Alex Lowes will remain an integral part of the Kawasaki Racing Team for the coming seasons, having agreed a new multi-year deal that will take him into his third year as an official Kawasaki WorldSBK rider.

The contract signing was witnessed by Mr Masatoshi Yoshioka, Director of Corporate Planning Division, Kawasaki Motors Europe at the recent Assen round of the 2021 FIM WorldSBK Championship, where Alex retained his overall fourth place in the points table.

As well as returning as a full KRT Superbike rider next year Alex will also strengthen his bond with Kawasaki and his KRT squad as he and Jonathan Rea will be joined by 2021 Kawasaki superbike debutant, Lucas Mahias, to compete in the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours race later this year.

With a race win and seven other podiums to his credit since he joined Kawasaki in 2019 Lowes continues to find a greater affinity with the new Ninja ZX-10RR, his team and his pit crew, led by Marcel Duinker.

Before the 2022 season there is the small matter of the rest of this year’s championship to go. Five rounds have been completed with a further eight to go, depending on local regulations around the global pandemic.

Alex Lowes, stated: “I am really happy to have signed once more with the Kawasaki Racing Team, the most successful team in the current era of WorldSBK.

After a strange first year in the team last year due to the global situation and with such a short season it has been good to start this year at some different tracks and I am understanding the bike a lot more. It has also been slightly frustrating this year because I feel like we started strongly but the results are not quite where we would want them to be right now. We have a lot of potential and I am still in the top four of the championship, close to the top three, which is the target for this year.

I will be working hard for the next few weeks to make that next step to be regularly challenging for the podium. Honestly, I feel like it is close, so with this team and all these guys around me – with the relationships we have been building – everything is in place now to push things forward.

I am really thankful to stay in the team next year, and proud of the faith that Kawasaki has shown in me. In our job there is a lot more that goes on behind the scenes than the results that you see on the track so I am really happy about this new deal with KRT. A massive thanks to all the guys behind the project, to Guim and Biel Roda, Steve Guttridge and all the people at KHI in Japan for believing in me again.”

KRT Manager, Guim Roda, concluded: “Alex started with KRT during the Covid pandemic. He needed to learn quickly and concentrate on making championship points in those first three months; not easy. For 2021 he started the season strongly and we are all working to make those important steps to improve the performance of the overall package.

We are so happy to have Alex and he is highly motivated to continue with the KRT project. With this two-year agreement we are convinced that we will now build on these firm foundations to create the strongest package with him, Marcel, his Crew Chief, the Ninja ZX-10RR and the entire KRT organisation.”

2021 Alex Lowes Rider Statistics:

2021: Races: 15, Wins 0, Podiums 4, Superpoles 0
Career Race Wins: 2 (1 for Kawasaki)
Career Podiums: 28 (8 for Kawasaki)
Career Poles: 1 (0 for Kawasaki)

#NinjaSpirit #FaceYourself

Editors Note: the accompanying image was created within Covid protocols

For the second round of the EWC World Endurance Championship, the Webike SRC Kawasaki France Trickstar Team managed to run an exceptional 12 hour race on the famous Estoril circuit in Portugal. Once again, the experience of the riders and the mechanical reliability of the Kawasaki Ninja allowed them to consolidate their second place.

The good weather and the heat were evident for the whole 12 hours of race. At 10am, Jeremy Guarnoni on the #11 got away to a very good start and went straight from 8th to 5th position. He stayed there for several laps before making his first pit stop earlier than his competitors for strategic reasons. Indeed, team manager, Gilles Stafler had foreseen this scenario.

Following the excellent performance of the Ninja ZX-10RR and some crashes and unforeseen events of competitor bikes, the #11 found itself elevated to second position.

Unfortunately, after more than three hours of racing, the intervention of the safety car did not benefit the SRC Team and it lost about 10 seconds on the first placed machine

.After a number of twists and turns, the lime green bike was in first place around the halfway mark and led for most of the second half of the race until a fuel failure interrupted this domination. Erwan Nigon had to push his dry machine to get back on track with David Checa in third position.

