Filed under: Motorcycles
Kawasaki updates entire motorcycle line for '09
Click above for more shots of the 2009 Kawasaki ZX-10R
Kawasaki has pulled the covers off its new motorcycle line for '09, and there's lots to discuss. A revised, lithe ZX-6R sheds about 20 pounds, much of it from the engine itself. It also gets updated Showa Big Piston forks and a new look based on its big brother, the ZX-10R. Speaking of which, Kawi's literbike sees only a few changes for '09, most notably a new green, white and black color scheme that looks excellent. Moving from the top of the performance ladder, the middleweight Ninja 650 gets a new fairing that brings it more in line with the rest of the Ninja line, plus a few engine mods to meet new emissions regulations. In a bit of really cool news, the U.S. finally gets the ER6-n, essentially a naked version of the popular Ninja 650 -- we likey.
On another sporty note, Team Green has unveiled the KLX250SF, a supermoto bike with a 250cc four-stroke engine, grippy 17-inch tires and long suspension travel. The 'moto is based on the KLX250S, a small-bore dual-sport bike that's finally 50-state emissions legal for '09. On a surprising note, the venerable Super Sherpa is back, along with its 250cc engine and old-school looks. Cruisers are still big sellers in the U.S., so the new 1700 Vulcans are likely to be a hit with a new V-Twin engine derived from Vulcan 2000's monster mill. The rest of the Vulcan line, along with the Versys, ZX-14 and Concours 14 see no real changes for '09 other than some new colors. And that about wraps it up. Look for the new Kawasakis in dealerships soon and check out our galleries of the new-for-'09 models below and after the jump.
Gallery: 2009 Kawasaki ZX-10R
[Source: Kawasaki]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
2007RC46SP2 6:26PM (9/28/2008)
and those bastards up'd the price of the ninja 250.
from $3500 to $4000-4100
hope honda has something to offer next week.
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Mehul 9:08PM (9/28/2008)
They need to update the Ninja 250. Its a good little motorcycle but it looks so outdated.
I'm sure if they updated it, there is good market for it.
2007RC46SP2 10:21PM (9/28/2008)
where you been hiding for the last year?
it was updated in 08 with a $500 price increase from $3000 to $3500,
now with no changes they raised the price again to $4000.
last year kawi stated that they didnt add fuel injection to the US model because it would of added $500 to the MSRP and that would cross the line that the american buyer was willing to pay for an entry level bike. now they jack the price up and still no FI.
UK got FI last year.
Dealers have been raising the MSRP by an average of $500 for the 08's now your gonna probably pay around $4500.
Mark Ryan 10:34PM (9/28/2008)
Mehul, they updated the Ninja 250 for 2008. See here: http://jadedgamefans.com/media/fridayoff_02.jpg
Kumail 6:30PM (9/28/2008)
these are awesome!
still won't get one though.
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MajorGeek 7:10PM (9/28/2008)
Everything costs more, its going to be passed on to you, I doubt Honda can do it without raising prices. I must be spoiled from driving Harley-Davidsons, 4100 sounds like a major steal :) Do enjoy my 09 V-Rod Muscle though. The ER6-n is pretty slick as well, obviously because I am not a fan of full body bikes personally.
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Nick 10:40PM (9/28/2008)
You're not spoiled. You've obviously never ridden a quality Honda motorcycle.
What does that mighty vrod have 80hp ... whoopee.
MajorGeek 10:44PM (9/28/2008)
Wow, such great sarcasm. Actually, Im at about 120 hp right now, how much does a motorcycle need for the street? Obviously since most harley riders are 40+ odds are I have owned Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha. Difference is I don't knock other riders simply for their preferences.
MajorGeek 10:52PM (9/28/2008)
My mistake, its 123-125 horsepower stock. I have a few minor mods in and plan to take it a tad more, mostly for fun. In all honesty though, you were off by over 40 horsepower in your attempt to be insulting. Not that it will beat a 1200 Kawi, I rode with my buddy on his Hyabusa (spelling) the other day and he can wipe me out, though I kept a decent pace for a little bit. I was suprised. All the same most Harley haters who check out a V-Rod walk away impressed, your not going to buy one obviously, but check one out sometime.
VZ1K 12:03PM (9/29/2008)
Congrats on the one HD with a decent engine. Oh wait, no, but that's a Porsche engine. And it's 109hp.
MajorGeek 1:05PM (9/29/2008)
Nope, your wrong try Google.
2007RC46SP2 7:14PM (9/28/2008)
oh yeah almost forgot.
what is this bikeblog? blah blah blah.
the haters will be along soon.
i for one love the bike coverage!
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Gray Smith 7:49PM (9/28/2008)
I say more Bikeblog...hey us 4 wheels fans can be 2 wheel fans as well, I miss my Buell..
I really like that ER6-N looks like a cooler baby Z1000
I love naked bikes btw
Gray
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David 6:59AM (9/29/2008)
Adam, there are plenty of 500cc scooters out there that you might be wise to consider.
In particular, my new Yamaha TMax will rather shock you, if you think that scooters don't cut it as motorcycle replacements/alternatives.
It's a 500cc 16V parallel-twin with 15" radials front and rear, and handles like a crotch-rocket.
Honestly, I don't understand why anyone needs >50HP for everyday life in reality world, unless your bike weighs 800 lbs or more (like a GoldWing or some Harleys), and then it's just to move the excess bulk around. All bikes can blast away from traffic, and as long as you can hit 100 mph or more, what more do you need?
VZ1K 12:04PM (9/29/2008)
cool, but not cooler than a z1000.
Hugh G 7:51PM (9/28/2008)
I'm thinking the ZX-6R would make an excellent commuter bike!
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MikeInNC 8:03PM (9/28/2008)
There seems to be no mention of the 500R. I was REALLY hoping to see an update to the 500 like they did for the 250R. 250cc's is not quite what i need but 500 fits perfectly. Hopefully it may still be in the cards.
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Mark Ryan 8:53PM (9/28/2008)
Kawi's already updated their site to show the 2009 500 and it's the same as last year.
I got an '08 250 in March and it's awesome. Don't let the "250" scare you away, it's plenty of bike, even for the freeway. Not the quickest out there, but it's a blast revving the hell out of it and flicking through turns.
Adam 2:29AM (9/29/2008)
2009 is the last year for the Ninja 500 (EX-500) and the Vulcan 500. The 500cc parallel twin won't meet 2010 motorcycle emissions in the U.S..
matt 9:44PM (9/28/2008)
awesome might have to go for some test rides.
motomechtech.net
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