Watch out for the new ZX-25R 60bhp and four cylinders
should be good fun.
Steve

Ooh, ahh!! Has it been spotted in the wild???
I’m going to put off getting 400...

https://www.visordown.com/news/new-bikes/new-kawasaki-zx-25r-sportsbike-be-sold-two-power-variants
https://indianautosblog.com/new-details-about-kawasaki-zx-25r-emerge-p318368
https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/technology/auto/what-will-kawasaki-offer-in-the-ninja-zx-25r-4419511.html

Watch out for the new ZX-25R 60bhp and four cylinders
should be good fun.
Steve

60 HP out of a 250?

That's pretty crazy HP that motor has to be screaming.

I wonder if that is the new Supercharged bike Kawasaki is hinting at recently.

There was another article down in the news section about there being 2 versions of the ZX25R with one of them being lower priced and about 40 HP. Maybe a supercharged version and normally aspirated version coming out?

If they build it, I'll buy one.

https://i.ibb.co/CBzVhqq/b.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/jgC5R4D/a.jpg

I'll belive it when i see it. for the US market, a high revving engine is VERY hard to meet emission standards...

the way the engines are making more power these days, personally i am looking forwards to the future two cylinders, the difference in performance on my 250 vs 400 is night and day, more powerful, more responsive to throttle input than my 250 ever was. i know its larger displacement, and that has a lot to do with the difference. but its still a higher performing engine.

modern engines are powerhouses.
the only reason ford went from the same ole 4.6 v8 in their GT mustangs to the 5.0 was chevy's v6 base model camaro was almost catching the GT in a 1/4 mile. you cant have your flagship ponycar even ALMOST getting caught from the competitions v6. today's v6 makes more power than 95% of the engines in the "horsepower days" of the mid 60's through early 70's, with half the displacement.
now you have camaro's and mustangs making almost as much or more as the corvette, which is why i think they are making such a radical change to mid-engine. got to do something to keep the iconic sportscar above the rest of the pack.

Looks Great but may cost a fortune eh!

Still quite great deal! KTM’s 176-lb Moto3 RC250GP makes 51hp from single-cylinder for $92k. Adding twice weight for cost-savings and 3 more cylinders for more valve curtain area, 60hp should be easy! I just hope they bring it here!

I would get one!

I get entry level bikes, but I sure do miss some of the diminuative bikes from the 90s/early 2Ks.

YSR 50
FZR 400
Bandit 400
RS50, and RS 250.

At least we had those in the states.

Then there was the Euro/asian offerings.

TZR, FZR , and TDR 250s. ( TZR/ TDR being 2 stroke) Banana style swing arm.

CBR 250 RR/ 400 RR with the sexy gull swing arm.

Interceptor/ VFR 400, with single sides swing arm.

KR1S, ZX250/400 R (ZZR) ( 2 stroke, 4 stroke)

GSX-R 250/400.

"Just like the real thing, only smaller" :D nothing like that magic offered today. Some of those started redline at 18 K. And those sexy frames, swingarms, and finicky little uber bits. Like a field of kittens ( or Pokemon) gotta have em all.

If Kawa offers it in the states, I will get one.

I almost picked up one of these for racing couple years ago. Luckily I wised up and figured it would be stupid to crash such rare gem. At least Ninja 250 is more "disposable". ;)

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1FvK8ckBVUxaCHkTtJdadIbZCa3uBf1fL

There was regulation limiting power to 45bhp and Honda used different smart-cards with de-tuned ignition-map to lower later generations to that. Earlier ones were closer to 50-55bhp. Dave Moss's CBR250RR gets times similar to 600 SuperSports... hmmm....

https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/1991-honda-cbr250rr-review/

There were a handful of guys who had some gray import bikes. Every so often one or two would show up to the local meet up. A few "displacement" guys would would give thier attention. In the end it came down to power talk. The typical answer more or less from the gray import guys was "im here to ride, not swap figures." And off they went, screaming like banshees into the night. They never stated anything about smack talk, or figures. Just that it's a different breed, style, machine, that you just can't understand, till you experience it.

One night a few of us went with them. We ended up at a Malibu Grand Prix, before closing, and did a few cart laps.. Jokingly one said " can I ride my bike on it?" Night manager was chill, and often stayed later for some "private party" shenanigans apparently from the conversation. " just don't wreck, or sue the company" the repli-racer RGV was WAY too much for the track. But it was a hoot watching. ( after hours, and no cars on the track)

Dave Moss's CBR250RR gets times similar to 600 SuperSports... hmmm....


Dave Moss is fast, regardless of what he rides.



Fixed that for you :lol:

I always thought the mid 1970's Honda CB400F was a cool midsized 4 cylinder with that café look. Always thought the guys riding them looked cool as I rode my Honda MR50. I think a 400/4 would be cool, but will we see it in the US?

It's real!!! Double the cylinders, double the powah!!! :D

https://www.visordown.com/news/new-bikes/four-cylinder-kawasaki-zx-25r-unveiled-tokyo-motor-show
https://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/news/kawasaki-ninja-zx25r-unveiled-at-2019-tokyo-motor-show/35656/
https://www.cycleworld.com/2020-kawasaki-ninja-zx-25r-first-look/
https://www.rideapart.com/photo/4454711/2019-tokyo-motor-show/
https://www.motorcycle.com/mini-features/kawasakis-actually-making-a-four-cylinder-ninja-zx-25r.html
https://www.topgear.com.ph/moto-sapiens/motorcycle-news/suzuki-gixxer-kawasaki-ninja-tms-2019-a959-20191024

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I think Arnie summed it up pretty good. ( talking at Predator)
"You're one UGLY mother Fu&=£!"

