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The 60th running of the famousLe Mans 24 hour Endurance motorcycle race on the weekend of 19 and 20 April notonly witnessed a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR on the podium – and leading the racefor several hours – but also a demonstration of Kawasaki cutting edge hydrogenvehicle technology.
At the invitation of the race organisers ASO (who also oversee the world famous Tour de France cycle race), Kawasaki sent their research prototype HySE motorcycle to Le Mans along with test rider, Matthias Hoeppner.
As one of the motorcycle manufacturer members of HySE (the Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology Association), Kawasaki has developed a machine based on its Ninja supercharged motorcycle platform powered exclusively by hydrogen stored in special tanks at either side of the rear of the machine. With virtually no emissions to speak of (including some harmless water vapour), the HySE machine is a physical sign that the “future fuel” hydrogen can be applied to two wheeled vehicles as well as four.
Witnessed by the huge Le Mans crowd plus Gilles Huttepain, Vice president of ASO and Mathieu Kassovitz, the official starter of the 2025 race, test pilot, Matthias Hoeppner, left the pit lane just 15 minutes before the race itself began and completed a demonstration lap of the 4.13Km track in damp conditions.
For ASO this invitation forms part of a longer H24 strategy focussing on an eventual 24 hour endurance race for electric and hydrogen powered cars. Equally significant for Kawasaki – who now have a retail range that includes gasoline, electric and even hybrid motorcycles – Kawasaki Motors France created a display in the public area of the race track that encouraged visitors across the four days of the event to see a product display and ask staff questions about current and new technologies.
With other hydrogen focused displays including a kids “railroad” and a hydrogen powered generator, the green focus of the event matched perfectly with the HySE group mission to explore the obvious environmental benefits of hydrogen vehicles.
Speaking about his demonstration lap, Matthias Hoeppner said:
“Our research into hydrogen power illustrates well the Kawasaki principles of not only embracing new technologies but also applying practical applications to them. Being one of the test riders I am well used to the HySE machine by now but it still gives me a thrill each time I ride it knowing it is powered exclusively by hydrogen. The demonstration lap was shown live on worldwide television and the huge crowd really appreciated the chance to see an actual working example of hydrogen motive power applied to a motorcycle.”
After a last-minute change of plans, Kawasaki UK is delighted to announce that James Hillier will once again be lining up in green for the two Isle of Man TT Supersport races. Partnering once more with Bournemouth Kawasaki, a team he has had lots of success with throughout his career, he’ll be riding the Ninja ZX-6R he took to fourth and sixth last year.
Despite planning to sit 2025 out, the Bournemouth Kawasaki team will be making a surprise return to the Isle of Man TT next month, running James Hillier in both Supersport races. Campaigning on the proven Ninja ZX-6R, James and the team will be looking to build on their results last year and are setting their sights firmly on a podium finish.
The Bournemouth Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R will be backed by Kawasaki Insurance, which offers specialist and bespoke insurance policies to all riders of any Kawasaki machinery in the UK.
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki Motors UK:
“It was a shame to see what happened to James earlier this month; however, it has presented us with a great opportunity to have another go at getting on that Supersport podium at the Isle of Man TT. James and the team have a huge amount of experience with the bike and attacking the event in general, so we are confident it will be a great two weeks. I would like to thank Kawasaki Insurance for getting on board at this late stage and helping put the team in a position to go full throttle into the two races at the end of this month.”
Pete Extance, Team Owner, Bournemouth Kawasaki:
“2025 started with the idea of having a year out of the TT, but when that changed, we were only too happy to speak with James and put a deal together for him to ride the Bournemouth Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. It didn’t take long for us to agree on a deal with James to return, and we set to work preparing the bike for the TT starting in the last week of May. We firmly believe James and the team have podium potential, and hopefully, that second TT career win that James richly deserves.”
