ZX25R small inline 4's again? !! [Archive]

Scubbo

25th June 2019, 15:38

Rumors, rumors, awesome rumors

https://cdn.imotorbike.my/news/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/ZX25R-Kawasaki-P.jpg

"Japanese magazine Young Machine reveals the plans for a new Kawasaki (https://www.kawasaki.com.my/home/) Ninja ZX-25R. According to this Japanese publication, the Akashi factory has already developed a new engine. The frame and the rest of chassis components are the next elements to be developed. The Ninja ZX-25R hopes to bring back the sport performance of the small displacement sportbikes of the ?90s."

https://imotorbike.my/news/en/2019/06/kawasaki-ninja-zx-25r/

onearmedbandit

25th June 2019, 16:56

Saw this online earlier, looks promising. Rotors are pretty small.

sidecar bob

25th June 2019, 16:58

Suzuki are getting on board too.
Mint, I love this kind of thing.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XzqjVsS1aro

Scubbo

25th June 2019, 17:06

fricken sweeet alright, probably now that china has access to all those major jap patents for singles/duals only way japs can distinguish themselves again and justify their pricing

george formby

25th June 2019, 18:00

Suzuki are getting on board too.
Mint, I love this kind of thing.

Concur. I nearly bought a CBR400 a few years ago, banana swing arm stylee.

It was hilarious, couldn't keep my eyes off the silly numbers on the rev counter.

Unfortunately I'm 6'2" and it was a tad cramped, it also encouraged warp speed corner entry and silly lean angles. Shrieked like a demon with it's nuts caught in a belender. Addictive - the noise.

I wonder what kind of performance to expect with 20 years or so of development? Exciting.

Would they compare to an old 2t twin, TZR, KR1, RG ?

scott411

26th June 2019, 21:42

nzspokes

26th June 2019, 22:05

Guess Im the only one that saw ZX25 and thought "fuck are they doing a 2500cc supersport?".

Scubbo

27th June 2019, 11:21

if it has good suspension this would cost pretty much the same to make as a zx6r, which is currently around 18k,

even if they got it down a bit, to say 15k,

would you pay 15k for a 250?

there is a reason the original 4 cylinder 250's never got sold new outside japan, other markets would not pay the money for them,

nahhh think more like 8K like the current 3-400cc's --- suzuki's is oil cooled SACS revision -- most likley engine built in japan, bike assembled in Thailand/Philippians like the current 400/650's etc etc

McWild

27th June 2019, 17:58

After reading the magazine blurb and some blog entries this is just a rumour that the magazine claim came from a source in Kawasaki Indonesia. It originated because 3 years somebody took spy photos of a white ninja 250 that they thought was a 4 but it was actually just a normal twin. Young Machine ran this exact same story a year ago saying Kawasaki might show it at the Tokyo Auto Show. They didn't. Now they're saying they might show the engine at the TAS this year or maybe next year.

And fwiw the guy who wrote the article linked in this thread should turn in his keyboard to the authorities for actually writing in real life that it would have 60hp. Needs to lay off the booze before writing at the very least.

:tugger:

onearmedbandit

24th October 2019, 09:50

.....apparently this is a thing....

https://www.visordown.com/news/new-bikes/four-cylinder-kawasaki-zx-25r-unveiled-tokyo-motor-show?amp

Scubbo

25th October 2019, 09:05

:msn-wink::msn-wink::msn-wink::msn-wink::msn-wink::msn-wink::msn-wink::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::devil2::d evil2::devil2::devil2::devil2::devil2::devil2:

onearmedbandit

25th October 2019, 09:17

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39-RppUE07Y

I'm feeling more and more confident lol

sidecar bob

25th October 2019, 12:26

I wish they hadnt, im out of space.:facepalm:

Drew

25th October 2019, 14:06

Sooooo, we can get singles that rev to 13,000+rpm. How fucking much could that sing to?

