Welcome to the latest of Modern Classic Motorcycle News latest news, lifestyle and reviews from the world of Modern Classic, Roadster and Naked motorcycles.
Available through our dedicated iOS and Android apps or via web reader if you don’t have a tablet.
You can buy individual editions at £2.99 per issue (twice a month) or subscribe (its cheaper)
Our dedicated app is available through iSO App Store, Google Play and Read it via Web app
You can read via Zinio Unlimited via their tablet app and you can also download to you mac or pc and read it through their desktop reader
Pay £8.99 per month for unlimited magazine downloads from a choice of up 5000+
You can also subscribe via Discountmags.com outside UK 24 Issues $63.65 $76.32
Renowned the world over for its tailoring, Savile Row has been at the heart of London’s fashion industry for centuries. The Savile Row Concours event blends bespoke tailoring with luxury automotive, and Kawasaki UK is proud to be attending the 2024 display with its revolutionary Z 7 Hybrid and Ninja e-1 motorcycles.
Taking over the entire road, the two-day Concours event (May 22 and 23) attracts thousands of fans eager to explore the array of spectacular machines, fascinating tailors’ displays and enjoy live talks and music on the central stage. First launched in 2022, the event has continued to grow each year, and 2024 looks set to be the biggest yet.
Kawasaki UK is proud to announce that it will showcase its innovative Ninja e-1 electric motorcycle and the world’s first mass-produced hybrid motorcycle, the Z 7 Hybrid, on both days. Located in the heart of London, the event is the ideal place to promote the advantages of green machines in urban environments.
Craig Watson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Kawasaki Motors UK:
“This is a really exciting opportunity for Kawasaki, allowing us to showcase our latest generation of motorcycles to an audience who are not necessarily two-wheel focused. Savile Row needs no introduction, being at the cutting-edge of design since the 1800s, so it is fitting that we are bringing cutting-edge motorcycle design to the event, allowing visitors to see what the future of transport looks like.”
Just dropped today issue 15 dated 23rd February 2024.
Welcome to the latest of Modern Classic Motorcycle News now incorporating Superbike News featuring latest news and reviews from the world of Modern Classic and Roadster/Naked and Sports bikes with a sports coverage.
Here you can read the recent news and reviews that are featured on our website but offline at your own comfort.
This summer, riders across the UK will once again be able to enjoy the latest models in the 2024 Kawasaki range when the brand’s popular Dealer Demo Days roadshow returns.
Kicking off in April, the event will visit dealers the length and breadth of the country.
With summer just around the corner, the Kawasaki Dealer Demo Days is the perfect opportunity for riders to get out on the road and try the latest 2024 Kawasaki range. This year’s event will run between April and September and will see the roadshow visit dozens of dealers across the UK, so customers should keep an eye on their local dealers for their closest event.
Each event will see a huge array of machines for riders to book test rides on, including the exciting new Ninja 7 Hybrid and Z 7 Hybrid machines, Ninja ZX-4RR, Z500 and Ninja 500. Alongside these new models, attendees will also be able to try the ever-popular Ninja 1000SX and Versys range.
With booking going live shortly, customers will need to head to the Kawasaki UK website to find their chosen event and book on to their 2024 model of choice. Images can be downloaded here.
Craig Watson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Kawasaki Motors UK:
“With the better weather just around the corner, the excitement to get out riding again is definitely building! Our Dealer Demo Days have been a huge success in recent years, so we’re pleased to be bringing them back again for 2024, offering bikers a chance to experience some of the latest and exciting machines in our range.”
Full line-up of models available to test ride:
Z500 SE
Ninja 500 SE
Eliminator SE
Ninja 650
Ninja ZX-4RR
Ninja ZX-6R
Z 7 Hybrid*
Z900 SE
Z900RS
Ninja 1000SX
Versys 1000 SE
Ninja ZX-10R
Ninja H2 SX SE
Z H2 SE
Ninja 7 Hybrid*
Norton Motorcycles announces appointment of Chief Technology Officer Brian Gillen
Norton Motorcycles, part of the TVS Motor Company Group, today announced the appointment of Brian Gillen as Chief Technology Officer. Brian joins with a wealth of experience from Magneti Marelli, and most recently MV Agusta, where he had a long stint of 15+ years and last held the position of R&D Director. Brian is an expert in the fields of R&D leadership, engine and vehicle design, and World Championship motorcycle racing.
