The Kawasaki ZX-25R inline machine unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show last year took the internet by storm. With this four-cylinder machine, Kawasaki is bringing back the late 80s. This article essentially covers the things you would want to see and hear!

The 80s Four-Cylinder Obsession

Since the late 80s, specifically, the Japanese big four had an obsession with small 250cc four-cylinder machines. This was mainly because of the license law and technological demand. The result of this led to the creation of Honda CBR250R, Suzuki GSX-R250, Yamaha FZR250R, and Kawasaki ZXR250. They became very popular all over the world.  Sadly, the production of these bikes soon came to an end. The manufacturers slowly switched the 250cc lineup to either a single or twin cylinder after a few years. All because of High developing and production costs.

My personal favourite, the Kawasaki ZXR250, is a beast of a machine. The amount of technology, design quirks and the SOUND of the ZXR250 get me weak every time. The signature washing machine pipes on the windshield is one of the characteristics that trigger me the most. The canals tunnel the air straight into the air intake and turn petrol into sound and power!

The Screaming  In-line Four: Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R

Good for us, Kawasaki is making a come back with the new ZX25R 2020 which was unveiled at the 2019 Toyko Autoshow.

Before we get into more on the specs and leaks, listen to Kawasaki’s teaser video of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R.

The Specs of the ZX-25R

The old ZXR250 made 45Hp while according to rumours, the new ZX-25R is capable of producing 50-60HP. With the latest electronics, it is possible, but I guess we have to wait for Kawasaki to tell us.

From the leaks, the bike comes with features that are usually found on bigger bikes. To begin with, the SFF-BP front forks and 4-pot radial brakes.

At the back, the bike features horizontal fully adjustable back-link mono-shock as seen on the pictures.

Furthermore, from what Kawasaki Indonesia posted on youtube reveal, the bike features a full electronics package with traction control, power modes, and a quick-shifter. Dang…Imagine the high revving in-line four engine at 16,000 rpm with the quick-shifter!

From the aesthetics of the bike, the ZX-25R features a twin-pod headlamp design similar to the one on the ZX-6R. The tail lamp borrowed from the ZX-10R, and the bulky fuel tank makes it look like it does not belong to the 250cc category.

From Kawasaki Indonesia’s tease, we got to have a detailed look at the Tachometer. From the pictures, the bike redlines at 17,000rmp!

Check out the Reveal of ZX-25R here! 

The Latest Updates

Recently, Kawasaki posted some pictures of the ZX-25R at Jerez with Kawasaki Racing Team’s Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes during a Videoshoot. Could this be for a promotional video during the launch soon?

Kawasaki‘s Indonesian plant would be used to manufacture the ZX-25R along with the Ninja H2. The bike is expected to go into production by January and release by March-April in Indonesia.  The motorcycle is rumoured to come in two options. However, the pricing is not yet confirmed. However, some rumours state the starting pricing for Japan would be 860,000 yen (Approximately 8,000 USD / Rm 32,000) including taxes.

We still can’t put the finger on whether if the bike would be available outside of Japan and Indonesia. This is because of Emission rules around the world. Though the engine capacity is small, the in-line four might not pass the emission rules in some countries, but we never know what Kawasaki would do.