James Hillier:
“After a difficult few days, it was great to secure a ride back with Pete and Bournemouth Kawasaki, especially as it was back with my Kawasaki ZX-6R from last year. We both know what we need to do, and I am sure we will hit the ‘25 TT running. Massive thanks to the team and everyone who has helped get this sorted at such short notice.”
Kawasaki UK is delighted to announce that former British Superbike star and Team Green rider Danny Buchan will remain in the paddock for 2025, becoming an ambassador for the thrilling AJN Steelstock Kawasaki British Superteen series.
Having had a very successful career with Kawasaki, including being crowned National Superstock Champion twice and winning FS-3 Racing team’s first ever Superbike race, Danny has a wealth of knowledge on racing the tricky UK circuits. He will be using all of that experience in 2025 when he works alongside the stars of tomorrow as the official ambassador for the AJN Steelstock Kawasaki British Superteen series.
The Essex based rider will be at all eight rounds of the 2025 Championship, helping every rider in the class to not only hone their race craft on track but also how to approach racing and their motorsports careers off track.
The Superteen class is the perfect representation of the Team Green ethos of giving young riders the best possible platform to springboard their racing careers. As a former Team Green rider, Danny has seen first-hand how it can help, while many of the stars of last year’s Championship have already moved on to bigger classes, including the British Supersport and Sportbike classes as well as the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship.
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki Motors UK:
“We are excited to welcome Danny back to Kawasaki and Team Green this year! We have had a successful and enjoyable relationship with Danny for over a decade and we are pleased that he has agreed to work with us and our Superteen Championship in 2025. We want to give the youngsters in this series the best possible platform to shine, and we believe that alongside the awesome ZX-4RR, having Danny bring his knowledge and experience to these young racers will be the perfect combination. We hope that every rider takes full advantage of this opportunity throughout the season.”
Danny Buchan, Kawasaki Superteen Ambassador:
“Obviously I was excited to get the call up from Kawasaki with this opportunity. I was one of the first Team Green riders back in 2010 and my roots run deep with Kawasaki so helping out today’s young riders with the experience I have gained in all my years of racing was a no brainer. It takes so much effort by everyone involved and I was lucky enough to have some real important figures around me when coming through the ranks, such as Nick Morgan from MSS Performance who helped catapult my career with his knowledge of the sport so I hope I can do the same with these youngsters. Help kickstart their careers and help steer them in the right direction for their years ahead in the sport. I’m looking forward to meeting them all at round one in May.”
With spring finally feeling like it has sprung, Kawasaki UK is excited to announce the return of the Kawasaki Dealer Demo Days. These ever-popular events offer motorcyclists across the UK the opportunity to ride the latest 2025 models.
Friday 23rd May – Coleraine Kawasaki
5B Mountsandel Rd, Coleraine, BT52 1JD
BOOK HERE
Saturday 24th May – Coleraine Kawasaki
5B Mountsandel Rd, Coleraine, BT52 1JD
BOOK HERE
Saturday 31st May – Wigan Kawasaki
5-7 Gathurst Road, Orrell, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN5 8QJ
BOOK HERE
Saturday 7th June – Laguna Performance Centre
Unit 6, St Georges Business Centre, Brunswick Road, Cobbswood Industrial Estate, Ashford, TN23 1EN
BOOK HERE
Sunday 8th June – Bowen Moto
64-76 Luton Road Chatham ME4 5AB
BOOK HERE
Friday 13th June – A&D Motorcycles
Spencer Trading Estate, Denbigh, Wales, LL16 5TQ
BOOK HERE
Sunday 15th June – Bridge Motorcycles Ltd.
