Category Archives: Kawasaki

Kawasaki, Motorcycle Live

Kawasaki to Unveil all-new Models for First Time in UK at 2018 Motorcycle Live

Kawasaki Motors UK have introduced a tantalising assortment of new models to the 2019 line-up and they are set to break cover for the first time in the UK during the upcoming Motorcycle Live show at the NEC in Birmingham, held from 17th to 25th Nov.

The all-new Kawasaki Ninja 125 and Z125 will thrill A1 licence holders. Our latest addition to the supersports category is the next level Ninja ZX-6R with a legendary 636cc capacity engine, plus a revised Ninja ZX-10R range with higher peak power of 203ps. Keeping in the theme of more power, our updated supercharged Ninja H2 unleashes an unbelievable 231ps!

In addition to new models, we will have four time World Superbike Champion and Ninja ZX-10RR rider, Jonathan Rea visit our stand for a book signing to celebrate his newly released autobiography. Don’t have a copy of Rea’s autobiography? Not a problem, you can purchase one from our stand!

Hot off the podium, the first female to win a motorcycle racing world championship and Ninja 400 rider, Ana Carrasco will also be present for a signing session along with reigning British Superbike Champion Leon Haslam. To celebrate Haslam’s triumph, renowned artist, Billy Art will be at the Kawasaki stand creating a fine artwork of Leon Haslam during the event, giving guests a rare chance to see the master pencil artist at work.

This year Kawasaki plans to maintain the title for ‘Best Manufacturers Stand’ at Motorcycle Live, taking our dealer showroom and garage inspired stand to another dimension with outdoor inspired features.

Are you a Club Kawasaki member? Perfect – you will be given VIP access to our members only area on the stand, allowing you to take a breather with a hot cup of tea or coffee and refreshments. The VIP area will also give Club Kawasaki members exclusive access and a premium view of our world famous racers during their interviews.

If you are racking your brain thinking of the perfect Christmas gift for a loved one, or you need another piece of green clothing to fly the Kawasaki flag, we will have you covered with our clothing and merchandise shop at the Kawasaki stand.

Riders skill and helping to encourage new motorcyclists into our gratifying world is immensely important to us at Kawasaki, hence we will be dedicating a section of our stand to share information about our Kawasaki Rider Training School KRTS program.

Kawasaki stand location at the event – Hall 3A, Stand 3G10 & 3G15.

Find out more about Motorcycle Live 2018 here – https://www.motorcyclelive.co.uk/


Kawasaki

2019 debut for new sublime road Supersport Ninja ZX‑6R

With multiple Championships in the WorldSSP category and track day praise from numerous Kawasaki riders, the Ninja ZX-6R concept moves to the next level in 2019 with the introduction of a sublime Supersport iteration with equal track day and road prowess.

Utilising Kawasaki’s by now legendary 636cc capacity engine, the latest in the Ninja mid-weight Supersport line now boasts a KQS quick shifter for up shifts allied to a new meter panel that includes functions such as an economical riding indicator plus fuel gauge and remaining range function, all hinting at the clever balanced achieved between track focus and street vision.

In addition to the standard fit assist and slipper clutch, other rider friendly features include a handy 12V power take-off for electrical accessories shows that short intense track day rides and longer weekend excursions are now both well within the scope of the Ninja ZX-6R.

The list of standard fit rider aids for 2019 is truly impressive including KTRC traction control, Kawasaki’s intelligent anti-lock braking system (KIBS) plus the convenience of two-stage power mode selection. Add a chassis equipped with the much praised Showa BFF separate function front fork and a sporty yet refined ergonomic riding position and the riding style options are numerous.

Track day fans will appreciate the adjustable shift-up indicator, monobloc calipers and large front disc rotors plus the choice of Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tyres as standard fit along with optional accessories such as Öhlins steering damper, axle sliders and colour coded pillion seat cover.

And in terms of outward looks, the fresh new bodywork approach sees the Ninja clad in a new cowling – complete with twin LED headlamps – that is both unique to this model yet reflects the evolving Ninja look. Add an aggressive and angular tail section and there can be no mistake, the latest ZX-6R certainly has “curb appeal”.

Euro4 compliant with an improved power and torque feeling, the classic Kawasaki mid-weight Supersport icon has now expanded to include a machine that can perform with the best on a track day then spend the remainder of the weekend racking up distances like no other machine it its category.

Kawasaki

2019 debut for new sublime road Supersport Ninja ZX‑6R

With multiple Championships in the WorldSSP category and track day praise from numerous Kawasaki riders, the Ninja ZX-6R concept moves to the next level in 2019 with the introduction of a sublime Supersport iteration with equal track day and road prowess.

Utilising Kawasaki’s by now legendary 636cc capacity engine, the latest in the Ninja mid-weight Supersport line now boasts a KQS quick shifter for up shifts allied to a new meter panel that includes functions such as an economical riding indicator plus fuel gauge and remaining range function, all hinting at the clever balanced achieved between track focus and street vision.

In addition to the standard fit assist and slipper clutch, other rider friendly features include a handy 12V power take-off for electrical accessories shows that short intense track day rides and longer weekend excursions are now both well within the scope of the Ninja ZX-6R.

