Kawasaki Motors UK is pleased to announce that it is returning to Motorcycle Live on December 4th – 12th 2021. After the cancellation of the physical show in 2020, this year will mark the return of fans to the NEC Centre and Kawasaki will be showcasing the full range of 2022 models alongside a host of features and activities.

For 2021, Kawasaki will be located in Hall 2, and will have the full suite of soon-to-be-announced 2022 models for fans to get up close and personal with. The Kawasaki UK staff will also be on hand throughout the nine day event to help visitors understand the latest innovations and discuss the many features and benefits of the new model range. 

In addition to the latest models, Kawasaki will also have a host of British Superbike riders in attendance on the stand over the event, holding interviews and meeting fans for autographs. Having turned green for 2021, the California Superbike School will also be featuring on the stand, giving visitors the chance to book their place for the 2022 season. 

For those visitors looking to get on two wheels for the first time, there will be a dedicated Kawasaki Rider Training Services area as well as a fleet of Z125s in the MCIA Try Ride Zone. The Kawasaki shop will have the latest official clothing and merchandise on sale, while Club Kawasaki members will be able to take advantage of their discount and again be able to access the exclusive member’s area for a break from the hustle and bustle of the show! 

Tickets for the 2021 show will be available soon from www.motorcyclelive.co.uk.

EURO5 GSX-R125 AND GSX-S125 ANNOUNCED

Suzuki has pulled the covers off its Euro5 GSX-R and GSX-S125 machines, with the new learner-friendly models available in dealerships next summer.

In 2022 the GSX-R125 – which has become the weapon of choice in the Freetech 125 Endurance Championship having won the title two seasons in a row – is available in the signature MotoGP blue with the bold, white SUZUKI graphic adorning the fairing, as well as a black and grey take on the trademark design, offset by red wheels.

The GSX-S125, which uses the same DOHC, free-revving single-cylinder engine as its fully-faired sibling, comes in a blue, black and silver, as well as a more subtle black and grey. A more eye-catching white and black with red decals and red wheels completes the set.

Both machines use a compact LCD dash and get Suzuki’s easy-start system. The GSX-R125 also features a keyless ignition system. 

Pricing to be confirmed.

Re-energising one of Kawasaki’s most lusted after paint schemes from the 1970’s, the new Z900RS SE model for the 2022 season will be available in the classic “Yellow Ball” livery of the original 1972 Super Four, model Z1.

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. 

STANDARD PETROL IS CHANGING TO E10 – KNOW YOUR FUEL

Know Your Fuel. In the Summer of 2021, the standard petrol grade in the UK will be changing to E10. The introduction of E10 petrol will help reduce CO2 emissions associated with petrol vehicles.

The good news is, most motorcycles are also approved to use E10 petrol, but for those who like to keep their classics running, they should check compatibility just in case. For the few vehicles that need it, E5 will continue to be available at most larger forecourts in the ‘super’ grade. E10 contains up to 10% bioethanol. 

The DfT have created the E10 Fuel Checker which enables riders to search for their PTW and check compatibility, prior to arrival at the pumps. Some PTWs made prior to 2011 will need to continue to use E5 petrol, which will remain available as the super grade petrol option at the pumps. Riders are being advised to use the super grade E5 option if there is any doubt in compatibility.

With news of a new fuel composition being introduced in the UK later this year, and the constant need to be more economically friendly, we’ve enlisted the help of our partners at the RAC to explain how these changes will affect you and your Kawasaki.

What is E10 fuel and why are we talking about it?

E10 is a biofuel made up of 90% regular unleaded and 10% ethanol – hence the E10 name.

Standard unleaded fuel contains up to 5% ethanol and can be used in any petrol-engine vehicle without problems or the need for modification.

In a bid to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the Department of Transport (DfT) has confirmed that E10 petrol is being introduced to UK forecourts in September this year.

