Bimota returns to WorldSBK in 2025
The iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer Bimota is set to return to the world racing stage in 2025 competing in the Motul FIM WorldSBK Championship.
Winners of the 1980 350cc World Championship fielding Jon Ekerold on a two-cylinder, two stroke Bimota YB3 machine, success was also achieved in TT Formula 1 with legend Virginio Ferrari aboard a YB4R taking the Championship honours in1987. No strangers to four stroke machinery, Bimota won no less than seven races in the very first World Superbike Championship year of 1988 thanks to Davide Tardozzi (5) and Stephane Mertens (2). Even as late as the year 2000, Bimota were still able to achieve a WorldSBK race win thanks to the late, great Anthony Gobert aboard an SB8R machine mounting the top step of the podium at a wet Phillip Island race weekend.
For the 2025 season, Bimota is partnering with Kawasaki in a joint venture which will result in a Bimota chassis with Kawasaki engine (plus allied technology), competing in WorldSBK. Not only will the donor Ninja ZX-10RR powerplant be familiar, but also many of the team staff as Kawasaki transfers its efforts into the Bimota racing program marking a landmark moment in the journey of the Kawasaki Racing Team after nearly four decades in the premier global racing series based on production machines that can be purchased at dealerships.
Recognising not just the legacy of Kawasaki in Superbike racing, but also the close cooperation and synergies between majority Bimota shareholder, Kawasaki, and the Rimini based Italian manufacturer, the new team will operate under the title of Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team.
Fielding a machine jointly developed by Bimota and Kawasaki, the new team will play a pivotal role in the wider global recognition and market presence of the Bimota brand as well as being crucial in highlighting the hand built craftsmanship and care that goes into the creation of every Bimota product. This wider appreciation of the Bimota brand and its core racing DNA is also expected to create increased demand and sales of Bimota street motorcycles.
Speaking about the new direction for Kawasaki in WorldSBK, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. Hiroshi Ito, stated: “Bimota has an enviable reputation for excellence in motorcycle design and manufacture. As part of our vision for the evolution of this world famous brand we see racing as a logical next step in terms of both product development as well as brand exposure on the global stage. Our commitment to WorldSBK is as strong as ever and we hope that this new racing project will energise fans of both Bimota and Kawasaki. The passion for race success remains and we look forward to the presence of the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team on the 2025 WorldSBK grid”.
On behalf of Bimota, COO, Pierluigi Marconi, commented:
“The engineering, technology and day to day business support already offered by Kawasaki has put Bimota firmly back into the consciousness of the media and potential customers, now it is time to take a next step in our evolution.Bimota has had racing as part of its DNA from day one and to compete in WorldSBK alongside developing our new product range, while expanding the European and global dealer network, has an undeniable logic to it.
With the unparalleled experience of the existing Kawasaki racing team experts plus the full support and cooperation of Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. in Japan fills us with pride and optimism. The Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team will surely form the foundations of the next chapter in the Bimota story”.
KRT Team Manager, Guim Roda, concluded:
“In the past thirteen years, myself, and all of those at the KRT workshop in Granollers, have dedicated ourselves wholeheartedly to the Kawasaki Superbike project and garnered seven WorldSBK rider titles in that time plus numerous team and manufacturer awards. Now – after Kawasaki competing for nearly four decades in the Superbike championship – we are proud to be part of a new era forming the infrastructure of the new Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team.
For sure we will spare some time to reflect on and celebrate the heritage of Kawasaki in Superbike racing, but we are also extremely excited to be a core component of this new Bimota and Kawasaki joint venture. This is an evolution for Kawasaki’s approach to the top level of production racing and we are honoured to play our role in this new project. I am confident we have the technology and human resources necessary to succeed and it will be a fresh, energising experience fielding an impressive two rider team in the 2025 Motul FIM WorldSBK Championship.”
V-STROM 800RE TOUR JOINS SUZUKI LINEUP
Suzuki has added a V-Strom 800RE Tour to its lineup, which comes with 112 litres of aluminium luggage and a saving of £706.94.