The list of standard fit rider aids for 2019 is truly impressive including KTRC traction control, Kawasaki’s intelligent anti-lock braking system (KIBS) plus the convenience of two-stage power mode selection. Add a chassis equipped with the much praised Showa BFF separate function front fork and a sporty yet refined ergonomic riding position and the riding style options are numerous.

Track day fans will appreciate the adjustable shift-up indicator, monobloc calipers and large front disc rotors plus the choice of Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tyres as standard fit along with optional accessories such as  Öhlins steering damper, axle sliders and colour coded pillion seat cover.

And in terms of outward looks, the fresh new bodywork approach sees the Ninja clad in a new cowling – complete with twin LED headlamps – that is both unique to this model yet reflects the evolving Ninja look. Add an aggressive and angular tail section and there can be no mistake, the latest ZX-6R certainly has “curb appeal”.

Euro4 compliant with an improved power and torque feeling, the classic Kawasaki mid-weight Supersport icon has now expanded to include a machine that can perform with the best on a track day then spend the remainder of the weekend racking up distances like no other machine it its category.


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Kawasaki, Moto-America

Kawasaki To Offer Exclusive Ticket Package For MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica has announced that Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. will offer an exclusive ticket package for the remaining 2018 MotoAmerica Series races, beginning with round eight at Pittsburgh International Race Complex, August 24-26.

The new Kawasaki Corral ticket package offers customers a 15 percent discount on ticket purchases to MotoAmerica events (promo code: KAWASAKI). In addition to having the opportunity to ride their own Kawasakis on a parade lap of the racetracks, the Kawasaki Corral ticket package will include an escorted grid walk for all the Liqui Moly Junior Cup races, which feature several Kawasaki Ninja 400s – including the one ridden to victory three times thus far by Ashton Yates.

“It’s awesome that Kawasaki is growing with our series,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “They started with a great contingency program for our riders who race Kawasakis and now that has expanded to the ticket-package deal. We know this will bring Kawasaki customers to our races and they’ll have the opportunity to cheer on their favorite Kawasaki racers, especially in the Liqui Moly Junior Cup races.”

In addition to its sponsorship of the Kawasaki Corral ticket package, Kawasaki will also be featured in a fan photo booth featuring the Ninja 400 when applicable.

“Kawasaki is excited to offer our loyal fans a unique opportunity to watch America’s top racing talent and get to spin some laps on their own Kawasaki,” said Ken Essex, PR and Race Marketing Manager. “Kawasaki has seen some great success with the all-new Ninja 400 in the Junior Cup as well as the Stock 1000 class on the championship-proven Ninja ZX-10R. MotoAmerica is a great platform for our Ninja customers and now all Kawasaki riders have the opportunity to ride on the Nation’s best tracks.”

About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is the North American road racing series created in 2014 that is home to the AMA Superbike Championship. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey, ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland, motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges, and businessman Richard Varner. For more information on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com. Also make sure to follow MotoAmerica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Kawasaki

Bonneville Speed Week Unveil for 2019 “Power Up” Ninja H2

Still the only road going Supercharged Hypersport machine on the market, the latest iteration of the formidable Ninja H2 has just been unveiled as part of the annual Bonneville Speed Week.

Fully Euro4 compliant, the new model year Ninja H2 enjoys a substantial power increase from 200PS to an incredible 231PS. Pioneering the contemporary use of Supercharger technology on production motorcycles, Kawasaki is keen that power is not the only significant feature and, for 2019, there are certainly many other highlights such as the preservation of the current fuel economy figures despite the rise in horse power.

Some of this impressive power and fuel economy combination is due to a number of parts crossing over from the successful ultimate sport touring Ninja H2 SX. Items included in the new Ninja H2 spec include the air-filter, intake chamber, spark plugs and ECU but, critically, not the adoption of the balanced Supercharger.

Along with new high performance Bridgestone RS11 tyres the new spec also includes the latest Brembo “Stylema” front brake calipers. Super rigid, the Stylema has increased pad cooling ability, more instant and predictable initial actuation and better temperature characteristics for the brake fluid itself.

Visually there are also updates including a new Supercharged emblem plus highly durable paint and, for the first time on a Ninja H2, TFT colour meters with Bluetooth connectivity.

The highly durable paint is a noteworthy feature that, in suitably warm ambient temperatures, can “selfheal” minor scratches and scuffs in an impressively short time frame. Developed in-house by Kawasaki, the time between the appearance of a light scratch and “healing” is in a different league to similar automotive systems that can take weeks to fully “heal”.

The TFT meters have the same contemporary look and feel those currently fitted to the Ninja H2 SX SE but with the added innovation of smartphone connectivity via Kawasaki’s new “Rideology” App. Once paired, the smart phone can display a number of items including vehicle information such as fuel level and battery condition as well as a riding log and service interval updates.

“The visual impact and engineering prowess of the Ninja H2 will surely increase thanks to this major update”, commented Kenji Nagahara, Managing Director of Kawasaki Motors Europe. “This Supercharged machine is the physical embodiment of our corporate strength. The addition of more power, smart phone “Rideology” technology and other specification upgrades for 2019 shows that, as a company, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible and delivering cutting edge motorcycles to the market.“

Kawasaki

BSB Radio gets K‑Option Funding

The airwaves turn green this weekend as Kawasaki returns as the official title partner of BSB Radio.

Tagged as “Funded by Kawasaki K-Options” BSB Radio is multi-broadcast platform with tens of thousands of fans who listen in on the action of Bennetts British Superbike Championship.

“Our previous experience of BSB Radio was extremely positive,” explained Kawasaki UK Sales Manager Craig Watson, “It gives us the opportunity to communicate our key offers and exciting promotions to the BSB fans, and in particular our K-Options finance offers. In conjunction with our funding provider, Black Horse Motorcycle Finance, our dealers use K-Options to tailor a riders monthly budget to the Kawasaki of their dreams.”

BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs added “We’re really pleased to have Kawasaki return as the title partner for British Superbike Radio and for them to be able to capitalise on the value that BSB Radio delivers in reaching fans across the country and beyond.”

BSB Radio is available in many different ways, all broadcast live; trackside via the circuit PA systems, on the free to download BSB app, on the official website at and locally available FM Radio within 10 km of the circuit on 87.7FM. All keeping listeners entertained with minute by minute live commentary, grid walks, pit lane reports and all the very latest news from the Bennetts BSB paddock.

Kawasaki

BSB Radio gets K‑Option Funding

The airwaves turn green this weekend as Kawasaki returns as the official title partner of BSB Radio.

Tagged as “Funded by Kawasaki K-Options” BSB Radio is multi-broadcast platform with tens of thousands of fans who listen in on the action of Bennetts British Superbike Championship.

“Our previous experience of BSB Radio was extremely positive,” explained Kawasaki UK Sales Manager Craig Watson, “It gives us the opportunity to communicate our key offers and exciting promotions to the BSB fans, and in particular our K-Options finance offers. In conjunction with our funding provider, Black Horse Motorcycle Finance, our dealers use K-Options to tailor a riders monthly budget to the Kawasaki of their dreams.”

BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs added “We’re really pleased to have Kawasaki return as the title partner for British Superbike Radio and for them to be able to capitalise on the value that BSB Radio delivers in reaching fans across the country and beyond.”

BSB Radio is available in many different ways, all broadcast live; trackside via the circuit PA systems, on the free to download BSB app, on the official website at and locally available FM Radio within 10 km of the circuit on 87.7FM. All keeping listeners entertained with minute by minute live commentary, grid walks, pit lane reports and all the very latest news from the Bennetts BSB paddock.

Kawasaki, Shows and Events

Kawasaki Z900RS Custom Paint Competition

Kawasaki Motors UK has created 6 unique ‘True Spirit Designs’ and will ask the public to choose their favourite through social media, the K.World App and the national website. The final design will be commissioned and subsequently unveiled on the Kawasaki stand at the MCN London Show in February.

Customers who purchase a Z900RS between 16th February and 10th March will have the opportunity to enter a draw to win the chosen custom paint design on their new Z900RS. The winning customer will be announced at the Kawasaki Green Friday dealer launch event on Friday 23rd March with the bike on display at the winners local Kawasaki dealership.

Each of the six designs has been inspired by a Japanese city and the city name will feature on the artwork in both Japanese and English. The custom paint schemes have been designed by a collaboration of the Kawasaki Motors UK creative team with input from Kawasaki HQ in Japan (KHI), and produced by Surrey Customs. The six cities chosen have a Kawasaki Group plant and each design highlights the diverse integrated strengths of the brand, alongside key models from the decades of heritage Kawasaki has amassed.

Z900RS AKASHI – Akashi is the heart of Kawasaki Motorcycles, the motorcycles are designed, developed and produced in this vast factory complex. Akashi holds the heritage of where we are today with over 50 years of motorcycle development. The Z1 of the early 1970’s inspired this design and we pay homage to this revolutionary model, the fastest and most technically advanced production motorcycle in the world at the time.

Z900RS HYOGO – The home of rail speed. The Hyogo works has been at the forefront of developing the most advanced locomotives in the business; including the world famous Bullet Trains. This design is inspired by our latest addition to the range, the H2 SX, and is a nod to the past as well as the present.

Z900RS KOBE – The spiritual heart of Kawasaki and the heart of Kawasaki’s ship building empire. The Kobe design is inspired by the bikini fairing and curved lines from the key 1980’s Kawasaki models, whilst the strong red colour reflects the groups corporate image.

Z900RS NAGOYA – The Nagoya Works develops high-tech aerospace components, this sleek and modern design pays respect to our super models, the Ninja H2R and H2, the ultimate Kawasaki performance motorcycles, classed as the pinnacle of motorcycle performance.

Z900RS SEISHIN – The Seishin design embodies the aggressive styling of the 1990’s GPZ range with white and candy purple tones, the jet engine components built in the Seishin factory inspired the cut style bodywork, exposing the powerful engine of the Z900RS.

Z900RS HARIMA – Our Harima design alludes to the nimble, stripped down to essentials, café racers developed among British motorcycle enthusiasts in the 1960’s. The Harima Works creates machinery for environmental industries which attributed to the lightweight materials, minimalist bodywork incorporated with soft, pastel colours.

The chosen design will be unveiled at the MCN London Show on Friday 16th February at 12:00pm,

Kawasaki, Motorcycle Live, Shows and Events

Kawasaki excited to return to Motorcycle Live

Kawasaki UK is excited to return to the Birmingham NEC for Motorcycle Live 2017, where it will have a wide range of road and off-road bikes on display, including new 2018 models being shown in the UK for the first time.

Based around the concept of the ultimate Kawasaki showroom, visitors can find the unmissable Kawasaki stand in hall 3. As with Kawasaki’s new 2018 models, the Kawasaki stand draws from the past and looks to the future with a retro-themed area dedicated to the new Z900RS retro sport range, plus an area that reflects the cutting edge technology employed by Kawasaki in its latest models such as the new supercharged Ninja H2 SX sports tourer and new Ninja ZX-10R SE with advanced electronic semi-active suspension.

Elsewhere, visitors will be able to get up close and personal with the new Ninja 400 and the new 70kW Z900. The incredible and ever-popular supercharged Ninja H2 and H2R will both be present on the stand to wow crowds.

Opposite the main stand, show goers can find the race stand, which celebrates Kawasaki’s racing activities and success. Here visitors will be able to see a wide range of race and championship winning bikes including Jonathan Rea’s WorldSBK winning ZX-10RR, Leon Haslam’s JG Speedfit ZX-10RR, Dean Harrison’s classic TT-winning ZXR750 and Danny Buchan’s National Superstock 1000 Championship winning Morello Racing Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR.

During both weekends visitors to the race stand will have the chance to watch live rider interview sessions with Kawasaki racers including Leon Haslam, Tom Sykes, Danny Buchan as well as Luke Mossey, James Hillier and 2017 World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea, among others. Interview times and stand activity will be published on the Kawasaki News UK Facebook page, and @Kawasaki_News on Twitter.

Using the #Kawacamera hashtag, Kawasaki is aiming to make every person’s visit memorable. Visitors are encouraged to photograph themselves on the Kawasaki stand and upload to Instagram and Twitter. Images tagged with #Kawacamera will be printed throughout the show for visitors to take home from the wall near the Club Kawasaki area. Anyone taking a photo that Kawasaki staff really like could win a free Kawasaki watch.

Anyone interested in learning to ride will be well catered for by Kawasaki Rider Training Services (KRTS), which is running a special show offer: everyone signing up for a reduced price Kawasaki Two Wheeled Experience will be entered into a draw to win all the training needed to get their motorcycle licence.

Kawasaki experience partners including the Lee Dunham Off Road School and Dragon Moto Tours will also be keen to meet and greet show goers for the duration of the show, and the retail shop will be stocking a range of Kawasaki clothing and merchandise.

Kawasaki UK looks forward to welcoming you to Motorcycle Live.

Motorcycle Live runs from 18-26 November at the NEC, Birmingham. Advance tickets are available until the end of today, priced at just £19.50 per adult, £12 for Seniors, £1 for 11-16 year olds* and FREE for children aged ten and under (accompanied by a paying adult). On the day tickets are £25.

To book, call 0844 581 2345 or visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk

Kawasaki

Pricing and availability for stunning new 2018 Kawasakis

Kawasaki UK has announced pricing and availability for its new 2018 models, revealed at the Tokyo International Motor Show and Eicma during October and November.

Featuring Kawasaki’s second generation Balanced Supercharged engine, the new Ninja H2 SX sports tourer offers the phenomenal power delivery of a 200hp supercharged engine with excellent fuel efficiency, superb ride comfort, agile handling and stability. The Ninja H2 SX will be available from Kawasaki dealers in February 2018 for £15,099.

With its additional equipment including colour TFT instruments, LED cornering lights, quick-shifter and launch control, the new Ninja H2 SX SE will be available for £18,099 from February 2018. Customers can place orders immediately at any Kawasaki dealership.

The stunning new retro sport Z900RS is an up-to-date modern classic that pays homage to the legendary Z1. Providing supreme curb appeal and the true spirit of riding satisfaction, the Z900RS is available in three different colour schemes, with three corresponding prices: starting at just £9,899 for the standard mean and moody Metallic Spark Black with an extra £200 for the special edition Metallic Matte Covert Green / Flat Ebony taking the price to £10,099. The price for those choosing the stunning the Z1 inspired colourway of Candytone Brown / Candytone Orange is £10,199. All three versions will be in UK showrooms by the start of December

The new and eagerly anticipated Z900RS Café will join the Z900RS in dealers in March 2018. Thanks to its café racer-style front cowl, drop handlebar and striking Vintage Lime Green paint the Z900RS Café takes the Z900RS in an exciting new direction and will be priced at £10,349.

Joining the ranks of the Ninja ZX-10 superbike family for 2018 is the new Ninja ZX-10R SE – the first motorcycle to feature Showa’s electronic semi-active suspension, which has been exclusively developed for Kawasaki. The high-tech Ninja ZX-10R SE compliments the ZX-10R and the bike that won the 2017 World Superbike Championship, the track focused ZX-10RR, by offering comfort and performance in equal measure. The new Ninja ZX-10R SE will be available in March 2018 priced at £18,949.

