A lifelong biker, Carl has always had a passion for two wheels and is a big supporter of multiple racers and race teams via his Carl Cox Motorsport outfit. Currently in the midst of a busy summer of gigs and festivals in the northern hemisphere, the electronic music pioneer has shaken up his show for 2024 with the introduction of the Hybrid Set, a unique show that combines traditional DJing with live electronic music created on stage. 

In synergy, 2024 has seen Kawasaki shakeup the world of two wheels with the introduction of the world’s first strong hybrid machines, the Z 7 Hybrid and Ninja 7 Hybrid. Equipped with a 451cc parallel twin, water-cooled four-stroke engine, and a traction motor plus battery; a futuristic combination that offers a number of new riding experiences plus an engine power of 43.5 kw rising to an impressive hybrid net power of 51.1kw thanks to “e-boost”. This means the innovative new bike offers a new riding experience, providing the acceleration of a 1,000cc-class supersport model with fuel economy on par with the 250cc class. 

No stranger to Kawasaki machinery, owning a 1974 Z900 and H2, Carl was eager to try the latest technology on a recent break in his tour schedule. Experiencing all four seasons in the day, Carl said:
“I’ve just ridden the amazing Z 7 Hybrid. As anyone who knows me knows, I love motorcycles, so it was great to try this new bike. The boost button gives it a real kick, and the bike felt super planted. I had to do a bit of a turnaround at one point on a tricky camber and the reverse feature is something you didn’t know you needed until you have it! 

I’ve been playing my Hybrid sets for a while now with the concept being mixing existing tracks and making new music at the same time, so with this in mind I thought it was time to try the world’s first Hybrid from Kawasaki and I glad I did!” 

Visitors to his show in London next month may well spot the Z 7 Hybrid up close, as Carl will be bringing it to the iconic Camden Roundhouse, on September 8th. 

This weekend, stunt rider Jonny Davies, AKA JD Stunts, set a new Guinness World Record for being the fastest person to be dragged behind a motorcycle. Using the supercharged Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX, he recorded an incredible 159.52mph, breaking the 25-year-old existing record.

Taking place at Elvington Airfield as part of the 2024 Ultimate Supercar Event, JD Stunts wowed the crowds with his incredible feat. Already a two-time Guinness World Record holder, late last year, Jonny set his sights on breaking the record for the fastest speed dragged behind a motorcycle, which was previously set by Gary Rothwell in 1999. 

After speaking with Kawasaki at Motorcycle Live last year, it was clear the supercharged Ninja H2 SX would be the perfect machine for accelerating hard in the short distance available while maintaining stability. The bike remained completely stock, apart from a specially fitted secondary throttle at the rear of the machine that would allow Jonny to continue accelerating while skiing behind. 

Having had several practice runs over the summer, all eyes were on JD on Sunday, August 18th to see if he could break the long-standing record. With two official attempts, the County Durham rider fell just 2mph short on his first run before setting a new Guinness World Record of 159.52mph on his second. 

Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department:
“As soon as Jonny came to see us at Motorcycle Live last year and explained what he wanted to do, we were hooked! We discussed a couple of different bikes in our range, but the Ninja H2 SX was by far the best tool for the job. His dedication and attention to detail are unrivalled, and we are so pleased to see Jonny break the record! It was a nerve-wracking experience watching the attempt, but it was fantastic to witness the achievement along with a huge supportive crowd!” 

Jonny Davies:
“One word to sum up my feelings after breaking the world record… overwhelmed! It was brilliant to see so many people turn out to support the attempt on the day.  

It has been amazing having the support from Kawasaki UK, putting their trust in me at the very beginning of the project, supplying a specially adapted Ninja H2SX, which was the perfect tool for the job. The bike passed the ultimate stability test of 159.522mph with no rider and pulled like a train even with me getting dragged along the floor behind it!  

Now for what’s next…”

Bikes from Kawasaki’s perennially popular Z series will be represented in 2025 with just a select few colours carried forward from 2024 and the majority of others being brand new.

With only two current colour schemes carried into 2025, there are a host of new colour options in the Ninja range within Europe for the coming season.

The popular Versys 650 adventure tourer and much-loved Vulcan S are both set for a colour refresh for the 2025 sales season.

A relatively recent and welcome addition to the Kawasaki range, the Eliminator 500 will continue to be available in two model specifications in 2025 with potential owners being able to select from three new colour ways.