Official: Kawasaki Ninja 125 and Z125 coming in 2018 | EICMA 2017

Kawasaki used its EICMA announcement to drop a teaser for a brace of upcoming 125cc machines – the Ninja 125 and Z125.

A single silhouetted image of the two bikes is all that was shown, with the promise that the final production models will appear towards the end of 2018.

Details were, understandably, limited. However, it’s safe to assume these new bikes will share the same underpinnings including a water-cooled single-cylinder 125cc engine. Power must surely be at the legal 15hp limit for learners.

Elements of the styling are visible in the pictures. It’s clear that the faired Ninja 125 doesn’t adopt the reverse-rake headlight design of the new Ninja 400, instead sticking with a more conventional nose and a single light reminiscent of the Ninja 250SL single. In fact, the silhouette image almost perfectly matches the Ninja 250SL and its Z250SL naked sibling. Could Kawasaki be carrying over the existing 250cc bikes’ bodywork to the new 125cc models? Or has it simply used the 250s to mock-up the teaser picture for the upcoming Ninja 125 and Z125?

Kazuo Ota, President of Kawasaki’s Motorcycle & Engine Company, said: “These two new models - and others under development – share unique Kawasaki styling, engineering and riding qualities that only we can deliver.

“Brand affinity is something we strive for. Riding their first ever kilometres on a Kawasaki is a vision we have for people taking to two wheels now and in future. Motorcycles that can either be the only machine that some riders will ever require or act as a stepping stone to a larger capacity Kawasaki - we are confident our plans address both needs”.

Morihiro Ikoma, Director of Kawasaki Motors Europe, added: “Our research and development team based at our European headquarters combine dealer feedback and the results of customer focus group events. One consistent request was for more entry level machines and particularly in the 125cc or A1 licence segment.

“We applaud the decision to develop machines as part of the popular Z and Ninja ranges as this exactly reflects the desire and aspirations of our enthusiastic European customer base.”