Text and photos by Eric Tipan
Kawasaki and Bajaj executives beside the Dominar 400.
Kawasaki Motors Philippines (KMP) had a rousing start to 2018 with the launch of eight new motorcycles. The highly anticipated new models were unveiled at KMP’s annual dealers convention at the City of Dreams in Pasay. Gathered in the venue were some 500 Kawasaki dealers from all over the country, representatives from Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan and Bajaj Auto Limited in India.
Called ‘The Power of 4,’ the event was highlighted by two highly anticipated 400 cc motorcycles:the Dominar 400 and the Ninja 400.
Dominar 400
Kawasaki Rouser RS 200
First on stage was a product of a collaboration between Kawasaki and Bajaj Auto Limited: the highway legal Dominar 400.
The Dominar 400 is a sports tourer designed to return satisfying power for short sprints and smooth power delivery for the long tour. It hopes to bring the freedom of the long ride closer to more riders and adventurers.
The Dominar 400 is powered by a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, four-valve, digital triple spark ignition (DTS-I), fuel injected engine. It produces 35 PS at 8,000 rpm and 35 NM of torque at 6,500 rpm. This is paired with a 6-speed transmission with a slipper clutch. It is also the first Kawasaki Philippines Bajaj model equipped with an anti-lock braking system on both front and rear discs.
Paired with a curb weight of 182 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 13 liters, the Dominar will easily provide the long riding range promised and stability at cruising speeds. Best of all, it is priced at P165,000. Serving as the endorser and present during the launch was the country's top action superstar, Robin Padilla.
Ninja 400
The next headliner was another hotly anticipated model, the Ninja 400. Following in the lineage of sport bikes bearing the Ninja badge, the Ninja 400 is Kawasaki's newest sport bike, ideal for both new and experienced riders.
The Ninja 400 is built on a lightweight trellis frame, which contributes to its significantly lighter curb weight of 167 kg. Its covered in fairing that takes styling cues from the Ninja H2 and ZX10R.
Bajaj Dominar 400
It’s powered by a liquid-cooled,four-stroke, parallel twin that is fuel injected. This engine produces 48.9-HP at 10,000 rpm and 38 -m of torque at 8,000 rpm. It's paired to a six-speed transmission with an assist clutch for a lighter clutch lever feel and a slipper clutch for faster gear changes.It's brought to a stop with a 310 mm semi floating disc brake in front and another in the rear. Both discs are governed by ABS - previously exclusive to the Ninja 650 and 1000cc models.
Trip info is gleamed from the multi-function instrument cluster with an analog tach with digital gear indicator and digital speed display. It can also show fuel efficiency and trip information.
The Ninja 400 is offered in Black and Lime Green at prices of P295,000 for the black and P315,000 for the KRT green edition.
Presenting the bike to the gathered crowd was Kawasaki's guest of honor, three-time consecutive World Superbike Champion, Jonathan Rea, who was visiting Manila for the first time.
Rousers
Kawasaki Z900 RS
Yet Kawasaki was far from finished. Aside from these two new models, the guests were also treated to a display of the new generation of Rouser models. Beefing up the street fighter line-up are the all-new Rouser NS160, Rouser NS200, and Rouser RS200.
Classics
While there were many new modern bikes, Kawasaki has not forgotten the fans of classical styling. For them, the launched new additions to W Series line of classically styled bikes, the W175 and W250. Like their bigger brother the W800, the two smaller W Series bikes feature the same retro looks and components, paired with more modern engines for more efficient power delivery.
The last but certainly not the least was the Z900RS. First unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, the Z900RS is a retro styled version of the Z900, drawing inspiration from Kawasaki’s iconic Z1. The 900 cc naked bike is a liquid-cooled inline four, this time built on a lightweight frame with riding modes and traction control.
Kawasaki’s new motorcycles are now available at Kawasaki dealers and Kawasaki Leisure Bike stores.