World record holder JD Stunts Sets Sights On Two More!

After breaking the Guinness World Record for the fastest speed being dragged behind a motorcycle last year, JD Stunts and Kawasaki UK have teamed up once more to take on two more records. Riding a modified Ninja ZX-10R, JD will be aiming to first break 135mph while performing a “highchair” wheelie. He will then attempt to set a new record of 160mph while facing the wrong way!

Already a multiple Guinness World Record holder, British rider Jonny Davies, AKA JD Stunts, and Kawasaki UK have enjoyed a strong partnership over the last few years. The County-Durham rider uses a modified Ninja ZX-6R as part of his regular stunt show, while the supercharged Ninja H2 SX was the machine of choice for his record-breaking 159.52mph run while skiing behind the bike.

Now, JD has turned his attention to breaking two further world records. The first will be breaking the record for the fastest “highchair” wheelie. This stunt involves wheelieing the bike while placing both feet over the handlebars and sitting on the tank, and currently sits at 125mph. Having previously held the record and recording 122mph in unofficial practice in 2020, JD will be looking to break the barrier by a significant margin now that he is riding a more powerful and modified Ninja ZX-10R. The bike has had its fairings removed, features a rear hand-operated brake, adjustable high-rise clip-ons, and an electronic, bar-mounted gear shifter. JD has also modified the tank so he can sit more securely during the wheelie attempt.

Using the same bike, JD will also attempt to break a second world record for the fastest speed while riding backwards. The current record stands at 151.7mph and was set back in 2002; he aims to utilise the 197 bhp Ninja to push the barrier past 160mph.

Both Guinness World Record attempts are again going to be happening at Elvington Airfield, the scene of last year’s impressive feat, and are scheduled for September 20th and 21st.

Jonny Davies:
“I’m really pleased to be teaming up with Kawasaki once more for these two world record attempts. Last year’s success was great, and I’m sure using the modified Ninja ZX-10R will help us achieve the wheelie and backwards challenges! I have had two top speed practice days ahead of my first official attempt, the ZX-10R is a bit of a beast and I’m very excited for next month!”

Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki Motors UK:
“It’s brilliant to see JD using Kawasaki power once more for his two Guinness World Record attempts. The Ninja ZX-10R has proven itself a formidable weapon on the track, and now it's exciting to see it being used in these attempts. We’re all looking forward to seeing what Jonny can do next month!”

Versys 1100 new season colours unveiled

Fresh from its central role in the Tour de France as official motorcycle of the event, the new colourways for the Versys 1100 in the 2026 motorcycle range have been announced.

Versys 1100

Versys 1100 S

Versys 1100 SE

A fleet of Versys 1100 machines were supplied to ASO – the organisers of the world famous cycling event – to assist in road closures and allied safety aspects plus use as fast response medical bikes and to aid and assist the peloton as it covered twenty one demanding stages and over 3300kms of French roads.

Kawasaki fans will not have to travel quite that far to see the models available in showrooms in 2026 with the Versys 1100 retaining its current livery while the S and SE each enjoy two updated colour schemes. 

Equipped as standard with Showa electronically damped suspension front and rear, the range leading Versys 1100 SE will appear in showrooms in the two options of Metallic Deep Blue/Metallic Diablo Black or Emerald Blazed Green/ Metallic Diablo Black. 

For the S model which offers many of the advanced features as the SE such as an up/down quick shifter, electronic cruise control and Smartphone connectivity with a voice command feature, there are also two new liveries comprising the same Metallic Deep Blue/Metallic Diablo Black or Emerald Blazed Green/Metallic Diablo Black approach.  

Riding to the local café or supporting the worlds most famous cycling event over thousands of kilometers, the Versys 1100 is ready to go the distance. Now, with new colour options for 2026, the views are set to remain fresh and spectacular.