The benefits of E10

It’s estimated that the greener fuel could reduce CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year, the equivalent of taking up to 350,000 cars off the road in the UK.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The next 15 years will be absolutely crucial for slashing emissions from our roads, as we all start to feel the benefits of the transition to a zero-emission future.

“Before electric vehicles become the norm, we want to take advantage of reduced CO2 emissions today.
“This small switch to petrol containing bioethanol at 10% will help drivers across country reduce the environmental impact of every journey.”

The E10 blend is already used in other countries such as Belgium, Finland, France and Germany.

Robin Wright, secretary general of environmental campaign groups ePURE, said: “Displacing 10% of Europe’s petrol with ethanol through E10 fuel, a fuel widely available in France, Finland and Germany, would reduce greenhouse gas emissions from petrol vehicles by over 6%.

“But more ambition and greater use of ethanol is needed. Brazil currently mixes its petrol with up to 28% ethanol, so why not Europe?”

Finland is leading the way in Europe. E10 fuel has increased its share of petrol sold each year since it was introduced at the beginning of 2011, with the Finnish Petroleum and Biofuels Association reporting a 63% share in 2015.

How does it affect you?

As many as 600,000 vehicles on our roads in 2020 aren't compatible with E10 – you can see if your vehicle is compatible with the new fuel by visiting the official E10 online checker: https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-e10-petrol

Whilst the government website lists compatible models, it is currently outdated for Kawasaki motorcycles. Below is the list of older models that Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) have tested and approved for use with E10 fuel.

Any earlier model year should use a non E10 fuel whilst those manufactured later are approved for E10 fuel use. The fuel details are also detailed in the owner’s manual and shown in the fuel identification label located on the fuel tank.

Model From Model Year
KLX125 2009 onwards
 D-Tracker 125 2009 onwards
 KLX250 2008 onwards
 Ninja 250R 2008 onwards
Ninja ZX-6R 2007 onwards
ER-6n 2006 onwards
ER-6f 2006 onwards
Versys 2007 onwards
Z750 2007 onwards
W800 2011 onwards
VN900 2006 onwards
Z1000 2009 onwards
Z1000SX 2011 onwards
Ninja ZX-10R 2006 onwards
ZZR1400 2006 onwards
1400GTR 2008 onwards
VN1700 2009 onwards
VN2000 2008 onwards

Club Kawasaki and RAC have put together a unique offer that combines 12 months Club Kawasaki and 12 months Kawasaki Assist for one great price from £70.00. For full details, please visit: www.kawasakiassist.co.uk

SAVE £500 ON THE SV650 THIS SUMMER

Suzuki has added the ever-popular SV650 to its Summer Savings campaign, with the V-twin middleweight now available with a £500 off test ride incentive.

It means the machine that arguably launched the booming middleweight naked market can be had for just £6,099.

 

The SV650 produces 73PS, is capable of averaging nearly 70mpg in every day riding conditions, and uses Suzuki’s easy start function and low RPM assist.

Owning an SV650 became almost a rite of passage for riders progressing from smaller, learner-friendly machines. Today it finds favour with new and experienced riders alike thanks to its manageability and fun, easy-to-ride nature.

Terms and conditions:

£500 test ride offer applies to purchases of a new SV650 only. The motorcycle must be purchased and registered between 16/07/2021 and 30/09/2021 to qualify. Offer may be extended or withdrawn at any time.

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NEW WINTER OFFER ON SUZUKI TWINS

Suzuki has announced a new offer across its twins range – from its range-topping V-Strom 1050XT Tour to the popular SV650 – with 2.9% APR representative available over a three year agreement, with no deposit required and an additional £500 off test ride incentive.

Running from 1 December 2021 until the end of March 2022, the offer is available on both PCP and HP deals.  The V-Strom 1050XT Tour is included in the offer, complete with three-piece aluminium luggage –  as is the V-Strom 1050XT. Both machines use Suzuki’s proven 1037cc V-twin engine, boasting an abundance of torque in the low and midrange.