Yeah, trying to ride coat-tails of H2R... Unfortunately, ZX-25R doesn't have that kind of power to push such an un-aerodynamic brick through air...

Not sure what weight is, certainly not lighter than EX400 though. With more cylinders, probably heavier engine and extra electronics for traction-control, etc. But not bad considering original GPZ600R made 75-bhp and weighed 478-lbs.

If that makes it in NorCal I'll buy it. Lightweight bikes are fun.

If that makes it in NorCal I'll buy it. Lightweight bikes are fun.

Yeah! I've contacted all local dealers and told them I want to come in and put down deposit on one! Hopefully with enough demand, they'll bring them over. We also have contact in Indonesia and it doesn't cost that much to ship container or partial container over... hmmm....

I would still like to try to own one. I DON'T like the front end ( body, and tank) but I would still make a deposit.

Checked out a few links, but none specified. ( ones I read) curious as to what makes 5he difference in power, if two versions are sold. Limited/detuned, or one comes witha super/turbo, and the other without.

I wonder about difference. I suspect cams & exhaust would determine power-curve and redline.

One with lower power but more user-friendly torque-curve like new-gen 250? Other with higher screaming redline and top-heavy power-curve requiring standing-starts at 5000-rpms+ like pre-gen?


The whole thing is pretty darn yoogly really! My wife summed it up perfectly, "looks like one of those bikes that crashed at track and they hastily zip-tied and duct-taped bodywork back on!"

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1t3rE28IMMotJgqFUp8uWITDgdPGFTJ-T

Has anyone found wet-weight number for this sucker?

For the music that a 4-cylinder 250 makes... It doesn't matter to me what it looks like. I'm out of motorcycles for right now, but if this thing makes it stateside for <$9,000, it's going to be reeeaaalllly tempting to get back into motorcycles. That thing would be a mountain road ripper.

Honestly, the biggest concern for me is if it's a proper full size bike? or is it a 3/4 scale midget thing like the pregen was? I loved my 250 to death and back, but the stupid thing could have been about 15-20% physically larger all around and it would have made a world of difference for being a more comfortable bike. I can't be the only one who thought that, right?

Honestly, the biggest concern for me is if it's a proper full size bike? or is it a 3/4 scale midget thing like the pregen was?

Definitely this.

Have a friend who has the Hyosung GT250R, and I love its "full size" stature. And quite a bit more sportbike rider position than upright in seating. Easily mistaken for the 650 brother.

I thought my preg was pretty comfortable until I got WC clipons.

Listen to that mad little engine!

https://youtu.be/aNK6UKzpTrU

Listwn to that mad little engine!

https://youtu.be/aNK6UKzpTrU

Even though it says it in the title, I'm not convinced that's a 250 4-cyl.

Look at the size of the rear tire - looks more like the size of a 600.

Optical illusion, when camera is closer, perspective makes nearby objects look larger than normal. Appears to be 150 tyre.

Certainly has even smooth wail of 4-cylinder rather than thump-thump of uneven twin.

Tried to give blank cheque to several dealers in my area. No one’s taken it yet... One of them appears to specialize in farm equipment, tractors and such. Might need to head into S.F. grrr...

Found weight figure of 185kg here. Which is shame as it’s significantly more massive than all previous Ninjettes.

https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://kojintekibikematome.blog.jp/archives/76645991.html&prev=search

From previous posts from this person, Euro-5 model is lowered-power version. Probably milder cams for emissions.

In the Kawasaki release video, you can see 4 headers.

Apparently video is fake. A few things dont match up. Between unveiling ZX25R, and this particular vid.

1. Exhaust. No modern big 4 makes exhausts as straight cylinder pipe anymore.

2. Front fairing/windscreen. The inlet is a big giveaway, and a few other differences.

3. All the comments in the vid, saying it is in fact a 600.:doh:

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=1704&pictureid=13748

I am curious as to what is the red ring is, in the exhaust, and whats protruding near it on the right. Is it a custom rear footpeg or something?

Yeah! I've contacted all local dealers and told them I want to come in and put down deposit on one! Hopefully with enough demand, they'll bring them over. We also have contact in Indonesia and it doesn't cost that much to ship container or partial container over... hmmm....

My Grandfather had done the container shipping thing about 15 or so years ago. That's how I was able try out CBR250rr and a few early 90's 4 cylinder 250s. I'm gonna inquire about this ZX25R when the fire dies out up here in Sonoma County. Maybe it might come out early next year.

It’s even easier now to ship container vs. 15-yrs ago. Many outfits offer partial-container shipments or even by cubic-meter. If they don’t bring it here, i’d still want one for race-bike.

Gonna be hard to compete with Aprilia RS-660 twin though... I’m only allowed one additional bike bike next year... Anyone want some Ninja 250s for cheap?!

Gorgeous bike, Danno.

I'm intrigued by the ZX-25. I'd definitely check it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVYAQl5E09Q

waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaant

Finally got some answers....

RE: Honda Kawasaki KTM of Modesto

Just spoke to the manager that orders all the inventory and speaks with the Kawasaki rep. That model wont be selling in the states anytime soon.

Next step is to contact Indonesians and freight-forwarders.

If I was spec-ing out a 4 cylinder 250cc bike with the intention of creating a "must have" sensation of a bike, I would give serious consideration to equipping it with a crossplane crankshaft. Wouldn't that sound great? (shut up and take my money!)

Finally got some answers....

Next step is to contact Indonesians and freight-forwarders.

Boo. I was hoping it would be sold here.

I will be disappointed if this screamer doesn’t come to the US. I want one! I would sell one of my bigger bikes to get it.

