Kawasaki announces its first 125cc scooter - the J125
Kawasaki takes aim at the European 125cc scooter market with the new J125
KAWASAKI has just doubled its scooter range by announcing the new J125, which partners the existing J300.
With the J125’s max-scooter looks and respectable spec sheet, it looks like Kawasaki is aiming for a bigger bite of the European scooter market, where maxi-scooters are popular. Here’s how they hope to achieve it.
Kawasaki says the performance of the 125cc liquid-cooled SOHC four-valve single-cylinder engine and chassis is ‘designed for the streets of Europe.’ Claimed power is 13.8hp and 8.5 lb/ft torque. Claimed weight is 182kg and the fuel tank holds 13 litres.
Braking is handled by two piston calipers front and rear – there’s a 260mm petal disc and braided lines up front, while the rear caliper bites on a 240mm petal disc. The brake levers are adjustable and the J125 will be available with and without ABS.
Wheel size is mixed - 14 inch at the front, 13 inch at the rear and partnered by suspension that Kawasaki says has been designed to deliver a blend of ‘light and sporty handling.’ The twin-rear shocks are preload adjustable through five settings.
Aesthetically, the J125 has a two-tone silver seat, LED taillight and a front end that mimics the styling of Kawasaki’s sportsbikes.
Kawasaki knows the J125 needs to be convenient too, and claims the under-seat storage is large enough to take a full-face helmet and A4 size briefcase. Additional storage comes from the glove box (which contains a 12V socket), plus a cargo hook and rear carrier. Crucially for a scooter that'll probably spend most if its life in the city, it features an anti-tamper, anti-theft ignition switch.
The dash is a mix of analogue speedo and rev counter, with an LCD panel displaying other relevant information.
It will be available in three colours – ‘Metallic Anthracite Black’, ‘Metallic Frosted Ice White’ and ‘Metallic Flat Anthracite Black’ - visible in the gallery below.
