Kawasaki KIPS ZX150KRR

With the creation of this topic, I intend to delete ALL THE NEGATIVITY about the Kawasaki ZX150KRR. As most people say :

1) Its a 2stroke, heavy maintenance.
2) Its a 2stroke, slowwwwwwwwww.
3) Its a 2stroke, not worth to buy.
4) Well, considering all 3 above.

I will try to bust all thing above.



KAWASAKI ZX150KRR

Specification :
ENGINE
Type Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, Single cylinder
Displacement 148 cm³
Bore and Stroke 59.0 mm x 54.4 mm
Compression ratio 7.3:1
Performance:
a) Maximum power 22.1 kW {30.0 PS} @ 10,500 rpm
b) Maximum torque 21.6 N∙m {2.20 kgf∙m} @ 9,000 rpm
Fuel system MIKUNI VM28
Starting Primary kick
Ignition Magnito DC-CDI
Lubrication Superlube

DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 6-speed, Constant mesh, Return shift
Gear ratios:
1st 2.700 (27/10)
2nd 1.706 (29/17)
3rd 1.300 (26/20)
4th 1.090 (24/22)
5th 0.952 (20/21)
6th 0.863 (19/22)
Final reduction ratio 2.785 (39/14)
Clutch Wet multi disc

FRAME
Type Tubular double cradle
Caster (rake) 24º
Tyre:
a) front 90/90-17 49S Tube type
b) rear 110/80-17 57S Tube type

SUSPENSION
Front: Type Telescopic fork
Rear: Type Mono-shock with swingarm

BRAKES
Front: Type Disc brake, 2-piston calipers
Rear: Type Disc brake, 2-piston calipers

DIMENSIONS
Overall length 1,965 mm
Overall width 725 mm
Overall height 1,075 mm
Wheelbase 1,300 mm
Ground clearance 131 mm
Seat height 780 mm
Dry weight 124.5 kg
Fuel capacity 11.5 litres
*taken from Kawasaki Malaysia website


Argument number 1.

1) Its a 2stroke, heavy maintenance.

First thing first, you need to understand the difference between a 2stroke and 4stroke engine.


As you can see, 2stroke need less movement to create 1 full cycle. And it also have less part in the engine.



So, how actually a 2stroke ZX150 have a heavier maintenance then a 4 stroke bike?? Let me tell you the service requirement for the ZX150.

Every 5K transmission oil change (please take note that 2 stroke engine does not require engine oil, as only the gearbox need fluid, so its called transmission oil), RM30 depends on your choice of oil.
Every 20k, Piston ring change, top service top clean all the carbon deposit. RM150 (depends where you went)
Yes it use 2t oil, but 1 liter of 2t oil can go up to 1000km in standard setting. I recommend using Penzoil Marine TCW3 RM25. Its the 2t oil I been using all this while with all my 2 stroke bike.
Tire, front 90/80, can be found at almost any shop..RM100 at least. Rear RM150 at least.
Brake pad, can use 125Z brake pad, RM15.

OK, lets look at..lets say..Ninja 250 maintenance shall we? Compare a Kawa to a Kawa.

Every 5k service, at least RM60 (2 liter of EO). Not sure how much the OIL FILTER cost.
Every 30k, the same with other 4stroke engine, need to do top service, at least RM300 if you do it properly.
Tire, RM150 at least for the front, RM400 at least for the rear (unless u use cheap tire that might kill you..)
Not really sure how much the brake pad cost.

So, how is the maintenance cost of the ZX150 more expensive then a 250 4 stroke?

Argument number 2.

2) Its a 2stroke, slowwwwwwwwww.

Lets take a look at the dyno chart.



Well, I cant find a clear dyno result for the ZX150, but according to a website of exhaust manufacturer, standard ZX150 produce 27bhp. If we take the spec from Kawa being 30.3bhp, substract 10% loss of the transmission, so we get 27bhp at least. Almost the same power, right?

Now, lets take a look at the dry weight of both bike. Kawasaki ZX150 124.5KG. The Ninja 250 is 169kg according to the spec sheet at Kawasaki website.

The ZX150 have a better power to weight ratio. Right?

Then we put the engine type into question. We are talking about the torque of a bike. A 2 stroke bike, with a power valve from the KIPS (Kawasaki Integrated Powervalve System) deliver a bulk of power when the valve open above 7K RPM. Only when the RPM hit above 7K. And give maximum power all the way to the 5th gear.On the 6th it wont go as fast is its on the 5th.

The Ninja 250 inline 2 cylinder engine, a proven to be a very very lazy engine. It need to hit 6K RPM before the engine will really go. Almost the same case with the ZX150.

And a few weeks ago, I hit 200kmj with a brand new, 1400km on the ODO ZX150, on a rainy Karak Highway. I weight 100++ KG. Of course, my friend who were riding my Blade 650 were only doing 160 at the moment I`m doing 200.
And one of my friend, sold off his Ninja 250 as he were being left behind by others, including 3 lads riding the ZX150. He now riding a ZX6, not sure who are going to smoke him now

So, seriously, are the ZX150 less powerful then a 4 stroke 250cc bike? I dont think so.

Argument number 3.

3) Its a 2stroke, not worth to buy.

Is it? Why?

Its the last of the generation. Yamaha stopped their 2 stroke production. Aprillia are going 4 stroke with their latest RS125. THe ZX150 are THE LAST of the legendary 2 stroke monster.ALmost 6 generation of technology over 20 years of development, now in their prime. To deliver 1 last fun for the people who understand how fun a 2 stroke is, if they have the ball to squeeze that fun out of it.

And how fun is it? ITS VERY, VERY GREAT FUN!

Find a good twisty road, slap in a sticky tire (I prefer 120/70 for the rear, either the Pirelli Supercorsa or Dunlop Sportmax, and a Bridgestone Battlax BT39SS 90/80 for the front), and you are going to DANCE with the bike. Awesome grip, amazing power, lightweight bike easy to flick left and right. I use to be hated by superbikers back in the days of my Bukit Tinggi as there, IT IS 150cc TERRITORY. You bring a 600cc or 1000cc bike to challenge a good 150cc 2stroke there? You are doomed.

Reliability? Kawasaki KIPS series are known for their reliability. Take good care of it, and it will take good care of you. That is why you can still find some old uncle riding their very2 old KIPS out there.

Some people say 2 stroke cant travel far. Pffftttt. the furthest I have ridden my last ZX150 is from Bukit Kobah, Kedah to Bandar Johor Bharu. Stopping only for food and fuel. Doing a constant 150-160, and going full throttle everytime I`m bored., and yet it only failed me when I start MODIFYING it for the race I`m in. keep it standard, it will last a longgggg time.

Why should you buy a RM20k 250 4stroke bike, when you can get a less maintenance, same power bike for only RM10k?


Anyone want to argue with me about all the above, please do. We can all learn new thing from a brain storming session.

Thanks for reading until the end.