The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R boasts luxurious features not found in its rivals, including the only parallel four-cylinder engine in the current 250cc class. The 2023 model, which was unveiled in Indonesia on October 1, features a new color LCD meter, the only one on a 250, and the ZX-25RR, which has an enhanced suspension with a rear suspension similar to the flagship ZX-10R. Will the ZX-25RR further outpace the competition?
Written: Hiroaki Numao
This article was originally published in Best Car Web on October 1, 2022.
- Color LCD meter + smartphone linkage finally standard on 250
- The newly adopted large silencer is a milestone for the ZX-4R
- Only one in its class with front initial adjustment & fully adjustable rear suspension
- All four colors are available, and Japan specifications are within (approx.) 6795 USD.
- Summary: Again, the only one in its class is introduced one after another, and the advanced version of the ZX-4R is expected to be introduced.
- Image Gallery (15 pictures): Check out the details of every part of the「ZX-25RR」old and new comparisons, and the new colors!
Color LCD meter + smartphone linkage finally standard on 250
Kawasaki Indonesia released a teaser ad announcing that a new model bearing the ZX name would be unveiled on October 1. It was the 2023 Ninja ZX-25R.
The ZX-25R debuted in September 2020 as the 2021 model. The 250cc parallel four-cylinder, back after a 13-year absence since the Barrios II, was the talk of the town for its class-leading 45 hp and luxurious features, including the only traction control and quick shifter in its class.
The new model unveiled in Indonesia features a TFT color LCD meter that can be linked to a smartphone and LED indicator lights. In addition, a new ZX-25RR grade was introduced, giving the rider a fully adjustable rear shock in addition to the adjustable front fork.
Three grades will be offered: the ZX-25R without ABS or quick shifter, the ZX-25R ABS SE with the two features, and the top-of-the-line ZX-25RR.
The first common change is the TFT color LCD meter. While KTM's 125 DUKE and other models have adopted this feature, this is the first time it has been installed on a 250-class model.
It uses the 4.3-inch LCD used on the Ninja 1000SX, Z H2, Ninja 650, and other models, and can be connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth. In addition to displaying incoming phone calls and other information on the meter, a dedicated app can be used to record riding logs. In addition, lap times and other information can be displayed in large size in track mode.
Color LCD meters, which are almost unheard of in the 400cc and under class except for KTM and other models, have been introduced. The dedicated RIDEOLOGY THE APP allows detailed logs and maintenance schedules to be managed.
The newly adopted large silencer is a milestone for the ZX-4R
The exhaust system, which was previously a short type, has been enlarged. The local emission regulations in Indonesia are equivalent to Euro 4 (equivalent to Japan's Heisei 28 regulations), which are less stringent than the Euro 5 regulations (equivalent to 2020 regulations) that were initiated in Japan and Europe.
The Japanese version will be based on this model and is expected to meet the 2040 regulations.
Incidentally, our website has scooped up the ZX-4R, a 400cc version of the ZX-25R, which is also expected to adopt a large silencer. Since the ZX-4R is expected to be based on the new ZX-25R, this exhaust system may be a hint that the ZX-4R is coming!
No announcement was made regarding maximum power output. The Indonesian version produced 50ps and 51ps when ram air was pressurized (45ps and 46ps when ram air was pressurized in Japan). It is hoped that the new model will maintain the current level of output.
In terms of equipment, LED indicators were introduced on the front and rear. The front end is stylishly shaped, similar to that of the Ninja 1000SX. The rear is also of the compact type used on larger models.
Newly adopted hexagonal silencer. It seems to be an exclusive product, with a capacity that could be used for larger displacement vehicles.
Only one in its class with front initial adjustment & fully adjustable rear suspension
And the ZX-25RR, the center of attention, features an adjustable front fork and a high-grade BFRC lite rear.
The KRT color scheme is also exclusive to the ZX-25RR, with a nod to the Superbike World Championship works for teams.
The Showa ø37mm inverted forks (SFF-BP) with top-out springs to prevent sudden loss of suspension extension are retained, but an initial load adjustment mechanism is added to the top of the forks.
The rear is newly introduced with Showa's BFRC lite with a piggyback reservoir tank. This suspension uses the same balance-free technology as the ZX-10R, the top of the Ninja series, and is characterized by smooth starting and stable damping force. In addition to the initial setting, both rebound and compression damping force adjusters are also included.