Buyers can choose from either silver or black three-piece luggage, comprising a top box and panniers, and with an OTR price of £11,199, customers will save £706.94 over equipping the standard V-Strom 800RE with the individual accessories.
Available in blue, matt steel green, or black, the V-Strom 800RE Tour expands Suzuki’s V-Strom 800 range to four models, all of which use the firm’s new 776cc parallel twin engine with its 270-degree crankshaft design, delivering an abundance of smooth low-down drive and midrange thrust.
The 800RE models come with 19” and 17” cast aluminium wheels and Nissin radial calipers. Aluminium, rubber-covered footpegs are set 14mm further rearward and 7mm higher than the V-Strom 800DE, and aluminium tapered handlebars are 13mm lower and 23mm further forwards. They’re also 15mm narrower. A taller and wider screen offers more weather and wind protection on longer rides. Like the DE, suspension comes courtesy of Showa, but with a focus on superior on-road performance there is 150mm of travel front and rear.
A bi-directional quickshifter comes as standard, and there are three selectable power modes and three choices of traction control settings, which can also be switched off. All the information is displayed via a colour TFT dash, nestled behind a large, wind-cheating screen.
SUZUKI BRINGING NEW V-STROM RANGE TO 2024 ABR FESTIVAL
Suzuki is bringing its new V-Strom range to this year’s ABR Festival, which takes place at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire on 27-30 June, with a comprehensive display of bikes plus on and off-road demo rides available.
On display at the UK’s premier adventure bike show for the first time will be the new V-Strom 800RE. Using Suzuki’s new 776cc parallel twin engine, it follows hot on the heels of the V-Strom 800DE, and comes equipped with three engine modes and three traction control settings, a colour TFT screen, and a bi-directional quickshifter as standard.
While the 800DE comes with an additional off-road traction control mode and ABS that can be disengaged at the rear, plus 21 and 17” spoked wheels, 220mm of suspension travel, and 220mm ground clearance, the 800RE is tailored to adventure on-road. 150mm suspension travel, a wider, 19” front wheel, radial brakes, and revised ergonomics provide superior road holding and a plush ride for long distances in the saddle. There’s also a taller screen and lower seat height.
Visitors can test ride the new 800RE over the course of the show, as it forms part of Suzuki’s on road test ride fleet, alongside the 800DE, which can also be taken around the event’s off-road loop.
Both the V-Strom 1050 and V-Strom 1050DE will also be on display and available to test ride over the duration of the festival.
In addition to the firm’s V-Strom range, show-goers can also test ride the new GSX-S1000GX sports crossover, which comes with a comprehensive suite of electronics, topped by semi-active suspension from Showa, the GSX-S1000GT sports tourer, and both the GSX-8S and GSX-8R machines.
Displayed on the Suzuki stand in the exhibitors’ area will be various V-Strom models, including Tour variants that are equipped with three-piece aluminium luggage as standard. Also shown will be the V-Strom 650XT, and the GSX-S1000GX+ and GSX-S1000GT+, which come fitted with two 36-litre panniers.
Supercross team and off-road bike building specialists, SR75 Suzuki, will display an RM-Z450 race bike, and a project V-Strom 650XT and V-Strom 800DE. Team owner and former racer Geoff Walker will also be hand to talk all things Suzuki and off-road for the full four days.
Representing Suzuki’s off-road heritage will be a DR800S.
Test rides can be booked from the Suzuki display on a first come, first served basis. Those wishing to take part will need to provide their driving licence and national insurance number.
SUZUKI OFFERS 4.9% FINANCE AND £0 DEPOSIT ACROSS THE RANGE
Suzuki has announced an attractive low rate finance offer across a selection of models from its sport, street, and adventure bike classes, with no fewer than 18 models available with 4.9% APR finance over three years, with no deposit required. Running until 30 June 2024, customers can also choose between PCP or HP.
