Justifiably causing a worldwide sensation when launched, the supreme Supernaked Z H2 remains the planet’s only production forced induction naked style machine.
Harnessing Kawasaki’s unique in-house developed balanced supercharger technology, the 147.1 kW {200 PS} rated Z H2 and its sparring partner, the Z H2 SE, boast impressive specifications with an array of technology and rider aids that justify their positions at the forefront of the naked bike segment.
For the Z H2 this means such features as IMU enhanced electronics package encompassing electronic cruise control, traction control, power mode selection, launch control plus other top line items like a dual direction quick shifter and integrated braking along with an assist and slipper clutch.
And on the subject of braking, the Z H2 benefits from Brembo M4.32 calipers while the Z H2 SE boasts the Italian firm’s latest Stylema calipers along with Showa electronically damped suspension featuring state-of-the-art Skyhook technology designed to keep the machine attitude stable while the suspension absorbs road deviations.
With both machines benefiting from a Ninja H2 derived trellis tube chassis and all LED lighting integrated into the unique Sugomi styling, the rider view is dominated by the “fat” type handlebar and highly praised colour TFT meter display featuring Smartphone connectivity allowing riders to use version two of the Kawasaki Rideology App.
Add a Performance Edition to the mix featuring a large smoke meter cover, gel tank pad, colour coded seat cover and titanium Akrapovic exhaust silencer and the choice of which Z H2 to focus on gets even harder.
In 2023, the Z H2 will be available in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Ebony, costing £17,299.
The Z H2 SE will be in showrooms resplendent in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Ebony/Mirror Coated Black, costing £19,799.
Both models will be available from February.
The unique and much loved “versatile system” that lays at the core of the mid and large capacity Versys range continues into 2023 offering a number of new colour options while highlighting the many Editions that are possible for either the two-cylinder 650 class machine or the four-cylinder litre class Versys 1000.
Whether riding solo or two-up, around the corner or around the globe both the nimble 650 Versys and the continent crushing 1000cc class machines have engines tuned for flexibility, and lithe chassis specifications allied to a characteristic relaxed, upright riding position offering a high level of machine control and comfortable seating for rider and passenger. With impressive wind protection as standard, it’s easy to spend a long and rewarding time in the saddle of a Versys.
In terms of the Versys 1000, there are three model types for 2024 each with an array of accessories available or the choice of Edition versions. Even the standard version comes equipped with Electronic Cruise Control plus Kawasaki KTRC Traction Control, Power Modes and an Assist and Slipper clutch plus Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System while many features found on the S and SE model are additional accessory options.
The Versys 1000 S takes the ‘any roads’ platform to the next level offering linked Traction Control and Power Modes plus up/down quick shifter, LED Cornering Lights, a TFT meter panel and grip heaters plus hand covers as just part of its comprehensive showroom floor package. Moving to the most technical and state-of-the-art Versys 1000, the SE model includes the addition of advanced Showa electronically damped suspension to the matrix facilitating Skyhook technology whereby the attitude of the machine is targeted to remain stable as the suspension moves to absorb road deviations.
For the Versys 650 the message for 2024 is “the same but different” with its own range of Edition options available. While there is one base platform, it is possible to either personalise on an individual basis selecting from a range of genuine accessories or opt for one of four Edition models offered. Complete with KTRC traction control, LED lighting and Bluetooth connection as standard, the flickable Versys 650 also boasts a colour TFT meter and adjustable windscreen as part of the foundation spec. Allied to this are Urban, Tourer, Grand Tourer and Grand Tourer Plus Edition models each offering a rising increment in specification from the addition of colour-coded “one key system” luggage to other carefully chosen accessory items.
In terms of the Versys 1000 there are three Edition models over and above the standard specification or the possibility of an owner creating their own machine identity from the official Kawasaki accessory range. The Versys 1000 Tourer sits proudly alongside the Versys Tourer Plus and Grand Tourer with each of the three model bases available in one of the three options making a 1000cc class range of an amazing twelve machines while the 650 range amounts to an impressive five machines.