Models using the equally-famed 645cc V-twin, known for its free-revving character and reliability, are also included in the offer; both the V-Strom 650XT and V-Strom 650, plus the SV650 middleweight naked and its café racer-inspired stablemate, the SV650X.

The offer means the SV650, arguably the bike that spawned the current middleweight twins market, can be had with an RRP of just £6,099 after taking a test ride. And with no deposit required it removes the need to find a lump sum up front, while 2.9% APR ensures lower, manageable monthly repayments.

Or if you’re dreaming of adventure, taking a test-ride see’s the V-Strom 650’s RRP comes down to £7,499, and the V-Strom 1050XT Tour, with 112 litres of storage capacity in its aluminium luggage, is just £12,399.

And with plenty of stock available in dealerships, there’s even time to put one in the garage before Christmas.

Credit is subject to status and is only available to UK residents aged 18 and over. Suzuki Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is only available through Suzuki Finance, a trading style of Suzuki Financial Services Limited. Registered office: St, William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH. 

Alex Lowes will remain an integral part of the Kawasaki Racing Team for the coming seasons, having agreed a new multi-year deal that will take him into his third year as an official Kawasaki WorldSBK rider.

The contract signing was witnessed by Mr Masatoshi Yoshioka, Director of Corporate Planning Division, Kawasaki Motors Europe at the recent Assen round of the 2021 FIM WorldSBK Championship, where Alex retained his overall fourth place in the points table.

As well as returning as a full KRT Superbike rider next year Alex will also strengthen his bond with Kawasaki and his KRT squad as he and Jonathan Rea will be joined by 2021 Kawasaki superbike debutant, Lucas Mahias, to compete in the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours race later this year.

With a race win and seven other podiums to his credit since he joined Kawasaki in 2019 Lowes continues to find a greater affinity with the new Ninja ZX-10RR, his team and his pit crew, led by Marcel Duinker.

Before the 2022 season there is the small matter of the rest of this year’s championship to go. Five rounds have been completed with a further eight to go, depending on local regulations around the global pandemic.

Alex Lowes, stated: “I am really happy to have signed once more with the Kawasaki Racing Team, the most successful team in the current era of WorldSBK.

After a strange first year in the team last year due to the global situation and with such a short season it has been good to start this year at some different tracks and I am understanding the bike a lot more. It has also been slightly frustrating this year because I feel like we started strongly but the results are not quite where we would want them to be right now. We have a lot of potential and I am still in the top four of the championship, close to the top three, which is the target for this year.

I will be working hard for the next few weeks to make that next step to be regularly challenging for the podium. Honestly, I feel like it is close, so with this team and all these guys around me – with the relationships we have been building – everything is in place now to push things forward.

I am really thankful to stay in the team next year, and proud of the faith that Kawasaki has shown in me. In our job there is a lot more that goes on behind the scenes than the results that you see on the track so I am really happy about this new deal with KRT. A massive thanks to all the guys behind the project, to Guim and Biel Roda, Steve Guttridge and all the people at KHI in Japan for believing in me again.” 

KRT Manager, Guim Roda, concluded: “Alex started with KRT during the Covid pandemic. He needed to learn quickly and concentrate on making championship points in those first three months; not easy. For 2021 he started the season strongly and we are all working to make those important steps to improve the performance of the overall package.

We are so happy to have Alex and he is highly motivated to continue with the KRT project. With this two-year agreement we are convinced that we will now build on these firm foundations to create the strongest package with him, Marcel, his Crew Chief, the Ninja ZX-10RR and the entire KRT organisation.”