Born on the street and inspired by the track, the new Ninja 400 is a lightweight addition to the expanded Ninja range. This accessible new sports bike offers excitement and ease of riding to a wide range of riders and will arrive in Kawasaki dealership in February 2018. The new Ninja 400 starts at £5,249 in Metallic Spark Black and is also available in KRT colours for £5,399.

Craig Watson, Kawasaki UK Sales Manager said:
“Kawasaki development hasn’t slowed, in fact it’s accelerating. We are entering 2018 with the most exciting range of bikes available, covering every riding style and genre, plus with the announcement of a naked Z 125cc and a 125cc Ninja due to arrive later in 2018 we also have every capacity covered.”

All of these exciting new models can benefit from Kawasaki K-Options Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance offers at 5.9% APR representative over three years. Benefit from our lowest APR on these latest 2018 models.

Credit is subject to status and is only available to UK residents aged 18 and over. Finance offer available through Kawasaki Finance, a trading style of Black Horse Ltd, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH.

To view the full Kawasaki range, go to www.kawasaki.co.uk

Kawasaki

Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX – Supercharge your journey

Three years after Kawasaki introduced the unique forced induction Ninja H2 and Ninja H2R, Kawasaki now introduces a new supercharged motorcycle featuring the second generation Balanced Supercharged engine; the Ninja H2 SX. The excitement and characteristic power delivery of a 200ps supercharged engine is now brought to the Sport Tourer category, making the new Ninja H2 SX the ultimate sport tourer.

The Ninja H2 and the Ninja H2R were born from a pure pursuit of performance and created to offer riders an unforgettable experience; the new Ninja H2 SX explores a different direction: sports touring. Balanced Supercharged technology has been developed entirely in-house by Kawasaki with a focus on real-world street use. The Ninja H2 SX’s 998cc liquid-cooled four-cylinder DOHC 16-valve supercharged engine offers a sensational linear power output in the low to mid-range combined with excellent fuel efficiency – better than that of the sport touring sibling Z1000SX. Combined with its 19-litre fuel tank, this specially tuned engine character suits long-distance riding while being capable of delivering the exhilarating acceleration feel that only a supercharged Kawasaki engine can provide.

The all new Ninja H2 SX comes in two model variants: the standard Ninja H2 SX and the Ninja H2 SX SE – a bike focused on being the ultimate in its class. The SE model comes equipped with an impressive array of additional quality features including Kawasaki’s first colour TFT LCD instrument meter and lean angle sensitive LED cornering lights, plus a quick-shifter for seamless up and down gear selection, Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), premium colour and graphics, a large screen and heated grips.

Thanks to its light weight, the Ninja H2 SX has a striking power-to-weight ratio while the relaxed-but-sporty riding position, superb ride comfort, reassuring high-speed stability and agile handling all contribute to the touring prowess of this supercharged sports tourer. To complete the picture, the Ninja H2 SX features much advanced technology and electronic rider aids such as Kawasaki’s latest IMU-equipped electronics package, cruise control and Kawasaki Cornering Management Function.

Ninja H2 SX riders will be able to share their experience with a passenger thanks to an innovative and highly revised Ninja H2-derived trellis frame that is equipped to carry a pillion and luggage, with a 195kg payload. Kawasaki engineers made sure that riders can still make use of the supercharged engine when riding with passenger or panniers by developing this new rigid chassis with a longer wheelbase and an altered steering angle that, in combination with the fully adjustable suspension, ensures stability and confidence at high speeds.

Leave everything you thought you knew about sports touring behind with the supercharged Ninja H2 SX. Surge across continents, along autobahns and through mountain passes. Go further, go faster. Ninja H2 SX – Supercharge Your Journey.

Colours:

Ninja H2 SX – Metallic Carbon Gray / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray
Ninja H2 SX SE – Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black

Kawasaki

Kawasaki announces 125cc additions for Ninja and Z ranges

One of the many highlights of the Kawasaki press conference at the EICMA show in Milan was welcome news of two new 125cc motorcycles set for the European market as part of 2018-year plans.

Outline concepts for the new Z125 and Ninja 125 models (which are expected to be seen in the flesh towards the end of 2018) were unveiled in silhouette form by Mr Kazuo Ota, President of Kawasaki’s Motorcycle & Engine Company.

As the central part of his keynote speech on the Kawasaki booth, Mr Ota spoke of Kawasaki’s true commitment to the motorcycle market and recognised the inherent demand for 125cc category motorcycles within the European market plus the need to augment the Kawasaki range with such machines.

“These two new models – and others under development – share unique Kawasaki styling, engineering and riding qualities that only we can deliver. Brand affinity is something we strive for. Riding their first ever kilometres on a Kawasaki is a vision we have for people taking to two wheels now and in future. Motorcycles that can either be the only machine that some riders will ever require or act as a stepping stone to a larger capacity Kawasaki – we are confident our plans address both needs,” commented Mr Ota.