Colours for the Versys 650 in 2024 are Metallic Smoke Gold/Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black or Candy Lime Green/Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black and the new model will be available from January, with prices starting from: Versys 650 – £8,249
Versys 650 Tourer – £9,049
Versys 650 Grand Tourer – £10,649
The 2023 Versys 1000 will be available from November in Metallic Matte Graphensteel Gray/Metallic Spark Black. Prices start from:
Versys 1000 – £10,879
Versys 1000 Tourer – £11,829
Versys 1000 Grand Tourer – £12,779
The Versys 1000 S will also be available from November in either Emerald Blazed Green/Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black or Metallic Graphite Gray/Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black. Prices start from:
Versys 1000 S – £13,579
Versys 1000 S Tourer – £14,329
Versys 1000 S Grand Tourer – £15,279
Finally, the Versys 1000 SE comes in Emerald Blazed Green/Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black or Metallic Graphite Gray/Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black. Available from November, prices start from:
Versys 1000 SE – £15,569
Versys 1000 SE Tourer – £16,319
Versys 1000 SE Grand Tourer – £17,269
They say there is always strength in numbers and the 2024 Versys 650 and 1000 range proves that beyond doubt with a staggering twelve possible model editions to choose from. A vast and versatile 2024 range- if adventure calls then it must be the Versys from Kawasaki.
KRT Kiddimoto balance bike sets next Rea generation on the right track
Like father, like sons, Jake and Tyler Rea have taken to two wheels in the Superbike paddock and are already targeting a future Kawasaki factory ride thanks to the newly launched Kiddimoto balance bike in 2022 KRT livery.
Six-time WorldSBK Champion, Jonathan Rea, has travelled the racing world with his wife, Tatia and their two sons so it was only fitting that the boys got the chance for an exclusive “KRT test ride” at the Catalunya track on a bike which boasts a sustainably sourced birch plywood chassis plus grippy pneumatic tyres.
Naturally the next generation of a family that lives and breathes motorcycles were soon getting used to the steering and manoeuvrability of mini WorldSBK replica honing their balance, coordination, and confidence.
After mastering the fun two-wheeler in the paddock impressing his father and KRT technicians with his skill and control, 6-year-old Tyler commented:
“I can be a Kawasaki rider just like my dad now. The bike was easy to ride, and I even tried a few stunts, but dad said I should walk before I run, ha ha!”
The 2022 KRT Kiddimoto is available from Kawasaki dealers now.
Power and poise is a hard balance to achieve – especially in the Supersport arena – but the duo of Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R machines for the 2023 season have become a benchmark for highly focused, controllable power allied to handling precision and some useful “creature comforts”.
With low drag co-efficient aerodynamic bodywork, the Ninja ZX-10R family benefits from integrated bodywork winglets that contribute to both downforce and assured front end stability. Equipped with highly efficient, compact LED headlights, the easy-to-read colour TFT instrumentation can be paired with the rider’s Smartphone thanks to Kawasaki’s Rideology app giving various machine status updates even when not on the machine. Other rider focused features include electronic cruise control, integrated rider modes and KCMF, Kawasaki’s innovative cornering management function delivering the best response and traction in all riding conditions.
It’s no secret that both motorcycles have greatly benefited from the experience of KRT, (the Kawasaki Racing Team) and, most especially, the unique insight of multiple WorldSBK champion, Jonathan Rea plus race engineers in Europe and Japan.
The formidable 998 cm³ Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four DOHC, 16 valve motor of the Ninja ZX-10R peaks at a heady 149.3 kW {203 PS} at 13,200 rpm while, with RamAir assistance, the “race-base” Ninja ZX-10RR boosts that to 214 PS at 14,000 rpm. Matched to an Assist and Slipper clutch, sports traction control, close ratio transmissions and even launch control, the racing pedigree of both machines is self-evident; and that goes for the chassis too.
The light handling chassis’ of both machines feature 43 mm inverted Balance Free front forks with external compression chambers, compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability plus top-out springs. At the rear the horizontal back-link suspension with BFRC lite gas-charged shock of each machine features a piggyback reservoir, compression and rebound damping plus spring preload adjustability and a top-out spring. Braking up front is down to a pair of 330mm Brembo discs with dual radial-mount, Brembo M50 monobloc opposed 4-piston calipers.