I would sell one of my bigger bikes to get it.

Agree. Id sell both my bikes, and maaaaaybe my car. Lol

I'll be checking it out at the Bangkok motor expo Nov. 29th. Sounds like it will be manufactured in Thailand and Indonesia. Thailand doesn't have tiered licensing, but taxes are insane, perfect market for a higher-powered 250. I was in the market for a vfr400, looks like I'll be getting one of these instead if the power to weight is ok.

The older 250 i4's are available here, but most have been ridden hard and it shows. I just hope the new one is up to specc. Old zx250r had dual discs, curved radiator, etc. New bike looks like it's missing those things from the Tokyo reveal.

I'll be checking it out at the Bangkok motor expo Nov. 29th. Sounds like it will be manufactured in Thailand and Indonesia. Thailand doesn't have tiered licensing, but taxes are insane, perfect market for a higher-powered 250. I was in the market for a vfr400, looks like I'll be getting one of these instead if the power to weight is ok.

The older 250 i4's are available here, but most have been ridden hard and it shows. I just hope the new one is up to specc. Old zx250r had dual discs, curved radiator, etc. New bike looks like it's missing those things from the Tokyo reveal.

I wonder if they will let you sit on it? The bike show is coming too New York in 2 weeks. Tempted to go just to see the new 250 in person!

I doubt they will, the display will most likely echo the Tokyo display, bikes up on a platform. I'm going for the public day, the closed industry day is the 28th.

If you guys can't get them in the USA, I'd be interested in helping with importing them to the west coast as "off road only" vehicles. We would need to get enough orders to fill a container, or at least get reasonably close to make it financially feasible. Base container cost is $2k, and then export and bonding fees quickly double that.

If someone proposes a spec race class and there's enough interest, maybe you can get a local Kawasaki dealer can import instead? I can't imagine Kawasaki saying no to a spec series with guaranteed sales and publicity.

I doubt they will, the display will most likely echo the Tokyo display, bikes up on a platform. I'm going for the public day, the closed industry day is the 28th.

If you guys can't get them in the USA, I'd be interested in helping with importing them to the west coast as "off road only" vehicles. We would need to get enough orders to fill a container, or at least get reasonably close to make it financially feasible. Base container cost is $2k, and then export and bonding fees quickly double that.

If someone proposes a spec race class and there's enough interest, maybe you can get a local Kawasaki dealer can import instead? I can't imagine Kawasaki saying no to a spec series with guaranteed sales and publicity.

AFMracing (http://afmracing.org) does have new spec series called Ninja Cup sponsored by Kawasaki and Feel Like a Pro (http://feellikeapro.com). This last year was 1st season and it had mediocre turn-out due to overlapping with many existing classes: 250 Superbike, 300WSS, Lightweight Twins, etc. Kawasaki did offer new Ninja 400 as prize for series winner! I'll talk to Dave about perhaps stocking some ZX-25Rs for rental!

Filling container with pre-orders is going to be difficult. Can stuff something like 36-45 bike crates into container. There's partial-container shipments available. Cost is reasonable per cubic-meter. Although once you get above 10-15 bikes, it'd be better off to ship your own.

I think you've got at least 2-3 sufficiently interested parties who will put money down on this. Let's talk more about this.

I'll be checking it out at the Bangkok motor expo Nov. 29th. Sounds like it will be manufactured in Thailand and Indonesia. Thailand doesn't have tiered licensing, but taxes are insane, perfect market for a higher-powered 250. I was in the market for a vfr400, looks like I'll be getting one of these instead if the power to weight is ok.

The older 250 i4's are available here, but most have been ridden hard and it shows. I just hope the new one is up to specc. Old zx250r had dual discs, curved radiator, etc. New bike looks like it's missing those things from the Tokyo reveal.

My brother has an NC21 and it's faster than EX500. But is slightly portly at 400lbs. Original ZXR250 weighs in at ~355-lbs, so even lighter than current Ninja 400. So it really didn't need dual front disc-brakes. Hopefully ZX-25R didn't gain any weight over the decades. With same power as VFR400 and less weight, it should be quite formidable machine!

I still like looks of ZXR250 better! It's little clone of ZX7R! :)

https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Kawasaki%20ZXR250R%2090.jpg

AFMracing (http://afmracing.org) does have new spec series called Ninja Cup sponsored by Kawasaki and Feel Like a Pro (http://feellikeapro.com). This last year was 1st season and it had mediocre turn-out due to overlapping with many existing classes: 250 Superbike, 300WSS, Lightweight Twins, etc. Kawasaki did offer new Ninja 400 as prize for series winner! I'll talk to Dave about perhaps stocking some ZX-25Rs for rental!

Filling container with pre-orders is going to be difficult. Can stuff something like 36-45 bike crates into container. There's partial-container shipments available. Cost is reasonable per cubic-meter. Although once you get above 10-15 bikes, it'd be better off to ship your own.

I think you've got at least 2-3 sufficiently interested parties who will put money down on this. Let's talk more about this.

I was thinking 20 foot container. We could do LTL, but that ends up costing quite a bit, especially if we have to send each bike seperately. Most of the cost is paperwork related landing bonds, etc. I used to import apple juice to the US from the UK for the cider industry, we did 20 foot refers :)

Honestly, I think you as a motorcycle business owner should reach out to Kawasaki and ask if they will help you. If they won't, then I can find a dealer in Thailand who will.

Don't forget, Kawasaki is claiming it's a world wide model, so the USA might still get them, even if they prove to be a special order item!

