Which A2 motorcycle to choose from Kawasaki? Test of Z900 70 kW, Ninja 400 and company…
In 2018, Kawasaki launches two new motorcycles compatible with the A2 license: the Z900 70 kW and the Ninja 400. Site was able to test them along with the five other models that the Greens are offering to new French bikers: Z650, Ninja 650, Vulcan S , Versys 650 and Versys-X 300.
Page 1 – The 2018 range of A2 Kawasaki motorcycles
Kawasaki stood out this year by offering a road that is as sporty as it is subversive and enjoyable: the, a 200 horsepower supercharged motor car designed for long journeys on "autobahn" and by Site on the road and on the circuit.
In contrast to the H2 range – standard, R or SX versions – intended for experienced and wealthy motorcyclists is the "A2" range which corresponds to the category of motorcycles – and scooters – accessible to new licenses, whether young or old older ! Little reminder…
Two years ago in France, people over 24 who had just obtained their motorcycle license could drive any motorcycle … including those with more than 100 horsepower, since it had ended on January 1, 2016 for new vehicles. For the record, the "" was granted three months later.
As of June 1, 2016 however, the French authorities – and Spanish, for once we are not the only ones – extended the passage through the "A2" box to all: whether you are a 19-year-old fool or a wise loulou from 59 years old, your new motorcycle license bears the mention "A2" and restricts you to 35 kilowatts, or 47.5 horsepower.
Consequently, manufacturers must address themselves to customers of all types: no longer only young people – often – broke but also old people – we hope for them – fried, reasonable grandfathers or passionate adulescents (and vice -versa) … The list is long !
To attract all the new licenses, the brands can choose between offering low-displacement machines (250-500 cc) with therefore moderate power, or motorcycles with more cubic capacity (no fixed limit) but with a maximum power of origin must not exceed 70 kW or 95 hp and can be reduced to the regulatory 35 kW.
At Kawasaki, no less than seven motorcycles fall into this A2 category, in addition to the two scooters and which are aimed at lovers of practical, simple and accessible two-wheelers. In addition to,,, and, land this year the "70 kW" and the .
Kawasaki therefore invited us to the south of Corsica, to Ajaccio, to overlap them all … quickly. Very quickly even, since our opener is none other than the pilot Bruno Langlois, winner of the prestigious American race of Pikes Peak in then in (podium of 200 hp!).
Before we set off on the winding roads of the Isle of Beauty, the managers of the Verte brand want to give us two important information: the de / clamping procedure for the four "six-fifty" and the subtle differences between the Z900 "full power" and the 70 kW version "A2 approved"…
At Akashi Greens, limiting the power of the 650 cc twin-cylinder to 35 kW is not rocket science: "it is an electronic clamping, the operation only takes half an hour at our dealers and the price is set at 90 euros ", describes Antoine Coulon, marketing and communication manager of Kawasaki France..
Electronic clamping / unclamping package at 90 €
After the two-year probationary period and once the mandatory 7-hour training has been validated to have a "very short" A license, the owner can perform the opposite operation just as easily: unbridle his Z650 (Ninja, Versys or Vulcan) requires the same time and costs the same price.
Thus, the purchase of a "six-and-a-half" Kawa is carried out without too much hesitation: the buyer who was refurbished a version restricted to 47.5 hp when he wanted to take advantage of the full power of his motorcycle (see the mini technical sheets on the following pages) will not have to wait too long or spend too much money.
The case becomes "tough" (hohoho) when you want to acquire a Z900: the original model, launched last year and whose engine develops 125 horsepower, can not be driven by the new licenses because it can not be restricted. To comply with European regulations, Kawasaki has agreed to create a second 95 hp Z900 which is arriving in dealerships at this very moment. !
Like the 650s, this 70 kW Z900 can switch from restricted mode (35kW) to unbridled (70k, good!) During a simple intervention by the dealer on the electronics, which can be done as many times. as necessary according to changes of owners.
On the other hand, in order to prevent the smart kids completely and too easily unbridle their Z900 "A2" and thus gain access to the original 125 horsepower, the 70 kW version differs from the "92 kW" version in four points: "housing electronics, cylinder head, camshafts and exhaust manifolds ", Coulon San lists us.
Unlike the Z800e which differed from the Z800 "full" in several mechanical and aesthetic points, the Z900 70 kW looks like the Z900 "full". As the smaller diameter of the exhaust pipes is not easy to detect – unless you have the two models in front of you – there is only one clue to differentiate them: the cylinder head cover of the 70 kW is painted gray. !
How does the Z900 70 kW drive compared to the original model? And what does it give when restrained to 35 kW? This is what MNC will try to find out now … You can click on the next page !
Related articles
-
Which A2 motorcycle to choose from Kawasaki? Test of Z900 70 kW, Ninja 400 and company… In 2018, Kawasaki launches two new motorcycles compatible with…
-
Z900RS test: the new neo-retro Kawasaki Zed, zen and zealous Kawasaki is back in the neo-retro segment with a brand new motorcycle: the Z900RS! Site was…
-
Which A2 motorcycle to choose from Kawasaki? Test of Z900 70 kW, Ninja 400 and company… In 2018, Kawasaki launches two new motorcycles compatible with…
-
Duel 35 kW: Kawasaki Z900 Vs KTM 790 Duke, recreation A2 ! KTM is strengthening its offering in the competitive mid-displacement roadster segment with…
-
Which A2 motorcycle to choose from Kawasaki ? Test of Z900 70 kW, Ninja 400 and company… In 2018, Kawasaki launches two new motorcycles compatible with…
-
Comparison test Kawasaki Z900, Suzuki GSX-S750 and Yamaha MT-09: Election of the best Japanese maxi-mid-size roadster In 2017, Kawasaki further…
-
Z900 test: the new Kawasaki roadster without aids ! True to form, Kawasaki has decided to replace its popular Z800 with a beefier Z900: larger engine,…
-
Ninja H2 SX test: sporty road bike, in green and against everything ! Kawasaki has no shortage of air: three years after the launch of its Ninja H2 / R,…
-
Motorcycle license – 10 Kawasaki motorcycles for A2 license holders – KAWASAKI Occasions
10 Kawasaki motorcycles for A2 license holders On January 19, 2013, the new A2 motorcycle license will only give access to certain models. Here is the…
-
Road – Kawasaki Ninja H2SX SE + test: intimate compression – H2SX SE + test page 1: tourist missile
Kawasaki Ninja H2SX SE + test: intimate compression Kicking the ass and stimulating the private parts are already on the program for the H2SX SE, the…