The racetrack influence even extends to the design of the air-cooled oil cooler which KRT helped develop in the white heat of competition. And it’s within the jungle of competing for race honours that the Ninja ZX-10RR has its happy hunting ground. Honed to a different state of tune compared to the ZX-10R, the RR model has been created to be the base bike for Superbike competition with a higher revving engine and an array of exotic components taking its performance potential to the next level.
The spec sheet of the RR is formidable listing such things as steel braided front brake lines, lightweight Pankl titanium connecting rods, special valve springs, RR-specific camshafts, lightweight Pankl pistons and DLC lightweight piston pins plus Marchesini forged wheels shod with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tyres and a solo seat.
The venerated Ninja name will once again be ready for the fight for track and street supremacy in 2023 and it is beyond doubt that the next chapter of the litre class Ninja legend will be created. A
vailable from November, the costs and colour options for the Ninja ZX-10R and Ninja ZX-10RR for 2023 are:
Ninja ZX-10R – £17,499
Pearl robotic white/metallic diablo black
Lime green/ebony
Ninja ZX-10RR – £25,429
Lime green
NEW COLOURS AVAILABLE FOR HAYABUSA, SV650, AND SV650X
New colour schemes are now available on Suzuki’s Hayabusa and both the SV650 and SV650X; legendary machines in the firm’s range for different reasons.
The third generation Hayabusa comes in a new, sleek, dark grey, offset by striking red accents. A revised white edition features bolder blue detailing, while an all-black variant provides the stealth option, save for the glinting chrome trim.
As well as updates to the iconic hyperbike, the original middleweight naked, the SV650, gets a trio of updated colourways for 2023.
Like the Hayabusa, an equally sleek grey and black model uses a stunning grey trellis frame, with a splash of colour from red wheels. Using a bronze frame and wheels are a dark blue model and a black version.
The SV650X will come in a new metallic silver for 2023.
All models are available in dealerships now, the Hayabusa with an RRP of £16,999, while the SV costs £6,999 and the SV650X £7,399.
The latest Hayabusa, launched last year, might adopt sharper styling but it remains unmistakably Hayabusa. Underneath the bodywork is a revised chassis and an updated version of the 1340cc inline four-cylinder that produces more cumulative power and torque than its predecessor. A comprehensive suite of electronics – the settings for which are displayed on a neat TFT dash nestled between analogue dials in homage to the original – includes multiple power modes, a bi-directional quickshifter, lean angle-sensitive ABS, hill hod, 10 modes of traction control, three modes of launch control, and cruise control.
The SV650, first launched in 1997, encapsulates affordable motorcycling, equally adept at commuting as it is Sunday blasts. It uses the proven 645cc V-twin, with a user-friendly nature for newer riders but packing enough of a punch to excite experienced motorcyclists.
Both bikes are included on Suzuki’s Buying Power campaign, available with 2.9% APR representative over three years, on both PCP or Hire Purchase and with no deposit required.
Tempting 2023 Kawasaki 125s ready to give first taste of two wheels
Many bikers will talk fondly of their “first real bike” and for current two-wheel fans the ideal candidates to tempt riders are the Z125 and Ninja 125. Both equipped as standard with ABS and tube type trellis chassis configurations accommodating Kawasaki’s unique Uni-Trak rear suspension, both machines have changes to the colour way options offered for 2023.
A1, A2 and B licence rider friendly with 15PS (11kW) available from their 125 cm3 4-stroke single-cylinder electric start engines delivered via six speed gearboxes, the choice between bold naked Z good looks and the scalpel precision of the race inspired cowling equipped Ninja is the only tough choice riders have to make.
Both models feature full digital instrumentation and also offer Kawasaki’s Ergo-Fit system meaning accessory seat pads can be swapped out to alter seat height according to rider size and preference.
Available from early November, the colours and pricing for the Z125 and Ninja 125 for 2023 will be:
Z125 – starting from £4,299
Candy Lime Green/Metallic Spark Black
Pearl Storm Grey
Ninja 125 – starting from £4,599
Lime Green/Ebony