KAWASAKI exhibited the inline-4 250cc supersports “ZX-25R” as a reference exhibit on the press day of the first day on the Tokyo Motor Show 2019 (10/23).
The rumor that KAWASAKI has been developing a supersports model equipped with an inline-4 engine in the 250cc class, has been whispered vividly in the motorcycle industry, but it appeared in front of the public with a ready-to-run perfection. Since I was attracted to the supercharged motorcycle “Z H2”, I honestly can not hide the feeling of "Touche" about the sudden unveiling of the ZX-25.
Similar but different with Ninja 250
Anyway, the ZX-25 of the reference vehicle had the KRT color and looked very similar to the Ninja 250 of the current model. However, as approaching, major differences between the ZX-25 and the Ninja 250 had been apparent one after another.
The ZX-25 has a protruding lip in the front mask, a ram air duct like 10R and 6R are installed above the dual headlights. Even watching at the functional parts, the undercarriage was upgraded equipping with the SFF-BP type inverted front forks, a large diameter disk, and 4P radial monoblock caliper in the front, and a horizontal back link-type shock that goes through aluminum a gull-wing shaped swingarm. The tires also are clearly widened. The steel trellis frame has the structure that also seems to highly rigid by adopting thicker pipe, and its part from the pivot to the main tube is exposed, and it is like a racer or a design close to the ZX10R.
Then, four exhaust pipes appearing from the bottom of the radiator is a proof that it is a 4-cylinder. On the other hand, the ZX-25's compact silencer mounted under the engine is appealing to be a modern machine.
By the way, the specification table of the exhibited vehicle was that its engine is a water-cooled 4-stroke inline-4 DOHC 4-valve 249cc, and the electronic controls such as the power mode, KTRC (KAWASAKI Traction Control), and KQS (KAWASAKI Quick Shifter) have been adopted.
The engine and body are all new.
So far, that is already known. Actually, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to talk with the developer of KAWASAKI Heavy Industries, so I would like to dig deeper into the "ZX-25R" based on that information.
If I tell you what is the original of 4-cylinder Supersport 250cc in KAWASAKI, the answer is the ZXR250, which appeared in 1989. At that time, under the existence of manufacturer's self-regulation, the ZXR250 also easily achieved the max output 45ps of the upper limit. Therefore, I thought that the excellent engine of the ZXR250 inherited to the BALIUS was the base of the new ZX-25R, but according to its developer, the engine and frame has completely been new developments. Since the 1980s, the technology has been in progress, the environment surrounding the motorcycle also has been changing, that is why they needed to build a machine that meets modern requirements from scratch.
Convincing even the max power exceeds 45ps.
The biggest concern would be the specs. At this time when a new model of the Ninja 250 has just been released recently, the development of the new inline-4 model will require a special attraction that is not available in the current model. At the point when KAWASAKI chose the inline 4 engine to the new model, I could not have any idea other than "Pursuit of the max power". The advantage of the multi-cylinder is the overwhelming power in high rev range. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, 30 years ago, 250cc models of each manufacturers had been achieved 45ps of the limit power, and the manufacturer's self-regulation is gone.
So, I asked the developer this question, then I received a positive and happy answer that they will "output power as much as they can" while considering about the environmental issues. In regards to my question “Would this model exceed the 45ps?” He only made a smile, however, it was a response that seemed to be possible as my own interpretation. Considering that, the details described at the beginning, such as the undercarriage, tire size, and the tough frame structure, which were thought to be the over-specifications of the exhibition model, were also acceptable.
Is the main target Japan?
But why did they make an inline-4 model? I thought KAWASAKI is thinking that main target is the Asian region, where motorsports are becoming popular, but surprisingly, they think that the Japanese market is the main target. The price will be reasonable from its expected spec, and it seems that KAWASAKI is also thinking that the inline-4 250cc sports market is riders in Japan of the homeground. "How will be as the business if the US and Europe markets are excluded where has a only small market for small displacement-high performance models?" The answer of developer of KAWASAKI to that question was that "KAWASAKI has no choice but to do it as the pioneer (lol)". Great answer! After all, "the spirit of KAWASAKI" is different.
Its release date going to be a little bit ahead.
As for the development status, of course they have been doing its test riding and etc., but it seems that the detailed development will be made in the future. It is not clear when it will be released, but developer said, "watching for the timing". I think it takes a little longer. The production location differs depending on the destination, and the model for Japanese market will be mainly produced in Thailand.
The days when my soul was shaken by the jet sound of the super high rev engine at 20,000rpm. Will the dream of the 4-stroke multi-quarters that made an era in the heyday of the 80's motorcycle reappear? First of all, I would like to send applause sincerely for KAWASAKI's decision.
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