Kawasaki ZX-25R to redline at 17,000rpm

New pictures reveal that Kawasaki’s upcoming ZX-25R will indeed be the high-revving machine it was expected to be. 17,000rpm is where the new 249cc, inline-four-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine redlines.

While the manufacturer has not revealed power or torque figures just yet, we can expect them to be close, if not more, than that of another high-revving 250cc Kawasaki that was sold between 1989 and 1997. It was called the Kawasaki ZX250R and it made 45hp and 24.5Nm of torque, making it capable of revving up to a mind-boggling 19,000rpm.

We also know that the new baby Ninja will run some sophisticated hardware, like a Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) fork and Kawasaki’s Horizontal Back-link rear suspension. The ZX-25R will also offer electronics like Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) technology, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) and power modes.

The high-tech hardware and electronics that are usually seen on the company’s bigger bikes will make the ZX-25R quite an expensive 250cc motorcycle. This is also why it’s highly unlikely for a motorcycle such as this to make it to a market that’s as price sensitive as ours. That said, Kawasaki does sell the majority of its global models in India and it could surprise us by bringing it here after it makes its international debut.