As the urban transport landscape continues to change, Mr Ota’s announcement of two new machines in a sector vital to personal transport needs and market growth was noted as a welcome addition to the evolving Kawasaki range offering in Europe by Morihiro Ikoma, Director of Kawasaki Motors Europe, who said:

“Our research and development team based at our European headquarters combine dealer feedback and the results of customer focus group events. One consistent request was for more entry level machines and particularly in the 125cc or A1 licence segment. We applaud the decision to develop machines as part of the popular Z and Ninja ranges as this exactly reflects the desire and aspirations of our enthusiastic European customer base.”

Kawasaki

Ninja ZX‑10R SE arrives for 2018 with electronic semi‑active suspension

In the hands of Jonathan Rea, the Ninja ZX-10RR achieved premier place in the 2017 WorldSBK Championship. Now that machine and the standard Ninja ZX-10R are joined by Kawasaki’s first motorcycle to feature electronic semi-active suspension, the new Ninja ZX-10R SE.

Complementing the ZX-10R and more track focused ZX-10RR, the Ninja ZX-10R SE is a new, high-grade addition to the litre sports bike class. Thanks to its electronic semi-active suspension, on the road and track the superb damping character offers a level of ride comfort that almost makes you forget you are riding a bike with race-ready suspension, while outstanding damping responsiveness delivers a planted feel that translates to rider confidence and further advances the ease of riding offered by the Ninja ZX-10R SE.

Be assured that the Ninja ZX-10R SE’s high circuit potential – as demonstrated by Kawasaki’s success in the Superbike World Championship – is undiminished: not only are experienced riders able to explore their limits, the new suspension enables a wider range of riders to get a taste of what it is like to ride Kawasaki’s WorldSBK-winning machine. Comfort and performance. The all-round supersport machine. The new Ninja ZX-10R SE really does offer the best of both worlds.

Equipped with Showa suspension units front and rear (Balance Free Front Fork and BFRC Lite shock featuring the same construction as the suspension on Kawasaki’s WSB Ninja ZX-10RR race machines), the Ninja ZX-10R SE is Kawasaki’s first motorcycle to feature Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS); the very latest technology with stroke sensors and adjustment solenoids built into the suspension units themselves, ensuring the system is both discreet and highly efficient.

Drawing information from these stroke sensors plus other inputs from the machine such as acceleration and deceleration data plus vehicle speed, the ZX-10R SE incorporates a dedicated suspension ECU that communicates with the standard fitment ECU and the inertia measurement unit (IMU) to provide a fast responding and reassuring ride in one of three settings; road, track or manual.

The reaction time for the system is incredible. With an information update speed measured in milliseconds, the interpretation of that input and subsequent suspension adjustment both front and rear is almost instantaneous. Effectively this means that the suspension is being constantly refined and adjusted to suit the prevailing road surface plus the demands of machine dynamics and rider input.

Overshadowing the adapted four wheel technology and slower reaction times of competitors, the combination of advanced Showa suspension and Kawasaki’s expertise in modern electronic rider aids has produced a genuine step forward in suspension technology.

Impressive in either road or track mode, the extra adjustability and convenience of a manual setting option delivers supreme “tunability” to suspension parameters that effectively means there is a setting for all situations.

Adding to the overall desirability of the high-tech package, the Ninja ZX-10R SE also features specially cast Marchesini seven-spoke forged alloy wheels, an evocative matt black appearance with distinctive green highlights and the Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) for clutchless up and down shifting and effective sport riding.

“This marks a significant step for us in terms of suspension technology and we believe this system is truly cutting edge in its design and operation”, commented Morihiro Ikoma, Director of Kawasaki Motors Europe.”

“Mating information gained in the competitive arena of WorldSBK with leading edge suspension has created a machine that will certainly appeal to Ninja ZX-10R fans that seek what is newest and most up to date. Adding this machine to our range for 2018 displays our continued confidence in the formidable and iconic Ninja brand.”

Colours:

  • Metallic Flat Spark Black / Metallic Matte Graphite Gray
Kawasaki, Motorcycle Live, Shows and Events

Win a rider training course with KRTS at Motorcycle Live

To celebrate a year of Kawasaki Rider Training Services (KRTS), Kawasaki Motors UK is giving away a free rider training course at Motorcycle Live.

Visitors who sign up for a Kawasaki Two Wheeled Experience by visiting KRTS at the Kawasaki stand could win a complete five-day rider training course for free.

For the duration of the show, the Kawasaki Two Wheeled Experience will be on offer for the special price of £40. Anyone who buys this taster course when they visit KRTS will be entered into a draw to win a Kawasaki Rider Training Licence Course worth almost £900 – that’s all the training needed to go from ‘walker’ to ‘rider’.

The Kawasaki Two Wheeled Experience is a 90-minute introduction to motorcycles and is the perfect way for non-riders to try a motorcycle for the first time in a safe environment, under the guidance of an MCIAC-accredited instructor. Novices will learn the basics of riding an automatic and geared bike, and will come away having had a great experience.

The Kawasaki Rider Training Course is a five-day course for anyone wanting to go from novice to motorcycle licence holder in one sitting. Students learn on a range of brilliant Kawasaki motorcycles as they get taken through all the elements required to attain a full DVSA test pass at the end of the course.

