Motorcycle specifications KawasakiZ 125 2019 Un Zeste de roadster

The Z is the key to Kawasaki. A family of roadsters steeped in history. A Z 1000 that catapulted the brand to the forefront, a Z 750 with striking success, a 650 / 900 duo that is a must on today's market, a Z 1300 powered by one of Japan's rare 6-cylinders... But there's one displacement where he's never dared to venture: the 125 cm3. Yet it's the dawn of desire, a gateway to motorcycling intoxication. The greens are now on the offensive in this segment. With the Z 125, Kawasaki aims to offer the first thrills of a roadster.

Is Kawa playing big? No, Kawa is playing for position. There's no need to shock, dazzle or shake things up. This little roadster is a little provocative, but not too provocative, with good proportions, polished edges and a real personality. Not a big Z in miniature, but a real little Z to show off like a leader of the crowd. It's not provocative, as Kawa is known for; it's the charm of a youthfulness.

The Z 125 shares its technical base with its sporty Ninja sibling - a skirmish that is equally striking among small sportbikes. A liquid-cooled 4-stroke single delivers the requisite 15 horsepower. No more watts allowed. No competitor is better in terms of power, but the Kawa's weight doesn't allow it to compensate. At 146 kilos, it's far from being the lightest.
More eye-catching, the green-clad frame is a tubular steel trellis. It will be tempting for future owners to slip in the anecdote that the sultry H2 uses the same type of structure. Braking is provided by a disc at each wheel, bitten by two-piston calipers, including ABS.

With its slim tires, pocket-sized dimensions and assertive looks, the Z 125 promises to be both fun and rewarding. Comfort will be more important on the roadster, as the riding position is more upright, with handlebars higher than on the sports bike. Another difference is that the seat height is 30 mm higher on the Z than on the Ninja, even though both are built on the same platform. This is due to the thicker seat, which is more accommodating to the buttocks. The two-tone treatment of the seats is also very pleasing.

With the Z and Ninja, Kawasaki is finally able to offer bikes for the young (or not so young) who want to discover the world of motorcycling. And these machines are far from ugly. Successful design and a sense of quality are just some of the assets the roadster will bring to the table in a sector where the Katoche 125 Duke rules, in a small constellation where Mash, Yam MT-125, Suz GSX-S 125, Aprilia 125 Tuono, Honda CB 125 R and also...... orbit. Wow, there's a lot of them around. And yet, the Kawa is sure to get noticed.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos