All Tests – J125 test: the small Kawasaki scooter for the general public – Moto-Net.Com on the handlebars of the J125

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J125 test: the small Kawasaki scooter for the general public

All Tests - J125 test: the small Kawasaki scooter for the general public - Moto-Net.Com on the handlebars of the J125

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

Site on the handlebars of the J125

In the middle of the handlebars sits a raw plastic medallion. The letter "K" engraved inside is underlined with the mention "Kawasaki": no, the J125 is not a Kymco! To avoid confusion, the name of the Japanese brand is also stamped on the front brake caliper and on the transmission housing.

Contrary to what fans of the Greens might believe, on the other hand, the brake discs cut out "petal style" are not specific to the Kawasaki scooter: the Dink Street also benefits from this more sporty appearance, but no more – nor less – efficient than a round disc.

On the J125, the levers of the two brakes are adjustable in spacing and adapt to very large hands (setting 4) as well as small (1). The controls for the lights and the circuit breaker are very ergonomic and the other buttons are easily accessible.

The warning is the only element that is not easy to find: it is activated like a trigger with the right index finger, via its all yellow button. This solution – Taiwanese at the origin – did not convince MNC insofar as the right hand already has a lot to do, especially in traffic jams, with the gas and the front brake….

On the other hand, the J125 is unassailable in terms of accessibility: its saddle is positioned at only 755 mm in height and it is skilfully refined in its front part. Cutouts in the floor free up space for the calves, making it even easier to access the floor.

The reception of the buttocks is just as good: generously padded, the saddle widens copiously towards the rear and is doubled by a high backrest in which the driver’s lumbar region naturally rests..

The handlebars are placed high, which prevents any contact with the knees even when steer to the maximum. The pilot’s ball joints – even large – are also located a good distance from the apron … It is hardly the feet that lack space.

Indeed, the design of the enveloping fairing prevents throwing its feet far forward and the very wide central tunnel leaves no amplitude at the level of the spacing. Kawasaki has also put clever pads that do not provide more grip or control, but prevent the paint from aging prematurely..

Not 100% "GT" therefore, the J125 is also perfectible on the sporting level: the "ramage" of its small exhaust unfortunately does not relate to its racy "plumage" … In other words, the 4-stroke single cylinder sounds like any 125 cc utility.

"We revised the aesthetics of the silencer but we have not reworked its timbre", admit the Greens to us. The J125 misses here a good opportunity to stand out from its adversaries with sounds just as ordinary….

Too bad also that the small engine struggles to take off the scooter of 182 kg (all full facts): it is only after 20 km / h that it really goes up in the towers and effectively propels the machine. Loaded full or in duo, it may be that starts on a hill or in the parking ramps are a bit laborious.

The J125 is however well built for the duo: the rear seat is as wide as it is soft, the retractable footrests offer excellent points of support, the long and well-apart handles allow the passenger to maintain themselves well..

The only flaw of the J125 duo concerns the fairing which slightly shears the lower calves. Without forgetting of course the point addressed during the static presentation on the previous page: the impossibility of accommodating a second helmet in the trunk…

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