KRTS aims to ensure safe, comprehensive and fun motorcycle training at the highest level and currently has 15 schools across the country. To find your nearest one, or to find out more about Kawasaki Rider Training Services, visit http://www.learntoridewithkawasaki.co.uk.

Participants need to be aged 17 or over and will need to complete the Kawasaki Two Wheeled Experience course before 24 December 2017. The winner will be notified on or before 16 January 2018. Full terms and conditions are available from Kawasaki.co.uk and from KRTS at Motorcycle Live.

Motorcycle Live runs from 18-26 November at the NEC, Birmingham. Advance tickets are on sale now, priced at just £19.50 per adult, £12 for Seniors, £1 for 11-16 year olds* and FREE for children aged ten and under (accompanied by a paying adult). There is also a £25 advance ticket, which includes entry to the show and a Spada Gonzo bag worth £29.99**.

To book, call 0844 581 2345 or visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk

**Limited offer while stocks last

Kawasaki

Kawasaki unveils evocative modern classic with “True Spirit”

Kawasaki has made its long awaited entry into the retro category with a stunning new machine, which today debuted on the Kawasaki stand at the Tokyo International Motor Show.

The much rumoured and eagerly anticipated bike christened the Z900RS has been conceived as an homage to the legendary Z1 Super Four 900 of 1972 and is an up-to-date modern classic blessed with a multitude of references to the Z1, the machine that not only acted as a crucial stepping stone for Kawasaki as a brand but also changed the face of performance motorcycling forever.

The new Z900RS effectively turns a page in Z history and starts a new and exciting chapter for Kawasaki and motorcycling.

Tagged as a ”Retro Sport” bike thanks to its RS moniker, the new Z900RS has been painstakingly created by Kawasaki’s styling department and factory engineers as an all-new machine with outstanding style, curb appeal and the true spirit of riding satisfaction that owes little to the recently introduced Z900 supernaked family.

The 900cc class capacity serves to underline the connection with the 903cc Z1 of 1972 but the Z900RS is very much a motorcycle of today complete with a new lightweight trellis frame and new engine tuning that means the liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve 948cc in-line four-cylinder power plant has a completely different character to its supernaked counterpart’s and delivers strong low to mid-range torque.

The engine also features a carefully considered exhaust system design, incorporating Kawasaki’s first tuned exhaust note, with sound crafted for when the rider is best able to enjoy the exhaust’s deep rumble – during the engine’s initial roar to life, at idling and low-speed riding.

The Z900RS is also equipped with a distinctive LED headlamp, LED indicators and tail light, distinctive spoke-style cast wheels, plus numerous detail features that will have knowledgeable Z enthusiasts nodding in approval.

But the Z900RS doesn’t just draw from the past because its retro touches are met with a host of modern features such as radially-mounted front brakes for sure and strong stopping power, a high-grade adjustable upside down fork that contributes to excellent ride comfort and sporty riding potential, plus two-mode KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control) and an assist and slipper clutch.

From its Z1 derived paint scheme to the typeface and surface treatment of the complex side panel badges, the Z900RS successfully blends past, present and future even down to the polished cam cap covers on the cylinder head and highlighted cylinder fins just like those that appeared on the original Z1. The Z900RS’s timeless styling and high-quality design is also visible in the iconic 17 litre teardrop tank, Z1 and Z2-styled round mirrors, Z inspired duck-bill tail cowl and stylish two-tone seat with double-stitching.

The Z900RS will be available in three evocative colourways for its debut season including an homage to the 1972 Z1, a classic looking black with gold and silver pinstripes plus the contemporary urban cool of matt green with accentuated 900 graphics on the side panels.

There’s no place for fake in the lifestyle you choose. Kawasaki alone has the heritage to deliver yesterday’s values to today’s riders in a truly authentic modern classic bike. The visceral spirit of a 1970s legend – Kawasaki’s original king of cool Z1 – finds expression in the Z900RS, to satisfy the very essence of the rider you are now.

The new Kawasaki Z900RS will be available from dealers in late November / early December 2016.

Colours:

Candytone Brown / Candytone Orange
Metallic Spark Black
Metallic Matte Covert Green / Flat Ebony

Kawasaki

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is born on the street and inspired by the track

Kawasaki adds a lightweight street focused contender to the expanding Ninja range: the all new Kawasaki Ninja 400 – an impressive, sharp-looking, accessible sports model offering excitement and ease of riding.

Kawasaki proudly introduces a new sports model into the highly competitive 400cc market, which has strong representation in Asia and America and is now gaining ground in Europe. Clad in sharp new Ninja styling, the new Ninja 400 delivers greater performance than its predecessor thanks to an all-new more powerful engine and a significantly lighter chassis.

But like the Ninja 300 that preceded it, this new Ninja model possesses much more than high performance. Not only does the Ninja 400 offer stunning, high-quality looks, its stronger engine performance, light, predictable handling and relaxed, sporty riding position make it both fun and easy to ride. This duality – the ability to offer excitement and ease of riding to wide range of customers – is sure to make the new Ninja 400 a fan favourite.