Speaking on his appointment: “As a long-time enthusiast of the iconic Norton brand, it is an incredibly exciting time to join the company’s leadership team. I am looking forward to work with the talented team of engineers and develop cutting-edge, premium motorcycles, with quality at the forefront of everything we do.”
Norton Motorcycles CEO – Dr Robert Hentschel said: “Brian comes with very rich experience and expertise in engine and vehicle design, emerging technologies, and connectivity. I am confident that his joining the team will further strengthen our commitment to technological innovation and engineering excellence, and this will soon reflect in the world class product range that we are developing.”
Norton Motorcycles has begun a new sales partnership with Winchester Motor Group in Hampshire to open all-new South Downs Motorcycles.
Norton is the sole motorcycle brand stocked at South Downs Motorcycles, with the full product range on offer, including the Norton Commando 961, the V4SV, the V4CR, the recently launched 125-year Limited Editions, and the company’s branded apparel.
Located just a short ride from renowned motorcycle locations, South Downs Motorcycles is in the perfect spot to serve the motorcycle community.
Visitors will be able to view, test, and buy their Norton motorcycle on site via the dedicated South Downs Motorcycles team, as well as organise servicing and repairs, and purchase parts, accessories, and apparel.
The Hampshire location opening coincides with the ongoing Norton Limited Edition Road Show. As such, the Road Show will be extended to include South Downs Motorcycles, reaching South England in February.
Mark Mills-Goodlet, Managing Director of Winchester Motor Group, said: “We’re very excited to be joining Norton’s expanding network of sales partners. In the Commando 961, V4CR and V4SV Norton has a truly unique collection of British made motorcycles that, along with their attention to customer care, gives us the confidence to begin our first two-wheeled offering.”
Chris Bexon, Head of Sales at Norton Motorcycles, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Winchester Motor Group to open our first Norton-dedicated sales partner location. South Downs Motorcycles is in a perfect location deep in the heart of motorcycle country, and by working with such an established business as Winchester Motor Group, we look forward to celebrating our successes together.”
About Winchester Motor Group
Established in 1965 by Robert Mills-Goodlet and his wife Pam, Winchester Motor Group is a family-owned business that has over 50 years of trading experience as an automotive retailer.
The business is one of the longest serving Volkswagen agents in the country with five locations across Hampshire. It prides itself on its exceptional customer service, which the dedicated Norton team will subsequently bring to its new South Downs Motorcycles branch.
For 2024, these three models are set to shake up the hard-fought mid-capacity sector, giving riders a choice of cruiser, naked, and Sportbike styles.
The aggressively styled Z500 is powered by a new twin-cylinder, water-cooled engine equipped with an Assist and Slipper clutch. The responsive power unit is housed in a lightweight trellis-type chassis delivering reassuring handling and easy reach to the ground for A2 licence holders.
Enjoying the same core trellis-type chassis and invigorating twin-cylinder, water-cooled engine as the Z, the Ninja 500 features the aggressive Ninja family look with angular upper cowl and a comprehensive performance styling package. It also meets European A2 licence regulations, widening its appeal across experienced riders with a desire for a narrow chassis and easy reach to the ground plus reassuring low speed manoeuvrability matched to genuine sporting performance.
Meanwhile, the new Eliminator has distinctive urban cruiser styling offering a comfortable and low seat plus a cruiser style 18” front and 16” rear wheel combination all relying on an all-new trellis type chassis with a 451cm3 Ninja based fuel-injected parallel twin engine at its core delivering strong low rev performance combined with lively upper rev range ability.
Prices for all three, including the SE versions of each have now been confirmed, offering an affordable entry into the Kawasaki family:
– Eliminator 500 – £5,999 – Eliminator 500 SE – £6,399 – Z500 – £5,699 – Z500 SE – £6,049 – Z500 – £5,999 – Ninja 500 SE – £6,499
Craig Watson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Kawasaki Motors UK:
“We understand the pressures many people are facing at the moment, which is why we’re pleased to be bringing these three models to the market with affordability in mind. Whether commuting, cruising, or exploring new roads, these three 500 models are the perfect partner.”
For bikers looking to kick-start the New Year with a new machine, Kawasaki UK is excited to announce a raft of attractive promotions across a range of 2023 models.
Available from authorised Kawasaki dealers from today, the offers include a wide choice of bike, from entry-level options such as the Ninja 125cc through to the supercharged Ninja H2 SX.
These fantastic new promotions are designed to help riders of all abilities discover a brand new Kawasaki for 2024, with all 2023 model year machines 650cc and under now available with a competitive 4.9% HP and 5.9% PCP rate when purchased through an authorised Kawasaki dealer via Kawasaki K-Options finance.
For motorcyclists looking for a bigger capacity option, the popular Boost Up promotion is remaining with customers able to get £1,000 contribution towards the purchase price of the 2023 Ninja ZX-10R and Ninja 1000SX, and now also the Versys 1000 family, when purchased through K-Options Finance at 9.9% PCP. New for this year is the Supercharged Boost, which will give riders a huge £3,000 contribution when purchasing the 2023 Ninja H2 SX or Z H2 (including the SE variants).
Craig Watson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Kawasaki Motors UK:
“We are entering the new year with a fantastic line up for pretty much every style of riding and with the host of enticing offers from boost up support to great rates of K-Options Finance, now is the time to get down to your local dealer and pick up your new Kawasaki!”
Norton Motorcycles has released an all-access FPV (first-person view) drone flythrough of its Solihull headquarters.
Covering 73,000sq ft, the UK facility houses all development and production of Norton’s model line-up including the Norton Commando 961, the V4SV superbike, and the new V4CR.
With access to areas rarely open to the public, the video visits departments from across the Norton production line – coasting through Design, Quality Assurance, Engine Building and more.
The flythrough allows viewers to go behind the scenes at the British motorcycle manufacturer, catching glimpses of everything from the company’s master welders and polishers in action, to the meticulous end-of-line inspection. The film even teases what the future holds for Norton.
Latest News
New Bikes – EICMA Special
Bike Review – Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR
Readers Ride – Triumph West London Triumph Bonneville T120 Black
Alpinestars Feature
Keis Heated Vest Review
Partnership
Yay! We’ve partnered with Clearpay so you can now pay in 4 whenever you shop with us at Modern Classic Motorcycle News. Just choose Clearpay when you checkout, then pay it in 4 interest-free instalments. Clearpay is unregulated credit. Use responsibly. T&Cs & late fees up to £24 per purchase apply clearpay.co.uk/terms
Norton Motorcycles has launched a Limited Edition motorcycle collection to celebrate the brand’s 125th anniversary.
Six limited edition motorcycles from the current model range will pay homage to Norton’s rich history, as they take on the look of two past production models and two classic race bikes: the Energette, Manx, the Formula 750 Works Racer and the NRS588.
Each motorcycle will contain the specifications of the current Norton line-up: Commando 961, V4SV, and V4CR. As these are limited editions, there will be a production run of just 125 models across the entire collection, and in the case of the V4CR, the allocation will come from the total 200 model production run.
The collection will first be revealed in the metal at this year’s Motorcycle Live from 18th – 26th November at NEC Birmingham.
Join Norton in Hall 3A Stand 3E10 to see the Limited Edition collection first-hand.
About the collection
Commando 961 LE Energette
Commando 961 LE ‘Energette’
The Norton Energette was Norton’s first step in the motorcycle world. Created in 1902 by founder James Lansdowne Norton and produced until 1906, the Energette used Norton’s own design of bicycle frame accompanied by a 142cc Clément engine and two-speed Sturmey Archer gearbox. Whilst a devil to ride by modern standards, the Energette – with its ‘The Norton’ logo and yellow bodywork – was marketed as being ‘good for doctors’.
Based on the Commando 961, the Commando 961 LE ‘Energette’ takes styling from the original machine with its deep yellow paint, brown leather saddle, alloy yokes, natural alloy engine, silver headlight, polished alloy handlebars and polished Öhlins suspension. The colour-matched seat cowl also wears a commemorative 125-year anniversary crest, bearing the Limited Edition logo.
Commando 961 LE Manx
Commando 961 LE ‘Manx’
One of the most successful British racing motorcycles in history, the Norton Manx was developed in 1937, and produced until 1962, making it one of the longest-running production racing motorcycles. A key participant in both international Grand Prix and privateer racing, the Manx claimed victory in 13 Isle of Man TT races and continued to compete every year until the 1970s.
Based on the Commando 961, the Commando 961 LE ‘Manx’ references the iconic silver tank with black bodywork and frame. The ‘Manx’ adds an even sportier dimension with a black engine, black footrests, black yokes, black Öhlins suspension, carbon fibre chainguard and carbon fibre flyscreen. The colour matched seat cowl also wears a commemorative 125-year anniversary crest, bearing the Limited Edition logo.
Commando 961 LE Transatlantic
Commando 961 LE ‘Transatlantic’
In 1972, Norton created a 750 works race bike to compete in the Formula 750 category, with riders including Peter Williams, Phil Read, Tony Rutter, Mick Grant and David Aldana. Claiming victories in the British 750cc Championship, the F750 Isle of Man TT and of course the Transatlantic Trophy, the red, white, and blue racing livery became known globally in the space of two years. The 850cc successor to the racing machine released in 1974 was the road-legal version of the Commando competitor and had a top speed of 115mph.
Based on the Commando 961, the Commando 961 LE ‘Transatlantic’ reinterprets the iconic red, white and blue colour scheme across the petrol tank, airbox, seat unit and seat cowl. Added to this is a black engine, black footrests and black yokes. The colour-matched seat cowl also wears a commemorative 125-year anniversary crest, bearing the Limited Edition logo.
Commando 961 LE 588
Commando 961 LE ‘588’, V4SV ‘588’ & V4CR ‘588’
Boasting a 588cc liquid-cooled twin-rotor Wankel engine, the Norton F1 was the road-legal version of the dominating 588cc rotary powered racing motorcycles. Taking countless wins across British road racing, the RC588, RCW588 and NRS588 were victorious across both British Superbikes and the Isle of Man TT in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Based on the Commando 961, the Commando 961 LE ‘588’ takes cues from the livery of the rotary race bikes. The ‘588’ channels this racing attitude with a black engine, black footrests, black yokes, black Öhlins suspension, carbon fibre chainguard, carbon fibre flyscreen and iconic gold rims. The colour matched seat cowl also wears a commemorative 125-year anniversary crest, bearing the Limited Edition logo.
V4SV 588
The V4SV ‘588’ and V4CR ‘588’ also share the same racing livery, adding gold anodised OZ Racing wheels along with the commemorative 125-year anniversary crest on the top of the seat unit.
Across the celebratory Limited Edition collection, the Commando 961 LE models will be priced from £18,999, whilst the V4CR ‘588’ and the V4SV ‘588’ will be priced at £49,999 and £51,999, respectively.
All models will be available to buy direct or via Norton’s sales partner network following the collection’s first public appearance at Motorcycle Live, 18th-26th November 2023.
Norton Motorcycles has expanded its lifestyle clothing range to include an Autumn/Winter Collection*.
The collection introduces a revamped colour palette to the already stylish lifestyle range as well as several new items.
The short-sleeve t-shirts now come in Off-white, Black, Burgundy, Navy, and Khaki options, while the hoodie is offered in Burgundy, Black, Military Green, and Navy. The sweatshirt has also had a colour update with Burgundy, Khaki, Navy and Black all added to the roster.
Topping off the collection, Norton has created a selection of headwear, including a Black panel snapback cap, a Black mesh snapback trucker cap, and a winter-appropriate beanie available in Black, Light Grey, Orange or Khaki.
All clothing items feature the Norton Motorcycles logo in a variety of colours and forms dependent on the selected item.
Initially available to buy in the UK and US, the Autumn/Winter Collection will also soon be in mainland Europe, too.
The seasonal collection joins the current items in the lifestyle range that was first launched in August 2023, and features T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies made from 100% organic ring-spun combed cotton in Black with an embroidered Norton logo on the front.
Recently unveiled in outline as 2024 Kawasaki models, full details of the new Kawasaki Eliminator 500 and Eliminator 500 SE are now being released.
Set to have a strong presence in the 500cc mid-weight class, the Eliminator family name makes a return for Kawasaki with the unveiling of a machine with a unique design language of its own. Ready to make its mark in the urban style stakes, the EU A2 licence class compliant Eliminator 500 mates a liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder motor to Kawasaki’s famous trellis frame technology creating a great power to weight ratio plus a sleek silhouette harnessing a long and low form with horizontal lines defining the tank, seat and tail unit.
Delivering an ergonomic package that joins rider to machine in a natural “all day riding comfort” position, the Eliminator can boast a low seat height of just 735mm allowing an easy reach to the ground while offering a total of three seat height options including the standard item plus two others (higher @765mm and lower @715mm) as part of Kawasaki’s genuine accessory Ergo-Fit range.
All-LED lighting further increases day and night presence while an all-digital LCD meter keeps the rider informed of all essential information. Suspended from the tubular trellis chassis, the Eliminator’s parallel twin engine offers strong low-end torque, greatly benefiting low-speed control and manoeuvrability while contributing to low-stress everyday riding. And that riding experience can be enhanced with the features available on Kawasaki’s unique Rideology Smartphone app that allows riders to mate their machine to their handheld device for a new level of rider and motorcycle communication.
Up front an 18inch wheel paves the way while an imposing 16-inch rear delivers a clear message about urban style and the personality of the Eliminator and its rider. And under the skin in the “go department”, the Eliminator’s engine harnesses all of Kawasaki’s expertise in a long history of parallel twins. Features such as downdraft intakes provide a short, direct path for intake air to enter the cylinders, a large 5.8 L airbox with left and right intake funnels of different heights contributing to the engine’s smooth response plus large ø32 mm throttle valves helping to flow a greater volume of air, contributing to strong performance.
In the column marked chassis, design inspiration comes courtesy of the Ninja 400. Complementing the sleek styling, the steering geometry was carefully selected to achieve light, natural handling. With a 1,520 mm wheelbase, the impressive-looking chassis offers low weight while achieving its impressive design. Additionally, a diecast swingarm mounting plate bolts to the back of the engine assembly allowing the swingarm to be mounted directly to the engine, contributing to stability and light weight.
In terms of those all-important looks, a long and low design with elegant proportions is created by the vertically thin fuel tank and the horizontal lines evident from the head pipe to the original tail. The design of this impressive, mid-class sized body suggests a balance of active performance and composure while the round headlight and twin-shock rear suspension add to the authentic motorcycle style. For the SE model a unique colour and graphic package is mated to a stylish headlamp cowl, rubber fork boots, a handlebar mount USB-C port and a special SE seat with a distinctive stitching pattern.
Add a range of Genuine Accessories and the 2024 Eliminator 500 and Eliminator 500 SE deliver everything an emerging breed of young, fashion conscious urban riders’ demand. Style and substance have rarely been this easy to define. So, get on the Eliminator 500 and Just Ride.
Having already unveiled several 40th anniversary Ninja models for the 2024 range in the racetrack influenced ZXR livery of blue, white and green, Kawasaki has now gone full throttle with the announcement of two further celebration models – but with a twist.
Reimagining the famous 1985 Ninja 900 colours for a today’s riding generation, the new season line will now include 40th Anniversary Editions of the Ninja 1000SX and Ninja 650, resplendent in black, silver and red livery redolent of early USA market Ninja models retailed in Europe under the GPz brand name.
The unmistakable two-tone Firecracker Red and Ebony colours are inspired by the 1985 Kawasaki GPZ900R with the colour of the silver line separating the red and ebony panels carefully selected to match the brightness of the original.
Additionally, on top of the fuel tank, a 40th anniversary emblem sits proudly. Designed in a style similar to a championship sticker and reminiscent of the 1980s racing scene, the outline of the “Ninja” logo was reproduced using the original designs while the “Liquid-Cooled” logo used elsewhere symbolises the transition from air-cooled to liquid-cooled engines in the late 80s.
Attention to detail abounds with the eye-catching addition of silver-coloured wheel rim tape representing the texture of the machined wheels of the 1980s.
Predicted to be a highly popular and collectable iteration of the Ninja family, all 40th Edition models will be available in showrooms alongside a vibrant range of standard colourways for the 2024 season.
Making the future a feature of today, Kawasaki hopes that a new generation of riders will enjoy and celebrate four decades of Ninja in the best way possible; on the open road at the controls of an iconic sports machine.
Both machines will be available in dealers from January, with the Ninja 650 priced at £7,589, and the Ninja 1000SX £12,399
Since the legendary Mach III of 1969, the model name “Kawasaki 500” has energised and excited riders globally. For 2024, Kawasaki is set to unleash both a Ninja 500 and Z500 to join the battle for sales in the hard-fought mid-capacity sector.
The aggressively styled Z500 is powered by a new twin-cylinder, water-cooled engine equipped with an Assist and Slipper clutch. The responsive power unit is housed in a lightweight trellis type chassis delivering reassuring handling and easy reach to the ground for A2 licence holders. More experienced riders will be keen to take advantage of the lithe cornering and instant urge during sporting weekend rides.
Equipped with a LCD meter, the 2024 Z500 will also be available as a Special Edition model with its own unique livery plus the addition of an under-cowl and a colour TFT meter providing the ability to access information via the latest version of the Kawasaki Rideology App on the rider’s Smartphone and USB-C outlet.
In terms of genuine accessories, the Z500 owner enjoys a plethora of choice including large windshield (in clear or smoke), an ERGO-FIT high seat (+30 mm), tank bag and wheel rim tape.
Enjoying the same core trellis type chassis and invigorating twin-cylinder, water-cooled engine as the Z, the 2024 Kawasaki range also features a new Ninja 500. Presented in the new more aggressive Ninja family look with angular upper cowl and a comprehensive performance styling package, the Ninja 500 meets European A2 licence regulations widening its appeal across experienced riders with a desire for a narrow chassis and easy reach to the ground plus reassuring low speed manoeuvrability matched to genuine sporting performance.
Boasting the possibility to increase the seat height by 30mm via the fitment of an ERGO-FIT high seat, the range of other genuine accessories is comprehensive allowing riders to create a truly personalised mount. And for those that want to start their Ninja 500 ownership experience with an increased specification straight out of the box, the Ninja 500 Special Edition is a bike made for them. Equipped with its own unique colour graphic treatment, the SE includes KIPASS keyless ignition as standard plus a TFT meter and USB-C outlet. In the 500 class, 2024 is the right time to make a statement!
Over the last 40 years, Ninja motorcycles have captured the hearts of Sportsbike enthusiasts around the world. Never straying from what made Ninja famous from the start, the development of the iconic brand has always been at the forefront of technology, making Ninja not just a recognisable name but, for many riders, a way of life.
Now – for the 2024 model year – Kawasaki is releasing a “family group” of Ninja 40th Anniversary models as part of a celebration of four decades of performance and innovation. Set to be seen “in the flesh” for the first time at the prestigious EICMA show in Milan and now unveiled online, the trio of machines comprises the Ninja ZX-10R, base machine for multiple WorldSBK titles, the highly regarded mid-weight 636cc Supersport Ninja ZX-6R and the already highly praised and equally high revving Ninja ZX-4RR.