Better yet, run it cross plane and get a bit of extra torque so it doesn't need to rev quite as high.

sidecar bob

25th October 2019, 15:11

Sooooo, we can get singles that rev to 13,000+rpm. How fucking much could that sing to?

Better yet, run it cross plane and get a bit of extra torque so it doesn't need to rev quite as high.

The old ones were 19000. Hopefully this one is up there somewhere.

Danger Mouse

25th October 2019, 15:17

.....apparently this is a thing....

https://www.visordown.com/news/new-bikes/four-cylinder-kawasaki-zx-25r-unveiled-tokyo-motor-show?amp

I'm surprised that its economically viable to make.

Katman

25th October 2019, 16:21

I imagine they'll come to be hated by mechanics just like all the previous 250 4s have.

Drew

27th October 2019, 10:54

There will be a market once they start smashing the field in ssp300

slofox

27th October 2019, 12:46

I'd have one...

sidecar bob

27th October 2019, 15:53

I imagine they'll come to be hated by mechanics just like all the previous 250 4s have.

Sums up the state of the industry.

Katman

27th October 2019, 20:15

Sums up the state of the industry.

Let me know your address.

I'll send them your way.

sidecar bob

27th October 2019, 20:22

Let me know your address.

I'll send them your way.

Sure, it wouldn't be the first time I made a successful business out of a lack of talent & a negative attitude by others in a certain field.
These attitudes are usually borne of a lack of understanding, resulting in a fear of the topic.

Southern scratcher

28th October 2019, 21:36

Will be interesting to see...
a) what the HP, torque and weight specs are. (plus redline :eek5:)
b) Will Kawasaki NZ bring it here as a model.
c) and if so, what will the price be.

It's probably going have more HP than my Ninja 400, possibly less torque, weigh about the same and cost considerably more.
So yeah, potentially appeal to a small market but bloody great to see regardless.
Had a GSXR400 a couple of years ago, what a hoot to ride those screaming fours are!

Navy Boy

29th October 2019, 09:48

Southern scratcher

29th October 2019, 19:49

This Visor Down article suggests a 46-47 HP limit to meet the Pommy A2 licence classes which are pretty similar in limits to our LAMS bikes.
If Kawasaki intend it to be an International release model then they would have been silly not to do this, but it makes it a bit boring for the rest of us on a full licence.
Article also suggests a 17K redline. That's put a bit of a sag in my Y fronts... :weep:

https://www.visordown.com/news/new-bikes/will-kawasaki-zx-25r-ever-make-it-uk

Southern scratcher

17th November 2019, 12:32

Another clip from Kawasaki Indonesia. The bike wasn't on the Kawasaki stand at the EICMA show recently so it's looking like it might be an Asian only release. That would be a shame, hope I'm wrong.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=14&v=36GnluaUc3M&feature=emb_logo

Mr. Peanut

17th November 2019, 13:03

That's very exciting. I wonder how much power will be killed by emission regulations?

Drew

17th November 2019, 18:51

That's very exciting. I wonder how much power will be killed by emission regulations?

Yeah, because all other sports bikes are losing loads of power as the emissions regs tighten up. Oh, hang on.

Southern scratcher

4th December 2019, 18:09

I emailed both Kawasaki Australia and Kawasaki NZ this week regarding the availability of this new model next year.
Haven't heard from Kawi NZ but here's the reply from across the ditch:

"The 2020 Ninja ZX-25R will not be coming into Australia. The bike is not suited to the Australian market thus we won't be bringing it in."