My brother has an NC21 and it's faster than EX500. But is slightly portly at 400lbs. Original ZXR250 weighs in at ~355-lbs, so even lighter than current Ninja 400. So it really didn't need dual front disc-brakes. Hopefully ZX-25R didn't gain any weight over the decades. With same power as VFR400 and less weight, it should be quite formidable machine!

I still like looks of ZXR250 better! It's little clone of ZX7R! :)

https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Kawasaki%20ZXR250R%2090.jpg

VFR400's are available here for reasonable amounts, I was actually looking at buying one, that's how I saw the press release for this. If it can't beat a VFR400 in the weight and handling department, I'll end up on a VFR as a next purchase instead. Ducati got the 796 hypers down to ~375ish, this better beat that.

I think you've got at least 2-3 sufficiently interested parties who will put money down on this. Let's talk more about this.

I'm totally in for one myself, FWIW

I'm totally in for one myself, FWIW

Alright! Got you on my list! :)

I asked yesterday at the Kawi booth at the Long Beach bike show and the guy suggested we write to Corporate and tell them we want the ZX-25R here in the US. They don't think there's a market.

I asked yesterday at the Kawi booth at the Long Beach bike show and the guy suggested we write to Corporate and tell them we want the ZX-25R here in the US. They don't think there's a market.

If not here in the good ole USA, where would Kawasaki sell it?

Areas where little bikes are more popular, I'd guess. Mexico likes 125s and 250s, and so do Phillipines, China, Thailand maybe. Places where the extra power and speed of big bikes isn't useful. We have big open highways here, which favors bigger bikes.

I don't think there's a market in the USA of any reasonable size. Target markets are places with tiered licensing and displacement taxes. And racers who are displacement limited.

I don't think there's a market in the USA of any reasonable size. Target markets are places with tiered licensing and displacement taxes. And racers who are displacement limited.

I would think more affluent areas of Europe with tiered licensing would be the target market.

Many of the other large motorcycle markets rely on cycles as basic transportation only, and purchase simple inexpensive cycles for transportation because cars are too expensive.

Not sure about the U.S. It would depend on the price I think. If it was just a bit more than your normal 250/300/400 it might fly, but if it started to get close to 600 SS territory I don't think they would sell.

It's not bad, but the frame looks low-end to me. I'm sure it's adequate, but it doesn't have the same race-inspired/mini Super Sport replica look of the 250/4s from back in the day.

It would be a hoot for sure. A 400/4 might be even better...

I would think more affluent areas of Europe with tiered licensing would be the target market.

Many of the other large motorcycle markets rely on cycles as basic transportation only, and purchase simple inexpensive cycles for transportation because cars are too expensive.

Not sure about the U.S. It would depend on the price I think. If it was just a bit more than your normal 250/300/400 it might fly, but if it started to get close to 600 SS territory I don't think they would sell.

It's not bad, but the frame looks low-end to me. I'm sure it's adequate, but it doesn't have the same race-inspired/mini Super Sport replica look of the 250/4s from back in the day.

It would be a hoot for sure. A 400/4 might be even better...

If the 250 would come to the USA, I would buy one for sure! It would be a blast to ride on the track. I agree a 400/4 would be a total blast!!! That would really be close to the price of a 600 SS. I don’t see that happening. How about a sporty 500 twin, with about 70hp (not the CBR 500)! That would probably put more nails in the 600 SS coffin!:thumbup:

If the 250 would come to the USA, I would buy one for sure! It would be a blast to ride on the track. I agree a 400/4 would be a total blast!!! That would really be close to the price of a 600 SS. I don’t see that happening. How about a sporty 500 twin, with about 70hp (not the CBR 500)! That would probably put more nails in the 600 SS coffin!:thumbup:

If money is no object, there's this coming soon to an Aprilia dealer near you -

2020 APRILIA RS 660

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2019/11/05/2020-aprilia-rs-660-first-look-10-fast-facts/

If money is an object, there's always the SV650.

If money is no object, there's this coming soon to an Aprilia dealer near you -

2020 APRILIA RS 660

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2019/11/05/2020-aprilia-rs-660-first-look-10-fast-facts/

If money is an object, there's always the SV650.

That looks sexy as hell, I am sure that’s gonna be over 10/k. Not in my budget anytime soon. Unless I sell both my 600 and 750......hmmnnnnnn.

I've been excited about RS660 since prototype came out at show in 2018. Claims back then was it's going to be ~300lbs! Sad to see it's gained +73 lbs since then! Wet-weight around 420lbs makes it not so exciting any more. I've been saving up for it since then, now what am I gonna get???

I've been excited about RS660 since prototype came out at show in 2018. Claims back then was it's going to be ~300lbs! Sad to see it's gained +73 lbs since then! Wet-weight around 420lbs makes it not so exciting any more. I've been saving up for it since then, now what am I gonna get???

Around 100hp and a porky 420lbs wet? Those are not good numbers. 600 SS are a few pounds less and more HP. The RS660 looks sexy as hell but maybe under powered, overweight and over priced! We shall see.

ZX6R is 430lbs wet, but 130hp. RS660 is living in the past. There's always more than numbers but it seems disproportionate to the price

If the zx25r has the same power per liter as the 636, we're looking at 51.5hp. That's a little less exciting that the rumored 60

If the zx25r has the same power per liter as the 636, we're looking at 51.5hp. That's a little less exciting that the rumored 60

50-ish is more realistic that 60-ish.

Around 100hp and a porky 420lbs wet? Those are not good numbers. 600 SS are a few pounds less and more HP. The RS660 looks sexy as hell but maybe under powered, overweight and over priced! We shall see.

