The big news for the 2021 season is that the impressive Kawasaki KX250 comes to the starting gate with the most peak power ever plus a host of “rider-centric” features set to reconfirm its place as the standout bike in its class. 

Anticipated availability in the UK: Late August 2020

Anticipated RRP: £7,499

Now that a WorldSBK Championship in some form is set to take place following regional “lock-downs” and a widespread ban on travelling, the KRT Superbike project achieves continuity with both Rea and Lowes signed for the 2021 season. 

With five consecutive WorldSBK titles under his belt, Rea is one of the hottest properties in the paddock and many manufacturers and teams would like to tempt the Irish born rider away from Kawasaki, the manufacturer with which he has now become indelibly linked. 

For Rea, however, the relationship is not simply with Kawasaki as the maker of the formidable Ninja ZX-10RR that he rides but also the pit crew and advisors he has carefully built around him providing such a strong platform for success. 

The bond between the 33 year old racing veteran and a crew that work in perfect coordination whether at testing or in an actual racing scenario is something that other competitors envy and is something that Rea himself should be given the lion’s share of credit for, both in deciding to create and achieving.  

Rea commented: “I am super happy to sign a new contract with Kawasaki and KRT. What we have achieved together is incredible. Our success is driven by a great team and of course the base of the project – our Ninja ZX-10RR. I will keep working hard, together with my crew, the engineers at KHI to be in the best condition every single race.” 

For Lowes – new to the team and as team mate to the current WorldSBK Champion – it has been a dream start. Not simply connecting with crew chief, Marcel Duinker from the early days of his time with KRT, but also bonding successfully with a highly developed and potent Ninja package that would intimidate lesser riders. 

Displaying a “can-do” attitude from the very start of Winter testing, 29 year old Lowes has worked hard to “get up to speed” with a new bike, a new team and a sudden stop to his racing year – like others in the paddock – after just one event. 

Leading the 2020 Championship following a strong showing and a maiden Kawasaki win at Phillip Island in Australia, Lowes is keen to get back to racing and has high hopes of further success in 2020 welcoming the stability that a contract for the 2021 season brings. 

Commenting on 2021, Lowes said: “It is great be with Kawasaki for 2021. I can continue adapting to the team and adapting myself to the ZX-10RR. Even since I joined the team I have really felt like it was an opportunity to for me to make another step forward with my riding.” 

Whilst the interruption to the 2020 season has been unfortunate and unavoidable, Kawasaki fans now have the best of news, not only will racing resume with Rea and Lowes in the best position to take up where they left off as Championship winning prospects, but also the team can concentrate on post season testing and a new season in 2021 with no interruptions to their momentum. 

With an almost universal feeling – in racing and other aspects of life – that the future looks brighter, Rea and Lowes look set to shine for Kawasaki and keep the Ninja Spirit alive. 

After six fantastic seasons spent with Team Green riding KX machinery, Lewis Hall has made the difficult decision to move on to pastures new.

Starting his Kawasaki career on the KX85, Lewis immediately displayed huge potential by winning multiple races and Championships. 

2017 arguably marked his most successful season, in the form of winning almost every MX Nationals race of the year on the way to a dominant Rookie class title. 

Despite this success, Lewis fought to find his true potential with Team Green upon moving to the ultra-competitive MX2 Pro class, however due to a myriad of reasons he has decided to amicably part ways with the team. 

“I've been with Kawasaki for six years now, but my time with Team Green has come to an end. I just want to say a special thank you to everyone at Kawasaki and the entire Perrett family for giving me the opportunity and helping me rise through the ranks from a Small Wheel KX85 to my third year as a Pro racer on the KX250. I can honestly say I would not be where I am today without them, thanks guys!” said Lewis Hall.

