New W800 models revealed for 2019 amongst updated range of motorcycles.
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Kawasaki has presented the last of its 2019 range at Milan’s EICMA show in Italy, including all-new releases in the Z400 nakedbike, plus W800 Cafe and Street models.
Created with the benefit of Kawasaki’s unique Sugomi design philosophy which matches every engineering highpoint with a styling success, the Z400 is powered by a responsive, rider-friendly 399cc parallel twin engine complete with an assist and slipper clutch.
Building on the formidable reputation of the outgoing Z300, the new Z400 is both lighter and more powerful than its predecessor.
Wrapped in a hallmark Kawasaki trellis chassis redolent of the mighty Ninja H2, the Z400 benefits from light, predictable handling plus low weight, the ideal combination for a machine focused on the A2 licence category.
With an easy reach to the ground stance, the Z400 possesses lithe handling characteristics and great ergonomics that belie its impressive large volume bodywork styling approach. For the rider it’s not just manoeuvrability that appeals, the view over the handlebars is complemented by compact multi-function meter panel.
Featuring a digital speedometer plus gear position indicator, additional convenience is supplied courtesy of indication of fuel consumption and an economical riding indicator among other rider-centric features.
Casting a confident light ahead, the LED headlamp of the new Z400 shines like a beacon into the distance from a machine that shares the same appealing and ominous crouching stance so characteristic of the entire seven bike Z range from the new Z125 all the way to the mighty Z1000R.
Adding meat to the bone of a remarkable seven model Z family, the Z400 is set to be the middle-weight naked “go-to machine” in the coming season.
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One of the most enduring and identifiable Kawasaki motorcycle families, the Kawasaki parallel twin, air-cooled W stable will house two more thoroughbreds in 2019 bearing the names W800 Street and W800 Cafe.
Having little in common with previous iterations, the newly born Euro4 compliant twins are 90 percent new with a whole host of styling, technical and practical changes, many of which are, at first, hard to detect.
Sharing a completely new chassis, each machine has powerful new brakes – including a rear disc for the first time on a W – as well as ABS and, in another nod to contemporary riding, LED lighting.
Celebrating the fact that original never goes out of style both the stripped for action 773cc bevel driven camshaft W800 Street and W800 CAFE can trace their roots back over half a century to the original 1966 W1 650; at the time the largest capacity four stroke machine manufactured in Japan.
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Established as a highly regarded all-rounder, the Versys 1000 takes on the competition in 2019 with a radical upgrade focusing on a wide range of refinements and innovations making it the most accomplished iteration yet created. With a unique to class four-cylinder across the frame format at its heart, the adventure focused 1043cc machine now benefits from electronic throttle valves which allow the adoption of electronic cruise control.
The useful addition of Kawasaki’s IMU linked cornering management function facilitates a total engine and chassis management package. Practically speaking, the ergonomic package is well thought through with an adjustable screen for protection and, in the comfort stakes, two possible seat heights thanks to an optional Ergo-Fit lower than standard seat available as a genuine accessory.
Bringing the comfortable long travel suspension equipped machine to a halt, the KIBS intelligent anti-lock brakes rely for the first time on powerful radial mount front brake callipers while twin LED headlamps ensure that the route ahead is clearly defined.
Defining what the next step is in the Versys dynasty, is the job of the highly specified Versys 1000 SE, the top of line machine for 2019. Taking the Versys concept to a new level, not only are a TFT meter panel and LED cornering lights part of the specification, but also electronically controlled front and rear suspension is fitted for the first time along with a Kawasaki quick shifter for fast and seamless changes up and down the gearbox allied to an assist and slipper clutch common to both variants of the Versys 1000.
With smartphone connectivity between rider and machine now possible thanks to the new Kawasaki Rideology App, Versys 1000 SE owners can not only adjust their suspension via their smartphone screen but also see riding logs, service and oil change intervals plus clever additional items like the display of received phone calls and incoming email arrival.
With equipment levels similar to a top end luxury car, it will come as no surprise to learn that the Versys 1000 SE is also equipped with Kawasaki’s new Highly Durable paint which, via a trampoline effect of still semi-liquid molecules, can change the appearance of light scuffs back to standard looking paintwork using a high-tech recovery process.
Touring focus on the Versys 1000 SE is ably handled with clever additions such as a 40W power source for powering not just satellite navigation systems but a host of other power hungry essential items. Additionally the standard fitment of grip heaters, hand guards and a large windscreen on this top of range model (all available as accessories for the Versys 1000) ensures that when the weather changes for the worse the Versys 1000 SE rider can rely of comfort, safety and convenience as the kilometres rush by.
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With the stated intent to supercharge your journey, the third iteration of the successful Ninja H2 SX family has been dubbed the Ninja H2 SX SE+. Targeting the heights of touring excellence, the Supercharged 998cc machine has been conceived to be equally at home dismissing hundreds of highway kilometres or a complete range of mountain roads in a single day.
Literally a ‘tour de force’, the Ninja H2 SX SE+ features the most advanced array of rider aids yet assembled on a Kawasaki tourer. Headed up by KECS electronic control suspension, the new system has ability to adjust from the handlebar, or as part of a suite of functions offered by Kawasaki’s new Bluetooth rider-to-machine Rideology App.
The functionality of the App expands way beyond suspension adjustment and includes machine logs, service interval reminders, riding logs and even a note of received incoming calls and emails.
Adding to the smartphone pairing function and information screens, the colour TFT meter panel of Kawasaki’s hyper tourer shows an array of functions from the expected to such engaging features as bank angle, supercharger boost indicator, average fuel consumption plus a handy economical riding indicator for when full gas turns to frugal.
Counting on its accomplished trellis style chassis for confidence inspiring handling, the job of halting progress in 2019 has been allocated to Brembo’s latest Stylema front callipers which boast cooler, more consistent operating temperatures plus an even more direct feel at the brake lever.
Additionally, the Ninja H2 SX SE+ also benefits from body panels treated with Kawasaki’s new Highly Durable Paint that allows minor scuffs to self-repair thanks to a layer of paint which acts like a trampoline absorbing abrasions and then flowing back into the damaged areas.
Boasting a balanced Supercharged engine, the 100 percent in-house designed and manufactured integrated supercharger has been fine tuned to offer not simply incredible high rev performance but also manageable low and mid speed response plus remarkable fuel economy, surely the best of all possible worlds. Australian pricing and availability on all three models is yet to be confirmed. For more information, visit www.kawasaki.com.au.
