The Kawasaki ZX25R was the most anticipated motorcycle at the 2020 Japan Kawasaki Motorcycle Fair. It can achieve a stunning top speed of nearly 190 km/h (118 mph) on the race track. In this Kawasaki ZX25R review, I’ll describe all of its specs and features so you can decide if it is the right bike for you.
The Kawasaki ZX25R is the only in-line four-cylinder motorcycle model in its class. It features an all-new gasoline engine that can deliver superior performance, surpassing all other bikes with engine sizes ranging from 250cc to 300cc. It is the first 250cc motorcycle that is equipped with traction control.
This supersport bike can deliver 22.9nM of torque at 14,500rpm. Its engine is connected to a six-speed gearbox. The ZX25R becomes the most powerful 250cc motorcycle that any popular motorbike manufacturer ever made with these key components.
Read on to learn more about the Kawasaki Ninja ZX25R, its background, features, and key specifications.
About the Kawasaki ZX25R
Introduced in Japan and Launched in Indonesia
The supersport bike world has been anticipating the Kawasaki ZX25R for the past couple of years. You can say that it is the most anticipated motorbike of the year. Finally, it has been introduced in Japan and launched in Indonesia. The world has finally set its eyes on this marvelous wonder.
It was first seen in the Kawasaki Motorcycle Fair 2020 in Japan. The Kawasaki Ninja ZX25R was eventually launched in Indonesia shortly thereafter. Why in an Asian country? The reason is primarily that it was designed for the Asian Market. Most riders in these parts are on sub-400cc motorbikes.
Four Cylinders
But why four cylinders? The market in South East Asia wants more options. And this is where the Kawasaki Ninja ZX25R comes in. It will probably be made available in the United States for those looking for smaller bikes with big bike capabilities.
What Kawasaki tried to do was to scale down the traditional sportbike. And by doing this, they were able to sell the ‘big bike’ feel and its characteristic sound without the extra big engine displacement for less money than the usual costs of big bikes.
Body Is Suspended on a Trellis Frame
It seems that this little ‘big bike’ comes with all the right parts. The body of this sportbike is suspended on a trellis frame that is made of high-tensile steel. It comes with functional features like the following:
- Quickshifter,
- Several ride modes,
- Radially mounted monoblock brakes with ABS,
- Traction control, and many more.
An in-line four-cylinder propels this supersport bike, 250cc gasoline engine mated to a 6-speed transmission. Kawasaki claims that their test models can generate 50.3 brake horsepower (bhp) at 15,500 RPM. Japanese models, though, can produce a more modest 44 bhp.
On test models such as the Kawasaki Ninja ZX25R Carbon, which was tested in the U.K., the super sportbike achieved a top speed of 190 kilometers per hour (kph). That is around 118 miles per hour.
Kawasaki Quick Shifter
This motorbike also has a downshift that sounds very aggressive. That is because it is fitted with a KQS or Kawasaki Quick Shifter. For a four-cylinder engine, this 250cc unit is really very compact. It could generate high revs. This engine redlines at around 17,000 RPM.
With all these high-level qualities, it is no wonder that the Kawasaki ZX25R is quite expensive. If there is ever going to be a Kawasaki ZX25R (USA), it would be priced at around $9,000 to $10,000. Right now, its price in some Asian countries is no less than $8,000. Some say that this bike could be made available in the US on a pre-order basis.
That price is brought about because it costs a lot of money to make an engine that can produce so much power using just a small displacement. Creating a four-cylinder engine instead of just a parallel-twin engine will also up the price.
Kawasaki Ninja 250 Top Speed [How Fast Can It Go?]
Kawasaki ZX25R Features
While the Kawasaki ZX25R has many functional features, you may focus on a few of its salient features. They make this supersport bike worth considering:
1. Strong Performance
The Kawasaki ZX25R is fitted with a 249cc inline four-cylinder engine which can deliver 50 hp. at 15,500 RPM and 22.9 nM of torque at 14,500 RPM. These figures are not that much, but it is already big and powerful enough for beginners and intermediate riders. They can use this bike to improve their riding skills on the tracks.
