Fifty years after the very first Z model broke cover, Kawasaki has announced no less than five Z50 celebration models. With the iconic 1972 Super Four model Z1 as great, great grandparent, the five machines cover a wide spectrum underpinning the wide appeal of this popular Kawasaki brand family.

The dynamic Sugomi styling of the Z900 has won many fans since its introduction with an unapologetic aggressive attitude matched to dynamic and responsive riding feedback that only a Z could possess. The 50th anniversary editions of the Supernaked Z900 is clad in the Firecracker Red of the Z1100GP, the dominant air-cooled Z model of the 1980s.  This hue of red – also found on the legendary GPZ900R – was Kawasaki’s signature colour of the time. As another high-class touch, the fork outer tubes are finished in gold and the frame in gloss black. Incorporating TFT colour instrumentation with Smartphone connectivity, the Z900 includes integrated power modes, KTRC traction control and power mode selection (Full/Low) as well as all-LED lighting.

The A2-friendly Z650 with its narrow chassis and responsive parallel twin-cylinder engine is a firm favourite among riders of all experience levels. Equipped with an LED headlight, a TFT display and Smartphone connectivity, the Z650 energizes the senses and inspires every ride. The vivid red paint, was specially blended for these anniversary models, making their aggressive Supernaked Z styling even more striking. The dark blue and silver highlights accentuate the red and like models of the time, the “Z” emblem and Kawasaki logo are finished in gold, further distinguishing these models from their standard counterparts. Add red wheels, with silver pinstripes, special seat leather and a commemorative “Z 50th” logo on the front fender and the package is complete.

Expanding the boundaries of the Retro Sport scene further still, Kawasaki returned to the roots of the Z brand, choosing the iconic “Fireball” pattern of the original Z1 for the 50th anniversary editions of the retro sport model Z900RS and Z650RS. A special painting process was developed specially for these models.  The candy colours of the tank and bodywork are applied in layers to bring out a deep, glossy texture that enhances the inherent beauty of these machines. Complementing the rich colouring, the frames of both machines are finished in gloss black and have a special seat leather with a texture distinct from the standard model, as well as different colour stitching. Both machines feature gold-coloured wheels and “Double Overhead Camshaft” emblems reminiscent of the past and proudly show the “Z 50th” logo on the top of the tank. Additionally, the left and right-side engine covers of the Z900RS feature a “DOHC” emblem.

It is rare indeed for a brand family to last a decade let alone five, yet the Kawasaki Z family moves from strength to strength. In 2022 that strength is made real by the presence of the five Z50 models forming part of a celebration bond between Kawasaki and its legion of loyal fans both established and new to the brand.

Here’s to the next 50 years of Z !Z50 Celebration Colours:-              

Z650 = FIRECRACKER RED RRP: £7,349-             

 Z900 = FIRECRACKER RED RRP: £9,799-              

Z650RS = CANDY DIAMOND BROWN RRP: £8,049-              

Z900RS = CANDY DIAMOND BROWN RRP: £11,449

The Z 50th Anniversary models will start to arrive in Kawasaki dealerships from March 2022. For more information and to register your interest, please contact us.

Kawasaki will launch the most comprehensively specified Sport Tourer ever created in 2022 and, thanks to new innovative ARAS technology from technical partner Bosch, this new machine will be on the radar of a legion of motorcycle fans. 

Equipped with not one but two radar sensors, the Ninja H2 SX – and the top of line SE model with Showa electronically damped suspension plus Skyhook technology – host multiple rider aids including Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD).

With three possible rider selectable distance settings, FCW gives a visual warning via a strip of lights above the meter panel when the machine reaches a set distance from the vehicle in front. The rider is in control at all times of the response and can brake or take other actions to avoid a possible collision. ACC – adaptive cruise control – also has three possible distance settings. In this case, when the machine reaches a set proximity, the brakes are automatically activated if necessary to aid deceleration, and the engine speed slowed sufficiently to maintain the pre-selected distance. As the distance increases, the machine gradually and automatically returns to the set cruising speed the rider initially selected. While both of these functions are focused on the front radar sensor, the rear sensor is dedicated to BSD – blind spot detection. As it suggests, as a vehicle moves into a rider’s blind spot a light (either left or right) illuminates clearly but unobtrusively in the relevant rear-view mirror.