Available with the new low rate of finance are the newly-launched GSX-S1000GX and the pannier-equipped GSX-S1000GX+ – with their semi-active suspension from Showa and comprehensive suite of electronics that includes lean angle-sensitive ABS, multiple engine and traction control modes, cruise control, and a colour TFT screen with smartphone connectivity – and the new-for-2024 GSX-8R and V-Strom 800RE, both of which use Suzuki’s new 776cc parallel twin engine and also benefit from engine and traction control modes, a bi-directional quickshifter as standard, and a colour TFT display.
Also included is the iconic flagship hyperbike, the Hayabusa, along with the 25th anniversary special edition model, as well as the GSX-S1000GT and GSX-S1000GT+, which match superbike performance with all-day comfort.
Street bike customers can choose from four models: the Katana, GSX-S1000, GSX-S950, and the award-winning GSX-8S.
Alongside the V-Strom 800RE from the adventure bike stable, customers can also choose from the V-Strom 800DE and V-Strom 800DE Tour, the latter equipped with full aluminium luggage as standard. The DE models use the same new 776cc parallel twin engine, but add off-road ability courtesy of long-travel Showa suspension, a 21” front wheel and spokes all round, plus an off-road electronics package that includes a gravel traction control mode and the ability to disengage the rear ABS.
In addition, adventure bike seekers can choose from the V-Strom 1050 and V-Strom 1050 Tour, as well as the V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050DE Tour.
For more information on Suzuki’s offers and to use the finance calculator, click here.
Terms & Conditions
Suzuki GB PLC is a credit broker and not a lender. Suzuki GB PLC introduces you to Suzuki Financial Services Ltd as lender. Suzuki GB PLC will be paid a share of any profits made by Suzuki Financial Services Ltd as result of this introduction. The share of the profits will be the same, no matter what interest rate that you pay. PCP Finance offer applies to the purchase of a new GSX-8S, GSX-8R, V-Strom 800DE, V-Strom 800DE Tour, V-Strom 1050, V-Strom 1050 Tour, V-Strom 1050DE, V-Strom 1050DE Tour, Katana, GSX-S1000, GSX-S950, Hayabusa 25th Anniversary, Hayabusa, GSX-S1000GT+, GSX-S1000GT, V-Strom 800RE, V-Strom 800RE Tour, GSX-S1000GX and GSX-S1000GX+ only from a participating Suzuki Dealership. The motorcycle must be purchased and registered between 02/04/2024 and 30/06/2024 to qualify for the offer. £0 minimum deposit required. Credit subject to status, UK residents aged 18+. Suzuki Financial Services Ltd, St.William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH. Finance figures applicable at time of print and are subject to change. Representative Example is based upon an annual mileage of 4,000 miles per annum. With PCP, once you have paid all of the regular monthly repayments you have the option to: 1. Return the motorcycle and not pay the Optional Final Repayment. In this example if the vehicle has exceeded 16,333 miles, a charge per excess mile will apply of 6p plus VAT will apply per excess mile. If the motorcycle is in good condition (fair wear and tear accepted) and has not exceeded the maximum agreed mileage, you will have nothing further to pay, 2. Pay the Optional Final Repayment to own the motorcycle, or 3. Part exchange the motorcycle subject to settlement of your existing credit agreement; new credit agreements are subject to status.
SUZUKI LIVE 2024
22.06.2024 — 23.06.2024
Following a successful Suzuki Live weekender at Cadwell Park last summer, Suzuki has announced dates for the 2024 event. This year, Cadwell Park will again play host, with the Lincolnshire circuit set to be turned blue on 22-23 June.
Over the course of the two days there will be track sessions for Suzukis old and new, plus parades of very special race and road machinery. Suzuki will bring along a fleet of demo machines as well as a comprehensive display including vintage race bikes such as RGs, RGVs, and GSX-Rs, and classic road bikes ranging from TLs to GTs and Bandits.
There will be test ride opportunities across many bikes in the current range, including the new GSX-8R and GSX-S1000GX. There will also be an off-road loop for test rides on the V-Strom 800DE and V-Strom 1050DE.
The likes of Steve Parrish, John Reynolds, and Taylor Mackenzie joined the lineup of famous faces at this last year’s event, with a roster of celebrities set to join in again in 2024.
For those wandering the paddock, there will be displays from an array of clubs and organisations.
Evening entertainment will again be provided, with talk shows, live music, plus food and beverages available, with all track day spaces and weekend tickets including camping.
Suzuki GB’s Tim Davies said, “We’ve been hosting our events at Cadwell Park for several years now and we cannot wait to get back there again for Suzuki Live 2024. To ride, it’s one of the most iconic circuits in Britain, and is great fun regardless of what you’re riding. For those not riding, there are plenty of excellent vantage points to watch the variety of machinery in action. The paddock, too, turns into a Suzuki village for two days, with all manner of bikes on display from every decade.
“With this last year’s event providing an excellent weekend of entertainment, we’re excited that booking is open now for this year’s event. We’ll be announcing more information in due course, including special guests and attractions.”
Full weekend track day sessions for Suzuki Live 2024 cost £279 and can be booked here.
Single day track sessions are also available costing £159 for Saturday only and £149 for Sunday only, book now.
Weekend visitor passes are £15 if booked in advance, while day tickets are £10, or £12 on the gate. Advanced tickets can be purchased here.
Keep up to date with all Suzuki Live announcements by following Suzuki Bikes UK across social media, including on Facebook and Instagram.
James Hillier and Bournemouth Kawasaki reunite for TT 2024!
Kawasaki UK is excited to announce that James Hillier will be returning to Team Green for the 2024 Isle of Man TT, reuniting with long-time partner Bournemouth Kawasaki Racing to compete in the Supersport class aboard a 40th anniversary-liveried Ninja ZX-6R!
The pairing have enjoyed a rich history at the iconic event, securing multiple podium finishes together across multiple classes. However, it’s been the Supersport class where they have enjoyed the most success, scoring five podiums with the Ninja ZX-6R.
After several years away, the Bournemouth Kawasaki team is returning to the Isle of Man TT and will be partnering with Hillier once again. With 2024 marking the 40th anniversary of the iconic Kawasaki Ninja brand, the team will be running the latest ZX-6R in the highly popular green, white and blue anniversary colours.
James Hillier:
“I’m excited to be back with Pete and the team at Bournemouth Kawasaki once again for the Supersport races. We collectively have a lot of knowledge and data after many years racing together and at the TT that’s a crucial element to being competitive.”
Pete Extance, Bournemouth Kawasaki Team Owner:
“We are really looking forward to our return to the Isle of Man TT as Bournemouth Kawasaki Racing, which we are proud to say is an in-house dealer effort. The TT is, without doubt, the best road race in the world, and we are over the moon to be back involved in 2024. It’s a great honour to be running James again, and even more so with the 40th Anniversary liveried Ninja machine. Big thanks to Kawasaki UK for the support.”
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department:
“We are really happy to welcome James back into the Kawasaki fold for the Supersport races this year. Together with Pete and the Bournemouth Kawasaki team we have collectively enjoyed a great deal of success over the years, so we are really hopeful of more trophies in 2024! We’d like to thank both Pete and James for pulling this together, and we can’t wait to see him head off down Bray Hill on what will be a stunning retro-themed Ninja ZX-6R!”
Kawasaki UK announces Tracker Kawasaki British Superteen support partners
With 2024 edging closer, Kawasaki UK is excited to announce the support partners for the all-new Tracker Kawasaki British Superteen Championship. This includes Silkolene, Reactive Parts, Samco, GB Racing, K-Tech suspension, and Spark IT exhausts, ensuring each Ninja ZX-4RR is ready for the track while keeping costs as competitive as possible.
Fresh from announcing Tracker as the title sponsor to the exciting new series, Kawasaki is strengthening the prospect for young riders with a host of leading partners joining the Championship. Team Green partner Silkolene will be providing a free, comprehensive product bundle to every rider as they collect their new Ninja ZX-4RR, ensuring they will be fully prepared for when the season gets underway in May. Silkolene will also be providing spot prizes throughout the season.
Alongside providing a number of parts for each machine, Reactive Parts will also be running a “Holeshot Award” for each Sunday Feature Race of the season, with the first rider passing through sector one on lap one receiving a full set of ZX-4RR CRC bodywork! Further race support comes from Samco and GB Racing, who are offering free products for the initial bike build, keeping racing costs to a minimum. To ensure each ZX-4RR is truly track-ready, K-Tech suspension and Spark IT exhausts are providing product support to every entrant into the series.
Kawasaki UK would like to say a huge thanks to Team Green Technical Partners, MSS Performance, who have been instrumental in bringing these deals together and for building what looks set to be a full grid of Superteen machines in 2024.
Since the launch in July, spaces on the grid have been filling up fast, but there are still some slots available, so riders and teams interested in joining this exciting new class should contact MSS Performance at orders@mssperformance.com and register yourself with BSB at superteen@msvracing.co.uk.
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki UK:
“This new class wouldn’t be possible without the support from all of our partners, some new for 2024 and some that have been with us for a number of years. On behalf of Kawasaki UK, I would like to thank everyone for getting involved, and I’m confident that it will be a hugely successful class within the British Superbike Championship paddock next season. There is now a big job ahead for MSS Performance to get all of these bikes ready for testing, but with ZX-4RRs already arriving in Colchester, it won’t be long until we start seeing laps being spun on track!”
NEW SUZUKI GSX-8R PRICING ANNOUNCED
Fresh from its reveal at Eicma in Milan, Italy, earlier this month, Suzuki has announced UK pricing of the new GSX-8R: the new middleweight sportsbike will come with an OTR price of £8,899 when it arrives in dealerships in February.
The GSX-8R uses Suzuki’s new 776cc parallel twin engine, with its 270° crankshaft providing a V-twin-esque feel and soundtrack. Thanks to its long stroke design it produces an abundance of torque throughout the rev range, peaking at 78 Nm at 6800rpm. Peak power is 82.9PS at 8,500rpm.
While the main chassis is shared with the GSX-8S, suspension comes from Showa, and there are lower handlebars to provide a sportier riding position, with riders tucked behind the new, GSX-R-inspired full fairing.
As standard there is a bi-directional quickshifter, three power modes and three selectable traction control modes, with all information displayed via a 5” colour TFT screen.
Kawasaki UK unveil three special colourways for the 2024 Ninja ZX-10RR
Voted for by fans, the three stunning machines were revealed live on the Kawasaki stand at Motorcycle Live today and are available to order from dealers now.
With 2024 marking the 40th anniversary of the Ninja brand, Kawasaki UK worked with Kar Lee Design to create a range of liveries for the ZX-10RR inspired by retro colourways from the last four decades. Kawasaki’s social media followers voted for their favourite, with UK specialist SprayBay then turning the three most popular ones into reality before their appearance on the Kawasaki UK Motorcycle Live stand.
There are just 40 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RRs available, each with anniversary plates set into the top yokes bearing the special moniker of 1 of only 40 and the anniversary logo. Customers will be able to choose their favourite from the three designs.
In addition to the unique colourways, each bike will be a Performance Edition, featuring an Akrapovic muffler, pillion seat cover, smoked windshield and tank pad. Customers will also receive a paddock stand, a special bike cover, and a Ninja 40th anniversary keyring.
The anniversary ZX-10RR will cost £26,599 and is available to order from dealers now.
Craig Watson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Kawasaki Motors UK
“The retro theme has become very popular over the past couple of years, and we thought it would be great to further celebrate 40 years of Ninja with these special liveries commemorating the designs of historic Ninjas from the 90s. We are sure they are going to be very popular, so it’s key that you speak to your local Kawasaki dealer as soon as possible!”
Kawasaki adds original Ninja colourways to 2024 model line
Having already unveiled several 40th anniversary Ninja models for the 2024 range in the racetrack influenced ZXR livery of blue, white and green, Kawasaki has now gone full throttle with the announcement of two further celebration models – but with a twist.
Reimagining the famous 1985 Ninja 900 colours for a today’s riding generation, the new season line will now include 40th Anniversary Editions of the Ninja 1000SX and Ninja 650, resplendent in black, silver and red livery redolent of early USA market Ninja models retailed in Europe under the GPz brand name.
