October 27, 24:00AutoPapo

Kawasaki to present new trail motorcycle next Tuesday

Just a few days after launching the KLE 500 SE Smartride 2027, Kawasaki has scheduled the reveal of another motorcycle model for this Tuesday (27th). According to a released teaser, it is another adventure trail bike.

The news was initially reported by Motoo, and the presentation is set for 5 PM Central European Time, corresponding to 1 PM in Brasília time. The images shown display a bike equipped with a front fairing and windscreen, accompanied by the motto 'the adventure awaits you.' However, the specific model has not been identified at any point.

More details about the motorcycle

The bike's aesthetics suggest the possibility of it being a new member of the KLE family, although Kawasaki has not confirmed this link. International press speculates that it could be a trail bike with an engine displacement higher than the KLE 500.

The 2027 SE Smartride version incorporated an auto-clutch system into the mid-displacement trail bike. This system combines a mechanical centrifugal clutch with the existing oil-bath multi-disc unit. This allows the rider to start and stop without needing to engage the lever, reducing effort in traffic situations with frequent stops. Furthermore, Kawasaki states that the combination of these two mechanisms makes it difficult to shut down the engine.

It is important to note that the Smartride does not replace the manual gearbox; gear changes are still made with the lever and pedal in six speeds while the bike is moving. Being entirely mechanical, the unit eliminates sensors and electronic controls, which removes a source of electronic failures, but also implies the absence of operating modes or adjustable settings.

Another innovation in this version is the spoked wheels designed for use with tubeless tires, measuring 21 inches in the front and 17 in the rear, using sizes 90/90-21 and 150/70-17. This feature is practical for travel as it allows a puncture on the road to be repaired without disassembling the wheel, and it is exclusive to the SE Smartride, as standard and SE versions do not have this item. The basic equipment configuration is identical to the SE, including a TFT panel connected via app, an adjustable windscreen in three positions, handguards, and a sump guard.

The introduction of Smartride did not alter the main mechanics. The 451cc parallel twin engine, equipped with liquid cooling and DOHC camshaft, generates 45 hp at 9,000 rpm and 4.3 kgf.m at 6,000 rpm. This is the same engine used in the Ninja 500, Z500, and Eliminator 500, but with a distinct tuning: in the Ninja, it produces 51 hp at 10,000 rpm and 4.4 kgf.m at 7,500 rpm. In the trail version, the power peaks occur earlier, at the expense of higher numerical values.

However, the seat height remains at 870 mm from the ground, a considerable elevation even for the segment, which may deter shorter riders.

Kawasaki had confirmed the KLE 500 during the Interlagos Festival 2026, but did not specify the model's arrival date. The 2027 line was presented to the European market, and prices have not yet been disclosed, making it impossible to know if the SE Smartride will be part of the Brazilian offering.

Regarding the motorcycle to be presented on Tuesday, Kawasaki only provided a date. Since the model has not yet been revealed, there is no information available about a possible arrival in the country.

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www.aajtak.inOctober 19, 13:16

Kawasaki Z1100 updated and presented in India with powerful engine and modern features

Kawasaki has released an updated version of its powerful streetfighter motorcycle, the Z1100, in the Indian market, which is aimed at superbike enthusiasts. The company has not made significant changes to the design, engine technical specifications, or pricing policy of the new release.

The motorcycle remains available for 12.79 lakh Indian rupees, including exterior costs. The new Kawasaki Z1100 variant is presented in a single color—Ebony/Metallic Carbon Grey. Despite the lack of new technical improvements or features compared to the previous model, the introduction of new graphic elements or color options could give the bike a fresh look.

The Kawasaki Z1100 uses a liquid-cooled, four-cylinder inline engine with a displacement of 1099 cubic centimeters. This engine is capable of generating 136 hp and 113 Nm of torque. It is worth noting that this same engine is used in the updated touring motorcycle, the Versys 1100, although there it is offered with slightly less power and torque. In the Versys 1100, the engine produces 135 hp and 112 Nm. Such power levels are typically seen in compact cars sold in the Indian market.

Structurally, the Kawasaki Z1100 is equipped with a tubular diamond frame. The front suspension features a 41 mm diameter inverted (USD) fork with a travel of 120 mm. The rear is supported by a monoshock with back-linkage, featuring a travel of 136 mm. The front damping allows adjustment of compression and rebound, while the rear suspension allows setting of preload and rebound.