Doesn't bode well for us then as we tend to follow their lead for better or worse.
I dont know if it's because it doesn't fit into the LAMS regs or what but it's a real shame. Could have got a really exciting racing class going around this model too.

sidecar bob

5th December 2019, 10:15

It's not the end for someone that really wants one.
You can import anything you want. Just get one from a R/H drive market.
It would almost certainly work out cheaper than getting one from a NZ dealer anyway.

release_the_bees

20th March 2020, 15:21

There's an article in Stuff today. It looks like a fun little bit of kit.

https://i.stuff.co.nz/motoring/120448192/watch-the-kawasaki-zx25r-scream-on-track

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onearmedbandit

20th March 2020, 16:43

Do the survey folks.

https://kawasaki.co.nz/2021-ninja-zx-25r-survey/

sidecar bob

20th March 2020, 17:41

Do the survey folks.

https://kawasaki.co.nz/2021-ninja-zx-25r-survey/

I'm a little disappointed that the most optimistic forecast is that it will be twice the price of a ninja 400.
Although I was the guy that paid $10,750 for a brand new first version Aprilia RS125 in 2003.

onearmedbandit

20th March 2020, 17:45

I'm a little disappointed that the most optimistic forecast is that it will be twice the price of a ninja 400.
Although I was the guy that paid $10,750 for a brand new first version Aprilia RS125 in 2003.

Yes but with everything it's got it's twice the bike. BPF front end, traction control, quickshifter, etc etc. It ain't a Ninja 400 or similar, it's a small cc version of a proper sportsbike.

Disclaimer - I don't necessarily believe all those things are needed on a bike but I can understand why it makes it cost more.

Southern scratcher

20th March 2020, 19:36

There's an article in Stuff today. It looks like a fun little bit of kit.

https://i.stuff.co.nz/motoring/120448192/watch-the-kawasaki-zx25r-scream-on-track

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There's a link in the article to register your interest with kawasaki NZ. They are talking 14K + though potentially. It's a lot for a 250cc bike no matter how many cylinders it has. Could be a deal breaker for me. Otherwise could trade my Ninja 400 in on one.

Southern scratcher

20th March 2020, 19:41

Yes but with everything it's got it's twice the bike. BPF front end, traction control, quickshifter, etc etc. It ain't a Ninja 400 or similar, it's a small cc version of a proper sportsbike.

Disclaimer - I don't necessarily believe all those things are needed on a bike but I can understand why it makes it cost more.

It's missing some of the proper sportsbike kit though like an aluminium frame. Also the rear suspension appears unadjustable and possibly even the front though it is good to see BPF upside downers. I'm not trying to knock it, it's great to see but it appears to be still built to a price point. Which is fine if you are selling it for around the 12K mark.

onearmedbandit

20th March 2020, 20:06

It's missing some of the proper sportsbike kit though like an aluminium frame. Also the rear suspension appears unadjustable and possibly even the front though it is good to see BPF upside downers. I'm not trying to knock it, it's great to see but it appears to be still built to a price point. Which is fine if you are selling it for around the 12K mark.

It does appear that you are right, which is sad to see. But I'm guessing to keep it somewhat reasonable compromises needed to be made. Still not the best, especially if it does enter the market in the mid to high teens.

Southern scratcher

20th March 2020, 20:25

It does appear that you are right, which is sad to see. But I'm guessing to keep it somewhat reasonable compromises needed to be made. Still not the best, especially if it does enter the market in the mid to high teens.

Yep, if it is in the mid to high teens then it will make the forthcoming Aprilia RS660 (est RRP 20K) look like a steal! I dont think many people would pay that sort of coin for a 250cc bike. I would be curious to know what the original 250 fours sold for back in the day?I think from memory the GSXR's were quite reasonable buying.
And they DID have an aluminium frame and twin front discs and adjustable suspension blah blah blah

sidecar bob

20th March 2020, 20:44

Yep, if it is in the mid to high teens then it will make the forthcoming Aprilia RS660 (est RRP 20K) look like a steal! I dont think many people would pay that sort of coin for a 250cc bike. I would be curious to know what the original 250 fours sold for back in the day?I think from memory the GSXR's were quite reasonable buying.
And they DID have an aluminium frame and twin front discs and adjustable suspension blah blah blah

Gsxr400g GK71B were $6100 in '84, which is probably like 20k today. Rod Coleman tried to secure another shipment, but they were going to have to retail at around $10,000, which put them out of the game, so we only ever got one lot.
They were alloy frame, four piston calipers, monoshock rockets.
I had a '81 GSX750 at the time & these things ran rings around it.