Jeremy Guarnoni then put in a superb final stint to see the #11 finish second after a fierce battle with the #333 machine.

Again, all three riders set a very fast pace with exemplary consistency to lead an exceptional race. The Dunlop tyres excelled throughout the race despite the very high temperatures, and a track that was raised to 58 degrees at one point!

This second place on the podium allows the Webike SRC Kawasaki France Trickstar Team to take the lead in the 2021 FIM EWC World Championship.

Six-time consecutive World Superbike Champion, Jonathan Rea, has achieved another of his personal goals by passing his UK motorcycle test.

Winner of the world championship at his first attempt on Kawasaki machinery when he joined the Kawasaki Racing Team in 2015, the 34-year-old native of Northern Ireland repeated the feat by passing his Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and motorcycle tests both at the first attempt.

Undertaking one to one training with Stephen Mills of Moto Training, Rea learned new skills and new ways to ride on private training areas and the public road using a Kawasaki Z650 supplied by Moto Training as part of their accreditation as a Kawasaki approved KRTS training school.

It is not uncommon for professional riders at the highest level of motorcycle sport to have no full motorcycle licence but for Rea this is a pathway to greater things as he considers which machine to ride now that he has a huge range of choice.

Commenting, Rea told something of his journey while thanking Stephen Mills of Moto Training and hinting at what his next step as a fully qualified road rider might be.

“I am so happy and proud to have passed my motorcycle test. It’s been something I have wanted to do for such a long time but with my sporting commitments and busy calendar it has been tough.

I took advantage of the lockdown due to the pandemic to study all the theory materials such as the UK Highway Code.

My priority was to reach out to an instructor that I would feel comfortable with and found Stephen Mills of Moto Training in Northern Ireland. He taught me all about riding a motorcycle on the road which is completely different to riding on a circuit.

You have to be much more aware as the environment is much less controlled and even I was able to learn new skills and techniques. The training has not just made me a better motorcyclist but also more aware when I am driving my car.

Now comes the pleasure of deciding which motorcycle in the Kawasaki range is perfect for me and my riding needs. I am pretty sure I know what fits my lifestyle and I will unveil my choice in the very near future.”

A video record of Jonathan’s training can be found on his YouTube page: Jonathan Rea

At midday, the chequered flag was waved after 24 hours of racing and the Webike Kawasaki France Trickstar SRC Team finished second aboard the famous #11 Ninja ZX-10RR – a magnificent podium.

The three riders Jérémy Guarnoni, Erwan Nigon and David Checa have again shown their skill and perseverance. Kawasaki, the most successful manufacturer at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, was not far from adding a 15th victory to its record tally.

The beginning of the race was marked by many twists and turns, with some competitors crashing out on the first corner. Starting from 7th position, Jérémy managed to make up two places before the safety car intervened.

From then on, Ninja #11 continued to run smoothly, with excellent consistency. One thing led to another and the team moved up to second place overnight, an ideal scenario creating a strategy that paid dividends at race end. Indeed, the Ninja equipped with its Trickstar exhaust and Dunlop tyres performed perfectly throughout the race and especially at night in the cooler temperatures.

Gilles Stafler, Team Manager of the SRC Team: “Even if I came to win the race, I am very happy with this second place. It was very hot, the competition was tough, and as long as the chequered flag was not shown, anything could happen! But we managed to put up a very good fight, which allows us to score important points for the Championship
The whole enterprise did a great job together, the team cohesion and the long experience of the staff and riders allowed us to get this place today. The Ninja ZX-10RR once again showed its extraordinary reliability and performance.”

The team thanks to all its partners, especially ELF, Dunlop, Webike, Trickstar, Tivoly, Primset, NGK, RK without whom this would not be possible.

Last week, Brands Hatch circuit in Kent played host to the opening California Superbike School of the summer. The two-day event marked the first time the school took to the track with the new fleet of Kawasaki machinery.

With the school turning green for 2021, the iconic circuit was the first time instructors and students hit the track with the ZX-10R, Z900 and Ninja 650. In true California style, the sun was finally shining, and over the two days 120 riders of all abilities were able to enjoy the very best conditions possible.

