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Slipping in neatly under Kawasaki’s dual-purpose KLR650 and KLX250 adventure bikes, the new fuel-injected KLX125 positions itself as a cracking new option for learner riders keen on a small, light and nimble two-wheeler.
The new addition, which mates a simple and reliable single-cylinder two-valve electric-started 125cc air-cooled and fuel-injected four-stroke engine, is as light on fuel as it is heavy on hyphens, with an all-new perimeter frame purpose-built for the 125cc class.
The electronic fuel injection and its management system take input from various sensors to finely adjust the fuel injector, fuel pump, ignition coil and idle speed control valve to ensure that engine performance is maximised for different conditions and altitudes.
A split type catalytic converter and oxygen sensor do their bit for the rain forests by minimising emissions and the five-speed transmission is mated to the engine via a five-plate clutch that uses three different types of friction material to ensure durability while reducing clutch noise.
The new Kawasaki KLX125 suspends its wheels on a pair of 33mm forks up front, with Kawasaki’s Uni-trak rear suspension using a single gas-charged shock absorber. Wheel travel is a healthy 175mm up front and 180mm at the back.
Stopping is taken care of by a 240mm front petal disc with a dual-piston caliper and a 190mm petal disc clamped by a single-piston caliper at the rear. These wavy discs not only weigh less than conventional stoppers, but also help the system carry out self-cleaning duties in wet and muddy conditions.
With a kerb mass of just 113kg the new machine is nimble enough to allow novice riders to come to terms with two-wheelers through an unintimidating package. Those wanting a bit more of a kick, however, are likely to be disappointed.
Creating just 10Nm and 7.6kW from its 125cc mill (20% less power than the rivalling Hyosung RX125 D, and 10% less than Honda’s XR125), adult riders will find the latest addition to the Kawasaki line-up somewhat lacking.
Refinement levels have also disappointed riders in the UK, where this model was launched earlier this year.
The Kawasaki KLX125 makes for a great option for young learner riders – especially those keen on kicking up a bit of dust over weekends. But those in need of a bit more grunt, will be better served elsewhere.
Kawasaki’s KLX125 retails for R28 995.
The new addition, which mates a simple and reliable single-cylinder two-valve electric-started 125cc air-cooled and fuel-injected four-stroke engine, is as light on fuel as it is heavy on hyphens, with an all-new perimeter frame purpose-built for the 125cc class.
The electronic fuel injection and its management system take input from various sensors to finely adjust the fuel injector, fuel pump, ignition coil and idle speed control valve to ensure that engine performance is maximised for different conditions and altitudes.
A split type catalytic converter and oxygen sensor do their bit for the rain forests by minimising emissions and the five-speed transmission is mated to the engine via a five-plate clutch that uses three different types of friction material to ensure durability while reducing clutch noise.
The new Kawasaki KLX125 suspends its wheels on a pair of 33mm forks up front, with Kawasaki’s Uni-trak rear suspension using a single gas-charged shock absorber. Wheel travel is a healthy 175mm up front and 180mm at the back.
Stopping is taken care of by a 240mm front petal disc with a dual-piston caliper and a 190mm petal disc clamped by a single-piston caliper at the rear. These wavy discs not only weigh less than conventional stoppers, but also help the system carry out self-cleaning duties in wet and muddy conditions.
With a kerb mass of just 113kg the new machine is nimble enough to allow novice riders to come to terms with two-wheelers through an unintimidating package. Those wanting a bit more of a kick, however, are likely to be disappointed.
Creating just 10Nm and 7.6kW from its 125cc mill (20% less power than the rivalling Hyosung RX125 D, and 10% less than Honda’s XR125), adult riders will find the latest addition to the Kawasaki line-up somewhat lacking.
Refinement levels have also disappointed riders in the UK, where this model was launched earlier this year.
The Kawasaki KLX125 makes for a great option for young learner riders – especially those keen on kicking up a bit of dust over weekends. But those in need of a bit more grunt, will be better served elsewhere.
Kawasaki’s KLX125 retails for R28 995.