The unmistakable two-tone Firecracker Red and Ebony colours are inspired by the 1985 Kawasaki GPZ900R with the colour of the silver line separating the red and ebony panels carefully selected to match the brightness of the original.
Additionally, on top of the fuel tank, a 40th anniversary emblem sit proudly. Designed in a style similar to a championship sticker and reminiscent of the 1980s racing scene, the outline of the “Ninja” logo was reproduced using the original designs while the “Liquid-Cooled” logo used elsewhere symbolises the transition from air-cooled to liquid-cooled engines in the late 80s.Attention to detail abounds with the eye-catching addition of silver-coloured wheel rim tape representing the texture of the machined wheels of the 1980s.
Predicted to be a highly popular and collectable iteration of the Ninja family, all 40th Edition models will be available in showrooms alongside a vibrant range of standard colourways for the 2024 season.
Making the future a feature of today, Kawasaki hopes that a new generation of riders will enjoy and celebrate four decades of Ninja in the nest way possible; on the open road at the controls of an iconic sports machine.
Kawasaki doubles its Hybrid offer with new Z model
Hot on the heels of the Barcelona media launch of its globally unique Ninja 7 Hybrid, Kawasaki has now doubled its presence in this exclusive market with the announcement of the Z 7 Hybrid.
Harnessing the same innovative, unique* and groundbreaking technology as its fully faired sibling, the 2024 Z7 Hybrid is a naked style bike – or should that be bikes? as it is effectively three machines in one thanks to electric power allied to hybrid and internal combustion technologies.
With two power sources, a 43.5kw max power 451cc water-cooled four-stroke twin cylinder internal combustion engine and a 9kw maximum rated electric traction motor, the latest (and most technically advanced) – Z is ready for what the city, the suburbs and countryside can challenge it with … plus come back for more!
Calling out its strong hybrid** credentials, the Z7 Hybrid can operate in three ways. As a full EV with automatic transmission, the machine is suitable for zero emission zones and can operate for up to 12kms on electric only before the internal combustion engine seamlessly provides battery charge – remember this is a true Hybrid so the machine recharges itself.
In Eco-Hybrid mode, the electric motor works in harmony with the internal combustion engine providing a “best of both worlds” solution offering the choice of either six speed automatic transmission or manual gear selection via “up and down” paddles on the left handlebar – which, naturally, features no clutch lever. A “walk mode” is also a feature for ease of manoeuvring and parking plus selectable auto engine stop at standstill reflecting current automotive thinking.
Finally, sports mode unleashes the full performance potential of both the electric and gasoline motors with the addition of an “E-Boost” function (via a paddle switch on the right handlebar) that effectively harnesses all the potential power available in a short five second burst for litre class acceleration from a standing start or truly impressive thrust while riding. Matched to a potential for fuel economy in the 250cc class category, the Z7 Hybrid truly represents the best of both worlds and looks set to change the game.
Relying on the same trellis type chassis layout and running gear as the Ninja 7 Hybrid, the ‘Sugomi’ styled Z7 Hybrid opens up a new world in the naked class sector while doubling the Strong Hybrid offer from Kawasaki in the market from one to two machines. Expected to be on sale during the Spring of 2024, the Z 7 Hybrid moves Kawasaki firmly to centre stage in the constantly evolving universe of powered-two-wheeler technology.
Colours Z 7 Hybrid:
Metallic Bright Silver/Metallic Matte Lime Green/Ebony
Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Ebony/Metallic Graphite Gray
*1 Mass production models (excluding scooters) from a major power sports manufacturer as of October 6, 2023, per Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. research. **2 Strong hybrid systems combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor for powerful riding, and because of their large battery capacity they are able to run on electricity alone.
GET THE RIGHT WINTER BLUES WITH 2.9% OFFER FROM SUZUKI
It might be getting colder but Suzuki is making it easier to get the right sort of winter blues by offering 2.9% APR finance on a number of models. Available over four years on both PCP and HP, the offer includes the Hayabusa – including the new 25th anniversary edition – both the V-Strom 1050 and V-Strom 1050DE, the GSX-S1000, and both the GSX-S1000GT and GT+.