Every so often I see numbers like this and have to remind myself what a marvel my HP is with 215 horsepower at 377-lbs wet

FWIW: I ran by my local dealer today (I was in the area) and we spoke about the 25R. He said he's had requests like this before and the way to get Kawasaki to send at least a few to the US is if there are a number of customers willing to put a deposit on one if word comes they'll be shipped in. If anyone wants to put their name on that list, let me know.

FWIW: I ran by my local dealer today (I was in the area) and we spoke about the 25R. He said he's had requests like this before and the way to get Kawasaki to send at least a few to the US is if there are a number of customers willing to put a deposit on one if word comes they'll be shipped in. If anyone wants to put their name on that list, let me know.

Count me in! Where do I send my cheque?

Count me in! Where do I send my cheque?
PM me or call https://www.lakecitypowersports.com/ (206) 364-1372 and tell them Yakaru (Yah-Kah-Rew) told you to ask for Tim in sales, tell him you want on the ZX25R list.

Nice, I'm glad a dealer is stepping up to help. Any word on weight or power or other specs?

I’m trying to get firm figure on dry and wet weight. When it shows up at Indonesian dealers, I’m have our contact there check it out.

I wonder how they do two different power outputs? I suppose electronic solution would be easiest. Milder ignition-map on 45ps model? With DBW, you can just program it to not open throttle all the way! :D

Smaller engines typically have higher specific-output than larger ones. It’s based on ratio of valve-curtain area to cylinder volume. As you scale up in size, cylinder volume increases by cube-power (^3), however valve-curtain area only increase by square-power (^2). So larger and larger cylinders are choked more and more due to limited flow through valves.

That’s also how little engines can rev to 19-20K, they can actually flow that much air with same cam-specs. Bigger engines lose VE in high-end and shows dropping torque and power curve.

Compare late-‘80s to early-‘90s 250 inline-4s versus their bigger countreparts. They were getting around 45-bhp. That would be 180-bhp for litre-bike. No litre-bike would get 180-bhp for another 20-years. ZX10R finally got there in 2008. With modern advances in EFI , materials tech and oil, I don’t doubt it can get 60-bhp.

Weight is still concern...

Well, it's a no-show at the Thai motor expo. Guess we will just have to wait a bit longer.

Local Thai dealer says 7 months before they are available here, expecting them in June. They didn't have any new details. One guy in the showroom was excited I asked, all the other employees had no idea it existed.

If you special order, how do you plan to source parts later?

From what I've seen, sourcing parts is easier than bikes; and I'm sure that if it's via the dealer that they'll be willing to assist on that front too.

Yeah, dealers just send in part-numbers and various warehouses ship it. They don’t care what model bike it goes on....

... hmmmm .....

Maybe we can order pile of parts and build our own ZX-R25 !!! Like model kit!!

Yeah, dealers just send in part-numbers and various warehouses ship it. They don’t care what model bike it goes on....

... hmmmm .....

Maybe we can order pile of parts and build our own ZX-R25 !!! Like model kit!!

That parts bill has me scared just thinking about it. You'd be better off building a killer RS250 or RGV I'd think haha

Some more news.... just what redline is...
https://www.rideapart.com/articles/388643/kawasak-ninja-zx25r-redline-video-feature/amp/

Bad news, Indian sources are saying 190kg. If that's true, I'm out. Much to heavy for what it is.

Bad news, Indian sources are saying 190kg. If that's true, I'm out. Much to heavy for what it is.

Yeesh, the 2020 S1000 is 193.5; wonder why it'd be so heavy

Bad news, Indian sources are saying 190kg. If that's true, I'm out. Much to heavy for what it is.
Wow, that's 45kg heavier than my race 250. Much, much too much weight for just double power. Wonder why it's so much heavier than '90s version? Alloy frame's not that significantly heavier. ABS is only 4kg or so extra. Doesn't have dual-discs in front... hmm...

Wow, that's 45kg heavier than my race 250. Much, much too much weight for just double power. Wonder why it's so much heavier than '90s version? Alloy frame's not that significantly heavier. ABS is only 4kg or so extra. Doesn't have dual-discs in front... hmm...

You mean an alloy frame (like back in the day) is not significantly lighter than the current steel one?

I'd sure like for it to have an alloy frame like a current 600 SS, not a tubular steel one like the other small Ninjas.

It's got a big bike swing arm, it's got full-size front forks. Steel frame. Water cooled inline 4. I don't think it's a large-budget machine, the idea is a small displacement bike so people can save money on registration and displacement taxes. None of that saves weight. Comes in about 20lbs lighter than a ZX6R, makes sense honestly.

Redline is 17k, lower than the old generation. Unless they have 2 very different versions, aka small street and lightweight race bike with a different physical state of tune, I don't see this thing being all that interesting.

You mean an alloy frame (like back in the day) is not significantly lighter than the current steel one?

I'd sure like for it to have an alloy frame like a current 600 SS, not a tubular steel one like the other small Ninjas.

Yeah, my anger at massive weight-gains flubbered my words! Steel & aluminium have similar strength-to-weight ratios, so when design is optimized for both materials, weight ends up very similar.

I'm just wondering why they couldn't just take 400 config and stuff 250 4-banger in. Engine alone can't possibly weigh +40lbs more.

Yeah, my anger at massive weight-gains flubbered my words! Steel & aluminium have similar strength-to-weight ratios, so when design is optimized for both materials, weight ends up very similar.

I'm just wondering why they couldn't just take 400 config and stuff 250 4-banger in. Engine alone can't possibly weigh +40lbs more.

This is why many aircraft manufacturers are building more of the aircraft structure with composites.

Yeah huh? Carbon-fibre has significantly more strength-to-weight and better fatigue-resistance than either steel or alloy. Something tennis-racquet, golf-club, fishing-rods and bicycle makers have caught on decades ago.