For many of their attendees, it was their first time with California Superbike School, which meant they spent their day progressing through the Level One course. These introductory sessions are designed to help address the six most common issues that riders make, allowing them to improve their confidence and bike control.

Those riders who have already completed level one spent their day progressing through Level two, three, and four. Each step up takes everything learnt from the previous module and builds upon that to improve confidence, body position, awareness and knowledge. In between each track session, students get regular classroom-based briefings, as well as one-to-one debriefs, to help them understand what they are doing on track and areas for improvement.

One attendee, Jay, was not only making his California Superbike School debut but also returning to the track for the first time in 30 years! “I’ve had a brilliant day. I’ve been riding bikes since 1977, but this was the first time I’ve done any kind of track tuition – and actually the first time back on track since 1990!

It’s been an incredible experience and while being out on track is amazing, I’ve found the classroom and technical side of things fascinating. It has really helped me to understand what I have been subconsciously doing wrong when riding on the road and allowing me to understand the areas I need to focus on to not only improve my lap time but also my road riding too. Each session focuses on a different aspect of riding, and then in that last session, I was able to put it all together, and I could really tell the difference.

I’ve been riding one of the school’s ZX-10Rs which is just an amazing bike. I’ve not ridden sports bikes for around ten years, and I just couldn’t believe how easy it was to ride. The Ninja is just an awesome machine, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be putting a deposit down on one in the next couple of weeks!”

Speaking after their first event with Kawasaki, Gary Adshead of California Superbike School added, “We’re incredibly proud to have Kawasaki join us in a partnership with California Superbike School and it was a pleasure seeing so many new and old faces at our first U.K. event of 2021. The students I spoke to were very enthusiastic about our switch to Kawasaki and those who rode the hire bikes absolutely loved them. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Kawasaki Motors U.K.”

If you want to improve your skills and enjoy a day with the California Superbike School, then there are multiple dates throughout the summer still available:

Cadwell Park

Wednesday, June 16
Thursday, June 17
Wednesday, August 04
Thursday, August 05

Bedford Autodrome

Monday, July 12
Tuesday, July 13
Tuesday, August 31
Wednesday, September 1

Donington Park

Tuesday, July 27

The official Kawasaki UK supported British Superbike team, FS-3 Racing Kawasaki, has today unveiled its all-new Ninja ZX-10RR livery for the 2021 campaign.

Lee Jackson and Rory Skinner pulled the covers off the 2021 machine at FS-3 Racing’s new state-of-the-art workshop in Coventry. With an all-new Ninja ZX-10RR for 2021, the British Superbike race-winning team have created an eye-catching new look that is sure to stand out on track.

The distinctly Kawasaki green Superbikes closely resemble the base model Ninja ZX-10RR design, while the front of the new integrated winglets carries the distinctive orange that has become synonymous with the FS-3 Racing team.

FS-3 Racing Kawasaki will be giving the livery its public debut at the final pre-season test at Donington Park on June 8th. The proven team still has a unique opportunity for a title sponsor to join for the 2021 season, allowing a business to experience the benefits that come through association with a successful and experienced team, a global manufacturer and the championship organiser. Interested parties should contact with Ross Burridge at Kawasaki Motors UK, via email at [email protected].

Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki UK: “The 2021 FS-3 Racing Kawasaki livery is one that is sure to stand out from the crowd and it’s great to see the iconic Kawasaki green in abundance. The all-new ZX-10RR has already had a fantastic debut on track at the hands of Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes, so we can’t wait to see what Lee and Rory can do when the British Superbike Championship gets underway next month!”

Nigel Snook, FS-3 Racing Kawasaki Team Owner: ‘’Designing the 2021 FS-3 Racing livery presented a particular challenge. How to showcase the radical new aerodynamic shape of the ZX-10RR fairing nose without losing the classic Kawasaki Team Green look which can be traced all the way back to the 1970s. We hope you’ll agree that our predominately green livery with with its black and white highlights will make it easy to spot Lee and Rory out on track. Plus, of course, we’ve included a nod to our team trademark orange for the engine air intake. Naturally, the livery is echoed in the design of the rider’s RST leathers”.

