The Modenas Z15GT could revive Kawasaki’s underbone game in PH
The Kawasaki ZX130 was one of the brand’s more memorable underbones in the Philippines, particularly among riders looking for something sportier than a basic commuter. Years later, Kawasaki has returned to the small-bike market through the Modenas-built Brusky 125, giving the brand a local connection to the Malaysian motorcycle maker.
Kawasaki and Modenas have been connected since the Malaysian company’s early years, with Kawasaki technology used in several Modenas motorcycles. The Modenas X-Cite 130, launched in 2006, was closely related to the Kawasaki ZX130 sold in other ASEAN markets. The X-Cite later evolved into the GT128, keeping the relationship in the underbone segment.
Kawasaki now owns 30% of Modenas, with the partnership expanding into engineering and product development. The Z15GT is one of the latest results, developed with Kawasaki support and positioned as a performance-focused 150cc to what Malaysians call a “supermoped.”
For Juan dela Cruz, the Z15GT has the numbers to get attention. Its 149.5cc liquid-cooled, four-valve engine produces 16.8 PS and 13.5 Nm, paired with a six-speed gearbox. It also gets front ABS and 17-inch wheels.
The latest model receives seven updates aimed mainly at improving durability, while the Malaysian SRP remains at MYR 8,288, or roughly PHP 127,600.
The Z15GT was not developed as a ZX130 replacement, but it has the kind of specification that could fill a void in Kawasaki’s lineup if it ever reaches the Philippines.
While Kawasaki Philippines has not announced any plans to sell the Z15GT locally, the Brusky, however, shows that a Modenas-developed motorcycle can already carry the Kawasaki name in the local market.
Suzuki’s Raider R150 has held the position as the “King of Underbones” in the Philippines for years. A Kawasaki-badged Z15GT would definitely give buyers another serious 150cc option, with nearly 17 PS, a six-speed transmission, and modern features.
There is still a sizeable market for underbones in the Philippines, and Modenas had previously identified the Philippines as one of its potential export markets for the Z15GT. If it makes its way here and Kawasaki can keep the price close to its Malaysian equivalent, it could come in below the PHP 130,000 SRP of the Raider R150 Blade Edition and significantly undercut the PHP 146,400 Raider R150 PRO.
