SINCE the first computer-generated pictures showed what a possible Kawasaki ZX-25R Ninja could look like, most of the nostalgic motorcycle community have been frothing at the mouth with anticipation of the new machine.
All sorts of rumours and hearsay were about but until the Tokyo Motor Show, very little in the way of hard facts. Happily, we’ve caught sight of some new pictures of the diminutive four-cylinder machine. One of which shows the bike’s rev-counter and points to it having a screaming 17,000rpm redline. To put that in to perspective it’s only 1000rpm less than that of the 2019 Ducati MotoGP bike, all from a tiddly four-cylinder 250cc powerplant.
To do this, Kawasaki must be working on some seriously cool bits of tech to squeeze into those diminutive bores. For one thing, the size of the components must be small, that means – obviously – tiny pistons, conrods, a crank, and some camshafts. All machined in jewel-like loveliness. And then there’s the valves and the valve timing gear… The interior of this engine is going to be more Swiss chronograph than motorcycle engine – and we love that!
For too long now the motorcycle industry has been ruled by the Euro3/4/5 gods, it’s about time the motorcycle industry went back to a time of saying, ‘F*ck it, let's just build thins thing’. Think of the doors this bike could open when it officially lands. Think of a one-make race series with 25 of these gnat-like machines screaming down the straight at Catalunya, all piloted by the next generation of MotoGP and WSBK heroes?
I think Kawasaki is onto a winner with one and I really cannot wait to see the finished bike!
