So many renderings and leaked specifications can’t be just rumours. The 250cc, 4-cylinder Kawasaki Ninja engine has been said to be in its prototype form and now according to a media report, the sports bike is being promised to be showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2019. The radical quarter-litre, 4-cylinder engines have been on other motorcycles in the past such as the Yamaha FZR 250, Honda CBR 250 and the Kawasaki ZXR 250. This new breed is likely to be more powerful and efficient and will target a younger audience who are seeking an alternative to the large displacement superbikes.
The Kawasaki 4-cylinder model is likely to be christened as the ‘ZX-25R’ which will help relate to the brand’s sportbike line-up and will be much advanced than any of the bike falling in the same quarter-litre segment including some larger displacement twin-cylinder 300cc and 400cc motorcycles and even the single block KTM RC390.
In the engine department, the ZX-25R will have an inline 4-cylinder engine is likely to develop around 61 PS of power and the bike will be able to red-line close to the 19,000 RPM mark. For comparison, the Ninja 300 makes 39 PS and the Ninja 400 makes 49 PS of power from their parallel twin cylinder powerplants. There were rumours that the bike will be supercharged but it is unlikely and is expected to get a naturally aspirated motor, but is likely to get ram-air induction.
The ZX-25R is expected to feature an advanced aerodynamic supersport design inspired from the ZX-10R & Ninja H2 and is expected to host features like LED headlamps and tail lamps, a fully digital instrument console, a ride by wire system, upside down telescopic front fork, fully adjustable rear monoshock and multiple riding modes. The bike is expected to come with dual front rotors and a single rear disc with hydraulically operated brake calipers equipped with an ABS system on both the front and rear wheels.
How the bike will fare with the upcoming Euro5 emission norms remains to be seen.