It looks like the global middleweight supersport motorcycle segment is in for a major turnaround over the next 12 to 24 months.
There is no doubt that the entry of the Aprilia RS 660 shaked things up quite a bit in what has traditionally been the go-to segment for riders upgrading from entry-level performance bikes.
Although it also costs fairly more (£10,150 in the UK, which is about Rs. 10.3 lakhs in Indian money) than a traditional middleweight, the RS 660 does pack some serious punch and has moved the game forward with its top-notch electronics package.
Recently, renders of the supposedly under development 2022 Kawasaki Ninja 700 surfaced online and shortly after came similar images of the new Yamaha R7.
While we have reported about the Yamaha motorcycle already (read article here), the debate about the middleweight supersport machine from Team Green has intensified of late.
Rumours suggest the Kawasaki Ninja 700 will be unveiled in 2022. It would be an evolution of the current Ninja 650, but should have additional engine capacity.
This should enable the Japanese firm to give the bike around 100 HP, similar to the Aprilia RS 660. While the bike’s frame would still be a trellis unit, the subframe might be tweaked to fit a wider rear tyre.
Design-wise, the 2022 Ninja 700 might look like a smaller version of the ZX-10R and the brand should be looking to keep the weight of the motorcycle under 190 kg.
But the most important aspect of the bike would be the addition of new age electronics, once again similar to the Italian machine, which should make it a very attractive proposition for race junkies on a budget.
Thus far, nothing is set in stone and although speculations are rife, only an official confirmation from Kawasaki would clear the air on the matter.
Image Source – KarDesignKoncepts on Instagram