Alphin Brook Road, Exeter, EX2 8RG
BOOK HERE
Friday 20th June – Shirlaws Ltd
Wellington Circle, Altens, AB12 3LG
BOOK HERE
Saturday 21st June – Shirlaws Ltd
Wellington Circle, Altens, AB12 3LG
BOOK HERE
Friday 4th July – Corby Kawasaki
Courier Road, Phoenix Parkway, Corby, Northamptonshire, NN17 5BA
Saturday 5th July – Chris Walker Kawasaki
200 Harlaxton Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 7AQ
Saturday 12th July – Fowlers Kawasaki
2-12 Bath Road, Bristol, BS4 3DR
Saturday 19th July – Laguna Motorcycles
Hart Street, Maidstone, South East, ME16 8RA
Saturday 26th July – Alf’s Motorcycles
100 Dominion Road, Worthing BN14 8JP
Sunday 27th July – The Motorbike Shop
149-151 Lynchford Road, Farnborough, Hants, GU14 6HG
Saturday 2nd August – Bill Smith Motors Ltd
Bill Smith Motors Whitchurch Road Chester CH3 6AE
Saturday 9th August – Kawasaki Cornwall
Treviskey, Lanner, Redruth, Cornwall, TR16 6AS
Sunday 10th August – GT Motorcycles
10-12 Elburton Road, Plymouth, PL9 8JQ
Sunday 17th August – Derby Kawasaki
Chapel Row, Borrowash, Derby DE72 3LR
Saturday 23rd August – Kawasaki Newcastle
Unit 2 Eslington Park, Ellison Road, Gateshead, NE8 2QU
Craig Watson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Kawasaki Motors UK:
bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team has announced the renewal of its partnership with Motul, further strengthening the relationship between two premium brands in the FIM Superbike World Championship. This extension marks another milestone in a collaboration built on a shared passion for high performance, technical excellence and innovation, both in competition and on the commercial front.
As a global leader in high-performance lubricants, Motul continues to play a crucial role in optimising the performance and durability of the KB998 Rimini, ensuring that bimota’s cutting-edge engineering is matched by world-class engine oils. The combination of bimota’s high-performance motorcycles and Motul’s advanced lubrication technology represents a perfect synergy, designed to push the limits of racing performance at the highest level.
Beyond the racetrack, this Partnership is also a key pillar of a global strategy under the Kawasaki umbrella, reinforcing the strength and global footprint of combined efforts. With a shared commitment to innovation and quality, Motul is proud to bring added value to a vast dealer network, offering premium products that enhance both reliability and performance for all bimota customers worldwide.
bimota S.p.a. and the bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team looks forward to another exciting chapter with Motul, as they continue a common pursuit of excellence in WorldSBK and beyond in the marketplace.
STATEMENTS:
Guillaume PAILLERET (Motul Chief Business Officer): “Motul is extremely proud to be the partner of bimota. We could not think of a better platform than the WorldSBK to celebrate our business and technical partnership with the Kawasaki group, even more so now that bimota becomes a racing flagship brand to the group. The bimota machines are splendid; we are honoured to be running through their veins, and very much looking forward to be working with the bimota dealers as well as connecting with its fans across the globe”.
Biel Roda (BbKRT Marketing Manager): “bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team is a project driven by cutting-edge technology, blending state-of-the-art Italian design with Japanese engineering excellence. However, it is more than just innovation, it embodies a deep passion for racing and a rich heritage. Motul, with its renowned brand, high-quality products, and the unwavering passion of its management for motorcycles, is the perfect partner for this ambitious project. Motul’s strong commitment extends across both its R&D centre in Japan where it collaborates closely with our colleagues at KMC and its European Motorsport division, working hand in hand with the team and Bimota S.p.A management”.
Pierluigi Marconi (bimota Chief Operating Officer): “displaying the Motul sticker on the Kb998 Rimini is not only a sponsorship agreement, it’s a partnership between two brands who are leader in their market segment. The technical partnership is important to enhance the quality and the performance of both brands. WorldSBK activity is a perfect test bench for bimota and Motul, the products developed with BbKRT and used in the racing garage are the same used by bimota in the Production Dept. For us this is the real task of the work we are doing together because our aim is to supply the best products to our customers”.