Gear shifts are quite smooth with its 6-speed manual transmission because it has an assist slipper clutch. For even smoother shifts, Kawasaki added its own quickshifter to the mix. So attacking corners on the track is made easier.
The engine’s multi-cylinder configuration and low displacement enable this sportbike to deliver a very linear powerband and revolutions up to a maximum of 17,000 rpm. If the ram air intake is increased further, it will also increase its power output to about 51 hp. This makes it more powerful than all other rival bikes that are powered by 250cc engines.
By comparison, Kawasaki ZX25R’s nearest rivals, the Yamaha R3 and the KTM RC 390 have power limits lower than 50 horses. The Yamaha R3 can only produce up to 42 hp, while the KTM RC 390 can only manage a maximum of 43.5 hp.
2. Mileage and Speed
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX25R can get 58.8 miles to a gallon of fuel or 25 kilometers to a liter. It can get from zero to 100 km/h in just about 6 seconds. That’s about 62 miles in 6 seconds. This superbike can attain a top speed of 190 km/h. That’s around 118 mph.
3. Strong but Flexible Chassis
The engineers developed the chassis of the ZX25R at Kawasaki by using advanced dynamic rigidity analysis. This process enabled them to save weight and optimize the frame’s rigidity where it is needed the most.
The lightweight trellis frame of this supersport bike was designed meticulously by the Kawasaki engineers to possess the right combination of flexibility and strength. That is why it can be considered an agile bike with superbike handling qualities.
4. High Quality Suspension
The Kawasaki ZX25R comes with first-class suspension components. Kawasaki claims that the suspension of this superbike is the same as the one they use on the ZX-10R, the company’s flagship model.
The suspension components of this bike include 37 mm inverted forks at the front and a horizontal back-link rear suspension setup from Showa. There’s a wide range of adjustability for the bike’s suspension, both front, and back. Riders can set the suspension at their desired setting according to the weather and track conditions.
5. More Bang for the Buck
The Kawasaki ZX25R offers more value for your money. Its engine is meant to deliver power, performance, and riding characteristics as its bigger and more powerful siblings and a more approachable and affordable package.
This motorbike can be said to be sitting on a class of its own when talking about performance-oriented machines. There is no other motorbike in the market that offers the kind of performance and the thrilling sound of its relatively small engine package.
It is, therefore, quite understandable that the Kawasaki ZX25R commands a steep price. This bike is almost as pricey as its middleweight sibling, the Ninja 650. But considering its superb characteristics and capabilities, the price is just right for the value it offers.
Other Features Worth Mentioning
Here are some of the other features of the Kawasaki ZX25R that you need to know:
1. Curb Weight
For the base model, the curb weight is set at 396 pounds (180 kg.). If the unit has an ABS, another 5 pounds will be added to its overall weight.
2. Body
The beautiful body of this superbike is suspended on a Trellis frame with upside-down front forks.
3. Suspension
This bike has a Showa suspension, with 37 mm SFF-BP separate function front big piston forks. The rear suspension consists of a horizontal back-link rear shock with spring pre-load adjustment. The Kawasaki ZX25R offers a 120 mm suspension travel in the front and horizontal back-link suspension with this suspension system.
4. Riding Modes
This bike has three riding modes, namely:
- Race,
- Road, and
- Sport modes.
5. Instrument Console
The instrument panel of this superbike contains the following:
- Digital odometer,
- A digital fuel gauge,
- An oil change indicator,
- A digital speedometer,
- A trip meter, and
- A tachometer.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Specifications and Features
Kawasaki ZX25R Specs
Kawasaki ZX25R Most Important Specs
A lot of engineering went into the design of the Kawasaki ZX25R. This can be seen in the specs of this machine. The most important specs of this superbike are the following:
- Engine Type – in-line, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled gasoline engine
- Engine Displacement – 249cc
- Maximum Power – 50 to 51 hp. at 15,500 rpm
- Maximum Torque – 22.9 nM at 14,500 rpm
- Transmission – 6-speed manual
- Seat Height – 30.9 in (785 mm)
- Ground Clearance – 4.9 in (125 mm)
- Kerb/Wet Weight – 401 lb. (182 kg.)