An under-utilised material is titanium. At least in U.S. it's very costly due to being monopolised by military. It's so abundant and cheap in Russia, you can walk into any hardware-store and buy titanium garden shovels that'll never rust or break!!! Seems only moto outfit using ti to any great benefit is NCR.

Carbon-fiber does have significantly more strength to weight. One place it can’t be used is in aircraft wings due to needing to be flexible.

Oh, but CF is used extensively in wings. Airbus is building A350s for Qatar entirely from CF. Nice thing about CF is it can be as stiff or as flexible as you want depending upon how many layers and direction of fibres you lay down (anisotropic). 3D-weaving to eliminate separation between layers has even more customization options.

https://iacmi.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/F35-variant_AF-1_.jpg

https://netcomposites.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/05072016textreme-730x488.jpg

http://compositesmanufacturingmagazine.com/2016/05/world-first-carbon-fiber-aircraft-first-flight/
https://www.boeing.com/777x/reveal/state-of-the-art-777x-composite-wing-center-completes-parts/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpCH9mUUEnY

Interesting development with CF is self-healing wings. The matrix includes micro glass spheres filled with healing fluid. If cracks develop, it breaks these spheres and fluid leaks out. Which then solidifies and holds cracks together! :)

Also recently got info from my 1st employer, Ames Research @ Moffett Field, that they're experimenting with CF for helicopter rotor-blades. Which faces lots more stress per unit area than plane wings. Next breakthrough for CF in aviation is jet-engine fan-blades made from CF!!! :eek:

Carbon frames are a thing, but the manufacturers are having a tough time figuring out how to tune them effectively. Steel and aluminum is very well understood in the motorcycling world.

It's actually amazing how far ahead bicycle companies are. The focus on weight savings is amazing. The suspension development is right on-par with the best Motorsports items, very rare to find un-adjustable suspension. 2 way adjustable with preload is standard, 3-way is much easier to find, and 4-way rear shocks are finding a good foothold in the market.

Motorcycle companies seem to shy away from lightweight bikes. There's issues with cross-winds and big truck drafts, a lighter bike means more attention needs to be paid to suspension tuning. Lighter bikes also tend to pick up the front wheel much easier. That said, a lighter bike is worlds better in the hands of someone who knows how to use it. KTM seems to be the only major manufacturer who actively tries to reduce weight.

DannoXYZ I stand corrected. Thanks for the info.

DannoXYZ I stand corrected. Thanks for the info.You're welcome! Amazing advancement of technology! Just blink and its at next level already! And that's just for declassified stuff...

That said, a lighter bike is worlds better in the hands of someone who knows how to use it. KTM seems to be the only major manufacturer who actively tries to reduce weight.

I really like my brother's KTM RC390. It has even more aggressive geometry than Ninja 400 and with less weight, it feels like riding a bicycle! Ari Henning just set new record at Sears Point Sonoma on RC390!

CF moto frames may be pushing diminishing returns for bang-for-buck value. Well-designed and hand-built chromoly trellis frame can be made in 14-16lb range for 30-70bhp bike. Would require lots more effort and money to create similar CF frame with minimal additional benefits. Might be worth it for larger markets like tennis-racquets or bicycles, but numbers in moto market doesn't justify it currently.

Would be interesting to stuff EX250 or Ninja 400 engine into RC390 frame... saves 20-30bs right away (or 100lbs in case of EX500).

The day motorcycles make a jump in weight loss will be the day they incorporate a composite engine/transmission. Car manufacturers are already playing with composite engine blocks.

I’ll be happy with my aluminum or iron block honestly. But time marches on regardless of personal preference.

Would be interesting to stuff EX250 or Ninja 400 engine into RC390 frame... saves 20-30bs right away (or 100lbs in case of EX500).

Or you can look at is as adding a bunch of weight to the RC390. 400 makes the same peak power, not much sense. I wonder how much more power the frame can handle before running in to issues.

That weight figure can’t be right. 426 lbs would be a porker! That will kill acceleration and my interest.

That weight figure can’t be right. 426 lbs would be a porker! That will kill acceleration and my interest.
That's what I'm thinking...

That weight figure can’t be right. 426 lbs would be a porker! That will kill acceleration and my interest.

That's what I'm thinking...

Let's take original ZXR-250 as starting-point.

https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Kawasaki%20ZXR250R%2090.jpg

~355 lbs
-10 lbs going to single front disc-brake
+5 lbs ABS
+5 lbs EFI w/traction-control in ECU
+5 lbs steel frame
-----------------
~360 lbs or same as current Ninja 400 non-ABS

Not sure where extra +65-lbs on top of that comes from. Unless they are just using parts from common parts-bin such as heavier 600 wheels, tank, or 600 engine block sleeved down to 250???. That weight would make sense then if entire bike is 600 with sleeved down engine... hmmm..

Specs will be announced on March 4th, Asia time. I believe in Thailand.

Specs will be announced on March 4th, Asia time. I believe in Thailand.

Should be very interesting!

https://newatlas.com/motorcycles/kawasaki-zx-25r-return-screaming-weenie-bike/

That video was a tease, waiting for some hard numbers like weight and horse power and who is getting this little beast!!!🙄

Latest ZX-25R info -

KAWASAKI ANNOUNCE RACE ONLY CARBON FIBRE ZX-25R

https://www.visordown.com/news/new-bikes/kawasaki-announce-race-only-carbon-fibre-zx-25r

OOohh, AAahhhh cool, heh, heh!!!

Too bad it's so yooooglie looking! :eek:

kaeqY5XfKwQ

so it IS real

ZX-25R accessories -

https://www.visordown.com/news/new-bikes/kawasaki-announce-accessories-zx-25r

Johnathan Rea on the ZX-25R -

https://www.visordown.com/news/new-bikes/hear-her-sing%E2%80%A6-jonathan-rea-unleashes-rev-happy-kawasaki-zx-25r

As Ahnold said in Predator, "You are one ugly motherfvcker!"

I get a reaction like someone unfolding all 15 blades of massive Swiss-army knife and tossing it in my lap! Yack! I just want to run away!!!

https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/crash.net/visordown.com/styles/v2_normal/s3/ZX-25.png?itok=5tRe-27_


Q9JCkLHLUvI

As Ahnold said in Predator, "You are one ugly motherfvcker!"

I get a reaction like someone unfolding all 15 blades of massive Swiss-army knife and tossing it in my lap! Yack! I just want to run away!!!

https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/crash.net/visordown.com/styles/v2_normal/s3/ZX-25.png?itok=5tRe-27_

Not a fan either...

As Ahnold said in Predator, "You are one ugly motherfvcker!"

I get a reaction like someone unfolding all 15 blades of massive Swiss-army knife and tossing it in my lap! Yack! I just want to run away!!!

https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/crash.net/visordown.com/styles/v2_normal/s3/ZX-25.png?itok=5tRe-27_


Q9JCkLHLUvI

I can’t see it’s face from the saddle.

I can’t see it’s face from the saddle.

:bow::bow::bow: I like the styling! :clapping: To each his own.

ZX-25R news -

https://www.visordown.com/news/new-bikes/kawasaki-zx-25r-pricing-and-online-reservations-open

ZX-25R news -

https://www.visordown.com/news/new-bikes/kawasaki-zx-25r-pricing-and-online-reservations-open

I am still kinda sorta interested, don’t know if it will make it to the US. Still waiting on specs and pricing.

following up from other thread...

Here's the latest promise (yesterday, 6/29/20), launching in Indonesia July 10, 2020 -

https://bikeadvice.in/kawasaki-zx25r-launch-date-indonesia/

So...it sounds like it is really gonna happen (maybe).

Did Honda ever release the CBR250/300RR twin in Indonesia or India? There was a bit of buzz about that a year or so ago - just like the Ninja.

Don't know if it ever happened, and why it never came here if it did.

Apparently CBR250RR was made in Indonesia from 2017 for Asian markets only.
https://www.cycleworld.com/2017-honda-cbr250rr-is-here-and-its-beautiful/
https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/this-2019-honda-cbr250rr-hrc-is-too-good-for-words/

Some minor updates for 2020 with additional power.
https://www.timesnownews.com/auto/bike-news/article/2020-honda-cbr250rr-list-of-changes-on-the-upcoming-bike/569431

They really need to get rid of that hideous muffler.

Well the official launch here in Thailand is now scheduled for July 10th.

However the expected price, lack of power, and lack of adjustable suspension has pretty much killed my interest in the bike. Lack of power could be forgiven if the suspension was somewhat adjustable, but it looks like it will need cartridge kits, and at that point I might as well just get something else because it's not nearly as track ready as Kawasaki seems to say it is, and that was basically the allure of the thing.

It better be really damn light.

Yeah, weight is my major concern with getting one. Suspension can be upgraded, but extremely difficult to remove significant amounts of weight from heavy frame.

Fully track prepped N400 for $9k, vs this which needs a few more grand too be ready, vs ~$8k for a lightly used duc 848 ready to go... Don't see this thing being very popular.

I'm really upset about the lack of adjustability. They really dropped the ball there.

They should make race-version. Either with adjustable suspensions, or with no suspension at discount and racers can install their own. Maybe even do Porsche GT2/GT3 way and charge extra to remove things like power-windows, power heated seats and AC to save weight.

So it's 10-july now in New Zealand and Indonesia. What's latest news on ZX-25R???

Are they shills? Is it real? Or is it Memorex?

xwlaYh-aLP8

Boo.... so disappointing!

50 bhp
17 000 rpm redline
400 lbs !!! “Kerb weight”, whatever that means...
116 mph top-speed, that's 5mph slower than Ninja 400!

https://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/news/kawasaki-ninja-zx25r-launched-in-indonesia/39105/?&_=1594374548407

https://m.dailyhunt.in//news/india/english/bike+dekho-epaper-bikedeko/kawasaki+ninja+zx+25r+launched+in+indonesia-newsid-n197384090

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bikedekho.com/v/s/www.bikedekho.com/news/kawasaki-ninja-zx-25r-launching-today%3famp=1&usqp=mq331AQFKAGwASA%253D&amp_js_v=0.1#ampf=

I’m gonna buy that 1994 CBR250RR I saw on Craigslist.

Kawasaki Thailand website was down most of the day. They pushed back the reveal to July 14th motor show, possibly unveiling on the 17th now.... I think I've lost faith. Ninja 400 seems like a much better deal unless you have crazy displacement taxes like Indonesia. Too bad, I wanted a race bike, not a tax dodge.

Race version is available, but you have to buy a standard bike, and then buy all the parts from their official parts suppliers to convert it. Once you do that, you will have a bike that can legally compete in the one-make series.

Yeah, best bang-for-buck track bike is Ninja 400. Very light ~300lbs is within reach, can get +50bhp easily.

Walking around Kawasaki store.

CKgwXZ5Vv6U

Hello Ninjettes,
I looked in the FAQ and didnt see anything about posting links, so I am posting this link related to a Ninja 250 i4 that is going to Asian markets, 50 hp claimed :eek: :eek: :eek:

https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/kawasaki-ninja-zx-25r-official/

I am drooling over this little bike. Maybe some will make it over here via 'gray market'?