2021 Alex Lowes Rider Statistics:

  • 2021: Races: 15, Wins 0, Podiums 4, Superpoles 0
  • Career Race Wins: 2 (1 for Kawasaki)
  • Career Podiums: 28 (8 for Kawasaki)
  • Career Poles: 1 (0 for Kawasaki) 

#NinjaSpirit    #FaceYourself 

Editors Note: the accompanying image was created within Covid protocols

For the second round of the EWC World Endurance Championship, the Webike SRC Kawasaki France Trickstar Team managed to run an exceptional 12 hour race on the famous Estoril circuit in Portugal. Once again, the experience of the riders and the mechanical reliability of the Kawasaki Ninja allowed them to consolidate their second place.

The good weather and the heat were evident for the whole 12 hours of race. At 10am, Jeremy Guarnoni on the #11 got away to a very good start and went straight from 8th to 5th position. He stayed there for several laps before making his first pit stop earlier than his competitors for strategic reasons. Indeed, team manager, Gilles Stafler had foreseen this scenario.

Following the excellent performance of the Ninja ZX-10RR and some crashes and unforeseen events of competitor bikes, the #11 found itself elevated to second position.

Unfortunately, after more than three hours of racing, the intervention of the safety car did not benefit the SRC Team and it lost about 10 seconds on the first placed machine

.After a number of twists and turns, the lime green bike was in first place around the halfway mark and led for most of the second half of the race until a fuel failure interrupted this domination. Erwan Nigon had to push his dry machine to get back on track with David Checa in third position.

Jeremy Guarnoni then put in a superb final stint to see the #11 finish second after a fierce battle with the #333 machine.

Again, all three riders set a very fast pace with exemplary consistency to lead an exceptional race. The Dunlop tyres excelled throughout the race despite the very high temperatures, and a track that was raised to 58 degrees at one point!

This second place on the podium allows the Webike SRC Kawasaki France Trickstar Team to take the lead in the 2021 FIM EWC World Championship.

Six-time consecutive World Superbike Champion, Jonathan Rea, has achieved another of his personal goals by passing his UK motorcycle test.

Winner of the world championship at his first attempt on Kawasaki machinery when he joined the Kawasaki Racing Team in 2015, the 34-year-old native of Northern Ireland repeated the feat by passing his Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and motorcycle tests both at the first attempt.

Undertaking one to one training with Stephen Mills of Moto Training, Rea learned new skills and new ways to ride on private training areas and the public road using a Kawasaki Z650 supplied by Moto Training as part of their accreditation as a Kawasaki approved KRTS training school.

It is not uncommon for professional riders at the highest level of motorcycle sport to have no full motorcycle licence but for Rea this is a pathway to greater things as he considers which machine to ride now that he has a huge range of choice.

Commenting, Rea told something of his journey while thanking Stephen Mills of Moto Training and hinting at what his next step as a fully qualified road rider might be.

“I am so happy and proud to have passed my motorcycle test. It’s been something I have wanted to do for such a long time but with my sporting commitments and busy calendar it has been tough.

I took advantage of the lockdown due to the pandemic to study all the theory materials such as the UK Highway Code.

My priority was to reach out to an instructor that I would feel comfortable with and found Stephen Mills of Moto Training in Northern Ireland. He taught me all about riding a motorcycle on the road which is completely different to riding on a circuit.

You have to be much more aware as the environment is much less controlled and even I was able to learn new skills and techniques. The training has not just made me a better motorcyclist but also more aware when I am driving my car.

Now comes the pleasure of deciding which motorcycle in the Kawasaki range is perfect for me and my riding needs. I am pretty sure I know what fits my lifestyle and I will unveil my choice in the very near future.”

A video record of Jonathan’s training can be found on his YouTube page: Jonathan Rea

At midday, the chequered flag was waved after 24 hours of racing and the Webike Kawasaki France Trickstar SRC Team finished second aboard the famous #11 Ninja ZX-10RR – a magnificent podium.

The three riders Jérémy Guarnoni, Erwan Nigon and David Checa have again shown their skill and perseverance. Kawasaki, the most successful manufacturer at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, was not far from adding a 15th victory to its record tally.