SUZUKI INTRODUCES WHITE HAYABUSA FOR 2022

Suzuki has added a white version of the new Hayabusa to its range for 2022, which joins the existing black and orange and matt silver and red versions launched this year.

With an RRP of £16,499, the third generation of the legendary hyperbike gets Suzuki’s most advanced suite of electronics ever, with 10 lean angle-sensitive traction control modes, lean angle-sensitive ABS, three power modes, a bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control and a speed limiter, and three stages of launch control, all controlled via easy-to-use switchgear and managed through a neat colour TFT display, nestled between two analogue dials reminiscent of the original Hayabusa’s clocks.

A heavily redesigned engine – including new pistons, conrods, crankshaft, and camshaft – specifically aimed at producing enhanced performance in the lower to mid rev ranges making it the fastest-launching Hayabusa yet with more cumulative torque than its predecessor. All this is wrapped in sharper, more angular bodywork that nonetheless is immediately recognisable as Hayabusa, taking heavy design cues from the original.

The new pearl brilliant white Hayabusa, with its chrome trim and subtle metallic matt stellar blue accents, is available in dealerships now.

SUZUKI RANKED TOP AUTOMOTIVE BRAND IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION INDEX

Suzuki has ranked highest in the automotive sector in the most recent UK customer satisfaction index, compiled by the Institute of Customer Service.

Over 45,000 responses were received as part of the survey, and Suzuki not only ranked as the highest automotive brand, but ranked joint third in the overall standings.

Jo Causon, CEO of The Institute of Customer Service, said, “In this challenging period for the automotive industry is it clear that some businesses have managed to maintain services and respond to changes in their customers’ circumstances and needs well. Suzuki’s continued strong showing in the UKCSI is encouraging and the organisations that best support their customers through these times – by reassuring, engaging and providing appropriate advice – will be best placed to thrive as we come out of this crisis.”

Nobuo Suyama, managing director of Suzuki GB, said, “We are very proud of our achievement to be in first position in the automotive sector, particularly in the continued challenging times we all face. Continuing to evolve the Suzuki customer experience remains a core focus for us and the ongoing efforts of our staff and dealers has again really paid off.”

SUZUKI SUMMER SAVINGS ARE HERE

Suzuki has announced three summer saving deals, running until the end of September and covering much of the on-road range.

Worth exploring

Available across the V-Strom 1050XT and V-Strom 1050XT Tour, plus the V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 650XT, the 'worth exploring' offer combines a lower rate of finance – 3.9% APR representative – available on either a PCP or HP deal over three years with £500 worth of free accessories.

The V-Strom accessory catalogues includes three-piece aluminium luggage – which is comes as standard fitment on the V-Strom 1050XT Tour – heated grips, touring screens, engine bars, and sump guards.

The V-Strom 1050XTs boast a 1037cc V-twin engine delivering 107PS and bags of torque, plus three selectable engine maps, traction control with three modes, lean angle-sensitive ABS with two modes, linked brakes with slope and load-dependent control and hill hold, and cruise control. There's also low RPM assist and Suzuki's easy start system. Practicality comes from a height-adjustable seat and screen, 12V socket and USB port, centre stand, hand guards, and spoked wheels.

The V-Strom 650 uses Suzuki’s proven 645cc V-twin engine, packed with character and a broad spread of usable torque, and also features a traction control system, low RPM assist, and the easy start system.

Terms and Conditions: £500 towards Suzuki Genuine Accessories. Offer applies to purchases of a new V-Strom 1050XT Tour, V-Strom 1050XT, V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 650XT only. The motorcycle must be purchased and registered between 01/07/2021 and 30/09/2021 to qualify. Offer may be extended or withdrawn at any time. HP and PCP Finance offer applies to purchases of the V-Strom 1050XT Tour, V-Strom 1050XT, V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 650XT only from a participating Suzuki Dealership. Purchase and registration of your chosen motorcycle must take place between 01/07/2021 and 30/09/2021. Offer may be extended or withdrawn at any time. Minimum deposit required: £500. Credit is subject to status, UK residents aged 18 and over. Suzuki Financial Services Ltd, St. William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH.