Kawasaki UK is proud to announce that it will be supporting the 2025 British Motocross Championship, solidifying its position as one of the leading manufacturers in the motocross scene
Team Green has a rich history in the off-road world and has long supported the series, fielding multiple championship-winning bikes, teams and riders. With the series getting underway on March 30th at Hawkstone Park, visitors will see prominent Kawasaki branding in the programme and around the circuit at all eight rounds of the 2025 series.
For 2025, Dixon Racing Team Kawasaki will be the official Kawasaki entry, with Taylor Hammal riding the KX450 in the MX1 class and Bobby Bruce riding the all-new KX250 in the MX2 class. Kawasaki UK will also be supporting Swedish rider Freddie Bartlett, who will be making his British Championship MX2 debut with the SevenSeven2 Ride Kawasaki team.
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki Motors UK
“We are delighted to be able to support the championship, both race teams, and the championship itself for what promises to be a fantastic 2025 season. Our commitment to the sport reflects our passion for motocross and our dedication to nurturing talent in the UK.”
Paul Irwin, Series Director of the British Motocross Championship
“It’s great to have a manufacturer on board. They have been the first to pledge their support, and we hope more manufacturers will join us. We are truly grateful for Kawasaki’s backing and look forward to getting the series underway.”
With just a few months to go until the start of the 2025 AJN Steelstock Kawasaki British Superteen Championship, the grid is filling up fast, with 24 riders currently confirmed coming from as far afield as Australia, India and Bermuda.
The 2024 season proved an incredible debut year, with the Championship fight coming down to the final race of the year. With the British Superbike Championship regarded as the best domestic series in the world, it attracts hundreds of thousands of viewers from across the globe, and as a regular support class, the AJN Steelstock Kawasaki British Superteen Championship races alongside the blue-riband class at seven rounds, with a one-off event at the British round of the World Superbike Championship.
With the second season getting underway soon, the 2025 grid is filling up fast, and 24 young riders have already signed up to compete on the identical Ninja ZX-4RRs. With a number of riders returning for another year, this year will also see a truly international flavour, with Australian Henry Snell looking to build on his debut season, while newcomers Raheesh Khatri from India and Jeddiah Cumbermack from Bermuda will be looking to impress.
The 2025 grid will also feature two female racers, with Aleisha Layton and Holly Harris looking to emulate the success of Chloe Jones, who finished fourth in 2024 and will move on to the Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship for this season.
Riders interested in joining the ever-growing 2025 AJN Steelstock British Superteen Championship grid can still do so by contacting MSS Performance at info@mssperformance.com
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki Motors UK:
“After a great year of racing in 2024, I’m not surprised we have a huge amount of interest in the series not just from within the UK but from around the world. With the level playing field we have created using identically prepared Ninja ZX-4RR’s, it’s a great proposition for young riders to come to BSB and showcase their talents. We are looking forward to another great year of racing in 2025!”
The Kawasaki Racing Team enters the FIM Motocross World Championship stronger than ever in 2025 as the team will compete in both major classes this year; alongside the rich history of the team in the MXGP class, a new chapter will open as they will also line up in the MX2 class.
Based in Lommel (Belgium), which is considered the ‘heart of European motocross’, the Kawasaki Racing Team has a long experience in racing in the premier off-road series as both the team owner and management have been involved in motorsport for many years.
Former Formula1 world champion Kimi Räikkönen, the team principal who has been passionate about motocross since his childhood, is universally respected in the sport as is team manager Antti Pyrhönen, who successfully contested the motocross world championship for more than a decade before turning to team management twelve years ago.
Working closely with Kawasaki Motors Ltd, the team achieved outstanding results during the last two campaigns as they celebrated twenty-three GP podiums, six GP victories and twelve moto wins in the MXGP class, the pinnacle of off-road racing.
Throughout the winter the team members and Japanese engineers have worked systematically to optimise Kawasaki’s commitment to new FIM technical and environmental rules with continued updates and refinement to the KX-SR factory machines, which themselves are developed from the stock bikes available to customers at the worldwide network of Kawasaki dealerships.