Southern scratcher

20th March 2020, 20:52

Gsxr400g GK71B were $6100 in '84, which is probably like 20k today. Rod Coleman tried to secure another shipment, but they were going to have to retail at around $10,000, which put them out of the game, so we only ever got one lot.
They were alloy frame, four piston calipers, monoshock rockets.
I had a '81 GSX750 at the time & these things ran rings around it.

Thanks for that, interesting. I raced a '94 GSXR400 in F3 a few years back. That 4 cylinder howl at 15K was addictive. A lot of fun to ride whether track or road. I kinda regret selling it.

scott411

8th June 2020, 20:16

i see they are doing preorder's for them, $15995 if they get enough interest

https://kawasaki.co.nz/zx25r-pre-order/

Southern scratcher

8th June 2020, 21:03

i see they are doing preorder's for them, $15995 if they get enough interest

https://kawasaki.co.nz/zx25r-pre-order/

Yeah good on em for giving the riding public a chance at least. Will be interesting to see how they go getting the numbers in this current economic climate.
16K is a shite load of dosh for a 250cc bike, you'd have to be keen. That's exactly twice the current price of a black Ninja 400. Twice the bike? Hmmm. :scratch:

slofox

9th June 2020, 17:06

If only I had $16,000 to spare...:shifty:

scott411

9th June 2020, 20:53

Yeah good on em for giving the riding public a chance at least. Will be interesting to see how they go getting the numbers in this current economic climate.
16K is a shite load of dosh for a 250cc bike, you'd have to be keen. That's exactly twice the current price of a black Ninja 400. Twice the bike? Hmmm. :scratch:

agree for sure, i doubt they will get the numbers of preorders needed to bring them in, but i cant fault how they have gone about it, give the people what they want, and see if they will pony up a deposit,

Scubbo

10th June 2020, 15:35

NEAT! oh man.... this or a tenere700 hmhmhmhmhmhmmmmm

sidecar bob

10th June 2020, 18:23

agree for sure, i doubt they will get the numbers of preorders needed to bring them in, but i cant fault how they have gone about it, give the people what they want, and see if they will pony up a deposit,

Initially I thought the NZ importer wasn't going to bring any in without a deposit, but looks like they aren't even going to manufacture them without a deposit is that correct?
I'd quite like one but Im not about to lose my shirt to get one.
How many sob stories do you see about people that lose their deposit on various ventures.
And now your link dosent work, is that the first sign it's a scam?;)

Southern scratcher

13th June 2020, 09:27

Probably never see our shores or not for a silly amount of money but i like the styling of this and the Yoshi pipe.

346126

scott411

13th June 2020, 18:24

Initially I thought the NZ importer wasn't going to bring any in without a deposit, but looks like they aren't even going to manufacture them without a deposit is that correct?
I'd quite like one but Im not about to lose my shirt to get one.
How many sob stories do you see about people that lose their deposit on various ventures.
And now your link dosent work, is that the first sign it's a scam?;)

my guess is they need a certain number to bring it in, (either minimum order from the factory, or minimum order to make it economic, probably both) I believe they are not made in a factory that supplies NZ normally so adding to an existing order is not a possibility

i would say, that the dealers wont have to pay a deposit, but wont be able to cancel orders, so they will want a deposit,

Southern scratcher

13th June 2020, 21:54

Danger Mouse

27th June 2020, 19:43

It would appear from this Indonesian(?) website that in stock configuration it's only pulling 41.4 HP at rear wheel on the dyno. Hard to get excited.

https://pertamax7.com/2020/06/12/knalpot-akrapovic-racing-kawasaki-ninja-zx25r/

Well that's disappointing. Wonder if it's just been deliberately detuned and easy to turn the wick up a bit.

release_the_bees

16th July 2020, 21:24

51hp and 22 lb-ft of torque apparently. It weighs around 180kg though, which is a bit on the heavy side for a 250 (it's pretty much the same weight as my Street Triple).

