Kawasaki 150cc in the making? Or is it a naked 250?

A single cylinder naked Kawasaki motorcycle was spied recently. The looks of the motorcycle make us suspect that the Japanese manufacturer has been working on a sub-200cc motorcycle. Or it could also be the naked 250cc?

The pictures of the motorcycle posted on iwanbanaran.com show the vehicle without any camouflage and the Kawasaki badging on the fuel tank. From the looks of the vehicle, it wouldn’t be wrong in guessing that this is not a prototype but a production-ready motorcycle. The size of the motorcycle resembles the Yamaha FZ16. The image shows the disc brakes, the bikini fairing, the small windscreen that may house a fully digital speedometer, a big but neatly shaped tank, red-coloured tubular chassis frame, split seats, rear sets, a single tail lamp and a long upswept exhaust.

Regarding the engine specifications, there are still no confirmations, but since Kawasaki already has motorcycles above 250cc and just a Ninja 150 in some parts of the world, the Japanese manufacturer must be definitely thinking of developing a sub-200cc engine for emerging two-wheeler markets. With these motorcycles snapped in this avatar, it gives us an impression that the Japanese manufacturer might be working on the same lines.

It might be too early to judge anything, but we can safely predict that if Kawasaki powers the upcoming naked bike with a single cylinder 150cc engine, it definitely has a good scope in emerging markets like India. Knowing Kawasaki for extracting every single bit that can be obtained from an engine, a sub-200cc motor with loads of power combined with a lightweight body and new technology, would do wonders for the company and enthusiasts all over. The motorcycle will directly compete with the Yamaha R15 or the Honda CBR150R or for that matter even the Duke 200 if launched in India.

Fresh rumours that might upset Indian Kawasaki fans and enthusiasts are that this 'small' motorcycle might not be sold in India. This two-wheeler with the Kawasaki skin will be based on Bajaj's technology. It might borrow traits from the Pulsar 200NS and be sold globally.