The beginning of the race was marked by many twists and turns, with some competitors crashing out on the first corner. Starting from 7th position, Jérémy managed to make up two places before the safety car intervened.

From then on, Ninja #11 continued to run smoothly, with excellent consistency. One thing led to another and the team moved up to second place overnight, an ideal scenario creating a strategy that paid dividends at race end. Indeed, the Ninja equipped with its Trickstar exhaust and Dunlop tyres performed perfectly throughout the race and especially at night in the cooler temperatures.

Gilles Stafler, Team Manager of the SRC Team: “Even if I came to win the race, I am very happy with this second place. It was very hot, the competition was tough, and as long as the chequered flag was not shown, anything could happen! But we managed to put up a very good fight, which allows us to score important points for the Championship
The whole enterprise did a great job together, the team cohesion and the long experience of the staff and riders allowed us to get this place today. The Ninja ZX-10RR once again showed its extraordinary reliability and performance.”

The team thanks to all its partners, especially ELF, Dunlop, Webike, Trickstar, Tivoly, Primset, NGK, RK without whom this would not be possible.

Last week, Brands Hatch circuit in Kent played host to the opening California Superbike School of the summer. The two-day event marked the first time the school took to the track with the new fleet of Kawasaki machinery.

With the school turning green for 2021, the iconic circuit was the first time instructors and students hit the track with the ZX-10R, Z900 and Ninja 650. In true California style, the sun was finally shining, and over the two days 120 riders of all abilities were able to enjoy the very best conditions possible. 

For many of their attendees, it was their first time with California Superbike School, which meant they spent their day progressing through the Level One course. These introductory sessions are designed to help address the six most common issues that riders make, allowing them to improve their confidence and bike control. 

Those riders who have already completed level one spent their day progressing through Level two, three, and four. Each step up takes everything learnt from the previous module and builds upon that to improve confidence, body position, awareness and knowledge. In between each track session, students get regular classroom-based briefings, as well as one-to-one debriefs, to help them understand what they are doing on track and areas for improvement. 

One attendee, Jay, was not only making his California Superbike School debut but also returning to the track for the first time in 30 years! “I’ve had a brilliant day. I’ve been riding bikes since 1977, but this was the first time I’ve done any kind of track tuition – and actually the first time back on track since 1990! 

It’s been an incredible experience and while being out on track is amazing, I’ve found the classroom and technical side of things fascinating. It has really helped me to understand what I have been subconsciously doing wrong when riding on the road and allowing me to understand the areas I need to focus on to not only improve my lap time but also my road riding too. Each session focuses on a different aspect of riding, and then in that last session, I was able to put it all together, and I could really tell the difference. 

I’ve been riding one of the school’s ZX-10Rs which is just an amazing bike. I’ve not ridden sports bikes for around ten years, and I just couldn’t believe how easy it was to ride. The Ninja is just an awesome machine, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be putting a deposit down on one in the next couple of weeks!” 

Speaking after their first event with Kawasaki, Gary Adshead of California Superbike School added, “We’re incredibly proud to have Kawasaki join us in a partnership with California Superbike School and it was a pleasure seeing so many new and old faces at our first U.K. event of 2021. The students I spoke to were very enthusiastic about our switch to Kawasaki and those who rode the hire bikes absolutely loved them. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Kawasaki Motors U.K.” 

If you want to improve your skills and enjoy a day with the California Superbike School, then there are multiple dates throughout the summer still available: 

Cadwell Park

  • Wednesday, June 16
  • Thursday, June 17
  • Wednesday, August 04
  • Thursday, August 05 

Bedford Autodrome

  • Monday, July 12
  • Tuesday, July 13
  • Tuesday, August 31
  • Wednesday, September 1 

Donington Park

  • Tuesday, July 27

The official Kawasaki UK supported British Superbike team, FS-3 Racing Kawasaki, has today unveiled its all-new Ninja ZX-10RR livery for the 2021 campaign. 

