2012 W800 Special Edition

Kawasaki first announced the W800 Special Edition at the beginning of this year, but it was destined to be available only in Japan.



Now that situation looks set to change, because it’s being introduced to Europe as a 2012 model.

Distinguishing the Special Edition are several cosmetic changes, which comprise a matt black exhaust system, Ebony paintwork, a unique tank emblem, black-finish engine parts and some rather dazzling gold anodised wheel rims.



To go for the full retro café racer effect, buyers can choose a single seat unit, bikini fairing and tapered exhaust from the accessories list.

Technically there are no differences, which means power comes from the usual 773 cc, air cooled, parallel-twin engine that produces 47 bhp (35 kW / 48 PS) and 60 Nm (44 lb/ft) of torque.



A UK price for the 2012 Kawasaki W800 Special Edition has yet to be revealed.



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2011 Kawasaki W800 price
Kawasaki W800 revealed
Retro Kawasaki W800

New 2012 Kawasaki ER-6

Kawasaki has totally revamped its ER-6 (Ninja 650 in North America) middleweight for 2012, although at first glance it might be hard to spot the differences.



Nevertheless, the high-tensile steel ‘double pipe’ frame is new, and it’s slimmer and lighter than before. The rear swingarm has also been replaced, and it too is now a ‘double pipe’ design.

2012 Kawasaki ER-6f. Scroll down for ER-6n images.

The capacity of the parallel twin engine is unchanged at 649 cc, and it still produces 71 bhp (53 kW / 72 PS) and 64 Nm (47 lb/ft) of torque. However, revised tuning means that for the 2012 models that torque is delivered lower down the rev range.



Other changes include a restyled fuel tank, an improved instrument panel and a new saddle. Despite seat height increasing slightly to 805 mm (31.7 inches), a new shape is meant to make it easier to reach the ground, as well as offering more comfort. The optional anti-lock braking has also been upgraded, and the system’s hardware is lighter and more compact compared to previously.

2012 Kawasaki ER-6n.

The naked ER-6n additionally gets a more compact nacelle for its vertically-stacked headlight, and the frame side shrouds have been redesigned to give a slimmer frontal profile. It will be available in Pearl Stardust White, Metallic Spark Black or Pearl Shining Yellow.



The faired ER-6f meanwhile receives a sharper dual headlight, changes to the fairing and a windscreen that’s now height-adjustable to three positions. Colour choice for this version comprises Candy Lime Green or Metallic Spark Black.



UK prices for the 2012 Kawasaki ER-6n and ER-6f have yet to be announced.



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2012 Kawasaki ZZR1400

2012 Kawasaki ZZR1400

Kawasaki has unveiled the 2012 ZZR1400 (Ninja ZX-14R in North America), its most powerful showroom bike ever and, so it’s claimed, the quickest production model available today.



However, Kawasaki hasn’t released any power or torque figures for the engine which, thanks to a slightly longer stroke, now displaces 1,441 cc. Rumours suggest it could be generating in excess of 210 horsepower (around 155 kW), which would certainly surpass the rival Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R.

2012 Kawasaki ZZR1400. Scroll down for Ninja ZX-14R images.

Perhaps wisely, the ZZR1400 comes with three-mode KTRC traction control, although braver riders can switch it off altogether. There’s also a choice of Full Power or Low Power settings, the latter restricting output by around 25 percent while offering a milder throttle response. Naturally, anti-lock brakes will continue to be available too.



To cope with the extra performance, the aluminium frame has been extensively modified to make it stiffer, and over half of its components are new. Similarly, the rear swing arm is more rigid, as well as being 10 mm longer than before.



Other major changes include recalibrated suspension, which now features stiffer springs and revised damper settings for a firmer, more sporty feel and enhanced high-speed stability. A back-torque limiting slipper clutch is now fitted, and this should help to eliminate torque-induced rear wheel hop and chatter when downshifting or coasting. The wheels are also different, and the new ten-spoke design usefully reduces unsprung weight by 1.39 kg (3 lbs).

2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R.

Visually, the fairing side vents have been remodelled to better dissipate heat from the engine, and the quadruple headlight is new. Colour choice for the ZZR1400 comprises Golden Blazed Green or Metallic Spark Black.