There’s also £500 off the GSX-R125 and GSX-S125, plus £750 worth of free accessories available on the V-Strom 1050 and V-Strom 1050DE. All three offers run until 31 January 2024.
As a part of the 2.9% finance deal, the flagship, 25th anniversary special edition Hayabusa – complete with its legendary 1340cc inline four-cylinder engine, sophisticated electronics package that includes power modes, cornering ABS, traction control, anti-wheelie, a bi-directional quickshifter, multiple engine braking settings, launch control, and cruise control, and striking bodywork – can be ridden for £149 per month on a four-year PCP deal, with a £4,210.48 deposit.
Or, those looking to cover big miles on a big adventure bike can pick up the V-Strom 1050, with its similarly all encompassing suite of electronics, DR Big-inspired style, and punchy 1037cc V-twin motor, for £109 per month over the same period with a £2,711.30 deposit, while also equipping it with their choice of complementary extras.
New riders or those looking for the perfect tool to tackle city congestion and keep running costs to a minimum can also enjoy £500 off the GSX-S125 and GSX-R125.
Jonathan Martin, Suzuki GB head of motorcycles, said, “The clocks have gone back, the nights have drawn in, and the temperatures have dropped, but it’s still a good time for riders to put a new Suzuki in the garage for less this winter. We understand that monthly payments remain key for our customers and by offering an incredibly low 2.9% through the winter we believe more customers will take advantage now and not wait until spring to ride away on a new Suzuki.”
Kawasaki unveil Ninja 40th Anniversary models for 2024 range
Over the last 40 years, Ninja motorcycles have captured the hearts of Sportsbike enthusiasts around the world. Never straying from what made Ninja famous from the start, the development of the iconic brand has always been at the forefront of technology, making Ninja not just a recognisable name but, for many riders, a way of life.
Now – for the 2024 model year – Kawasaki is releasing a “family group” of Ninja 40th Anniversary models as part of a celebration of four decades of performance and innovation. Set to be seen “in the flesh” for the first time at the prestigious EICMA show in Milan and now unveiled online, the trio of machines comprises the Ninja ZX-10R, base machine for multiple WorldSBK titles, the highly regarded mid-weight 636cc Supersport Ninja ZX-6R and the already highly praised and equally high revving Ninja ZX-4RR.
Each machine will be available in a version of the evocative early 1990’s Kawasaki World Endurance livery of green, blue and white with the bold, unapologetic Kawasaki logo dominating the lower cowl; just like the three-time championship winning machines of the period. Adopted for the 1989 ZXR series of machines, the distinctive livery dials into the fashion for all things retro while also looking fresh and contemporary. Like the Ninja itself – it’s a win/win combination.
Boasting a 40th Anniversary logo on their fuel tanks, each machine has had its livery carefully adjusted to suit the bodywork while the bold Kawasaki logo was taken from original drawings and even the displacement figures on the rear bodywork are evocative of the period. Adding lime green wheels and silver painted parts (including frame parts) illustrates the attention to detail lavished on these machines by stylists at the Kawasaki factory in Japan.
Available alongside the already announced colourways for the 2024 season, the 40th Anniversary models will play a significant role in a global digital celebration of a Sportsbike brand that is universally recognised and respected.
The bikes will begin to arrive in dealers from January 2024. The Ninja ZX-4RR will cost £8,899, the Ninja ZX-6R £10,849, and the Ninja ZX-10R £17,749.
That’s a wrap on BSB ’23!
The 2023 Bennetts British Superbike Championship came to a close over the weekend, and it was a great year for our Team Green family!
In the blue-riband class, the FS-3 Racing team had one of their strongest seasons to date, with Lee Jackson taking five podiums over the year to finish a hard-fought fourth place in the Championship standings. Despite it being his maiden season in the Superbike class, teammate Max Cook impressed everyone to finish 15th overall and secure the R&G Rising Stars award as the top rookie.
2023 also proved to be a breakthrough year for GR Motosport Superbike rider Storm Stacey, who had his best-ever season, which included his first front row start, highest points tally, and finishing top independent Kawasaki team. Rookie riders Bradley Perie, Jack Scott and Lous Valleley also enjoyed a strong end to the season as they continued to get to grips with the Ninja ZX-10RR.
In the British Supersport class, Gearlink Kawasaki rider Tom Booth-Amos had a brilliant season, taking more race wins than any other rider on his way to second overall in the series. Luke Stapleford also had a strong season, taking a pair of wins alongside a further eight podiums.
More Ninja ZX-6R success came in the National Junior Superstock Championship, where Cameron Dawson and Asher Durham finished second and third in the series, taking two wins and nine podiums between them.
The Ninja 400 was the machine of choice in the British Junior Supersport class, with the top 16 riders in the Championship opting for Kawasaki power. The title came down to the final round, but it was Finn Smart-Weeden who was eventually crowned Champion ahead of Lewis Jones and Lennon Docherty.
While the season might have only ended a few days ago, 2024 has already begun as FS-3 Racing’s new signing, Jason O’Halloran, got his first laps of the ZX-10RR Superbike earlier this week. You will be able to meet Jason and Max Cook next month on the Kawasaki stand at Motorcycle Live.
Completely Motorbikes announced as new title sponsor of FS-3 Racing Kawasaki
Popular Kawasaki UK dealer Completely Motorbikes has signed a deal to become the title sponsor of FS-3 Racing, the official Kawasaki Superbike team in the British Superbike Championship. The partnership kicks off this weekend at the final round of this year’s championship with the Completely Motorbikes logo appearing on one of the team’s superbikes on the Completely Motorbikes stand at Brands Hatch at an unveiling event on Thursday afternoon and then out on the track. The new logo will also be prominent in the team’s pitlane garage over the weekend.
Fresh from announcing its 2024 line-up of Jason O’Halloran and Max Cook, the FS-3 Racing team is excited to confirm that Completely Motorbikes is joining the team as its title sponsor for the 2024 season and beyond. The motorcycle dealership has Kawasaki branches in Worcester, Gloucester and Yeovil and is no stranger to the Bennetts British Superbike paddock, already sponsoring teams throughout the series.
The new partnership was announced today on the Completely Motorbikes stand at Brands Hatch ahead of the final round of the 2023 BSB season, with the FS-3 Racing’s superbikes carrying the Completely Motorbike logo on the side of the Ninja ZX-10RR’s and in the team’s pitlane garage.
Nigel Snook, FS-3 Racing Team Owner:
‘’We are delighted to welcome Rob and James Ayland to the team. The Completely Motorbikes logo is already a familiar sight in the British Superbikes paddock and on the track. Their ambitions are a perfect match with ours and we are excited that they have chosen to team up with FS-3 Racing and Kawasaki as they move up to support a front running two-rider superbike entry. Working with Rob and James will provide a wide range of opportunities for their customers to get closer to the action and for the team to be directly involved in helping promote bike sales across the country’’.
Rob Ayland, Completely Motoring Group Managing Director:
“We have been proud to sponsor the Bennetts British Superbike series since 2020, moving onto 2024 when we also become official sponsors of the “Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki’’ team. To hopefully see Jason and Max fighting for the championship in 2024 on the official FS-3 Racing Kawasaki is a culmination of four years of successful involvement with many riders, and at all levels of BSB. The “Team Green” headline sponsorship has all of the Completely Motorbikes group very excited and we cannot wait for 2024 season to commence!”
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki UK:
“It is fantastic that FS-3 Racing now has a completed line up with Jason O'Halloran and Max Cook and a new title partner confirmed for 2024 so they are all set to operate to the level required within the Bennetts British Superbikes Championship. We are incredibly pleased that Rob and his team at the Completely Motorbikes group have come on board to support our official team. It’s a perfect match to be honest, and I sincerely hope that this new relationship is fruitful for all parties, both on and off track in 2024 and beyond.”