Lee Jackson and Rory Skinner pulled the covers off the 2021 machine at FS-3 Racing’s new state-of-the-art workshop in Coventry. With an all-new Ninja ZX-10RR for 2021, the British Superbike race-winning team have created an eye-catching new look that is sure to stand out on track. 

The distinctly Kawasaki green Superbikes closely resemble the base model Ninja ZX-10RR design, while the front of the new integrated winglets carries the distinctive orange that has become synonymous with the FS-3 Racing team. 

FS-3 Racing Kawasaki will be giving the livery its public debut at the final pre-season test at Donington Park on June 8th. The proven team still has a unique opportunity for a title sponsor to join for the 2021 season, allowing a business to experience the benefits that come through association with a successful and experienced team, a global manufacturer and the championship organiser. Interested parties should contact with Ross Burridge at Kawasaki Motors UK, via email at [email protected]. 

Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki UK: “The 2021 FS-3 Racing Kawasaki livery is one that is sure to stand out from the crowd and it’s great to see the iconic Kawasaki green in abundance. The all-new ZX-10RR has already had a fantastic debut on track at the hands of Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes, so we can’t wait to see what Lee and Rory can do when the British Superbike Championship gets underway next month!”  

Nigel Snook, FS-3 Racing Kawasaki Team Owner: ‘’Designing the 2021 FS-3 Racing livery presented a particular challenge. How to showcase the radical new aerodynamic shape of the ZX-10RR fairing nose without losing the classic Kawasaki Team Green look which can be traced all the way back to the 1970s. We hope you’ll agree that our predominately green livery with with its black and white highlights will make it easy to spot Lee and Rory out on track. Plus, of course, we’ve included a nod to our team trademark orange for the engine air intake. Naturally, the livery is echoed in the design of the rider’s RST leathers”.

SUZUKI INTRODUCES WHITE HAYABUSA FOR 2022

Suzuki has added a white version of the new Hayabusa to its range for 2022, which joins the existing black and orange and matt silver and red versions launched this year.

With an RRP of £16,499, the third generation of the legendary hyperbike gets Suzuki’s most advanced suite of electronics ever, with 10 lean angle-sensitive traction control modes, lean angle-sensitive ABS, three power modes, a bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control and a speed limiter, and three stages of launch control, all controlled via easy-to-use switchgear and managed through a neat colour TFT display, nestled between two analogue dials reminiscent of the original Hayabusa’s clocks.

A heavily redesigned engine – including new pistons, conrods, crankshaft, and camshaft – specifically aimed at producing enhanced performance in the lower to mid rev ranges making it the fastest-launching Hayabusa yet with more cumulative torque than its predecessor. All this is wrapped in sharper, more angular bodywork that nonetheless is immediately recognisable as Hayabusa, taking heavy design cues from the original.

The new pearl brilliant white Hayabusa, with its chrome trim and subtle metallic matt stellar blue accents, is available in dealerships now.

SUZUKI RANKED TOP AUTOMOTIVE BRAND IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION INDEX

Suzuki has ranked highest in the automotive sector in the most recent UK customer satisfaction index, compiled by the Institute of Customer Service.

Over 45,000 responses were received as part of the survey, and Suzuki not only ranked as the highest automotive brand, but ranked joint third in the overall standings.

Jo Causon, CEO of The Institute of Customer Service, said, “In this challenging period for the automotive industry is it clear that some businesses have managed to maintain services and respond to changes in their customers’ circumstances and needs well. Suzuki’s continued strong showing in the UKCSI is encouraging and the organisations that best support their customers through these times – by reassuring, engaging and providing appropriate advice – will be best placed to thrive as we come out of this crisis.”

Nobuo Suyama, managing director of Suzuki GB, said, “We are very proud of our achievement to be in first position in the automotive sector, particularly in the continued challenging times we all face. Continuing to evolve the Suzuki customer experience remains a core focus for us and the ongoing efforts of our staff and dealers has again really paid off.”