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.rideapart.com/articles/433325/kawasaki-zx25r-specs-revealed/amp/

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release_the_bees

23rd July 2020, 21:08

There's rumours that Yamaha might also be getting in on the act:

https://www.financialexpress.com/auto/bike-news/four-cylinder-yamaha-r25m-might-soon-be-a-reality-will-take-on-kawasaki-ninja-zx-25r-india-launch-engine-specs-features-images/2031998/lite/

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george formby

9th January 2022, 10:37

Dyno run and bleeding ears.

https://youtu.be/TMMl-vzbFR8

Berries

10th January 2022, 18:12

Make it a 750 and I'd be tempted.

george formby

11th January 2022, 15:26

Must admit, I've been thinking about bucket list bikes lately and a GSXR750 has wormed it's way onto the list.

Berries

11th January 2022, 18:59

george formby

12th January 2022, 10:42

Traded my 2016 last year to save my knees and slow me down. Would have it back in an instant, that bike is exactly how I define motorbikes. The thou is too much, both on the road and the $$$, and for me at 6'1" a 250 is just too small. If the big K brought out a new ZXR750 I would be at the head of the queue. Or a proper R7 with four cylinders.

Saving for an R1 now. Bugger the knees.

Might have to nudge it up the list based on this post..

I've never owned nor really gelled with a sports bike. 600 to small and peaky, 1000 just to much of everything and frustrating on our twisty, tight Norfland roads. 750 seems to be the sweet spot.

release_the_bees

19th January 2022, 12:46

If this becomes a reality (and is available here), then it will very much have my attention:

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/kawasaki-zx-4r/

george formby

19th January 2022, 19:58

If this becomes a reality (and is available here), then it will very much have my attention:

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/kawasaki-zx-4r/

I came within a whisker of buying a CBR400RR back in the day. But head ruled heart and I bought something comfortable and less tempting to go nuts on.

It was epic on twisty roads, truly bonkers.

release_the_bees

19th January 2022, 20:09

I came within a whisker of buying a CBR400RR back in the day. But head ruled heart and I bought something comfortable and less tempting to go nuts on.

It was epic on twisty roads, truly bonkers.I had a VFR400 back in the day. It's probably the best engine for the road that I've ever owned. Fast enough to have lots of fun, but with a power level where all of the engine can still be used and you can go up and down through the gears on a twisty bit of road without being overly silly speed wise. It was so engaging to ride.

If I want to ride that way these days, I'll take the R3. But, although it is a very capable bike for what it is, and it handles exceptionally well and has a surprisingly engaging engine, it really could do with another 20 hp or so to give it a bit more oomph. Overtakes certainly take some planning to execute safely.

What I'd give for a modernly specced equivalent to my old VFR. It's a glaring gap in the market that I've been hoping they'll fill for years.

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george formby

20th January 2022, 10:21

Memory Lane.

https://youtu.be/b0ZjDSn2jD0

SPman

23rd January 2023, 02:51

Kawasaki are bringing out a new ZXR4 - 400 four, according to American reports ...

release_the_bees

3rd February 2023, 09:59

https://www.visordown.com/news/new-bikes/kawasaki-zx-4r-range-set-autumn-2023-launch

I want one!

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george formby

3rd February 2023, 17:30

https://www.visordown.com/news/new-bikes/kawasaki-zx-4r-range-set-autumn-2023-launch

I want one!

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Ahh, but which one? Apparently they doing an R and a RRaargh.