As a platform for such advanced technology, there is no better machine than the Ninja H2 SX with its unique Kawasaki designed and manufactured balanced supercharged engine. Mated to the sharp aggressive Ninja styling and advanced suspension, the sporting prowess of this ultimate tourer is indeed impressive. A cornering management function, multi-level traction control, launch control plus engine brake control, integrated riding modes, and even an up/down quick shifter as standard, show that this is a sport bike of the highest order.

Matched to this are such touring features as optional colour-coded clean mount panniers, selectable riding and power modes, keyless ignition, LED cornering lights plus on-board tyre pressure monitoring. Additionally – and making life that little easier when on tour – vehicle hold assist (VHA) is also part of the standard specification. When the rider has stopped, VHA is initiated after the rider exerts a given amount of pressure (to either the front and/or rear brake). The system disengages automatically when rider pulls away or when the side stand goes down. This is a huge advantage when pulling away uphill or with passenger and luggage onboard. Handy too is the Emergency Stop Signal, another automatic feature that “pulses” the rear brake light if the rider suddenly brakes hard.

In terms of the “rider environment”, Kawasaki has certainly not economized delivering a large, colour TFT meter panel able to relay a multitude of machine status updates; but that is just the start of the 6.5” screen’s functionality. For 2022, the Ninja H2 SX and SE models come with Kawasaki SPIN as standard. A “screen in screen” infotainment system, SPIN allows the rider to link to their Smartphone and access approximately 20 Apps on the meter panel covering navigation, weather, music, contact logs and many other subjects such as rider to passenger communication.

Packing so much technology and smart features into one sports touring package has been a challenge that Kawasaki’s designers and technicians have been proud to rise to. Put simply, the Ninja H2 SX is likely to be beyond the expectations of many and it will take time for the motorcycling world to fully come to terms with the sheer level of sports and touring ability on offer, along with the most comprehensive array of rider aids that Kawasaki has ever made available. 2

022 Colours – Ninja H2 SX and SE

Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Graphite Grey

Available from March 2022, the Ninja H2 SX and Ninja H2 SX SE will be available in three editions:

Ninja H2 SX – £20,949Ninja H2 SX Tourer Edition – £21,699

Ninja H2 SX Performance Edition – £22,049

Ninja H2 SX Performance Tourer Edition – £22,799Ninja H2 SX SE – £23,949

Ninja H2 SX Tourer Edition – £24,699Ninja H2 SX Performance Edition – £25,049

Ninja H2 SX Performance Tourer Edition – £25,799

The President of the newly formed Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. – Mr Hiroshi Ito – visited the 2021 EICMA show in Milan to unveil a number of key models for the 2022 season while displaying corporate confidence in terms of international travel, alternative power sources and the roll out of new season products.

Hosting unveilings on both the Kawasaki booth and the adjacent Bimota display area, Mr Ito struck a confident note while taking part in the public world debut of two significant Kawasaki machines whilst also praising the commitment and achievements of global Kawasaki racing endeavours. Underpinning this, he made a number of key commitments in his keynote speech.

Front of mind for the media and many consumers are the twin issues of future fuels and carbon neutrality while pursuing all options including HEV, EV and eFuels such as hydrogen. Reflecting on the current trend for electric vehicles Mr Ito promised that the newly formed Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. would unveil three electric models globally during 2022. Additionally, he committed to further development of hybrid vehicles and offered some tempting insights into Kawasaki’s advances in the field of hydrogen power stating that the Kawasaki Group as a whole is taking on a key role in this area committing to lead the way in hydrogen production, transport, storage and use.

With some 2022 machines already in the public the Kawasaki EICMA booth played host to the international debut of several major models for the coming season. In terms of sales volume the mid-capacity sector, and the vital A2 licence class, the Versys 650 is one of the jewels in the Kawasaki crown. For 2022 the appeal of this already popular machine is boosted following a number of key changes. In terms of bodywork styling, the synergy between the Versys 650 and Versys 1000 is now complete thanks to changes to the upper cowl of the smaller machine.

And with so many Versys customers riding year-round the new screen with its greater weather protection and revised adjustment procedure is augmented by an even larger genuine accessory item. KTRC traction control is a welcome addition for 2022 with two rider selectable settings while the 4.3” full-colour TFT instrumentation provides at-a-glance information and smartphone connectivity contributing to an even richer riding experience.

With all LED lighting and a range of practical genuine accessories such as handguards and a useful optional USB socket mounted in the cockpit area, the Versys 650 will form an essential part of the 2022 model range for Kawasaki – especially so in Europe where the edition models covering Urban, Tourer, Tourer Plus and Grand Tourer specifications will be shortly available on showroom floors.