Reflecting on the contribution made by Lewis to Team Green and his drive to succeed, Team Manager, Jeff Perrett said, “Since joining the team in 2014 Lewis and his family have been nothing but a pleasure to work with. He’s always listened to advice and gone out and applied it. He is one of the most focused and self-motivated kids I have seen and worked with in the sport and always gives nothing but 100%. As a Team Manager, that's the fundamental base you need to work with to succeed. If everyone is giving 100% then you’ve got a chance to be successful and win championships and that’s what we have achieved.” 

“Unfortunately our time working together within Team Green has come to end. I wish Lewis the absolute best of luck and on a personal level I will continue to support him and follow his career. Hopefully a little further down the line we’ll see Lewis return to Kawasaki with the same success he’s had as a youth racer.” 

After an incredibly tough start to the year for not just MSS Performance but the entire nation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Essex based team have decided to concentrate on a return to British Superbike Championship racing in 2021.

Following an eight year hiatus, the team’s much anticipated reappearance in the Superstock class is now being postponed even further, a decision that has not been made lightly and is to the disappointment of both Kawasaki and Team Owner, Nick Morgan.

“We have had an extremely difficult eight weeks in business as soon as the announcement was made that race tracks will close due to Covid-19. MSS trade globally so the effect from the pandemic has hit us hard, but we have started to bounce back and we will be more than fired up for the 2021 BSB Superstock 1000 Championship.” 

The MSS Performance crew will still be ever present in the British Superbike paddock as the official Team Green Technical Partner. The involvement of MSS Performance will be integral to the success of many other Kawasaki teams in various classes throughout the series, as they provide their expertise both on and off the track.

Additionally the team are excited to still be involved at Junior Supersport level with Australian rider, Seth Crump who is the Son of former Speedway World Champion Jason Crump and will be campaigning the MSS Performance prepared Kawasaki Ninja 400.

Kawasaki Motors UK Senior Racing Coordinator, Ross Burridge said, “Our plans for 2020 across the British Superbike paddock have of course been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the impact it's had on many businesses across the country, including race teams. We do however remain confident that we can continue to have an exciting and successful season in 2020, albeit a shortened one and we can't wait to see MSS Performance back on the grid at round one in 2021.”

Five-time FIM Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea will continue his record-breaking partnership with Kawasaki and KRT after signing a new multi-year contract.

Rea has won five consecutive WorldSBK championships as a KRT rider, starting in his first Kawasaki year in 2015. The most successful WorldSBK racer in history, the vast majority of Jonathan’s championship points and race wins have been earned while riding Ninja ZX-10R and ZX-10RR machinery creating a legend in the process.

With one race win under his belt already this season, at the only 2020 round to be held so far in Australia, Rea’s competitive nature is as strong as ever as he goes for title number six. Signing his new contract demonstrates his intention to build on and extend his winning streak well beyond this current season.

Jonathan’s ambition is as sharp as ever, especially after confirmation of his new contract with the most successful modern day WorldSBK manufacturer and team in the paddock. His close connection with Kawasaki and KRT is now globally understood and accepted, and in many ways he has become “the face of Kawasaki racing”.

The full support of his wife Tatia, his children and his entire family have been an important element throughout his glittering career, during all the good and more challenging times. The mutually beneficial relationship with his team, one which Jonathan has helped nurture, is an integral part of their combined success.

With current championship leader Alex Lowes already signed with Kawasaki beyond 2020 KRT has moved early in its rider choices for the next era of its overall WorldSBK campaign.

Jonathan Rea, said: “I am super happy to sign a new contract with Kawasaki and KRT. What we have achieved together is incredible. Our success is driven by a great team and of course the base of the project – our Ninja ZX-10RR. I will keep working hard, together with my crew, the engineers at KHI to be in the best condition every single race. This period away from racing has reignited a burning desire to keep winning and continue to improve my skills and the package of our bike. Racing never stands still and all the riders and manufactures are continuing to improve – we must do the same. Now we can fully focus on our 2020 WorldSBK season where racing will restart soon. I want to thank Kawasaki, the team and all my sponsors for their continued support and this great opportunity.”

