2019 Kawasaki Ninja 125 and Z125 Announced for Europe

Dennis Chung
by Dennis Chung

Kawasaki revealed two small-displacement models for Europe’s A1 entry-level licensing tier. The 2019 Kawasaki Ninja 125 and Z125 share a 125cc engine, a full-size chassis with 17-inch wheels and similar styling to the larger Ninja and Z models. Unfortunately, neither model is likely to come to North America where there’s no equivalent to the A1 class to create enough of a market. It’s a shame, though, as these two look like they could be a lot of fun.

The water-cooled 125cc four-valve DOHC Single claims 14.8 hp at 10000rpm and 8.6 lb-ft. at 7700 rpm. The engine is tuned for speeds below 100 kph (62 mph), while offering a bit of punch at higher revs. The engine is paired with a six-speed transmission.

Like the larger Z and Ninja bikes, both 125 models share a steel trellis frame balancing rigidity with a slim package and lighter weight. Up front, a 37mm telescopic fork offers 4.33 inches of travel while the rear uses a five-way preload adjustable Uni Track suspension. The braking system is comprised of a twin-piston front caliper with 290mm disc on the front wheel and a dual-piston caliper with 220mm disc on the rear wheel.

2019 Kawasaki Ninja 125

The Ninja 125 draws inspiration from Kawasaki’s larger sportbikes, though with a single headlight which it shares with the Z125.

Clip-on handlebars create a sportier riding posture than on the Z125, while a 30.9-inch seat height helps provide an easy reach to the ground for new riders (taller riders can opt for a higher 31.7-inch seat). Kawasaki claims a curb weight of 326 pounds.

The 2019 Kawasaki Ninja 125 will be offered in three color options: Candy Plasma Blue/Metallic Flat Spark Black, Line Green/Ebony/Metallic Graphite Gray and Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Matte Fusion Silver.

2019 Kawasaki Z125

The Z125 (not to be confused with the Z125 Pro; Kawasaki may want to rebrand the mini-bike at this point) has minimal bodywork to show off more of the trellis frame than even the larger Z650 and Z900 models.

A wide flat handlebar produces a taller riding position than the Ninja 125. Th seat is also taller at 32.1-inches, though Kawasaki offers an optional lower seat at 31.1 inches.

The 2019 Kawasaki Z125 will be offered in Metallic Flat Spark Black/Pearl flat Stardust White, Candy Lime Green/Metallic Flat Spark Black or Candy Plasma Blue/Metallic Spark Black.

Read more from our 2018 Intermot Show Coverage

Dennis Chung
Dennis Chung

Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.

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  • GIBBED GIBBED on Oct 02, 2018

    The trellis frame on those looks bad ass. I hope they add these elements to the 400 and 650 as well.

    • Denchung Denchung on Oct 02, 2018

      Kawasaki did a good job designing bodywork for both bikes that shows off the frame.

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