The new sporty 399cm3 parallel-twin engine is tuned to deliver greater performance than its predecessor at all rpm thanks largely to the new downdraft intake, which is accompanied by a larger airbox offering increased intake efficiency. This increased performance – 45ps at 10,000rpm and 40% more torque (38 Nm at 8,000rpm), is complimented by a rider-friendly character and high controllability courtesy of a smooth and predictable throttle response, abundant low-end torque and a new assist and slipper clutch with an extremely light feel at the lever.

While being just 100cm3 larger, the capacity increase is just one part of a fundamental upgrade delivering improved power, torque, chassis stability and suspension compliance that moves entry-level Ninja riding into a completely new arena.

To that end, Ninja 400’s lightweight trellis frame has a similar design to that of the Ninja H2’s and Kawasaki’s advanced dynamic rigidity analysis was used to ensure optimum rigidity with light weight. The engine is rigid-mounted and used as a stressed member and the new frame design contributes significantly to the bike’s low 168kg kerb mass and reassuring handling. With its lighter chassis and slim, compact design matched by a more rigid 41mm diameter fork, the Ninja 400 offers both stability and manoeuvrability, making it an easy choice for new and experienced riders alike.

Head-turning looks have always been a forte of Ninja models, regardless of displacement and with the mighty Ninja ZX-10R as inspiration, the Ninja 400 fits right into the legendary Ninja range. The large volume bodywork with hints of Ninja H2 styling gives the impression of a larger capacity machine, attracts attention and gives even greater level of wind protection. Furthermore, it’s all topped off with contemporary design, excellent fit and finish plus the look and feel of the KRT ZX-10RR racing colours.

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 will be available in showrooms in February 2018.

Colours:

Metallic Spark Black
Lime Green / Ebony (KRT Edition)

Kawasaki

The Kawasaki Z900 is unleashed for A2 riders

Since its introduction in late 2016, the middleweight supernaked Kawasaki Z900 has become a sales success, winning over thousands of riders with its no-nonsense attitude, Refined Raw Sugomi design plus willing, responsive riding experience and now there is an A2 variant of the Z900 joining the model line for 2018.

The decision to create an A2 version was logical given the sheer number of riders that this licence category is now applicable to. Equally, dealer comments and customer feedback group results both said the same thing: “Don’t make an A2 bike different, it has to share the same looks, attitude and personality of the current Z900.”

That’s why the 70kW-variant Z900 shares the vast majority of its look and specification with its sibling and the 2018 70kW version carries no badges or markings to set it apart from the full power Z900. It also incorporates the same rider features such as a tuned airbox assembly to deliver a thrilling intake sound, along with assist and slipper clutch technology, a lightweight and responsive tubular trellis chassis plus Kawasaki’s characteristic horizontal back-link suspension.

Because this Z900 is tuned to give a maximum of 70kW in line with the demands of A2 compliance, this version of the Z900 can also be adjusted to provide a maximum of 35kW, again to comply with A2 restrictions and the needs of motorcycle training schools.

Making the switch between 70kW and 35kW is as simple taking the bike to an authorised Kawasaki dealer for an adjustment to the ECU. The adjustment is neither time consuming or irreversible so when the time comes, it is possible to revert to 70kW again via a short visit to the authorised dealer who will also create and update a record of the status of the machine.

Morihiro Ikoma, Director of Kawasaki Motors Europe, said:

“Soon after the Z900 was launched we began work on an A2 compliant version.

“The design brief from potential customers and dealers was a unified voice; keep the look, soul and ethos of the Z900 and create an A2 compliant version to open the world of Refined Raw Z to yet more enthusiastic riders.

“At 948cc this A2 compliant Z900 is bound to become one of the most appealing A2 offerings in the market.”

Colours:

  • Candy Lime Green / Metallic Spark Black
  • Pearl Mystic Gray / Metallic Flat Spark Black
  • Flat Ebony / Metallic Spark Black
  • Candy Persimmon Red / Metallic Spark Black
Kawasaki

Ninja 30 models unveiled at Misano SBK event by Kawasaki riders

On Saturday June 21 at 17.45 the new Ninja 30 Anniversary ZX-10R and ZX-6R models will be unveiled by Kawasaki riders as part of the Misano SBK paddock show.

In the SBK official paddock show presentation tent, Tom Sykes, Loris Baz and Kenan Sofuoglu will talk about the new machines produced to mark three decades of the Ninja line and reflect on what makes the Ninja brand so iconic and successful on the track and street.

Hosted by Kawasaki Motors Italy, the event will be a special chance to see the machines which can now be pre-ordered for collection at Kawasaki dealers and to hear the views of Kawasaki top pilots in the Supersport and Superbike classes according to Sergio Vicarelli who will conduct the interviews.

“The fans are so passionate about racing here in Italy that it was logical to show them the new Ninja 30 Editions and to hear the views of today’s best Ninja pilots as part of a worldwide celebration of thirty years of Ninja.

We have much activity at Misano. As well as this special presentation in the paddock area we have also organised test rides in the local area as part of a celebration of Kawasaki across the race weekend centred on the Paddock viallge. We hope that as many people as possible can experience some of the Kawasaki lime green spirit at Misano”.