KRT Team Manager, Guim Roda, said: “Everyone in the team is delighted that Jonathan will be with us again. In racing we cannot assume anything until it is completed so we are very happy that JR65 has confirmed his future with Kawasaki and us. Everyone involved understands that this is a long-term project and that continuity and success go hand-in-hand. As a rider Jonathan has incredible talents that are very rare. For sure, to keep him as part of KRT gives us a chance to create yet more WorldSBK and racing history. His pit crew and everyone at KRT are delighted to continue this hugely rewarding professional and personal journey together.”

Steve Guttridge, KME Racing Manager, said: “Since Jonathan signed his first deal to race with us in 2015 it has been a dream partnership. Kawasaki as a group had our full focus on extending our relationship into the future. This season, his sixth with us, means that JR is very much part of the Kawasaki family and his record-breaking partnership with the Ninja is revered by our competition and has amazed our fans worldwide. Jonathan – together with his great crew, the team and our engineers – once more has the perfect combination for success. JR's professionalism, approach to racing – and particularly his mentality – have helped us as a manufacturer to define our blueprint to racing success. Together we aim to continue rewriting the history books and breaking records together. The whole Kawasaki family and Kawasaki fans worldwide welcome the new multi-year agreement with Jonathan and we are excited to witness the next chapter of this amazing story unfold.”

Jonathan Rea WorldSBK Statistics
World Champion 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019

2020: Races 3, Wins 1, Podiums 2, Superpoles 0
Career Race Wins: 89 (74 for Kawasaki)

Career Podiums: 170 (128 for Kawasaki)

Career Poles: 23 (19 for Kawasaki)

Kawasaki FIM Superbike World Championship Statistics

Total Kawasaki Race Wins: 148 – second overall
Total Kawasaki Podiums: 437 – second overall

Total Kawasaki Poles: 88 – second overall

#NinjaSpirit

Kawasaki Motors UK are supporting the #UnlockYourFreedom initiative that has been launched by the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) to highlight the reasons why riding a scooter or motorcycle is a great alternative to stay isolated and safe.

Government advice states: ‘‘Consider all other forms of transport before using public transport,” therefore increasing numbers of people are looking for reliable and quick modes of transport during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Motorcyclists across the world already know the benefits of two wheels – they’re affordable, economical, fun and can help ease congestion. However, the list of advantages has been expanded even further now that being socially distanced is high on people’s agendas. Now, choosing two-wheels is a safer alternative to public transport as it allows individuals to remain isolated and a safe distance from others outside of their households.

If you’re 17 or over, you can ride a motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc or 11KW having completed your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). Or if you’re 16, you’re able to ride a scooter up to 50cc without even passing a test, all you have to do is complete CBT which often takes as little as one day.

Kawasaki dealers have been given the green light to officially open their showroom doors on 1st June 2020. 

The decision to open will be at the discretion of individual dealers and in doing so they have been instructed to operate under strict protocol to help ensure safety of customers and staff due to COVID-19 risk. We recommend that customers contact their Kawasaki dealer directly for more information on operating hours.

*** Please note that this currently only applies to Kawasaki dealers in England. We will keep you updated as more information arises ***

Motorcyclists around the UK are rearing to hit the road however due to the current COVID-19 situation, most of us have delayed our annual spring time ritual of pulling off the dust cover that was keeping our motorcycles warm in the winter!

If you are going to be turning wheels after a prolonged period of motorcycle hibernation, we strongly recommend that you give your ride a thorough check over. But, what does that entail?

We asked our Workshop Supervisor at Kawasaki Motors UK, Ross Symons for tips on general maintenance and some of the items to check before breathing life into your motorcycle again.

In each issue of our Club Kawasaki members magazine, you get to know a member of the Kawasaki UK team. In our latest issue we interviewed Ross Symons, Ross shared what it's like to work at Kawasaki and how he got to where he is today. 

Safety checks, general checks and more checks

• Do your lights function correctly, including warning lights and horn? 
• Note that the bike needs to be running to check headlamps.
• Check tyre condition and pressures, which should be listed on the drive chain guard or in your owner’s manual.
• Adjust the drive chain if required and lubricate chain well.  
• Front and rear padock stands will make this job a lot easier!
• Do the brakes bind? This is simply where the wheel does not turn freely. This could occur when the bike has been parked with water in and around the brakes from riding or washing, especially if road salt is present and has caused corrosion within the brake caliper area. If they are binding, this will likely require dealer inspection and repair.
• Check fluid levels including, engine oil level, engine coolant level, brake fluid levels (front and rear).
• Check for any loose nuts and bolts.
• Check the steering turns from lock to lock smoothly.
• Does the throttle grip operate smoothly?
• The clutch lever must have the correct amount of free play and operate correctly. Some bikes are now equipped with hydraulic units. Cable operated bikes require 2-3mm of clearance however not every model is the same so refer to the owner’s manual or your Kawasaki dealer for assistance.
• Check the side stand and or centre stand operate smoothly and returns fully to the “up” position – lubricate as required.
• Is the MOT valid or due? Same goes for insurance, road tax, tax/sorn etc.

Ross Symons also explains why customers should go in for a service based on length of time and not only mileage travelled, saying, “All of our models have service intervals that relate to mileage and time, and should be serviced on which ever unit comes first. One example is brake fluid and if we take the Ninja H2 SX for instance, this should be first changed at 15,200 miles or after 2 years. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time which can affect the braking performance and therefore is required to be changed both on mileage and time.”

Remember, if you feel that anything mentioned above is beyond your skill set or you don’t have the tools required, please take your motorcycle into a Kawasaki dealer for a check-up (when it is possible). The tips mentioned above are generalised and each model will have a specific way to address inspections and maintenance – if required we recommend that you refer to the owner’s manual or your Kawasaki dealer for assistance.

Finally, the last item on the check list is to enjoy the ride and be safe when you are out on the road again!

Imagine an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas where you become one of the first people in the world to ride the awesome, all new, Kawasaki Z H2 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway… Sound like a dream? – Well, that was a reality for two of our lucky Club Kawasaki members who I took to the States earlier this year as winners of our “Ultimate Z Test Ride” competition.

Read the full story & see the images in the latest issue of Club Kawasaki Magazine – 19. You will need to be a member to gain access so you'll want to join now if you haven't already. 

After a competition was launched at Motorcycle Live last year in which customers were asked to submit a thirty second video of themselves telling us why they should be chosen, the eventual two worthy winners were Andy Sharp and Thomas Bell! Both Kawasaki fans (owning a Ninja H2 SX SE+ and Z1000SX respectively), you can imagine their excitement of being invited to this memorable event. When The Kawasaki chaperone arrived early one Monday morning in February at Heathrow airport, they found two very eager Club Kawasaki members desperate to find out what exactly we had in store for them…

Andy Sharp – “I just couldn’t believe I had won! I’m such a huge Kawasaki fan, and had never been to Las Vegas before, so to combine the two and get to experience behind the scenes of an event not normally open to the public was just fantastic!” 

Thomas Bell – “The chance to ride a Supercharged motorcycle on a banked circuit was out of this world! Kawasaki UK and Kawasaki Europe put on such an awesome event, it’s something I will remember for the rest of my life!”

Worldwide new model press introductions are usually for members of the motorcycle press only and produce the images and articles you read in publications such as Motorcycle News, Fast Bikes magazine etc. However, for the first time ever customers of ours from across Europe were invited to join the final group of this historic event and truly experience what it was like to become a journalist for a few days. Thomas and Andy not only got to ride the new machine alongside the journalists, but experienced everything that goes on at a launch from meeting the Z H2 Japanese Project Leader to having direct access to a technical team tending to their every need as the machine was set up just for them.