The previous model's adjustment mechanism was limited to the rear initials, but the new model allows for high-level riding on circuits and in other situations. The ZX-25RR is the only 250-class Japanese motorcycle with front adjustment and fully adjustable rear suspension.
The RR weighs 183 kg, up 1 kg from the previous model. The SE and STD versions maintain 182kg and 180kg, respectively.
The rear shock is newly equipped with Showa's BFRC lite. It is the same suspension used on large motorcycles and allows for initial, independent rebound and compression damping force adjustment.
All four colors are available, and Japan specifications are within (approx.) 6795 USD.
All models are available in new body colors, with the ZX-25RR available in one color, Lime Green KRT color. The SE will be available in Metallic Matte Graphite Steel Gray and Candy Persimmon Red, while the STD will be available only in Metallic Spark Black.
No announcement has been made for the Japanese version, but we expect a similar model change. As for the price, the Indonesian version of the RR is priced at 129.9 million rupiah (approx. 8450 USD). This is an increase of +9.9 million rupiah from the 2022 SE or about 85,000 Japanese yen (approx. 580 USD). The current Japanese version is the 935,000-yen (approx. 6350 USD) SE KRT edition, so we hope the domestic version of the RR will somehow be kept within 1 million yen.
The Indonesian version of the SE is about (approx. 225 USD) more. Will the new ZX-25R SE for Japan fit in at a few tens of thousands of yen more?
The presentation in Indonesia. From left to right: ZX-25RR, ZX-25R SE Red, ZX-25R SE Gray, STD
Summary: Again, the only one in its class is introduced one after another, and the advanced version of the ZX-4R is expected to be introduced.
The ZX-25R has many features that are unique in its class, but the new model also gains another one-of-a-kind feature: a color LCD meter and the RR has a front adjustment mechanism and fully adjustable rear suspension.
The ZX-25R was the top-selling 250 full-cowl model in 2021 and the third best-selling model in the 250 class, according to the popular Motorcycle Newspaper. In 2023, Honda's biggest rival, the CBR250RR, is also expected to compete with the ZX-25R with a model change, but will the ZX-25R further increase its sales?
And now, many fans were hoping for the announcement of the Ninja ZX-4R, a 400cc version of the ZX-25R, but we look forward to the future. Since the Indonesian market is mainly for 250cc and under, we are waiting for announcements at European shows such as Intermot, which opens on October 4, and the Milan show, EICMA, which starts on November 8.
Luxury items such as color LCD, large silencers, and high-grade suspension are comparable to those on the higher-end models. Expect to see these features on the rumored ZX-4R!
Based on the ZX-25R, the Ninja ZX-4R is rumored to debut with a 400cc straight-4 (above is a projected CG).
Expectations are also high for over 61ps, the strongest in the class's history.
Image Gallery (15 pictures): Check out the details of every part of the「ZX-25RR」old and new comparisons, and the new colors!
The newly introduced top-grade ZX-25RR is available in one color, Lime Green (KRT color)
The mid-grade ZX-25R SE with a quick shifter for shifting up and down and ABS. The photo shows the new metallic matte graphite steel gray color.
Both colors of the ZX-25R SE are new. The photo shows Candy Persimmon Red.
The standard version of the ZX-25R is available only in Metallic Spark Black. It is not equipped with a quick shifter and ABS.
Current Ninja ZX-25R SE KRT Edition (approx. 6350 USD ). The SE is available in glossy gray and black or glossy navy blue and silver, while the standard version comes in one color, black.
The conventional model is a short exhaust system with a light image. It was an exhaust system unique to the ZX-25R, but it is believed to have been enlarged in order to pass emission regulations.
The LCD screen has a selectable background color and an automatic dimming function. In race mode, lap times and other information are displayed in large size.
Various settings can be made on the meter with a switch at hand.
The conventional model is a combination of an analog tachometer and LCD panel. This was also originally used for the ZX-6R and other high-end models.
Front blinkers have been changed to LED. The image became even sharper.
Conventional front blinker. Clear lenses and orange bulbs were used.
The new type of rear indicator. A Slim LED type is adopted.
Conventional blinkers were bulb-type and large
SFF-BP for better road-following performance. The new model has an additional initial adjuster on the top of the fork. This allows for more stage-specific settings.
Conventional rear shock. Horizontal linkage-type, but only initial adjustment was possible.
Original Source [ Best Car Web ]
