Kawasaki Ninja and Z EV models Spark a New Era
From Kawasaki – a company with seventy years of motorcycle experience – a new era is about to dawn with the unveiling of two ground breaking battery powered, zero emission EV machines set to underline its “Go with Green Power” commitment unveiled at the 2022 EICMA motorcycle show.
Created to sit proudly within the 125cc class of current motorcycles, the new Kawasaki EV machines will be available in Ninja and Z family styles as Z e-1 and Ninja e-1 with both able to boast mid-capacity type chassis and running gear specifications delivering typical Kawasaki fun to ride characteristics mated to zero emission desirability.
With a near silent and efficient brushless motor rated at 5kw (with a useful maxim of 9Kw on demand) this duo of EV models rely on an innovative twin (removable) battery solution with the batteries wired in parallel unlike competitors delivering the advantage of more efficient charge usage. Enjoying a variety of charging options this twin battery configuration allows the sort of portability that heavy single item applications simply prohibit.
Clutchless, with no gears to change and with a simple “twist and go” riding style, the fun to ride feeling is augmented by some clever rider-centric features such as two riding modes (Road and Eco) plus an exciting “e-boost” option delivering an on-demand max of 9kw of power and acceleration (plus a potential top speed of 99kph where permitted) over a short distance thanks to a e-boost button on the right bar under the twist grip.
Kawasaki Z e-1 and Ninja e-1 riders can also amaze their friends with a walk mode that allows these machines to manoeuvre at walking pace in both forward AND reverse – particularly useful for tight parking spots or moving backwards up an incline.
Enjoying a unique Metallic Bright Silver and Metallic Matte Lime Green appearance – which is to be the signature livery of future Kawasaki EV models – the rider view is pleasingly dominated by a TFT meter with smartphone connectivity. Relaying such things as machine riding status, range, availability of boost function and riding level selected (Road or Eco), the TFT meter seamlessly combines with the easy-to-use throttle and 400cc motorcycle class ABS brakes and trellis type chassis to create genuine on road presence and the riding reassurance that has so far been missing in the entry level EV powered two-wheeler class.
Charging options include a charge docking station which a battery can be placed in or via a lead which can link the off-board charger unit to the machine via an under-seat socket with batteries still in place. Cool features about the advanced Li-Ion batteries include inbuilt charge indicators plus a symmetrical design allowing easier placement within the machine plus a handy lockable stowage area above the batteries below the battery cover.
With a range of accessories including +30mm Ergo-Fit seats and various charging solutions, the naked Sugomi style Z e-1 and sleek fully cowled Ninja e-1 models from Kawasaki are set to create another chapter in the company’s illustrious history and open the door to a greener future for two-wheel fans globally – truly a spark of innovation for a new era.
Both machines will arrive in the UK next month, with prices to be confirmed soon.
GSX-8S NAMED AS THE MCN NAKED BIKE OF THE YEAR 2023
Launched alongside the new V-Strom 800DE at Eicma in 2022, the GSX-8S is a brand new bike in every sense, featuring an all-new parallel twin engine, new chassis layout and futuristic styling. A tubular steel subframe, aluminium swingarm, 43mm upside down front forks and rear shock from KYB, lightweight aluminium wheels, and wide aluminium ‘bars provide the perfect blend of stable roadholding, agility and all round manoeuvrability.
At the heart of the 8S is the long-stroke 776cc twin providing punchy torque with three rider modes to match the rider's style and a bi-directional quickshifter allowing for crisp changes. The patented cross-balancer system and 270-degree crank ensure that the GSX-8S suppresses vibrations creating a smooth riding experience, while also delivering a V-twin esque character and feel, while the 5-inch colour TFT dash, aggressive looks and agile handling complete what MCN have dubbed “the new middleweight king”.
Celebrating 70 Years of Kawasaki motorcycles
In September of 2023, Kawasaki Motors celebrates its 70th anniversary of making motorcycles having first made forays into the motorcycle business in 1953.
After the end of World War II, Kawasaki produced motorcycle engines under the name of “Kawasaki Machine Works.” Since then, Kawasaki has continued to Let the Good Times Roll and has strived to share its “Fun to Ride” philosophy with customers around the world. Today, Kawasaki motorcycles are sold in more than 90 countries and regions.
To commemorate Kawasaki Motorcycles’ 70-year anniversary, AKM (American Kawasaki Motors) will mount a special exhibition to be held at the AKM Heritage Hall in Foothill Ranch, California as well as Kawasaki Good Times World in Kobe, Japan starting in September 2023. The displays will focus on the history of the motorcycle business in the U.S. market, which marked a major turning point in Kawasaki's overseas trading strategy.
Kawasaki’s path to success in the motorcycle industry, which began with the launch of the KE-1 motorcycle engine in 1953, was not a smooth one. Several efforts were made to try to expand sales, including working with trading companies to expand to overseas markets, in addition to a business alliance and subsequent merger with the Meguro Manufacturing Company. However, each of these efforts failed to produce the sales results that the Kawasaki factory in Japan had hoped for.
It was decided that selling directly to dealers would be the better business model, so in 1966 American Kawasaki Motors (USA) was established. Kawasaki’s US operations began with only 10 employees and adopted an innovative policy of “localism” before going on to develop motorcycles like the Kawasaki A1 Samurai 250, Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III and iconic Kawasaki Z1 900 for the U.S. market. Early on, Kawasaki USA launched a new kind of sales policy aimed at expansion that included the industry's first model year system and worked to strengthen relationships with dealers by setting up branches in every region of the U.S., thereby consolidating its base in the U.S. market.
In 1974, Kawasaki made a $20 million investment to build a manufacturing plant in Lincoln, Nebraska to be in-line with a coming shift to a floating exchange rate in the U.S. In fact, Kawasaki’s Lincoln plant became the first plant built by any Japanese car or motorcycle manufacturer in the U.S. It remains Kawasaki’s main plant outside of Japan to this day. It is where all Kawasaki Jet Ski personal watercraft and side by are still manufactured today.
Kawasaki started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies.
Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. is committed to maintaining and furthering these strengths using both internal combustions engines and green technologies such as EV and HEV which will surely give birth to new legends.
Kawasaki UK announce exciting new British Superteen class for 2024!
After the highly popular unveil of the all-new Ninja ZX-4RR, Kawasaki UK is pleased to announce that it will be launching an all-new one-make series, the Kawasaki British Superteen Championship. The series will feature as part of the 2024 Bennetts British Superbike Championship calendar, giving young riders a chance to race in front of huge crowds at the best circuits in the UK.
New 2024 Ninja ZX-4RR due in September
Following a universally enthusiastic reception when recently announced, the new for 2024 Ninja ZX-4RR is due to arrive in the UK in September 2023 with dealers already anticipating strong demand and many already taking pre-orders.
Available in one colour (Lime Green / Ebony), the all-LED lighting equipped mid-weight street and track machine is rated at an incredible maximum with Kawasaki Ram Air of 80ps at 14,500 rpm while the rev limit itself lays beyond an incredible 15,000rpm.
As the only full-fairing supersport model in the 400cc class with a parallel four-cylinder engine, dealers are gearing up for demand for the high spec machine equipped with a WorldSBK inspired chassis and full-colour LCD screen integrating a track mode that displays lap times, gear position, and RPM from 10,000 rpm and above. KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) and Power Modes also feature, along with a dual direction KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter).
Augmenting the already impressive Ninja family for 2024 – while adding yet more choice in the popular mid-capacity sector – the unique in class Ninja ZX-4RR will certainly deliver Kawasaki’s tag line for the model to a legion of lucky owners in the 2024 sales season – “Awaken Your Supersport”.
Due to customer demand, the UK will only be importing the ZX-4RR, and to ensure it is as accessible to as many riders as possible, the incredible machine will cost just £8,699.
Team Green Podium Delight At 2023 Isle of Man TT!
The 2023 Isle of Man TT proved to be an incredible fortnight of racing on the island, and for Kawasaki and Team Green, it was a resounding success with podiums coming across race week at the hands of Dean Harrison, Jamie Coward and Josh Brookes.
With glorious weather gracing the Isle of Man throughout the TT festival, lap times quickly tumbled, and for DAO Racing and Dean Harrison, practice week gave them plenty of time to get the ZX-10RR Superbike and Superstock machines dialled into the challenging 37.73-mile circuit. Having already had three rounds of BSB under his belt and a successful week at the North West 200, Dean was able to hit the ground running.
He continued that pace into race week, where he was able to claim third place in the Superbike TT before replicating that in both Superstock races. In the blue-riband Senior TT, Dean immediately got his head down to set a fantastic pace, eventually securing second place to make it a 100% podium success rate for the team.
The Team Green success did not end there, though. The two Supertwin TT races proved to be edge-of-the-seat action, with Jamie Coward claiming a hard-earned third place in the opening race, while Josh Brookes claimed his maiden TT podium in race two. This was an impressive feat from the returning Australian rider, who only sat on the RC Express Racing Ninja 650 machine for the first time in practice week!
Kawasaki Motors UK continue support for Rob Vine Fund at the Isle of Man TT
Ahead of the Senior TT race tomorrow, Kawasaki Motors UK has made a donation to the Rob Vine Fund, a charity organisation that provides training and essential medical and rescue equipment to doctors and paramedics involved in all forms of motorsport on the Isle of Man.
New Kawasaki Eliminator for Europe in 2024
The Eliminator brand makes a welcome return to the Kawasaki motorcycle model range in Europe for 2024 with a totally new model and concept called the Eliminator with the tag line “Just Ride”.
In a nod to previous Eliminator models, the 2024 machine has a tail unit reflecting the heritage of the brand family while twin rear shock absorbers aid the “traditional meets modern” look. Offering a natural and relaxed riding position and conceived to be passenger friendly, the Eliminator rider can rely on all-digital instrumentation plus the welcome incorporation of an assist and slipper clutch.
Focussing on what Kawasaki terms its “Horizontal” design approach, the full 2024 Eliminator specification will soon be revealed – along with many genuine accessory items – but two colour options have been confirmed; the first option being Metallic Flat Spark Black and the second Metallic Matte Carbon Gray with Flat Ebony.
It’s said that the best things come to those that wait, so potential Eliminator customers need to hold their breath just a little longer for the full facts to emerge regarding this welcome new addition to the Kawasaki cruiser stable. The Eliminator will be available from January 2024, with a guide price between £6,600 and £6,800.
SUZUKI ROLLS OUT 'CLICK TO BUY' ON 125CC SCOOTER RANGE
Suzuki has rolled out a new ‘click-to-buy’ scheme on its 125cc scooter range, giving customers the opportunity to buy online via the official Suzuki website, with orders fulfilled by their local dealership.
Making the buying process quicker and simpler, the scheme is available on the newly-launched Address 125, Avenis 125, and the Burgman Street 125EX, with just a £99 deposit required.
Hitting the ‘click-to-buy’ option from the respective model page or by visiting buy.bikes.suzuki.co.uk, customers enter their postcode before selecting their preferred colour option, after which they will be prompted to choose their nearest dealership with their choice of model and colour in stock and available.
Once the customer has added their details and payment information for the £99 deposit, the order will be fulfilled by the dealership in the usual way.
All three of Suzuki’s new 125cc scooters are engineered to provide comfort, practicality, and outstanding urban performance while also delivering excellent levels of economy and efficiency, but they do so in their own way and with their own style, giving customers the option to enjoy their city, their way.
They are powered by the proven Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) engine; the air-cooled, single-cylinder powerplant that currently powers over five million Suzuki models worldwide. All three scooters allow customers to ‘go further on a fiver’ by achieving an impressive 148.67mpg* fuel consumption figure and produce just 44g/km of CO2 emissions. At the same time, they still deliver powerful acceleration, with peak horsepower and maximum torque delivered at low rpm.
For more information on Suzuki’s scooter range, click here.
*Official WMTC figure.
Ultimate touring record achieved: 15 countries in 22 hours with the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE
What seemed an unattainable record, has been achieved with the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE. On Saturday, May 20, Thierry Sarasyn visited 15 countries* in one day with Kawasaki's adventure-touring motorcycle. It took the Belgian barely 22 hours to cover the 2200 km adhering to the local traffic regulations of each country visited.
Podium Delight For Kawasaki at the North West 200!
The 2023 North West 200 proved a successful weekend for Kawasaki, with Dean Harrison claiming three podiums in the Superbike and Superstock classes while Richard Cooper doubled up on Supertwin victories.
Kawasaki UK announces Motorcycle Live Ninja 400 winner!
Last year, Kawasaki once again partnered with the annual Motorcycle Live show to give one lucky visitor a chance to win a brand-new Ninja 400. With the competition closing in February, Kawasaki is pleased to announce Jason Evans as the winner, collecting his new bike from Drayton Croft over the weekend.
The multiple-choice question saw thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts enter for their chance to win the championship-winning Ninja 400, including first registration fee, 12 months road tax, a number plate and insurance worth up to £250, courtesy of Kawasaki Insurance.
The winner was then picked at random from the correct entries, with Jason Evans being the lucky recipient! Having ridden for 32 years, this will be Jason’s first Kawasaki and he is excited to be joining the Ninja fold this summer. “I still can’t quite believe I was so lucky! I’ve been riding since I was 17 and this is going to be my first time owning a Kawasaki myself – although my wife has a Z650 and my dream bike growing up was a Ninja, so I’ve always been a fan.
I remember entering the competition after visiting the show last year, but I’ll be honest, I really didn’t think I would get lucky. So much so, that I still wasn’t completely convinced when Craig Watson, the Sales & Marketing Manager from Kawasaki first told me I was the lucky winner! It’s incredible to win such a stunning bike and it’s a fantastic addition to my garage.
I’m going to be using it throughout the summer for sure. I’ve got a fair bit of riding planned, including a trip to the Isle of Man TT, MotoGP at Silverstone and hopefully some British and World Superbike races too.”
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki UK:
“We had an amazing response to our Motorcycle Live competition, and it was fantastic to offer one lucky winner the chance to get their hands on a new Ninja 400. It’s great that Jason has already started making plans on how he will use the bike, and we look forward to hopefully seeing him at an event later in the year!”
CMS and Kawasaki Racing Team extend their partnership
CMS has once again teamed up with the Kawasaki Racing Team, announcing a Sportive and Title Race Partnership for both the 2023 and 2024 WorldSBK seasons.
New Kawasaki motorcycle mat now available
Kawasaki riders can now take a step closer to the WorldSBK paddock with the announcement of a new, updated motorcycle floor mat.
SUZUKI SUMMER TEST RIDE ROADSHOW BACK FOR 2023
Suzuki GB will again embark on a test ride roadshow this summer, when it brings an additional fleet of demo machines to a number of dealerships nationwide.
The first of 14 events will take place on the 1-2 of April at new Suzuki dealer Mo-Tech Suzuki, based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, with a test ride fleet including the all-new V-Strom 800DE middleweight machine, powered by a new 776cc parallel twin and equipped with a quickshifter, colour TFT dash, power modes and multiple traction control modes including an off-road mode, plus switchable ABS. The list of demo machines also features the new V-Strom 1050 and V-Strom 1050DE; which also feature a quickshifter, colour TFT dash, power modes and multiple traction control modes. The V-Strom 1050DE also gets switchable ABS and an off-road traction control mode.
The summer’s list of demo machines also includes the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S950, as well as the GSX-S1000GT – the best-selling sports tourer of 2022 – the updated Katana, the Burgman 400 maxi scooter, and the iconic hyperbike, the Hayabusa.
Joining the test ride fleet from the 8th April will also be the all-new GSX-8S which features a new 776cc parallel twin and equipped with a quickshifter, colour TFT dash, power modes and multiple traction control modes.
(Note that bike availability will differ from one event to another. Customers are advised to speak to their local dealer in advance of the event to check availability and to pre-book.)
Away from the test rides, Suzuki staff will be on hand to provide information on the firm’s full range of models and current offers and incentives. Additionally, individual dealerships will also provide extra entertainment and activities on the day, such as refreshments, special guests, offers on clothing and accessories, and motorcycle health checks.
Suzuki GB’s head of motorcycle marketing, Ian Bland, said, “The test ride roadshows have become a staple part of our summer events’ calendar, and we’re looking forward to getting them underway again in 2023. Not only can potential customers try a rich variety of Suzuki machinery on the day, it is also a great opportunity for us to spend time talking with existing and potential customers to better understand their motorcycling needs and habits. We’re travelling the length and breadth of the country, and it’s set to be another busy summer of motorcycling.”
For a full list of dates, see below, or visit the event’s calendar.
- 1-2 April, Mo-Tech Suzuki, Bridge House, Elizabeth Street, Byker, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE6 1JS, 0191 265 9793
- 8-9 April, McCrum’s Motorcycles, 48 Armagh Rd, Portadown, Craigavon BT62 3DR, 02838 868004
- 10 April, GS Motorcycles, 5 Pennybridge Industrial Estate, Ballymena BT42 3HB, 028 2563 1000
- 15 April, St Neots Motorcycles, 29-39 St. Marys Street, Eynesbury, St. Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 2TA, 01480 212024
- 22 April, Thunder Road Motorcycles, Tremains Road, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, CF31 1UA, 01656 661131
- 28-29 April, Bulldog Suzuki, 267 – 269 Reading Road, Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5AB, 01189 360725
- 13-14 May, Crescent Motorcycles, 324-326 Charminster Road, Charminster, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 9RT, 01202 512923
- 27 May, Groombridge Motorcycles, Mayfield Road Garage, Cross In Hand, Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 0SP, 01435 862466
- 3 June, Two Wheel Nation, 3 Pontefract Road, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S71 1AJ, 01226 747669
- 22 July, Bill Smith Motors, 30/36 Tarvin Road, Boughton, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 5DH, 01244 323845
- 12-13 August, Two-Wheel Centre, 1-5 Priory Works, Priory Square, Mansfield Woodhouse, Mansfield, Notts, NG19 9LN, 01623 627600
- 19 August, Powerslide Motorcycles Stoke, 962 London Road, Trent Vale, Stoke on Trent, ST4 5NQ, 01782 415298
- 3 September, Orwells Motorcycles, Copdock Bike Show, Trinity Park, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, IP3 8UH
- 9-10 September, Fowlers Suzuki, 2-12 Bath Road, Pylle Hill, Bristol, BS4 3DR, 01179 770466