7
NEWS
2012 Tokyo Motorcycle Show: Kawasaki
The ZX-14R still manages to excite the masses whereever it goes, while the balance of Kawasaki's stand was a fairly straightforward affairKawasaki kept things simple at the 2012 Tokyo Motorcycle Show, with a main stage featuring the ZRX1200 DAEG, ZX-14R and Versys 1000, and with the supporting cast on a lower platform.
No fawning over its heritage or massive shock value – just the here and now.
Of all the bikes though, the new ZX-14 R was the showstopper, with a huge line-up of revelers waiting for their turn to try it out for size – stationary, not as in a blast around the Tokyo Big Sight environs.
Actually, if you want to take a test ride, the TMS is not the place to be, as the logistics of organising even the most innocuous spin around the block would probably tear the hair out of even the most liberal of Japanese marketing managers.
The ZRX1200 DAEG is Japanese domestic model only, and was released in March, 2010 with fuel injection, a new exhaust system, six-speed transmission (the old bike was a five-speed), new Tokico brakes, revised geometry and suspension settings, and with slight changes to the bodywork.
Australians haven’t seen a ZXR1200 since the original one was discontinued in 2003.
Meanwhile, the Bikesales Network rode the Versys 1000 for the first time in December, 2011, and you can read the review here.
Kawasaki’s 2012 model line-up in Japan totals 22 bikes (all motorcycles, no scooters), which includes Special Editions of the W800 and Ninja 400R – both unavailable in Australia at this point in time. But we’ll wait and see on the W800, as the Special Edition in Candy Cardinal Red only came on line in Japan on March 1, 2012, complete with a 30,000 yen premium over the stocker – which is sold locally.
The 400cc market in Japan is a hotly contested one, and among the opposition for the Ninja 400R and ER-4n naked (both released on September 1, 2011) is the Suzuki Gladius.
The Er-4n is good for 44hp and 37Nm, and weighs 199kg, compared to 55hp, 41Nm and 206kg for the Gladius.
The Kawasaki stand also hosted some bikes that Australians have generally taken quite a fancy too – the Ninja 250R, Ninja 1000 ABS and ER-6n.
A neat looking Ninja 250R in Metallic Spark Black is also due for release on April 1, 2012, but that didn’t make an appearance at the show.
Completing the line-up was the retro 250cc Estrella, KLX125 and D-Tracker X 125cc supermoto, all Japanese models only.
Read the latest Bikesales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the Bikesales Network's mobile site. Or download the all-new App.
Tags
Share this article
Written byMark Fattore
See all articlesStay up to dateBecome a bikesales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todayDisclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Contact
Advertise with us
International marketplaces
Consent
Download the bikesales app
