Kawasaki Ninja 125

The Kawasaki Ninja 125 performance is superb compared to other 125 CC motorbikes. Kawasaki continues to build sporty bikes of different engine capacities and attract riders who continue to buy their bikes as they progress through their licence stages. This motorcycle comes after a long period of absence of 125 CC sports bikes from Kawasaki. Check out the technical specs, design, performance and general information about this model.

Although Kawasaki is known to be one of the most popular motorcycle brands among riders seeking sports bikes, they weren’t always a viable option for the A1 license holders in recent times. However, after a period of 25 years, Kawasaki has once again come up with a sporty 125 CC motorbike. The Kawasaki Ninja 125 is obviously a part of the Ninja family of motorbikes and has gained considerable popularity among riders looking for a 125 CC motorbike.

Features which make Kawasaki Ninja 125 stand out

This motorbike undoubtedly delivers superb performance and is good value for money. The motor, the suspension and many of the other parts of this bike are similar to Ninja 250 SL, an older model which had been a major success. The specifications of this motorcycle are certainly better than many of the other 125 CC motorbikes. 

·      Design and build: One of the reasons behind the popularity of the Kawasaki Ninja series are the stylish looks that these motorbikes come with. The Ninja 125 has been designed to give the rider a feeling of riding a bigger and more powerful bike rather than a 125 cc model. The photos have attracted a large number of bike enthusiasts due to the stylish yet bold looks of this model. The structure of the chassis ensures a certain level of firmness without resulting in any discomfort.

·      Engine and transmission: Like many of the other parts, the engine is based on the Ninja 250SL model. With a maximum rpm of 10,000, this is a water-cooled four-stroke single cylinder engine. The torque is quite good too, with 7,700 rpm. The engine is designed to function without any hassles while being ridden at around the top speed of the bike, which makes it suitable for those seeking speedy 125 CC bikes. It comes with a 6-speed gearbox for transmission.

·      Ride quality and brakes: You may expect a comfortable ride, thanks to the low height of the seat and the overall design. Even though it is an entry-level motorbike, Kawasaki has provided it with high-quality suspensions which can efficiently absorb the shock from bumpy roads. The petal disk brakes are easy to handle as well and together with the chassis and suspension, they ensure a good experience.

·      Reliability: Being built on the basis of other models which have already proven to be competent, the Ninja 125 wouldn’t cause any issues regarding reliability. The powerful engines deliver high performance and the bike can be used on a regular basis through city traffic without any issues.

·      Modifications: While the model is indeed quite good in terms of performance, certain modifications could have been made to the equipment. For example, the clock looks a bit old and dull and does not include a gear indicator.

Comparison with competitors

This motorcycle has been launched along with Kawasaki Z125, a model which varies slightly. While both the bikes do come with similar engines and chassis, the Z125 model is relatively naked and therefore lighter. In fact, the design and build are the main differences between these two motorbikes. Among the bikes from other brands, the closest competitor of Ninja 125 is the Yamaha YZF-R125. While the R125 does come with superior technology than Ninja 125, the latter has been designed with superior aerodynamics and would hence deliver better performance.

Other competitors include the GSX-R125 from Suzuki and the CBR125R from Honda, both of which are cheaper than the Ninja 125. However, Ninja 125 is more user-friendly and suitable for inexperienced riders. Many bike enthusiasts have been looking for the specifications Kawasaki Z125 to compare with that of the Ninja 125.

General verdict

Priced at INR 1.60 lakhs, Kawasaki Ninja 125 is evidently one of the best motorbikes in its price range. Few entry-level motorbikes deliver the performance that this model does. There aren’t a lot of disadvantages, except the slim rear tyre and the heavy weight of the bike. Due to its sporty looks and good performance, this model is suitable for those who dream to ride one of the flagship bikes but are unable to do so due to license restrictions. Even though it is a 125 cc motorcycle, the Ninja 125 has been built to cater to those who love riding sports bikes.