Travelling from the Kawasaki factory in Akashi, Japan, President of Kawasaki’s Motorcycle and Engine Company, Mr Kazuo Ota, delivered the keynote speech which recognised the true commitment of every member of the Kawasaki family and confirmed the company’s long term allegiance to the European motorcycle market.
Using the opportunity to engage with motorcycle media attending from across the entire continent, Mr Ota also unveiled plans for two new machines in the 125cc motorcycle category set to appear during 2018. Created in response to Europe-wide dealer demand and the result of numerous customer focus group events conducted by Kawasaki’s European research and development department, the Z125 and Ninja 125 will add further substance to those popular and long established ranges.
Illustrating the overall presentation theme of “True Commitment” the initial model to be unveiled was the Ninja ZX-10R SE, the first Ninja to feature electronic semi-active suspension. Representing the cutting edge of suspension technology utilising Showa units front and rear linked to sophisticated on-board sensing equipment, the suspension system is truly state of the art offering three setting modes and an initial reaction time counted in milliseconds.
Hot on the heels of universal praise for the Modern Classic Z900RS, Kawasaki chose EICMA to unveil a second Modern Classic machine that traces its design roots back four decades to the iconic Super Four model Z1 of 1972. With flat black finish handlebars plus a dramatic sculpted seat design, the Z900RS CAFE features a bold two-tone vintage lime green paint scheme plus a sporty handlebar cowl. Widening further the already broad appeal of the Z900RS, the new Z900RS CAFE certainly looks set to ignite the passion of a whole new wave of riders focused on the retro, modern classic and cafe scene.
As a fitting crescendo to proceedings the much rumoured “next step” for Kawasaki’s unique Supercharger family was unveiled in the full glare of the media spotlight. A highly specified continent crossing sports tourer, the Ninja H2-SX and the high grade option Ninja H2-SX SE model are crafted as genuine two-seater machines combining a stunning array of rider aids and forward thinking technology. The Ninja H2-SX takes the SX pure sports touring story to the next level after the hugely successful Ninja 1000SX established the class. And to reinforce its credentials, Kawasaki announced that matched to the power and flexibility of the supercharger application the Ninja H2-SX would deliver the same fuel economy figures as the company’s successful Versys 1000 adventure tourer.