To get your pulse racing

A similar three-year, 3.9% APR representative offer – also on PCP or HP – is available on the GSX-R1000R, including the limited edition 100th anniversary model, and the GSX-S750. This time the deal is sweetened with a £500 off test ride incentive.

A 200PS motor sits at the heart of the GSX-R1000R, which inherits the same variable valve timing system as the MotoGP world championship-winning GSX-RR. It uses a comprehensive suite of performance enhancing electronics – including a quickshifter and autoblipper, launch control, lean angle-sensitive traction control and ABS. There are also three power modes, easy start, and low RPM assist.

The GSX-S750 uses a 749cc inline-four cylinder that started life in the iconic GSX-R750 and delivers a smooth, linear power delivery, and gets traction control, low RPM assist, and Suzuki easy start, all wrapped in an agile chassis and sharp, streetfighter styling.

Terms and Conditions: £500 test ride offer applies to purchases of a new GSX-R1000R and GSX-S750 only. The motorcycle must be purchased and registered between 01/07/2021 and 30/09/2021 to qualify. Offer may be extended or withdrawn at any time. HP and PCP Finance offer applies to purchases of the GSX-R1000R and GSX-S750 from a participating Suzuki Dealership. Purchase and registration of your chosen motorcycle must take place between 01/07/2021 and 30/09/2021. Offer may be extended or withdrawn at any time. Minimum deposit required: £500. Credit is subject to status, UK residents aged 18 and over. Suzuki Financial Services Ltd, St. William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH.

Hand crafted just for you

The third summer saving offer from Suzuki this season is the continuation of the 0% APR representative deal available on the Katana.

Requiring a minimum deposit of £500, customers can enjoy the Katana over a three-year HP deal with no interest payable. And being a HP deal, there is no final balloon payment.

The fresh take on the iconic machine from the 80s uses a torque-rich, 999cc inline-four cylinder engine – kept in check with a three-mode traction control system – a twin-spar aluminium chassis and superbike-derived swingarm. This is all packed in angular, aggressively styled bodywork that also remains unmistakably Katana.

For more information on Suzuki's offers click here.

Terms and Conditions: HP Finance offer applies to purchases of the KATANA only purchased from a participating Suzuki Dealership. Purchase and registration of your chosen motorcycle must take place between 01/07/2021 and 30/09/2021. Offer may be extended or withdrawn at any time. Minimum deposit required: £500. Credit is subject to status, UK residents aged 18 and over. Suzuki Financial Services Ltd, St. William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH.

NEW COLOUR AVAILABLE FOR GSX-S750

Suzuki has released a fresh new colour option on its popular GSX-S750.

A clean and crisp new white version is enhanced with a vibrant, fluro yellow bellypan, while black GSX tank decals, headlight surround, and wheels help it maintain a compact, aggressive, streetfighter stance.

Powered by the engine from one of the most iconic sportsbikes of all time – the GSX-R750 – the GSX-S750 delivers smooth, linear power and features traction control, low RPM assist, and Suzuki’s easy start function.

It comes with an RRP of just £7,999 but is currently available with a £500 off, test ride incentive and a lower than usual rate of finance at 3.9% APR representative on either a three-year PCP deal or a three-year hire purchase agreement.

£500 test ride offer applies to purchases of a new GSX-R1000R and GSX-S750 only. The motorcycle must be purchased and registered between 01/07/2021 and 30/09/2021 to qualify. Offer may be extended or withdrawn at any time. HP and PCP Finance offer applies to purchases of the GSX-R1000R and GSX-S750 from a participating Suzuki Dealership. Purchase and registration of your chosen motorcycle must take place between 01/07/2021 and 30/09/2021. Offer may be extended or withdrawn at any time. Minimum deposit required: £500. Credit is subject to status, UK residents aged 18 and over. Suzuki Financial Services Ltd, St. William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH.