The Race-spec Ninja ZX-25R Is A Track Junkies Wet Dream

One of the most exciting new motorcycles that is set to go on sale in 2020 is the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R. It pays homage to the 4-cylinder 250cc bikes of the 1990s that revved to the moon and beyond. The launch of the production bike has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but Kawasaki has released images of its race-spec version which will be used in a one-make series in 2021.  

Being a track-only motorcycle, the Ninja ZX-25R does away with the headlight, turn indicators and mirrors. The conventional body panels have been replaced with carbon fibre units to reduce weight and it looks absolutely stunning with the contrast mesh graphic in green. It features a slide-slung sports exhaust and the tail section is completely new as its a single-seater, and for better aerodynamics the bike features a larger windscreen. Also, the riding ergonomics is sportier with lowered clip-on bars and rear-set pegs.  Engine specs aren’t available yet but we expect the 250cc, 4-cylinder motor to churn out in excess of 60PS and given the drop in weight, it should be a hoot to ride.  

In terms of hardware, the race-spec Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R sports Showa SFF Big Piston fork while the adjustable rear shock is sourced from the Kawasaki NInja ZX-10R. The bike runs on Dunlop Sportmax tyres for better grip.  The race-spec bike won’t go on sale directly as Kawasaki is expected to sell the race kit as an aftermarket option for riders to modify their motorcycles based on their requirements. 

The production-spec Ninja ZX-25R is unlikely to be offered in India, so the chances of the race-spec bike arriving on our shores are bleaker still. As it is, Kawasaki is struggling to clear BS4 stocks of the NInja 400, which carried an astronomical sticker price for a 400cc twin-cylinder offering. The Ninja ZX-25R will be a similar or even more expensive motorcycle, given its 4-cylinder motor and higher-spec components. So if you are planning to build an affordable, fast and exciting track machine, the KTM RC 390 still remains your best bet.