All Tests – Test J125: the small Kawasaki scooter for the general public – The sporty 125 GT scooter according to Akashi

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J125 test: the small Kawasaki scooter for the general public

All Tests - Test J125: the small Kawasaki scooter for the general public - The sporty 125 GT scooter according to Akashi

After having entered the niche of mid-displacement scooters with the J300, Kawasaki is tackling the segment of 125 GT scooters. Like its predecessor, the J125 relies on Kymco’s know-how. Site participated in its European presentation. Test !

The sporty 125 GT scooter according to Akashi

Solo tested by Site in Malaga (Spain) and its surroundings, our J125 hits 110 km / h on expressways but has difficulty maintaining 100 km / h on climbs. Conversely, in favor of a nice descent, MNC managed to land an unexpected 120 km / h…

At this speed, the tachometer needle touches the last mark, that of 10,000 rpm! Curiously, no red zone is indicated on the meter: how long would the small mono of Taiwanese origin last under this regime? It would be interesting for Kymco owners to testify in the comments below !

During this short contact (about 100 km), MNC noted that the front axle of the J125 dropped slightly when driving at a walk, but became pleasantly agile when trotting. The turning radius makes it possible to maneuver efficiently in two-wheeled parking lots or in the middle of the busy traffic of Malaga … Paris, Marseille, etc.. !

The first retarders again highlight the softness of the saddle … and the hardness of the two rear shocks? After a few kilometers, Le Journal moto du Net corrects its judgment: it is the speed bumps placed at the exit of our hotel that are particularly dry. !

The compromise selected by Kawasaki on the two rear shock absorbers is ultimately relevant: if they do not allow to absorb the most violent shocks, they are strong enough to quickly negotiate the beautiful Andalusian curves of our end of the course..

The chassis of the J125, identical to that of the J300, naturally accepts without weakening the 14 ponies and 11.6 Nm of the small watermill while the front wheel of 14 inches (13 ‘at the rear) is well guided by the fork. , even when the "païlote" Site activates or releases his right lever in the middle of a turn.

On the braking side, the bite of the front brake (260 mm, double piston caliper) is reasonable, which is a good point on the – dirty – small alleys of Malaga, on the wet cobbles of Paris or on any other slippery surface. !

The power is perfectly dosable but the most athletic users – nervous ?! – will remain a little unsatisfied. They must imperatively use the rear brake (240 mm, double piston caliper also) to stop their scooter..

It is by activating the rear brake alone that the pilot realizes that the ABS delivered as standard is not only there to meet European standards and decorate the front fender! It prevents the rear of the scooter from hunting, a phenomenon much harder to control on a scooter than on a motorcycle…

Conversely, the original mounted screen is more aesthetic than functional: "we wanted it relatively short to bring a sporty touch to our scooter", justify the Greens to Site.

Counterpart of this purely marketing choice: on the fast track, the top of the shoulders and the head are exposed to the wind. To become a real "GT" scooter, the Kawasaki J125 must be equipped with a higher windshield.

MNC notes that Kawasaki has been smarter with regard to the rear wheel flap: very long original and lined with a wheel washer, it should protect the back of the pilot or passenger from splashing water..

By leaning more closely above – below! -, Le Journal moto du Net discovers that two small screws will shorten the bib in summer. The stern of the Kawasaki scooter will thus gain in sportiness what it will lose in protection.

In front, the apron perfectly protects the thighs and knees, but does not completely insulate the ankles from drafts. Held separated by the central bridge, the latter are beaten by the pants at high speed (above 90 km / h).

On the other hand, we appreciate that the feet are completely isolated from the vibrations of the engine. Hands and buttocks are also spared from the slightest ants, whether you are driving on the motorway or looking for a place in a parking lot..

Finally, to park the scooter, the lug of the side stand is very well placed, easy to deploy and also easy to store. The center stand is just as successful: no need to concentrate like a Ninja or force like a sumo to park the scooter.

It will be much more complicated for Kawasaki to get customers on its scooter: perceived by the majority of bikers as a brand of motorcycles – and motorcycles only – the Akashi firm is known to the general public for its very powerful green motorcycles….

Displayed at 4,599 €, the Kawasaki scooter is only 300 euros less than the Xmax reference (4,899 € with ABS, 4,499 € without) and 200 euros less than the 2015 sales champion Forza 125 (4 € 799 with ABS as standard).

Compared to the Kymco scooter on which the J125 is based, the price difference turns into a real abyss since the Dink Street 125 is still displayed on the official website of the Taiwanese manufacturer at € 3,299, without ABS of course, but with the same engine and the same part cycle…

To increase the attractiveness of its new product and reach its goal of 1,000 registrations in France by the end of 2015, Kawasaki has therefore decided to offer an introductory price..

"Our J125 will be available in dealerships from January 2016 at € 4,199 for an indefinite period and in points of sale participating in the operation". Will the operation seduction work? To be continued on MNC, stay tuned !

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