ZX-4RR 40th Anniversary Edition
Each machine will be available in a version of the evocative early 1990’s Kawasaki World Endurance livery of green, blue and white with the bold, unapologetic Kawasaki logo dominating the lower cowl; just like the three-time championship winning machines of the period. Adopted for the 1989 ZXR series of machines, the distinctive livery dials into the fashion for all things retro while also looking fresh and contemporary. Like the Ninja itself – it’s a win/win combination.
Boasting a 40th Anniversary logo on their fuel tanks, each machine has had its livery carefully adjusted to suit the bodywork while the bold Kawasaki logo was taken from original drawings and even the displacement figures on the rear bodywork are evocative of the period. Adding lime green wheels and silver painted parts (including frame parts) illustrates the attention to detail lavished on these machines by stylists at the Kawasaki factory in Japan.
Available alongside the already announced colourways for the 2024 season, the 40th Anniversary models will play a significant role in a global digital celebration of a Sportsbike brand that is universally recognised and respected.
ZX-6RR 40th Anniversary Edition
The bikes will begin to arrive in dealers from January 2024. The Ninja ZX-4RR will cost £8,899, the Ninja ZX-6R £10,849, and the Ninja ZX-10R £17,749.
Norton Motorcycles partners with Mental Health Motorbike charity following World Mental Health Day.
Mental Health Motorbike is a free face-to-face and online mental health first aid support charity for the UK biking community, providing a network of support for bikers, by bikers.
Alongside a financial donation to help the charity deliver on its wider aims, Norton has lined up an initial cohort of 16 employees to train as Mental Health First Aiders to provide support where it’s needed within the Norton community.
To continue its commitment to the wellbeing of its people in the long term, Norton will form a committee that is dedicated to supporting the company’s employees, as well as the wider biking community, and the local area.
Norton Mental Health First Aiders will also attend Mental Health Motorbike events throughout the year to offer a helping hand to those that need it.
Rob Ridgway, Head of HR at Norton Motorcycles, said, “Norton is committed to supporting our employees both inside and outside of the workplace, as well as the wider motorcycle community that many of them are part of. Partnering with Mental Health Motorbike is another way we can ensure that they are getting the help they need and are equipped to help others in need too.”
Paul Oxborough, Founder of Mental Health Motorbike, said, “We’re delighted to be working with Norton Motorcycles helping to increase the mental health support available to their employees and the wider community. This the first time Mental Health Motorbike worked directly with a motorcycle manufacturer, so it’s a very exciting time for us and a big moment in the charity’s history.”
Fresh from revealing insight into the world’s first mass produced Strong Hybrid, the Ninja 7 Hybrid, last week, Kawasaki is excited to confirm further key information on this innovative new machine.
The brand new 451cc parallel twin, water-cooled four stroke engine, offers an engine power of 43.5 kw (increasing to 51.1kw e-boost) and in terms of torque, the figures are equally impressive, with a maximum system power with ICE and EV combined of 60.4 N·m {6.2 kgƒ·m} at just 2,800rpm.
Weighing 227kg, the mid-size machine offers 700cc performance with 250-cc class fuel economy with a WMTC Class 3-2 certified rating of 4.0 L/100 km which becomes yet more economical in ECO-HYBRID mode.
In terms of power, this innovative new model is able to harvest energy while riding thanks to the regenerative system meaning when the rider rolls off the throttle the energy of deceleration is recycled back to the battery to ensure a longer cruising range.
Utilising a specially designed version of Kawasaki’s familiar trellis type chassis, the gasoline engine and 9kw max traction motor reveal a compact twinned power unit with the 48V lithium-ion battery near the centre point of the chassis to idealise weight distribution.
The traction motor is equipped with an ISG inverter (which coverts AC to DC power and vice versa) and DCDC converter (converting the battery pack’s 48 V to the 12 V power required by the ECU and other systems), the pair are unitised, helping to conserve space.
Available in UK dealers in April 2024
Motorcycle Industry News and Images mainly from UK