It wasn’t all about the bikes though, of course they needed a little R&R to acclimatise to the time difference! So Kawasaki set about taking the guys on a tour of the famous Las Vegas strip, visiting Fremont Street, experiencing the New York New York rollercoaster and we even squeezed in a memorable helicopter ride over the sensational Grand Canyon! Suitably relaxed, they arrived at the awe inspiring Las Vegas Motor Speedway ready to feel 200BHP of Supercharged excitement. Not content with just providing this riding experience, the track also happened to be right next to a US Airforce base, meaning that the riders were treated to the full Top Gun experience of riding bikes with fighter jets flying overhead!

The Z H2 really is a bike for many different types of rider, as Andy and Thomas found out. Just as capable on track as it is on the road, whilst a Supercharged 200BHP sounds intimidating, they found out it really isn’t.

Andy Sharp – “What a day! I had never ridden on an oval track before, but I want to again! The Z H2 is fantastic, so fast when you want it to be, but really composed too. It handled both the slow speed and high speed sections with ease. I want one!”

Thomas Bell – “The mid-range power this bike has is phenomenal, it makes it so easy to ride with minimal gear changes, even though you actually want to change gear with both the super smooth quickshifter and beautiful chirp chirp sound of the Supercharger resonating through your helmet!”

Kawasaki whisked the guys back to the Mirage Hotel and a couple of hours were spent on the Roulette table looking back on a brilliant day, whilst hoping the following day would be equally as epic… It was. The Valley of Fire is arguably one of the most breath-taking State Parks in the United States, strewn with beautiful red coloured rock formations. This set the scene for the road riding element, where both Andy and Thomas rode an awesome stretch of winding smooth tarmac, on closed roads, posing for the professional photo and video team as they passed by. Access was then granted to the private Kawasaki website which gave them a selection of stunning images they can show off to their biker friends for ever more! It turned out that they enjoyed the bike on normal roads just as much as on track!

Thomas Bell – “That bike just keeps surprising me! With all the talk about Superchargers and 200BHP, we knew it would be a weapon on track, but out there, at relatively slow speeds on normal roads it works just as well. The route back to the hotel was genuinely the best ride I have EVER had on a motorcycle!”

Andy Sharp – “I have ridden a few track days in my time, but most of my riding is done on the road, so as much as the Speedway was amazing I was really keen to try out the Z H2 on the road. Due to the strict rules in the State Park, the speed limit was quite slow, but it just enabled us to really zone in on what the bike was doing and how it worked at a more sedate pace. It was a dream to ride through such beautiful landscape on such a well behaved machine. Can we go back please?”

To help fill the void left by the cancellation of the 2020 Isle of Man TT races – the team at Manx Radio will broadcast 7 days of “Mountain Memories,” powered by Kawasaki K-Options.

For anyone that has ever visited the island during TT fortnight, Manx Radio is definitely the “sound of the TT,” and has been on air since 1964. The station was initially established purely to broadcast the Tourist Trophy races. A team of eighteen staff produce the commentary from around the Isle of Man, with the commentary points around the course changing over time as competitors and their machines have become faster.

With no live on-course action in 2020, Mountain Memories aims to help fans around the world get a TT fix with a week-long broadcast focusing on some historical racing moments from the island, plus fantastic interviews of riders and Team Managers that have taken on the famous 37 and 3/4 mile mountain course.

–        Chris Kinley in Conversation with a line-up of top riders
–        The 1975 Senior TT – Hailwood’s Comeback
–        McGuinness Breaking the 130 lap in centenary year
–        2010 Superstock – Part of Hutchy’s 5 in a week
–        1992 Senior TT – Hislop vs Fogarty
–        The whole TT 40 years on the Air series. A look back at Manx Radio’s coverage from 1964 onwards
–        The History Mann looking back to the 1907 TT and the 1911 TT
–        Rider’s Choice featuring Robert Dunlop, Steve Hislop and more
–        Roy Moore’s Mountain Memories
–        Much more!

As a responsible manufacturer, our prime responsibility and concern during these unprecedented times is the health and well-being of our staff, our dealers and our many customers.

