The Tokyo Motor Show was worth seeing
This year's Tokyo Motor Show is entertaining! Although manufacturers of exhibiting motorcycles had been only four Japanese manufacturers, the exhibition space was large, and the content also had enthusiasm from the manufacturer, so I felt it was more exciting than usual.
The supercharged "Z H2" that finally unveiled was more complete than I imagined, and the middle adventure "Ténéré 700," which was decided to be released in Japan after next summer, transmitted the YAMAHA's intentions by just straddling. SUZUKI MotoGP machine "GSX-RR" full bank exhibition that is conventional was also impressive, and the revived Hunter Cub “CT125” in modern days was so lovely that I wanted to ride one home. I think it was able to make a good appeal that "motorcycles are also pretty interesting" to those people who are usually interested only in cars.
▲ KAWASAKI Z H2
▲ YAMAHA Ténéré 700
▲ SUZUKI GSX-RR
▲ HONDA CT125
What kind of dream does modern super multi model make me dream about?
This year’s Tokyo Motor Show was already satisfying enough, but this 2 models of 250cc class were even more impressive to me. These models are the KAWASAKI ZX-25R and SUZUKI GIXXER 250. The ZX-25R is already a hot topic and is buzzing with articles on various media that predict its outstanding performance. The ZX-25R is the first 4-cylinder super sport in 30 years in the 250cc class. As I mentioned before, the 4-cylinder engine expected to be over 45ps and its piercing sense of elevation and hysterical sweet sound can bring up the superb ecstacy to the rider.
▲ KAWASAKI ZX-25R
▲ SUZUKI GIXXER250
[Kenny Sagawa Related Articles]
◆Over 45ps!? KAWASAKI Announced Ninja ZX-25R!
In the late 1980s, when the 2 stroke replica boom began to be taking a downturn in Japan, each manufacturer pushed into the competition to develop the 4 stroke replica, as if shaking off the sluggish situation. By the way, at that time, in the production race TT-F3 class which remodeled a market model, 2 stroke 250cc such as the NSR and 4 stroke 400cc such as the ZXR had competed in seriously. The 2 stroke machine at the time was so great, but on the other hand, super multi-quarters had been tried to achieve the same level of running performance at 4 stroke. Serious machines with high technology, such as the CBR250RR with F1 technology, and the FZR250 with a new generation engine with a genesis concept that is almost achieved to 20000rpm of rev limitter, are coming up from each manufacturer.
Its 45ps of the self-imposed horsepower limit was already at the same level as the 2 stroke replica, and the engine had not been taken into account the rich low and medium rev torque, and tried to squeeze out even the last drop of rotating horsepower. The scream of the engine was linked to that high-pitched sound. People were impressed by its devoted performance. We, generation of age around 50 is still vividly remembered, and when talking about 4-strokes, I can't help talking enthusiastically. I'm sorry! However, on the other hand, it means the magnitude of the expected value. No FI, no electric control and no radial tires, 250cc 4 strokes machinese are some what from old days, but now with the current technology it's hard not to expect how enthusiastic they will be after 30 years from it's end of linage.
Simple and high performance new possibility of oil-cooled single cylinder
Another thing, the notable GIXXER 250 was a very well-made model. I might get scolded for why I can declare it before I ride on, but I have a reason. One of the reason is the existence of the GIXXER released in Japan last year. The GIXXER has a plain engine spec, which is an air-cooled single cylinder 150cc and the power is 14ps, but it has great running performance if riding on it. Anyway, it is light, and its engine can not be said to be powerful, but it is controllable character at low-mid rev range, and it's very pleasant to feel a light pulse.
The GIXXER 250 is the 250cc version of that GIXXER, so I will naturally expect the same, and another reason is the specs. SUZUKI has a water-cooled parallel two-cylinder sports model called the GSX250R, and the GIXXER 250 may seem a bit downgrade if you think of it as an air-cooled single cylinder. However, in terms of specs, the power is 26.5ps and 2.5ps higher, and the vehicle weight is 156kg and is 18kg lighter compare to GSX250R.
In the meantime, since the valve system is SOHC 4-valve that is mechanism to move 4 valves by 1 camshaft, it has advantages that makes it simple and high-revving engine, and itself can be made lightweight and compact at the same time. It seems to be adopted the technology of the MotoGP machine to the GIXXER 250, such as applying a special coating to the piston skirt part to reduce the frictional resistance.
SUZUKI is famous for its oil cooling system from the old GSX-R series era, the "GIXXER 250" also uses a newly-designed oil cooling system. By providing an oil jacket around the combustion chamber, it is possible to efficiently cool like a water-cooled engine. It's simple at first glance, but it's packed with the latest technology. I think that it is also thankworthy for showing that there is still a possibility to evolve the basic engine of the old air-cooled single-cylinder.
See KAWASAKI Moto Index Page
See YAMAHA Moto Index Page
See SUZUKI Moto Index Page
See HONDA Moto Index Page
See Accessories for HONDA NSR250R
See Accessories for KAWASAKI ZXR400
See Accessories for YAMAHA FZR250
See Accessories for SUZUKI GIXXER
