with bio-renewable components.
Kawasaki has been working on the hydrogen-powered engine for quite a while now.
Despite Kawasaki Motors President Hiroshi already confirming that three new electric motorcycles are scheduled for a global launch this year, the development of hydrogen engines is still a top priority.
However, in an interesting turn of events, Yamaha has decided to join forces with Kawasaki in developing hydrogen engines together.
The new collaboration will further boost the development of the new engine which will be used for future models.
Kawasaki has been focusing on hydrogen as a next-generation energy source since 2010 and has since developed technologies for the production, transportation and use of hydrogen along the supply chain to support the company.
According to reports, Honda and Suzuki are also expected to join the project in the near future.
(Source: Motociclismo.it)
After the success of Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-25R, the Japanese firm is said to be working on another 250cc four-cylinder engine.
The ZX-25R was a huge success since its launch and probably the most powerful quarter-litre bike to date.
It’s probably thanks to the Ninja success, Team Green is rumoured to be developing a naked version of the 250cc screamer.
Similar to the ZX-25R, we can assume the quarter-litre naked bike feature the same high-spec goodies such as premium inverted forks, radially mounted brake callipers and quickshifter.
Nonetheless, the new motorcycle will feature the same 250cc four-cylinder engine capable of producing 51hp @ 15,500rpm and 22.9Nm @ 14,500rpm.
Based on how strong the ongoing rumour is, we can expect that the development of the new motorcycle is already underway.
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