As a result, and as you would expect, we are abiding by all the current UK Government issued guidance and restrictions. Whilst KMUK is still able to provide a high level of service to both dealers and end users, the vast majority of our staff providing that service are working from home. We will of course continue to monitor the situation and act accordingly as the COVID-19 situation progresses.

Dealer Network

Our dealer network are also acting in the best interests of their staff and their customers, and each dealer has taken decisions that they feel are necessary and pertinent in order to abide by Government advice and instruction to ensure everyone remains safe and well.

Some of our dealers have taken the decision to close completely, others have closed their showrooms but kept the Service Dept open for service, repair work and MOT’s particularly for emergency vehicles, essential service vehicles and those of key workers. If you need to arrange for a repair, service or MOT, please contact your local Kawasaki dealer directly to establish their current status.

Whilst current Government restrictions in place stipulate that all retail sales showrooms in the UK must be closed to the public, a number of dealers are still available to contact either by telephone or email should you wish to speak to them about future motorcycle collections,  the purchase of a new or used motorcycle, or to book a service or MOT.

Customer Service

Q: My Kawasaki finance is due to end it's term in the next few weeks – what are my options if the dealer I bought from is closed during lock down?

Q: My local Kawasaki showroom isn’t open due to government restrictions but where can I get information on different accessories prices and options if I’m wanting to start the research process?

Q:  Before lock down I was due to take a test ride on a new Ninja 1000SX. Can I take a test ride during lock down?

A: The UK government has stipulated journey's should only be made if deemed absolutely necessary, unless you use your motorcycle for an essential daily commute, we would recommend contacting your local dealer to arrange a test ride once the lock down period has been ended.

Q:  My Kawasaki needs a repair or service work, is that going to be possible with the current Covid -19 restrictions?

A: The Kawasaki dealer network will be operating in the best interest of their customers and their employees, and like Kawasaki UK will be following government advice and guidelines to ensure everyone remains safe.Some of our dealer network intend to remain open to support the repair, MOT and ongoing service of emergency and essential service vehicles and the vehicles of key workers.  Under government guidelines, dealer showrooms are now closed to the public until further notice. However, most can be contacted by telephone and email should you wish to speak to them about future vehicle services, MOT and repair requirements.  We would advise you to contact your dealership to check if they are open.

Q:  I need warranty work completed, however I cannot get my vehicle to a Kawasaki dealer.

A: In the event you cannot gain access for a repair to be completed under the Kawasaki Manufacturer Warranty and the fault was not logged with the dealer before the lock-down period, please contact Kawasaki  Customer Service to log the issue. Contact your local Kawasaki Dealer once restrictions have been lifted and it is convenient for you to do so. The dealer will then contact Kawasaki for support.

Q: What happens if my warranty expires during the lock-down period?

A: Careful consideration will be given to support each claim as long as the vehicle is booked in for the repair at the earliest convenience and your machine is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.If your machine's warranty was valid during March 2020, Kawasaki will extend it to help with any restrictions you may face as a result of the governments instructions to stay at home, popularly known as confinement or lockdown. The warranty extension period is as yet to be confirmed, but is intended to match the period during which the use of your motorcycle was restricted by the confinement instructions. Kawasaki will monitor closely the restrictions in place and confirm the extension period as soon as the lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Q: I have a Kawasaki Service plan and I will not be able to get my product into a Kawasaki dealer on time, what should I do?

A: We would advise customers to arrange for their products to be serviced at their earliest convenience once the current COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted and you are happy to do so. 

Q: My vehicle has a WarrantyPlus Extended warranty, I might not be able to get my vehicle in before it expires and it needs to be repaired?

A: We would advise customers to arrange for their products to be diagnosed at their earliest convenience once the current COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted and you are happy to do so. Kawasaki UK will also be happy to discuss your claim and log your concern.

All WarrantyPlus and other warranty claims will be considered due to the potential delay due to the current restrictions. Once you are ready to take your vehicle to a Kawasaki Dealer for servicing please discuss your request with them. 

