2019 Kawasaki Ninja 125 and Z125 Confirmed for Intermot

Dennis Chung
by Dennis Chung

Kawasaki provided the first look at two new entry-level bikes for the European market, a new Ninja 125 sportbike and a naked Z125. Kawasaki initially announced the two small-displacement models at EICMA last November, but now we have initial details ahead of the full announcement which will come next month at Intermot.

Designed for Europe’s A1 license category, the two 125cc models are styled to resemble Kawasaki’s larger models. The new Z125 is a full on Z model, as opposed to the Grom-fighting Z125 Pro mini-bike, while the Ninja 125’s fairing takes some cues from the Ninja 650.

Both bikes share a 125cc water-cooled Single claiming 14.7 hp, though Kawasaki notes this figure may change a bit before the official launch. Kawasaki says the engine is tuned for mid- to high-range performance.

Like the larger Ninja and Z models, the 125s use tubular trellis frames to keep the weight low (we’ll know exactly how low at Intermot). The Ninja 125’s seat is 30.9 inches from the ground, while the Z125 is a bit higher at 32.1 inches.

Neither bike is expected to be coming to North America, though we do have to wonder if this new Z125 will necessitate a name change for the Z125 Pro. We’ll find out more when Kawasaki releases more information about the Ninja 125 and Z125 on Oct. 2 at Intermot.

Preliminary technical specifications

Ninja 125
Maximum power: 11.0 kW (14.7 hp)
L x W x H: 1,935 x 685 x 1,075 mm (76.1 x 27.0 x 42.3 inches)
Front tire: 100/80-17M/C 52S
Rear tire: 130/70-17M/C 62S
Seat height: 785 mm (30.9 inches)

Z125
Maximum power: 11.0 kW (14.7 hp)
L x W x H: 1,935 x 740 x 1,015 mm (76.1 x 29.1 x 40.0 inches)
100/80-17M/C 52S
Rear tire: 130/70-17M/C 62S
Seat height: 815 mm (32.1 inches)

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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