Nine new colours across five 2026 Ninja models

As a core brand family in the Kawasaki motorcycle portfolio, the announcement of new colourways for Ninja range models is always a sign that the new season is coming closer… and for 2026 across the five models just announced there are set to be an impressive ten new colour options.

Ninja 500

Ninja 500 SE

Ninja 650

Ninja ZX-4RR

Ninja ZX-6R

As the base model for Kawasaki’s WorldSSP racing team in the hands of rider, Jeremy Alcoba, the 636cc Ninja ZX-6R gains two nine colours for a fresh sales season comprising Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Metallic Spark Black/Lime Green as a new livery plus an updated variation on the fan favourite Lime Green livery.

Sharing a similar engine capacity but configured as a parallel twin engine rather than the four cylinder ZX machine, the highly praised Ninja 650 will be offered in three new colour options in the upcoming range. Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Flat Spark Black and a Lime Green version will be available for the European A2 licence friendly machine that is also a “go to” for experienced riders looking for performance, maneuverability and compact dimensions.

Proudly featuring Kawasaki’s recently developed mid-capacity, water-cooled, twin-cylinder engine, the Ninja 500 and its special edition, SE sibling have been essential parts of the Kawasaki range of late (along with their Z equivalents) offering an easy plus fun-to-ride package that are just as simple to precisely place in the cut and thrust of city traffic as it they are when weekend riding on twisty roads. The Ninja 500 has one new colour in Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black, while the SE model will be available in  Lime Green and Metallic Matte Twilight Blue/Candy Persimmon Red.

In this pre-release of livery options for 2026 that leaves the high-revving and visceral Ninja ZX-4RR as the final part of the initial pack. The diminutive ZX-4RR will be in dealer showrooms in two brand new colorways for the 2026 model year, these being Lime Green and Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Spark Black.

For such evocative machines as Ninja models are, the release of information relating to some fresh colour ways will be welcomed by fans eager to be part of Kawasaki’s constantly evolving Ninja story.

Availability as below:

  • Ninja ZX-6R: Late October
  • Ninja 650: October
  • Ninja 500: November
  • Ninja 500 SE: November 
  • Ninja ZX-4RR: October
  • Ninja 650: October

2026 Versys 650 ready to go the distance

A stand out machine in the Kawasaki range, the latest iteration of the ever-popular Versys 650 is ready to take the 2026 sales season head on. Fully Euro-5 compliant, the agile Versys boasts a maximum of 67 PS in terms of peak power plus a useful 61Nm of peak torque.

Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Matte Carbon Gray

Metallic Deep Blue/Metallic Spark Black

Metallic Graphite Gray/Metallic Spark Black

Equipped with 17 inch wheels for manoeuvrability and agility, the highly durable and equally highly praised, twin-cylinder, water-cooled 649cm3  engine remains in place while the styling echoes that of the Versys 1100 (which is the official motorcycle of the Tour de France) offering a similar level of rider aids plus distinctive contemporary looks. 

From a riding perspective, the easy to read 4.3” TFT meter relays all essential information while offering the possibility to link to the riders’ Smartphone using Kawasaki’s unique Rideology App that also includes a voice command function. 

Offered as standard with KTRC traction control, plus the convenience of all LED lighting, the best way to truly understand the Versys 650 is to ride one and appreciate the all-day comfort seat, ergonomic riding position and generous weather-beating adjustable screen. Add such accessories as “one-key system” panniers and a voluminous top case and the Versys is ready to satisfy any riders dreams of distance. 

Available for 2026 in three colourways, or as part of Kawasaki’s highly appreciated “Editions” range – which encompasses Tourer and Grand-Tourer editions built using only Kawasaki Genuine Accessories – the latest Versys 650 is ready to go the distance. Priced at £8049 for the standard model.

Available from middle of August 2026 Versys 650 Colour Options:

METALLIC SPARK BLACK/METALLIC MATTE CARBON GRAY
METALLIC DEEP BLUE/METALLIC SPARK BLACK
METALLIC GRAPHITE GRAY/METALLIC SPARK BLACK