Taking the pioneering and innovative spirit of the new Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. as his reference point, Mr Ito also proudly unveiled a game changing motorcycle that the company confidently positions as the most advanced Sports Tourer ever created. The 2022 Ninja H2 SX is equipped with Bosch ARAS technology and boasts not one, but two radar sensors used to monitor functions such as forward collision warning (FCW), adaptive cruise control (ACC) and, in the case of the rear mounted unit, blind spot detection (BSD).Unique among Japanese produced motorcycles in respect of its balanced supercharged engine and most markedly due to the Bosch integrated radar technology, the partnership with the German tech giant also extends to the Kawasaki SPIN infotainment system which also makes its debut on the 2022 machine. Allowing the rider to access approximately 20 Apps via a Bluetooth connection with their Smartphone, Kawasaki SPIN is a “screen in screen” system utilising the machines large colour TFT meter panel.

Already announced 2022 machines that the European public will see and examine at EICMA include the recently launched mid-capacity A2 licence friendly Z650RS and its Retro Sport sibling the stunning Z900RS SE resplendent in its “Yellow Ball” paint scheme. Also on display will be the latest Z900 SE shown for the first time in public.

“It was important for Kawasaki to send a clear message at EICMA”, commented Mr Ito. “We are here to say that not only are things returning to normal, but that Kawasaki is continuing to innovate and push the boundaries of the motorcycle market. New technology such as ARAS and Kawasaki SPIN on the new Ninja H2 SX will offer riders the peace of mind and convenience to enjoy even more comfortable riding.

Our presence at EICMA, the world unveiling of new products and our commitment to new motive power and researching carbon neutrality represents tangible evidence that Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. is robust in its efforts to meet and then exceed current and future customer needs. Let the Good Times Roll”. 

Firmly established as the “go-to” mid-capacity any roads machine in its segment for a multitude of riders, Kawasaki has considered carefully how to move the concept forward in 2022.

Whilst not changing the essence of what makes the 649cc parallel twin powered machine so popular, the upgrades and changes both increase the familial synergy with its litre-class sibling and deliver increased functionality and comfort.

With its 17” wheels and long travel suspension, the Versys 650 has formed a bond with countless riders who ride in the urban jungle during the week and break out of the city at weekends to tour solo or with passenger and luggage.

And speaking of luggage, the option of colour coded clean mount panners plus a capacious top case remains for 2022 along with the convenience of Edition models which come pre-fitted with a range of genuine accessories. Urban, Tourer, Tourer Plus and Grand Tourer are all available as catalogue machines while owners are also free to specify from a huge range of accessories to create their very own “Versys vision”.

Practically speaking, the Versys now features a redesigned upper cowl and new four-position windshield design with screen adjustment being even easier plus an option of a larger screen for ultimate element isolation. LED lights and indicators make the machine unmissable while reassurance is delivered via KTRC traction control and its two rider selectable modes.

Riding is what Versys owners care about most, and the slim, tubular chassis and narrow engine profile certainly deliver a flickable package that is both comfortable over distance and fun to be in command of. Certainly, most riders will want to (and be able to) ride until the last vestiges of fuel in the capacious 21L fuel tank are sipped before stopping to refuel. Frugal and fun, the Versys 650 is perhaps best explained as a “thoroughbred workhorse”, ready to respond to the most radical distance demand yet pursuing its task with a lightness of touch and all-day comfort that prepares both rider and passenger for the next day’s ride….  and the day after that.

For Versys riders there is the convenience of a TFT colour meter with Smartphone Bluetooth connectivity linking machine and phone in order to access Kawasaki’s Rideology App which allows monitoring of numerous machine functions and overviews of routes taken plus other functions. Add the convenience of an optional USB outlet along with other practical accessories and the logic of each move Kawasaki has made to enhance the Versys 650 for the new season makes perfect, practical sense. 

2022 Colours

Metallic spark black/metallic flat spark black: Standard – £7,799. Tourer Edition – £8,599. Grand Tourer Edition – £10,049 

Metallic phantom silver/metallic flat spark black/metallic spark black: Standard – £7,899. tourer Edition – £8,699. Grand Tourer Edition – £10,149

Candy lime green/metallic flat spark/ metallic spark black: Standard – £7,899. tourer Edition – £8,699. Grand Tourer Edition – £10,149

The Versys 650 will be available in store from March 2022.

Kawasaki will start a Retrovolution in 2022 with the introduction of the new Z650RS. Augmenting its already hugely popular retro sport line, the Z650RS will open the mid-capacity class to a wide range of riders. Recognised as being at the forefront of the rapidly expanding retro sport scene, Kawasaki has the unique advantage of close to fifty years of Z heritage and this has been brought to bear on the design of the new 2022 machine. 

Targeted at younger riders and those in the early stages of their riding career, the Z650RS is predicted to also appeal to those who fondly recall the launch of the iconic “son of Z1” Z650-B1 in 1977. The delicate balance of old and new, retro and current has been expertly achieved by the Kawasaki design team with clever Z references abounding.  

At the heart of the new machine is an updated version of Kawasaki’s venerable 649 cm3 water-cooled, parallel twin engine used in both the current Z650 and Ninja 650 models. With a justifiable reputation for durability and performance, the assist and slipper clutch equipped engine unit has also formed the basis of machines raced to success at the gruelling Isle of Man TT races.  Tuned in the case of the Z650RS for low and mid rev response, plus characteristic invigorating high rev performance, the engine is rated at 68 PS  (50.2 kW) and will also be available from Kawasaki dealers with a 35kw power down kit fitted creating an A2 compliant machine.

In terms of the chassis, the frame is a tubular trellis type construction providing both lightness and agile response to aid reassuring handling capabilities. Its narrow aspect also allows riders to easily reach the ground at a standstill and manoeuvre the bike on the move with equal ease. The seat height for European models will be 820mm with a low seat accessory option at 800mm. 

Focusing on suspension, the front duties are undertaken by ø41mm conventional forks with Kawasaki’s highly rated horizontal link rear suspension acting on a shock that is adjustable for pre-load. Braking is care of dual twin piston front calipers acting on retro-style 300mm round disc rotors instead of Kawasaki’s customary petal style rotors while at the rear a single piston brake acts on a 200mm rotor all assisted by Bosch advanced ABS.

Specification is one thing but the styling of the Z650RS is whole new ball game. Evoking myriad memories of the Z650-B1, the paint and pinstripes are a faithful reproduction of the green version of the earlier machine while the iconic “duck tail” cowling behind the seat and faithfully crafted side panels also play homage to the 1977 machine. Even the seat and its stitching pattern reveal a familiar fastidious attention to detail attention by Kawasaki stylists. 

A round, LED headlamp lights the way while the dual analogue style “artillery shell” shaped meters include a digital centre panel for rider information. The adoption of gold multi-spoke type wheels is truly the “icing on the cake” while further embellishment is possible via a range of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories. Without doubt the new Z650RS will ensure that 2022 is the year of “Retrovolution”.

2022 Z650RS – Three Colours & Three Distinct Styles

* Metallic Spark Black – £7,549

* Candy Emerald Green – £7,699

* Metallic Moondust Gray / Ebony – £7,699

AVAILABLE FROM NOVEMBER 2021

Although the most obvious sign of this new variation on the stunningly popular Z900RS theme, the modifications do not stop there. Again, reminiscent of the type of tuning performed by enthusiasts back in the day, the Z900RS SE comes equipped as standard with an impressive array of other quality specification upgrades including changes to suspension and braking components.

An easy spot at the rear of the machine, the SE model features an Öhlins S46 rear shock with preload adjuster. Featuring an aluminium body with single-tube construction, the large ø46 mm piston plus internal oil and gas chambers separated by a floating piston result in a superior sense of grip and handling.

And up-front changes have also taken place with the 41mm inverted front fork not only resplendent with gold-coloured outer tubes but with standard settings refined to create an ideal balance of front/rear poise and reaction across the whole range of suspension travel.

Braking too has seen a change with the adoption of a Brembo caliper and rotor package for the front end. The twin ø300 mm Brembo front discs are gripped by Brembo M4.32 radial-mount monobloc calipers served by a smaller-diameter Nissin radial-pump master cylinder (down to ø17.5 mm from the ø19.1 mm on the standard model) activating braking action through stainless-steel braided lines delivering greater stopping power while offering linear progression when operating the lever.

Cosmetically, the Z900RS SE, which features the “RS” letters of the model logo on the side covers finished in red, is differentiated even further via black alumite radiator side covers and FI cover plus gold coloured multi spoke wheels. The “icing on the cake” of course is the so-called “Yellow Ball” paint scheme pulling on the heart strings of dedicated Z1 fans plus legions of new riders attracted to the ever-growing retro sport scene willingly immersing themselves in Kawasaki’s decades of unique Z heritage.