Kawasaki UK is pleased to announce that the Platinum Club Racing team will remain its official entry for the 2026 Road Racing season, retaining the services of Aussie David Johnson. “Davo” will be campaigning the all-new Ninja ZX-10RR in the Superbike and Superstock races at the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT.

After a strong 2025 campaign, which saw David and the Platinum Club Racing Kawasaki team enjoy an impressive 5th place in Superbike TT, the pairing will be looking to take a step further as they enter their third consecutive year as the official Kawasaki UK entry. The popular Australian will be campaigning the all-new Ninja ZX-10RR, which features a radical new aero package designed to increase downforce at high speeds and enhance front-end feel, key aspects to a fast lap around the iconic Isle of Man TT.

David Johnson:
“I’m absolutely delighted to be back with Platinum Club Racing and Kawasaki UK. The support from Lee Hardy and the team has been incredible, and I feel we’ve really gelled with them. Last year showed what we are capable of together, and with the new ZX-10RR for 2026, I genuinely believe we can fight for podium's”

Lee Hardy, Team Principal, Platinum Club Racing:
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Kawasaki for 2026. We’ve built something special over the past decade, and Davo’s progress last season proves the potential is there. The new ZX-10RR gives us everything we need to push for podiums and deliver the results we know are achievable.”

Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki Motors UK:
“We are really pleased to be continuing with David and Lee for another year. They had a fantastic TT last year, finishing fifth in the Superbike race and we are really excited to see what they can do in 2026 with the all-new Ninja ZX-10RR.”

With warmer weather around the corner, many bikers will be beginning to think about blowing away the winter cobwebs, and Kawasaki UK is pleased to announce the new-look Kawasaki Experience Tour, a unique event that will give customers the chance to ride the 2026 range, from the exciting new KLE500 to the newly revised Z900RS.

Kawasaki is excited to kick-start 2026 with the announcement that it is partnering with the legendary James Whitham Track Training Days, supplying the school with both Ninja ZX-10Rs, and Ninja ZX-6Rs, which will be used by the coaches throughout the year.

Created with the ethos of low-number groups to maximise both track time and tuition, the James Whitham Track Training Days allow riders of all levels to improve their skills and enjoy the thrill of track riding in a safe and controlled environment. Each day will see small groups based on rider experience teamed up with a well-known racer, who provides expert tuition and feedback. This year will see a star-studded lineup of BSB and TT racers, including the AJN Steelstock bimota duo of Max Cook and Joe Talbot.

Kawasaki is proud to be partnering with Whitham for 2026, supplying a host of track-proven machinery for the coaches to use. This year will see the school host over 25 dates at some of the UK’s leading circuits, including Anglesey, Croft, Cadwell Park and Mallory Park. 

James Whitham:
“I’m really excited to be teaming up with Kawasaki for 2026! Although I’ve only ever raced a Kawasaki once in my career, I’ve been friends with the team at Kawasaki UK for over 25 years, and the Ninja family’s pedigree on track is renowned. The bikes are going to be the perfect addition for our instructors, ensuring our customers are able to get the very best track tuition possible.” 

Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki Motors UK:
“So many of our customers are keen trackday enthusiasts, so to be able to work with James and the team and offer a safe and enjoyable environment in which Kawasaki riders can hone their skills is fantastic. Throw into the mix that they can ride on track with, and learn from our official Superbike team riders is the icing on the cake. We are confident many new and existing Kawasaki riders will be chomping at the bit to sign up to a James Whitham Track Training Days School during 2026!”

After a flurry of new model announcements, including the all-new Ninja ZX-10R, retro-styled Z900RS and KLE500 Adventure Bike, Kawasaki UK is pleased to confirm the pricing for the 2026 range.  

With Motorcycle Live kicking off this weekend, it will be the first time that UK bikers will be able to view the latest machines, and Kawasaki UK is pleased to confirm the pricing for the 2026 range. The Ninja ZX-10R has received major revisions for next year, with a completely new aero package and face, and will be available at the ultra-competitive price of £15,999. The track-focused Ninja ZX-10RR is available at £24,799. 

The Z900RS is one of the most popular models in the Kawasaki range and has been given a host of updates for 2026, including cruise control and up/down quickshifter. The standard model is priced at £11,499, the Black Ball Edition is priced at £11,699, and the SE model is priced at £12,949.

Finally, the exciting new KLE500 adventure bike has received a warm welcome following its launch, and it will be priced at just £5,999 with the SE version costing £6,599. Three editions will be available, with riders able to choose from Rally, Adventure Tourer and even a TC edition, with a 42-litre top case, making it the perfect choice even in the urban jungle. 

The newest member of the W family nods to the past but rides full throttle into the future. With design inspired by the 1965 650-W1 model, the all-new W230 motorcycle packs a modern punch with Kawasaki’s proven 233cc fuel-injected 4-stroke engine. The original icon continues with a lightweight, low seat height, and friendly power character that opens up '60s design to more riders than ever before. 

The bike will be arriving in January in limited numbers and will be priced at £4,654. Those attending Motorcycle Live over the next nine days will be able to see the machine from tomorrow, with the W230 on display alongside the entire 2026 Kawasaki range. 

Craig Watson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Kawasaki Motors UK:
“The W230 is a fantastic bike that we are excited to start selling in Kawasaki dealers from January. With only a small number of bikes arriving next year, customers will have to be quick to secure theirs.”  

Fresh from revealing they will be switching to bimota machinery for the 2026 British Superbike season, the FS-3 Racing team (AJN Steelstock bimota) is excited to confirm that Max Cook will remain for a fourth consecutive season and will be joined by newcomer Joe Talbot.

Having made his debut in the Superbike class with the team back in 2023, Max Cook has continued to go from strength to strength, achieving multiple podiums to date, most recently in a thrilling race at Thruxton. He’ll be joined by rookie rider Joe Talbot, who has had an impressive few seasons in Supersport and Superstock over the last two years, securing multiple wins and podiums. Joe’s addition to the team cements the outfit’s ethos of supporting the talent of tomorrow, a philosophy shared by Team Green.

Both riders will be campaigning the all-new bimota KB998 Rimini Superbike, which has already proven its potential in its debut season in World Superbikes, having secured multiple podiums with Alex Lowes. FS-3 Racing will also be welcoming AJN Steelstock back as title sponsor for 2026, with the team known as AJN Steelstock bimota. 

Max Cook:
“I’m really excited to get going on the new bimota project. I think it’s exciting not only because of the new bike but also that the potential of the package is better too. To get podiums in its first season in World Superbikes is amazing, and Alex and the team think it will be a really good option for BSB as well. For me, it couldn’t come at a better time, and my aim is to turn those podium finishes into regular performances and even race wins.

It’s great to have Joe in the team too. They gave me the chance as a rookie a few years ago, and it’s fantastic that they’re doing the same with him, and I want to help him as much as I can as well… until he starts beating me!”

Joe Talbot
“I’m really excited to be joining the AJN Steelstock bimota project. My goal has always been to get into Superbikes, so to get to do it on a brand new machine with so much potential is amazing. The FS-3 Racing team have been great so far, and their experience in the Championship is proven, so I know they’ll give me everything I need to hit the ground running. Having raced at Donington earlier this year, I know how tough BSB is, so I’m not coming in with any expectations, but I can’t wait to get started!”

Nigel Snook, Team Principal, AJN Steelstock bimota:
“At FS-3 Racing, we have always prided ourselves on giving young riders the opportunity to compete and gain experience in the superbike class. Danny Buchan, Lee Jackson and Rory Skinner have all benefitted from their time with us. But we are particularly pleased that Max Cook will be with us again in 2026 to lead the team in his fourth season on a superbike. We have been supporting Max for eight years, and it has been really satisfying to watch his progress to become a superbike front runner.

Alongside Max for his first full season on a superbike will be Joe Talbot. Joe has impressive results behind him in the superstock and supersport classes and certainly impressed with a stand-in superbike debut at Donington Park in September, jumping between a superbike and his regular supersport mount. With two talented and ambitious riders piloting our AJN Steelstock bimota KB998 Rimini machines, we're certainly aiming to write a few headlines!”

Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki Motors UK:
“After a great 2025 season, the start of the off-season has been no less exciting! With the switch of machinery recently announced, we are now really pleased to welcome Joe back to Kawasaki and to the team for 2026. We already have a great history with Joe and his family and are confident that he will be a strong asset to both bimota and the FS-3 Racing team next year. Max has been steadily getting faster and more consistent over the past few seasons, and I can’t wait to hopefully watch him make that last step next year to regularly feature on the podium.”

The timeless Z iconic retro sport receives a range of updates to engine, chassis and electronics elevating the RS theme to the next level while not taking its famous roots for granted. It’s no surprise then that, for 2026, the new Z900RS – and it’s Z900RS SE sibling – move the game forward in some key areas. 

At the heart of the Z900RS lays a powerplant tuned for smooth performance at low rpm and greater excitement at higher revs. That stays for 2026, but new features abound such as Electronic Throttle Valves (ETV), Electronic cruise control and a IMU-equipped rider support technology package that includes Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF) and an up/down Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS). 

Forming a bridge between technical and styling, a new tuned megaphone-style muffler and reshaped exhaust header pipes give the bike an even more expressive appearance and sound, emphasising the timeless Z concept. 

And speaking of looks, the 2026 Z900RS continues a seamless blend of Z1-inspired styling elements and modern craftsmanship from the iconic teardrop fuel tank and distinctive tail design to the innovative oval LED taillight. 

Exquisite attention to detail and superb fit-and-finish results in a high-quality appearance while functional beauty remains a priority.  As example, stylish highlighted fins integrated into the cylinder head create the impression of an air-cooled engine.  

Suspension and brake components are comparable to those of a modern supersport model with a ø41 mm inverted fork with adjustable damping plus horizontal back-link rear suspension contributing to the comfortable ride and sporty performance.  Radial-mount front brakes deliver linear braking feel with excellent controllability. 

An upright and relaxed riding position offers both comfort and control.  Also, when equipped with the accessory Low Seat at 810mm compared with a standard height of 835mm and an SE seat height of 845mm, the Z900RS better accommodates a wider range of riders enhancing overall appeal and manageability. 

Smartphone connectivity allows riders to connect to their machine wirelessly using Rideology The App Motorcycle for an enhanced motorcycling experience. 

The SE variant features a Brembo brake package including front calipers and ø300 mm Brembo disc rotors with steel braided hoses plus a high-grade Öhlins rear shock with remote reservoir adjuster to deliver a plusher ride feel and even greater control. A USB-C socket appears on the right side of the handlebar while the overall look echoes a variation of the iconic “Fireball,” Z1 colouring using enhanced saturation orange graphics and a body colour changed from brown to metallic black. The two additional standard models are the “Blackball” with Fireball style body emblems and an impactful all-black appearance plus an evocation of the 1975 Z1B colourway in stunning Candy Tone Red. 

The Z900RS will be available from January in the below colours. Pricing TBC.

KLE500

KLE500 SE

Boasting muscular new looks, the new for 2026 Z650 S takes a fresh approach to ergonomic fit with repositioned footpegs, a stunning new fat-type handlebar configuration plus updates for both rider and passenger seating. The new forward-leaning riding position marries well with an updated, more cushioned front seat (approx. 15 mm higher than the previous Z650). The overall seating area is wider while the rear seat is 20 mm wider, with 10 mm of added cushioning. Both a Style seat and 20mm lower ERGO-Fit seat are part of the comprehensive accessory range. 

For rider and pedestrian alike, the impression is of a substantial machine – a bike with real presence but still with good reach to the ground. Thanks, in part, to the greater overall bodywork volume, the strength of purpose is underlined by a new, aggressive front cowl housing LED front lights — two upper for low beam lighting and single lower for the high beam — matched by an LED rear light and LED indicators. 

There is much to admire such as the aluminium radiator covers upfront while the compact, upswept and sharply defined tail features a layered design accentuating the underlying menace of the machine. Metallic accents abound add to the high-quality look.   

Not just a new riding position and 30mm wider handlebars, but also a new 4.3inch TFT meter panel relays all the essential information plus reacts to ambient light offering the best resolution. The display can also be switched between two options.  Type one reveals a bar-style tachometer while type two boasts a hexagonal tachometer. The screen’s background colour automatically changes from white to black when ambient light is low, or it can be manually set to black or white as per the rider’s preference. In addition, the meter acts as an interface when the rider uses Kawasaki’s Rideology the App Motorcycle on their Smartphone expanding the range of cool features available. 

In terms of the engine, the addictive 649 cm3 compact parallel twin delivers a powerful-feeling throttle response and a quick-revving character with KTRC traction control as standard.  To optimise performance for everyday riding, care has been taken to maximise low-mid range torque. Equipped with Assist and Slipper Clutch, a patented radiator fan cover directs hot air down and away from the rider, significantly increasing congested city comfort. Additionally an O2 sensor is added to the exhaust system to assist with reducing emissions while a quick shifter is available as an accessory aiding upshifts. 

The characteristic lightweight trellis type chassis tips the scales at just 15kg contributing to nimble handling while braking is courtesy of dual ø300 mm front discs and ø220 mm at the rear. The ABS unit for 2026 is a new item from Continental. 

A carefully focused range of accessories also accompany the new Z650 S including colour matched pillion seat covers, luggage options and a convenient USB-C outlet neatly located inside the front cowl. 

The “S” in the new Z650 S could stand for “Stunning” “Style” “Stage” or “Spotlight” representing  a new eye-catching new approach and attitude. It’s time to level up and greet the new Z650 S. Priced at £7,199, the 2026 Z650 S will be in dealers from January and available in three colours:

Ebony/Metallic Carbon Grey

Candy Lime Green/Metallic Carbon Grey

Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Grey/Metallic Flat Spark Black

The Z family and Sugomi concept are unique to Kawasaki, seamlessly combining in 2026 to create the new Z1100 and Z1100 SE category defining Supernakeds at the top of Kawasaki’s naturally aspirated Z family.

“Sugomi” describes the fundamental concept behind the design and riding sensation of Z Supernakeds first introduced on the 2014 Z1000. This design ethos has been passed to subsequent Z models. The Z1100, as example, includes fierce looking LED headlights and a new under-cowl shape with fins adding to the aggressive Z Sugomi image. 

For the Z1100 models, a highly rigid aluminium twin-tube frame, SFF-BP forks and horizontal back-link suspension are at the core of both machines, while, in addition monobloc calipers are paired with large ø310 mm brake discs on the Z1100 to create a sharp, direct response to rider inputs, making every twist of the throttle a visceral experience. 

The SE model of Z1100 features Brembo brakes with radial-mount monobloc calipers and Brembo discs plus steel braided brake lines and an Öhlins S46 rear shock absorber providing a plush feel and tuning via the remote pre-load adjuster. Tyres for 2026 are Dunlop’s Sportmax Q5A items. 

The rider view on both machines is dominated by the 5” all-digital TFT colour instrumentation that also features turn by turn navigation and integrated Smartphone connectivity facilitating functions via Kawasaki’s Rideology the App Motorcycle including voice command technology. 

Electronic rider aids abound on the Z1100 and Z1100 SE. New Electronic Throttle Valves (ETV) deliver more precise and responsive engine control, enabling cruise control plus the latest dual-direction KQS quick shifter. An IMU – with 6 DOF (degrees of freedom) – facilitates other rider support technology such as KCMF Cornering Management, KTRC Traction Control, KIBS Integrated Braking, selectable Power Modes plus Integrated Riding Modes that include Sport, Road, Rain, Rider (Manual). 

At the heart of these new Z machines is a powerhouse 1,099 cm3 in-line four-cylinder 100.0 kW {136 PS} engine with optimised intake ports utilising increased displacement for better Low-Mid Range response delivering a maximum of 11.5 kg¦?m of torque while achieving impressive fuel economy. Camshaft profiles, valve springs and even pistons have all been revised and each final gear ratio has been optimised with 5th and 6th gears even longer than previous litre class Z models. 

The flywheel mass is greater allied to a 3 mm longer stroke than the previous Z1000 model. From mid- to high-rpm, riders will enjoy the strong performance and sharp throttle response characteristic of a Z family member. The exhaust system has a 4-2-1-into pre-chamber-into-1 arrangement, contributing to the Z1100’s aggressive looks and light weight. 

Additionally, a new ergonomic package encompasses an updated handlebar position, now 22mm wider and 13mm further forward bringing better response to rider inputs, making the handling feel lighter and sharper in every speed range for a controllable machine character. 

Proudly taking their place in the dominant Z Supernaked family for 2026, the new Z1100 and Z1100 SE are set to continue the legendary status of this distinctive model line and reward litre class fans with a characteristic cocktail of visceral excitement and refined rider aids. Welcome to a new Z when “Sugomi Awakens”.  

Both machines will be available in dealers from October, with the Z1100 costing £11,099 and the Z1100 SE £12,699.