Be safe!
Lem in KY
:cheers:

OK, I see this has already been posted, Mod, please delete!! Sorry about that!

Very disappointing specs compared to '90s version. It's a full 45-lbs heavier with similar power. Back then, there was gentlemen's agreement between manufacturers to limit power to 45bhp. However it was simple to remove limiter by clipping or grounding certain wires on ECU. Or in Honda's case, just plug in different smart-card.

Dave Moss has been giving everyone fits with his '94 CBR250RR. We suspect he's got 55-60bhp from his lap-times. Was hoping ZX-25R's dual-power rating would in that range, but NO, it's only 2bhp more than base model.

I can live with 50bhp, but that extra 45-lbs just kills all handling and braking performance. Imagine taking an R6 or CBR600RR and removing 60% of power, but keeping all the weight. It's gonna be a pig!!

Very disappointing specs compared to '90s version. It's a full 45-lbs heavier with similar power. Back then, there was gentlemen's agreement between manufacturers to limit power to 45bhp. However it was simple to remove limiter by clipping or grounding certain wires on ECU. Or in Honda's case, just plug in different smart-card.

Dave Moss has been giving everyone fits with his '94 CBR250RR. We suspect he's got 55-60bhp from his lap-times. Was hoping ZX-25R's dual-power rating would in that range, but NO, it's only 2bhp more than base model.

I can live with 50bhp, but that extra 45-lbs just kills all handling and braking performance. Imagine taking an R6 or CBR600RR and removing 60% of power, but keeping all the weight. It's gonna be a pig!!

Hey Danno, thank you very much for replying to my dup thread post... As you might have gathered, I absolutely flipped when I saw this, I mean like Speed Racer/Spridal and Chim Chim eyeballs popping out as the Mach5 heads off the cliff, style flip-out :eek: I cannot believe I missed this for a whole year! I need to get out more, but, i digress ...
I agree with you, the weight is a deal-killer. The 50hp--for me--is good, Im OK with that, but the weight was one thing that made me immediately gravitate to the Z4. I got pretty much the same feeling looking/sitting on the Z4 as I did with the RD400 in 1978. After getting off of a BMW, the Z400 was a revelation, I could never go back. Kawasaki makes great retro bikes, hope springs eternal for a retro ZXR250 :thumbup:

Yeah, after hopping off heavy supersports onto ninjettes, I'll never go back. Light weight is so much more fun!

Well, one good thing about ZX-25R is it's not going to cost $9-10k like original estimates. But I still can't get over the weight. How did they make negative progress in 20-yrs?

I just picked up NSR250R frame for my 2-stroke project. It does weigh 30-lbs less than Ninja 250R frame, so going from alloy to steel frame added some weight. I suppose to keep costs down, they did away with lots of engineering to keep weigh low. Because it is possible to make lightweight steel frames.

Also picked up 3x CBR250RRs in boxes. Should be enough to build 2x bikes I think. There's a group of geezers that started racing these things about 15-yrs ago and lots of them are getting out. It's a little lighter than old ZXR-250 and has more international support as far as parts goes. We'll see what 19 000 RPM redline with gear-driven cams sounds like soon enough! :)

Yeah, after hopping off heavy supersports onto ninjettes, I'll never go back. Light weight is so much more fun!



Also picked up 3x CBR250RRs in boxes. Should be enough to build 2x bikes I think. There's a group of geezers that started racing these things about 15-yrs ago and lots of them are getting out. It's a little lighter than old ZXR-250 and has more international support as far as parts goes. We'll see what 19 000 RPM redline with gear-driven cams sounds like soon enough! :)

Nice!!! I hope you put picture up when finished!! :thumbup: I keep goin back to the 70s, but 'superbikes' back then, might have been, an RD400, or Honda 400/4 because they had a wide envelope of things they did well, not just one or two. I really miss that thought process. Small bikes were abundant.

Looks like ZX-25R has stirred up all sorts of interest in small bikes!
https://electrodealpro.com/honda-will-launch-the-cbr400rr-equipped-with-the-engine-of-cb400-to-fight-zx-25r/
Huge amounts of torque over ZX-25R!

This bike is starting to sound more and more like a rich mans ninja 400.

Looks like ZX-25R has stirred up all sorts of interest in small bikes!
https://electrodealpro.com/honda-will-launch-the-cbr400rr-equipped-with-the-engine-of-cb400-to-fight-zx-25r/
Huge amounts of torque over ZX-25R!

Oh man :eek: :eek: :eek:
The only problem is, I told my Wife the Z400 would be the last new bike I ever get ...
I guess I'll have to wait for a used one :cheers:
If Honda did a retro 400/4 with the same work-of-art pipes of the original, that would really be something!

But really, the compact nature of the Z's twin still makes it a desirable item. :thumbup:
The Honda would probably be 1500 more, too(?):confused:

This bike is starting to sound more and more like a rich mans ninja 400.

That seems like a fair assessment.
As motorcyclists we are always lusting for new, high-tech, faster, etc ... Eventually, someone will make something that is "better(???)" than the lil Ninja. But, regardless of what comes out in the future, the 400 will remain a great bike. It does everything well. That wont change.

And -- bucket-n-shim'ing 2 extra cylinders :doh: :censored: :Cry:

Seems like technology has really improved and driven costs down. Those 250 4-cylinders cost $10k back in '90s. Which would be over $20k today! :eek:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl1Wzdx1qMY

I've seen some online pricing guestimates that put the bike in the 6-8k range depending on trim. I just started following this story so my info may be out of date.

If they bring it to the states I definitely want one.

Way cool!