Kawasaki announces its first 125cc scooter - the J125

Kawasaki takes aim at the European 125cc scooter market with the new J125

Member for

54 years 8 months

Simon Greenacre

17 Nov 2015

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.