For Kawasaki – and Kawasaki fans – Ninja and Z are venerated families and the desire to belong has created entry level machines in the form of the Z125 plus Ninja 125. By any standards, these are machines that display all the presence and qualities of their larger capacity siblings. And for 2026, both machines will be offered in a variety of new liveries.
With an enviable heritage that stretches back to 1972 for the Z brand and 1984 in terms of the Ninja line, the lineage of these two thoroughly modern machines is inescapable. The Z125 and Ninja 125 each represent an ideal “entry to the wide world of motorcycling” for a wide range of powered two-wheeler enthusiasts including those new to biking focusing on the important A1 licence category.
Each utilising a tubular trellis type chassis construction similar to Kawasaki’s top of the range Supercharged Ninja and Z machines, the 125cc offerings focus on an idealised balance of style, engineering and durability which entry level riders rightly expect.
The Ninja 125 has bodywork redolent Ninja machines racing machines and is equipped with a 15PS (11KW) engine with controllability and classic Ninja urge throughout the rev range. Reassuring around town and with great low to mid-range flexibility, the rider feels the benefit of Supersport ergonomics (that include a 20mm higher seat as an Ergofit accessory option) and a cockpit view that encompasses all-digital instrumentation. Add Uni-Trak rear suspension, ø37 mm telescopic front forks plus dependable ABS brakes and the Ninja 125 is sure to be at the head of many rider’s wish list; and justifiably so.
For Z heads, the Z125 bathes in Kawasaki’s unique Sugomi design approach balancing engineering with styling while being the smallest in the revered naked class family sharing the same frame technology and engine configuration as its 125cc capacity cousin.
A1 licence compliant, the Z125 is also equipped with the same suspension set up and, likewise, benefits from all-digital meters and advanced ABS braking plus the option of a 25mm lower Ergofit accessory seat. Offering the same distinctive look and feel as other street focused members of the Z family, the Z125 provides a great introduction to the world of naked category motorcycling.
Both bikes will be available from October, with colours and pricing below:
Ninja 125:
Lime Green (£4,699)
Metallic Graphite Gray/Metallic Spark Black (£4,699)
Z125:
Pearl Storm Gray/Ebony (£4,399)
Candy Lime Green/metallic Spark Black (£4,299)