Kawasaki is taking on the adult-fun motorcycle market created by the 125cc Honda Grom a few years ago with its own version called the Z125 Pro.
The Grom created a new sector of hipsters who wanted something nimble and fun that made a statement. It was a huge hit in the US a few years ago and Honda Australia has only just realised and decided to import it from the middle of this year.
It looks like having some competition from brands such as Benelli, CFMoto and now Kawasaki.
The 2017 model year Kawasaki Z125 Pro has just arrived in Australia at $4099 plus on-road costs which is $100 more than the $3990 introductory offer of the Grom which is coming mid-year.
Like the Grom, it’s an edgy, sporty little bike and despite its size and 78cm seat, it should fit most adult riders like the Grom.
Kawasaki marketing says it is aimed at people who want a “small, pressure-free motorcycle with plenty of capabilities, low price and great gas mileage”.
“Ideal for someone looking for a real motorcycle, but without the high pressure and costs associated with a larger bike.”
Wringing wet, the Z125 weighs only just over 100kg and should be super-agile through the morning traffic.
It is also claimed to be very economical and should run for a long time on the 7.5-litre fuel tank.
Kawasaki says it will take a pillion and the suspension will handle “sporty riding”.
“It’s the dark side of fun,” they say.
Some of the features are a race-themed analogue tachometer; comprehensive instrumentation including fuel gauge, clock, trip meter and gear indicator, under-engine muffler and LED taillight.
It’s powered by a four-stroke, single-cylinder, 125cc air-cooled SOHC, fuel-injected engine.
They don’t mention power figures, but it should be fairly nippy given its light weight. And, of course, it’s learner approved.
The engine is mated to a four-speed gearbox with a light clutch lever.
It is suspended by 30mm inverted front forks and single rear shock, and sits on 12-inch alloys with 100/90 and 120/70 tyres.
The Z125 Pro features hydraulic disc brakes front and rear with Nissin calipers. Up front is a 200mm petal-style disc and a 184mm petal-style disc on the rear wheel.
It will arrive in Candy Lime Green only.
2017 Kawasaki Z125 Pro
- Engine: 4-stroke, 1 cylinder, SOHC, 2-valve, air-cooled
- Displacement: 125cc
- Bore x stroke: 56 x 50.6mm
- Compression: 9.8:1
- Transmission: 4-speed, return shift
- Tyres: 100/90-12; 120/70-12
- Suspension: USD forks, single shock
- Brakes: 200/184mm petal-style discs
- Overall length: 169mm
- Width: 75mm
- Height: 101mm
- Seat: 78cm
- Kerb weight: 101kg
- Fuel: 7.5L
- Click to view it on the Kawasaki website.