The braking system includes two 310 mm Brembo disc brakes in the front and one 260 mm disc brake in the rear. In terms of equipment, the Kawasaki Z1100 is fitted with a 5-inch TFT display. Additional features include a bidirectional quickshifter, cornering traction control, and dual-channel ABS. The traction control system has three levels, helping to maintain better control while riding.

The motorcycle also features cruise control and smartphone connectivity, making long journeys more comfortable and providing the rider with necessary information. The overall weight of the bike is about 220 kilograms, and the fuel tank capacity is 17 liters, which is quite advantageous for long trips. In the Indian market, the Kawasaki Z1100 competes with powerful models such as the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, which is priced at 13.29 lakh rupees.

autopapo.com.brOctober 13, 21:00

Harley-Davidson reveals teaser of the Sprint 440 motorcycle, part of the brand's restructuring plan

Harley-Davidson released the first promotional material regarding its future more affordable motorcycle, named the Sprint 440. This new model is part of the company's restructuring program, known as "Back to the Bricks," which began in May with the goal of mitigating the continuous financial decline faced by the manufacturer in recent years.

The images were made available through the company's official channels, accompanied by a registration form on the brand's website for those interested in receiving more details. Although the information disclosed about the model is limited, it has been identified as being from the 2027 model year.

Technical details and proposals for the Sprint 440

Harley-Davidson specifically confirmed the 440cc engine and the bike's design, which is intended to be light and agile, ideal for both urban traffic and short trips. However, beyond these points, no official data was provided regarding weight, dimensions, seat height, equipment, final price, launch date, or the markets where it will be sold. The company also did not confirm whether the Sprint 440 will arrive in Brazil.

There is a high probability that the new Harley-Davidson Sprint 440 will use the same mechanical unit as the X440, which was developed in collaboration with India's Hero MotoCorp and has been available in India since 2023. This unit features a 440cc single-cylinder engine with air and oil cooling, generating approximately 27 horsepower and 3.8 kgfm of torque, in addition to a six-speed gearbox.

The manufacturer did not officially ratify this possible use of shared components, nor whether there will be modifications to the engine, transmission, or electronic systems for this new application. Although the mechanical base may be similar, the design is distinct: while the X440 adopts a neo-retro inspired roadster aesthetic, the Sprint 440 appears in the teasers with the characteristic silhouette of the brand's traditional cruisers.

The images allow for the identification of elements such as a round headlight, handlebars positioned rearward relative to the rider, a teardrop-shaped tank, a concave seat, and two rear shocks. The similarity between the Sprint and X models seems to be concentrated on the rear section, where the fender features a robust structure that includes mounting for the license plate and turn signals. The change in the bike's posture suggests possible changes to the wheels and suspension, although this depends on official confirmation.

Financial context and market expectations

The introduction of the Sprint 440 occurs amid significant financial challenges for Harley-Davidson. The company closed the 2025 fiscal year recording a loss of US$ 29 million and set a goal to achieve gross operating profit exceeding US$ 350 million by 2027.

During the presentation of "Back to the Bricks" in May, the name Sprint was associated with a model priced at US$ 6,000 (which is equivalent to about R$ 30,000 in the direct conversion of the current exchange rate), a value that has not yet been confirmed. Even if these are mere speculations, it would be extremely unlikely to find a Harley-Davidson at this price in the Brazilian market. However, considering tax costs and other factors, a price in the range of R$ 50,000 could be viable.

Currently, the most economical Harley-Davidson model in the United States and Brazil is the Street Bob, which costs US$ 14,990 and R$ 119,950, respectively. In a simplified comparison, if the new Sprint 440 were launched in the US for US$ 6,000, its cost in Brazil would be around R$ 48,000. The last affordable option from Harley-Davidson was the Sportster 883, which was discontinued in 2020 with an approximate price of R$ 39,900.

In this market niche, Royal Enfield has taken the position with its simplest and lowest-cost customizations, becoming the main direct competitor to the American brand in the country. For this reason, the Sprint 440 is relevant to the Brazilian market, but in the absence of defined price, date, and markets, it remains only a promise.