If you need further information contact Kawasaki Customer Services on 01628 856750 for guidance.

Stay home, Stay safe and stay Kawasaki.

Kawasaki’s North American Manufacturing plant in Lincoln, Nebraska, has put vehicle production on hold amid escalating COVID-19 concerns in the USA. Citing parts supply issues from domestic suppliers affected by American shelter-in-place rules, the company is also among a number worldwide, including Kawasaki’s Akashi plant, that have temporarily halted production.

However, during the week of March 23rd, Kawasaki was contacted by one of the largest hospitals in the Lincoln area and informed that they were running out of hand sanitizer for medical staff. While the hospital had gained Federal approval to make their own they had a shortage of 3 of the important chemicals needed. 

Kawasaki’s paint department at the Lincoln, Nebraska factory was able to come up with two of the three key ingredients and donated two 55 gallon barrels of isopropyl alcohol and two 55 gallon barrels of hydrogen peroxide to the hospital (220 US gallons (833 litres) of chemicals in total), which the factory typically uses for cleaning and other painting related processes.   

As the Lincoln factory was shutting down the end of that week, several employees in the logistics, service parts, and shipping departments were still hard at work on the necessary hazmat paperwork and organising a truck to deliver the chemicals and pumps to local medical facilities.  With these chemicals hundreds of gallons of hand sanitizer, cleaning solutions, and disinfecting wipes will be manufactured for a medical network consisting of over 50 hospitals.  

Later, Kawasaki Lincoln was contacted by some engineering professionals within the Lincoln/Omaha community that were working with the University of Nebraska – Lincoln's Nebraska Innovation Studio – to 3D print face shields for the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and the same 50 hospital network.  The goal was to get a face shield to all hospital staff; an item that is in short supply. 

Even though the Kawasaki plant was shut down for vehicle production, volunteers from the engineering group fired up the company’s large 3D printer and began printing face shields 24 hours a day with some of staff actually printing additional items on personal printers at home.  

Through the efforts of the Nebraska Innovation Studio, Kawasaki, several other companies in and around Lincoln and Omaha and various volunteer engineers, hospitals are receiving hundreds of shields a day. In fact, despite news that the supply of clear plastic for the face shield would run out and cause shield production to stop, the Kawasaki Purchasing department sourced and donated a supply from a known vendor to make at least another 2,000 shields. Additionally, Kawasaki’s purchasing department at Lincoln is actively working to find material to make another 12,000 shields with the hope that very soon every hospital employee will get a face shield to help further protect them from COVID-19.    

In another area of urgent health care need, Kawasaki R&D in Lincoln was contacted by the Nebraska State Patrol.  Despite being equipped with new respirator masks to use for investigations, etc. to protect the troopers from possible exposure to COVID-19, the State Patrol still had a supply of hundreds of unused, old-style air filters destined to be discarded as they were not compatible with the new respirators but would work perfectly as a particulate filter to stop inhalation of the Corona virus. In an attempt to use up this old air filter inventory – and save thousands of masks that could be diverted for healthcare workers – they approached Kawasaki with an idea and a napkin sketch for an adapter to make them compatible.  

Kawasaki R&D was able to design the adapter in a matter of hours and had a prototype 3D printed that same day.  The adapter was designed to use an existing Jet Ski rubber gasket to seal the filter to the mask. Once the design was confirmed, a local Kawasaki parts supplier agreed to 3D print (and donate) the parts to get them deployed as quick as possible. 35 adapters using Jet Ski gaskets were deployed to state troopers across the state in two days. Another 65 adapters were subsequently fabricated to fill additional needs. 

Kawasaki’s Lincon plant understands that these are difficult times and it is vital to help local health care providers, law enforcement and the wider community in any way possible.  The plant has vowed to continue to support the fight against the pandemic in any way possible alongside many other local businesses and declare themseleves lucky to have such dedicated, thoughtful and talented staff to be able to contribute to what is a huge global effort.