- Fuel Tank – 3.9 gallons (15 liters)
- Emission Standard – BS6 compliant
Kawasaki ZX25R Full Specs
The table below will show you the full specifications of the Kawasaki ZX25R:
| Part/Section | Specifications |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | Inline 4 Cylinder, 4-Stroke, 16 Valves, DOHC Liquid Cooled Engine |
| Displacement | 250cc |
| Maximum Power | 50 hp. at 15,500rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 22.9 nM at 14,500rpm |
| Valve Configuration | DOHC |
| Injection Type | Fuel Injection |
| Bore X Stroke | 50 mm x 31.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Lubrication System | Forced Lubrication, Wet Sump |
| Exhaust Pipes | 4 Into 1 Exhaust |
| Start Option | Electric |
| Ignition System | B&C (TCBI EL. ADV. D.) |
| Cooling System | Liquid Cooled |
| Drive Type | Chain Drive |
| Fuel | |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Gear & Transmission | |
| Gear Box | 6-speed |
| Transmission Type | Manual |
| Chassis & Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Showa SFF-BP |
| Suspension Travel(Front) | 4.7 in (120 mm) |
| Rear Suspension | Horizontal Back-Link |
| Suspension Travel(Rear) | 4.6 in (116 mm) |
| Wheels & Tires | |
| Front Wheel Size | R17 |
| Rear Wheel Size | R17 |
| Front Tire | 110/70 R17 |
| Rear Tire | 150/60 R17 |
| Tire Type | Radial, Tubeless |
| Dimension | |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Seat Height | 30.9 in (785 mm) |
| Height | 43.7 in (1110 mm) |
| Length | 77.9 in (1980 mm) |
| Width | 29.5 in (750 mm) |
| Wheel Base | 54.3 in (1380 mm) |
| Ground Clearance | 4.9 in (125 mm) |
| Kerb Weight | 401.2 lb. (182 kg) |
| Electrical | |
| Battery Voltage | 12 volts |
Kawasaki ZX25R Review
Here’s a video showing the Kawasaki ZX25R in the showroom and being test-driven on the tracks. It also shows the bike hitting the tracks at its highest speeds. This video also neatly explains the features that make this superbike something that will capture the heart of motorcycle enthusiasts:
Accessories for the Kawasaki ZX25R
Here are some products available at Amazon that can be used as accessories to the Kawasaki ZX25R:
Kemimoto Saddlebags Motorcycle
Click here to see it on Amazon.
These Kemimoto Saddlebags can carry the things you need in your daily commute or during short trips. They are made of high-quality PU leather. Also, these bags have strong stitches that enable them to support and carry the items inside them.
They are perfectly compatible with the Kawasaki ZX25R. These saddlebags also offer some protection to your items when there’s light rain. Their buckles can be closed and released easily, ensuring hassle-free use.
MOTO-D Motorcycle Mat for Kawasaki
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Another accessory that can be used for the ZX25R Kawasaki motorbike is the MOTO-D Motorcycle Mat. This mat is great for the garage, showroom, and paddock or at any place where you want to display your Kawasaki ZX25R.
It is a low-profile carpet for motorcycles that comes with a non-slip rubberized backing. This mat will also help prevent damage to your motorbike when you park it in areas with some drippings of oil or brake fluid.
Conclusion: Kawasaki Ninja ZX25R Specs and Review
The Kawasaki ZX25R was the most anticipated motorcycle at the 2020 Kawasaki Motorcycle Fair in Japan. It can achieve an incredible top speed of nearly 190 km/h (118 mph) on the race track.
The Kawasaki ZX25R is a supersport bike and the only in-line four-cylinder model in its class. This motorbike features an all-new gasoline engine that is designed to deliver superior performance.
Its power surpasses all other bikes, with engine sizes ranging from 250cc to 300cc. It is also the first 250cc motorbike fitted with traction control.
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