Kawasaki unveils 3 new models at Eicma 2019

Kawasaki, the motorcycle maker from Japan unveiled three models at the 77th edition of the Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori (EICMA 2019) in Milan, Italy - the 2020 Ninja 1000SX,

a feature packed Z650 and Z900. The 2020 Ninja 1000SX marks the fourth generation of a successful sport touring platform.  Cleaner emissions with the same great performance, sportier, more dynamic new styling, a single-sided muffler and all-LED lighting feature on the new spec list. Sport and Touring capability; the 2020 Ninja 1000SX offers the Best of Both Worlds.

Increased seat comfort for both rider and passenger is just one of the modifications that also include the debut of Electronic Cruise Control, a Quick Shifter, integrated Riding Modes combining KTRC and Power Modes and 10.9cm all-digital TFT colour instrumentation with smart phone connectivity – making this refined Sport Tourer more attractive than ever.

The new styling accentuates the new all LED lights including head and tail lights plus licence plate light and indicators while grip is delivered via Dunlop Roadsport Sportmax 2 tyres.

Ergonomically thicker, wider rider and passenger seats deliver increased comfort, facilitating longer hours in the saddle with the rear seat cushion being wider, it offers a greater surface area. Couple this with a new design of screen adjustable in no less than four positions - plus the option of a larger accessory screen - and distance riding is enhanced further still for the coming year.

Rider aids that previously included an electronic cornering management function plus intelligent anti-lock braking are augmented by four selectable rider mode options.

For further convenience, a Bluetooth chip built into the instrument panel enables riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly.  Using Kawasaki’s Rideology smartphone application a number of instrument functions can be accessed, contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience.   

Functions include vehicle information such as remaining fuel, distance covered and maintenance schedule. General settings such as preferred units and date format can be adjusted via Smartphone while the TFT screen itself can also show - via an icon - if a telephone call or email has been received by the smartphone plus the screen brightness automatically switches between three rider-set levels to suit the available light.

An up and down quick shifter is standard equipment in 2020 while twin silencers make way for a single sporty silencer mounted on the right hand side. Dynamic sport riding is enhanced by the adoption of Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tyres while the overall look becomes more sporting with numerous subtle changes to the styling including a new front mudguard.

Touring fans can be reassured that the innovative clean mount accessory pannier system continues for 2020 plus the option of accessory heated handlebar grips and even an under seat USB port as part of a long line of practical and sporty genuine accessory items.

Three new colours appear for the new season, metallic graphite gray / metallic diablo black sits alongside emerald blazed green / metallic carbon gray / metallic graphite grey and pearl blizzard white / metallic carbon gray / metallic spark black.

Feature packed Z650 for 2020: As innovators and leaders in the ever-growing naked bike class, Kawasaki have not rested on their success and the new Z650 represents a fresh iteration of a justifiably popular middle-weight model.

Crafted using Kawasaki’s unique Sugomi philosophy - that matches each engineering plus with a styling plus – the Z650 sits proudly in a Z class that extends from 125cc all the way to 1000cc. And ever since its launch for the 2017 season, the muscular looking Z650 has delighted riders in the middle weight class with its no-nonsense  looks allied to a fun and easy riding experience that rewards time served riders as much as those who have only recently been drawn to two wheels.

Designed with the A2 licence category in mind, the Z650 with its narrow chassis profile and willing, predictable engine is either a great stepping stone towards a larger Z model or – for many – all the motorcycle they will ever want or need.

Engine flexibility from tick-over to the red line and urban manoeuvrability are just two of the Z650’s recognised strong points, the confidence inspiring twin is also an ideal out of town and weekend thrills machine either solo or with a passenger who will additionally benefit from a revised and comfier rear seat.

For 2020, the Z takes a giant stride forwards with the fitment of a stunning multi-function colour TFT meter with a 10.9cm screen replacing the previous meters with such items as gear position indicator, shift lamp, fuel gauge and Economical Riding Indicator plus other innovations including Bluetooth Smartphone connectivity. Additionally there’s now LED lighting front and rear plus Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tyres fitted as standard.

Z means style and fashion so no surprise that the Z650 now has the ability to connect to the riders’ smartphone for the new season. Pairing via Bluetooth is simple and, via Kawasaki’s own Rideology App, functions such as GPS route information and scheduled service information can be accessed in addition to all the normal notifications.

Taking things in the braking and comfort departments to the next level, the 2020 Z650 has a new spec rear seat with deeper and wider padding allowing even greater distances to be covered with a passenger in confidence and comfort.

The visible trellis type chassis of the Z650 remains unchanged with its angular bodywork magnifying the purposeful looks that have made it such a sales hit.  And a new look demands new colours so three options will be available in 2020. Candy lime green / metallic spark black is bound to be popular while metallic spark black on its own is going to be a default for a certain type of rider. Finally pearl blizzard white / metallic spark black is the third and final of three great Z650 options.

Z900 becomes a screen star for 2020 season: Updated for 2020, the Z900 maintains the “Exciting and Easy” concept of its predecessor, while offering the next step in aggressive Z Sugomi styling. 

A host of advanced new features appear including integrated Riding Modes (combining newly added KTRC and Power modes), new TFT colour instrument screen, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, all-LED lighting and cleaner emissions.

Consistently at the head of the field in its capacity class of the naked sector, the Z900 is available in two versions for 2020, a full power machine rated at 125PS and an A2 specification model with 95PSavailable.

At the core of Kawasaki’s Z offering, the Z900 has been a consistently strong seller within Europe where the naked bike market has grown each year to become one of the dominating style sectors.

Into this hotly contested environment the Z900 for 2020 is well prepared for the fight with the addition of Kawasaki’s highly praised KTRC traction control and the ability to select from four different rider modes and two power modes.

This rider-centric approach extends to the cockpit area where a 10.9cm multi-function TFT meter screen appears for the first time displaying all the essential rider information plus allowing the rider to interrogate certain reporting functions of the machine using a Bluetooth connection via the unique Kawasaki Rideology App for smartphones.

Functions that can be seen on the smartphone screen when connected via Bluetooth include vehicle information such as remaining fuel, distance covered and maintenance schedule. General settings such as preferred units and date format can be adjusted via Smartphone while the TFT screen itself can also show - with an icon - if a telephone call or email has been received. Need power for the phone or other devices? An under seat USB power socket is just one of the many Kawasaki Genuine Accessory items available for the latest Z900.

The Z900 is equipped with an LED head and tail lamp plus licence plate light and indicators.

Both versions of the Z900 (full power and A2) will be available in the same new colour options in 2020. Those being metallic graphite gray / metallic spark black plus candy lime green / metallic spark black and pearl blizzard white / metallic spark black with the fourth option of metallic spark black / metallic flat spark black.