Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R specifications revealed

• Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R on sale in Indonesia in two variants

• Higher-spec Special Edition variant gets riding modes, traction control and quickshifter as standard 

• Ram air boosts power to 51hp

After weeks of releasing teasers and a delayed launch owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kawasaki in Indonesia has finally announced prices and engine specifications of the new Ninja ZX-25R. The motorcycle can be bought in that country at a starting price of IDR 96,000,000 (about Rs 5 lakh*). Available in two variants, the higher-spec Special Edition trim is priced at IDR 1,12,900,000 (about Rs 5.88 lakh*).

While there are no mechanical differences between two variants, the ZX-25R Special Edition gets dual-tone colours, traction control, bi-directional quickshifter, riding modes and ABS as standard.

Focus on performance 

The ZX-25R’s engine outputs have also now been revealed. It is evident that the ZX-25R packs some serious firepower in relation to its cubic capacity - the 249cc, liquid-cooled, inline-four engine develops 50hp (51hp with ram air) at a stratospheric 15,500rpm, with the redline sitting further up at 17,000rpm! Peak torque is 22.9Nm at 14,500rpm. These figures are higher than higher capacity motorcycles such as the Yamaha R3 (42hp) or the KTM RC 390 (43.5hp). Even Kawasaki's twin-cylinder Ninja 400 produces slightly less power (49hp) than the ZX-25R. That said, the ZX-25R's 182kg kerb weight (ABS model) is higher than the Ninja 400 and even above direct competition such as the twin-cylinder Honda CBR250RR, which tips the scales at 168kg.

Nevertheless, Kawasaki is pegging the new ZX-25R as a serious performance-oriented machine, evident by the teaser video that showed the motorcycle being put through its paces by multiple WSBK champion and Kawasaki Factory Team rider, Jonathan Rea. 

Keeping the ZX-25R's bias towards performance in mind, Kawasaki has also equipped it with a high specification suspension. The front fork is a 37mm Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork-Big Piston) while at the rear, there's Kawasaki's back-link rear suspension. 

The brakes, too, have been set up in-line with the level of performance on offer. There's a single 310mm disc at the front with four pistons and radially mounted calipers, while a 220mm disc with a single pot caliper does duty at the rear.

Family design 

In terms of styling, the ZX-25R follows Kawasaki's latest design language. The twin LED headlamps, beefy 15-litre tank and short tail lend the right amount of aggression to the little Ninja and it looks like a proper track machine from every angle. The list of colour options on the higher-spec Special Edition include Lime Green/Ebony Metallic, Candy Plasma Blue/Metallic Spark Blue and Spark Black/Pearl White. The standard variant is only available in Metallic Spark Black.

Will it come to India?

For now, the ZX-25R is available in Indonesia, though it will go on sale in other markets in the near future. The chances of India figuring on the list of countries where the ZX-25R will be available, however, are minimal. That's because the Ninja ZX-25R is positioned as a hardcore quarter-litre sports bike and the level of equipment and specifications on offer would translate to a hefty price tag. That means it'll end up being a niche product with not too many takers in a price sensitive market like India. However unlikely a launch is, if the bike makes it to our shores it may be priced above the 2020 Ninja 650, which costs Rs 6.24 lakh (ex-showroom). For reference, in our previous reports, we mentioned that the ZX-25R is priced above the Ninja 400 and Ninja 650 in New Zealand. 

*As per the current exchange rates