For North America, the Ninja ZX-14R is being offered in both of those shades (although the green version does have the addition of some fairly naff flame motifs), plus the very attractive Candy Surf Blue which unfortunately is being denied to European customers.



Prices for the 2012 ZZR1400 have yet to be confirmed, but in the United States the Ninja ZX-14R will have an MSRP of between $14,699 and $14,899.



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ZX-10R recall explained

2011 ZX-10R recall

Kawasaki is recalling the 2011 Ninja ZX-10R due to a potential problem with the bike’s wiring harness.

A company statement reads:

“As a precautionary measure, Kawasaki have initiated a recall on all units of 2011 Ninja ZX-10R (ABS and non-ABS) for an inspection of the machine's wiring harness.





“It has been observed that on some machines, the main harness can rub against the rear of the frame and, in extreme circumstances, cause damage to the loom.





“Whilst no machines in the UK have been reported with any wiring harness damage, Kawasaki Motors UK has initiated a recall and is sending letters to the registered owners of all 2011 Ninja ZX-10R units purchased from Kawasaki road bike dealers.





“The dealer inspection will take a maximum of twenty minutes and the harness will either be re-routed, repaired or replaced as necessary. All new and demo machines currently in dealer stock will also be inspected.”

This latest ZX-10R recall follows one at the end of last year, which was for surging intake valve springs. It affected bikes that had been delivered to customers in North America, and delayed the model’s European launch.



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ZX-10R recall explained

2012 KX250F and KX450F

Kawasaki has announced upgraded versions of its KX250F and KX450F off-roaders for 2012.



In a world first for a production motocross bike, the KX250F’s single-cylinder engine gets dual fuel injectors. This novel system is claimed to give a smooth and instant throttle response, combined with extra power.

The chassis has also received attention. Included in the specifications for 2012 is Showa’s Separate Function front Fork (SFF), which benefits the handling by separating out the shock absorption and damping actions. The rear hasn’t been forgotten either, and the Uni-Trak suspension set-up has been given some tweaks.



A major innovation for the larger KX450F is its launch control feature. Similar to the system used by Kawasaki’s factory racers, it’s activated by the push of a button and works by switching to a separate engine map that’s designed to reduce wheel spin in slippery conditions.

There are also three switchable engine maps for soft, standard or hard terrain. Each of these can then be modified by using the optional KX FI Calibration Kit, which also allows riders to record and analyse data direct from their bike.



UK prices for the 2012 KX250F and KX450F have yet to be confirmed but, to give an idea of where they’re likely to be, the 2011 models currently retail for £6,249 and £6,449 respectively.

2011 Kawasaki W800 price

Following a debut at 2010’s Cologne Intermot motorcycle show, Kawasaki has now confirmed pricing for its new W800.

In the UK it’s £6,649 which includes VAT at the new rate of 20%, but excludes on the road charges.



By comparison Triumph’s Bonneville - the obvious main rival - costs £6,149 in standard trim. The higher spec Bonneville SE is slightly more at £6,549, while the very retro Bonneville T100 model with its wire wheels, peashooter exhaust, fork gaiters and lots of chrome is £6,949.



However, an important difference to note is that those Triumph prices are all ‘on the road’.

Elsewhere, Australian buyers will have to pay $11,999 (plus on the road charges) for a Kawasaki W800, while in Germany the suggested list price is €8,190 plus freight and other costs.



Admirers of the W800 in the United States and Canada are going to be disappointed, though, as it seems that for now Kawasaki won’t be importing the bike into those markets.



Related posts:

Kawasaki W800 revealed

Retro Kawasaki W800

ZX-10R recall explained

A couple of weeks ago, Kawasaki announced a ‘technical hold’ notice for its new 2011 Ninja ZX-10R in North America - in other words, a recall.

Under the notice, all bikes already delivered to customers and those at dealers had to be returned to Kawasaki. The cause was said to be unexpected engine behaviour, but an official reason wasn’t disclosed at the time.

Now, though, it seems that Kawasaki engineers have got to the bottom of the problem. A statement from the company reads:

"It had been discovered that when some examples of the new 2011 Ninja ZX-10R were operated at high rpm under unique riding conditions - such as operating on a racetrack - the intake valve springs could surge. Should this rare incidence occur it could cause one or more intake valves to seat improperly, resulting in poor engine performance.



"Having examined the very small number of machines which exhibited this surge phenomenon, the Kawasaki factory engineers have designed and fully tested a countermeasure which solves the problem without affecting any facet of the new engine’s outstanding performance.



"On the limited number of machines produced so far, the camshaft, valve springs and spring retainers for intake valves are being replaced to prevent the valve spring from surging. The same design update is automatically being incorporated into the ongoing production run of the newest and most powerful Ninja yet produced."

The European launch of the bike, which was delayed because of the technical issues, is now expected to be at the end of January 2011. In the UK, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R will be priced at £11,699, with ABS costing an additional £1,000.

Honda CBR250R first look

With the Ninja 250R, Kawasaki has had the quarter-litre sports bike class pretty much to itself of late.



But now that’s set to change. Honda has just announced the CBR250R, which is designed to plug the gap in its supersports range between the CBR125R and the CBR600RR.

Due to make its debut at next month’s EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan, power for the CBR250R will come from a 249.4 cc PGM-FI fuel injected engine driving through a six-speed transmission. There’s no word on output yet, but it’ll need to be close to the 32 bhp (24 kW / 33 PS) of the Ninja 250R to be competitive.



However, unlike the Kawasaki which features a parallel twin, the Honda is a single cylinder bike. Although it gets a counterbalancing shaft to help combat any inherent roughness, it might well be that some buyers just prefer a multi-cylinder set up.

The styling of the CBR250R, particularly around the fairing, is reminiscent of the Honda VFR1200F. That’s either a good or bad thing, depending on whether or not you like the unusual looks of the VFR.



Beneath the bodywork lies a steel frame, connected to which are non-adjustable 37 mm forks at the front and Honda’s Pro-link rear suspension with five-position preload adjustment at the rear. Braking is taken care of by single discs, and ABS will be an option.



The Honda CBR250R will be available in North America for the first time, where buyers will get a choice of black or red / silver colour schemes. It’ll also appear in Europe, painted white / blue / red or black, although it’s to be confirmed whether that includes the UK.

Pricing has yet to be revealed, but one thing’s for sure - it won’t need to cost much more than the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, which currently retails for £4,099 (plus government charges) in the UK, and $3,999 (MSRP) in the US.

Kawasaki W800 revealed

19 January 2011 Update:

For confirmed Kawasaki W800 pricing, please click here.

Kawasaki has unveiled its retro W800 at the Cologne Intermot motorcycle show.

There are a few differences between this production-ready version and first image of the W800, which was released last month. The most obvious is that the limey-green paint has been ditched, replaced by a much more attractive dark green and silver metallic colour scheme.



Other changes include the seat unit, which looks a bit plusher but loses its contrast piping around the edge. There are now knee pads on each side of the fuel tank, too, that sit just behind very large chrome ‘W’ emblems.

No surprises in the engine department - it’s an air-cooled twin with a capacity of 773 cc, driving through a five-speed gearbox. Unfortunately Kawasaki hasn’t released any power or torque figures yet, but given that its W650 predecessor managed to get 49 bhp (37 kW / 50 PS) from its 675 cc, somewhere approaching 60 bhp (44 kW / 60 PS) shouldn’t be an unreasonable estimate for the W800.



Front suspension is taken care of by a 39 mm telescopic fork unit, which comes complete with rubber gaiters. Meanwhile, at the rear, there are twin shocks and five preload settings for the springs. The frame is a double-cradle item, made from high tensile steel.

Although the W800 gets a single 300 mm disc brake with twin-piston caliper at the front, the arrangement for the back wheel remains very old fashioned - it only has a 160 mm drum.



Ready to ride with all fluids and a full fuel tank, the W800 tips the scales at 216 kg, which is not bad considering that Kawasaki has tried to manufacture as many of the components as possible out of metal, rather than plastic. Seat height is 790 mm (31.1 inches).

Probably the one thing that most potential customers want to know about is the price but, in the UK at least, Kawasaki is keeping quiet about that for now. Seeing as the main rival for the W800, the Triumph Bonneville, costs £5,899 (or £6,699 in even more retro T100 guise), that surely has to be the kind of price that Kawasaki is aiming to sell the W800 for?