Testing went perfectly in sunny Sardinia throughout January to prepare for the first pre-season races, the first of which is hosted by the Salop Motor Club at Hawkstone Park in England prior to the opening round of the FIM World Championship in Argentina on March 1st/2nd.
It was a busy and intense winter as the team will not only remain committed to success in the MXGP class with Frenchman Romain Febvre – it will be his fourth season with the team – and Latvian Pauls Jonass – a former MX2 world champion – but also extend their portfolio by entering the MX2 class as the official Kawasaki team for the first time with Mathis Valin.
After his victorious campaign in the European EMX250 series during his first season with Kawasaki, French teenager Mathis Valin has been promoted to lead this exciting challenge with the new KX250-SR Kawasaki as KRT seek success in both classes to excite and satisfy the hunger of the lime-green community worldwide.
Mr Manabu Shinobu: Senior Manager – Marketing Department – Marketing & Sales Division – Kawasaki Motors, Ltd.:
“The Kawasaki official entry in both MXGP and MX2 for the 2025 season shows our level of commitment to off-road sport. We hope fans globally share in the success that is being anticipated using the same KX models that fans can purchase as the base for the world championship machines being campaigned.”
Antti Pyrhönen: Team Manager:
“The time we are all working towards is here yet again and the Championship is set to start. I am feeling very calm; our riders have completed an extremely strong winter test program, and the team is in a good place”
Steve Guttridge: Race Planning Manager – Kawasaki Motors Europe:
“The 2025 season lays ahead and both the team and all lime green fans are ready for the gate to drop. Competing officially in both MXGP and MX2 is a huge step forward for our motocross project and we have the riders, staff and machinery in place to make a huge impact.”
Romain Febvre:
“We had perfect conditions to work in Sardinia; I also had a perfect physical training schedule in Spain before Christmas and then again n Sardinia. The Japanese engineers were with us in Sardinia; we had successful testing sessions with them, and I must say that the bike now suits me even better! I feel confident for the season ahead; now I can’t wait to be behind the starting gate to finalise our preparation!”
Pauls Jonass:
“Everything has been going really good so far, good preparation and good testing weeks in Sardinia, it was good to know the bike more and more and work on different things as I have never been riding a Kawasaki before joining the team. It has been great to learn the bike better, to work with the mechanics and everyone in the team before the first races. Of course there is still some work to do, but the season is long. I feel ready to go racing and excited to see how the bike and I react in race conditions.”
Mathis Valin:
“I was welcomed whole-heartedly by the team and I immediately felt comfortable with the team members and the bike. We worked a lot this winter with the team. I also worked hard physically, and I feel ready for the new season; I’m happy to be back racing soon to face the challenges ahead.”
The MCN London Motorcycle Show kicks off next month, and Kawasaki will be heading to the Capital with its latest range of 2025 machines, including the all-new Versys 1100, Ninja 1100SX SE and Z900. A new addition to the stand will be a dedicated area showcasing the bimota KB4, and all-new Tera and KB998 Rimini.
As the first big two-wheel event of the year, the MCN London Motorcycle Show sees thousands of bikers descend on the Capital, and Kawasaki will once again be in attendance throughout the three days with its entire 2025 range. This includes the three latest models, the Versys 1100, Ninja 1100SX SE and Z900, as well as lower capacity machines ideal for the urban environment, such as the Z125, Ninja 500, Eliminator 500 and both our electric and hybrid range.
Alongside the latest machines, the Kawasaki stand will also feature the newly named AJN Steelstock Kawasaki ZX-10RR British Superbike alongside the 2025 Kawasaki British Superteen Ninja ZX-4RR. Visitors attending the show will also be able to see the Kawasaki Ninja H2R and an original Z1 as part of MCN’s 70th birthday celebrations as they look back at the most iconic bikes of the last seven decades.
The London show will also see an exciting debut on the Kawasaki stand, with a dedicated area showcasing the 2025 bimota range. This new section will allow visitors to get up close and personal with three special models, the retro-inspired KB4, the supercharged Tera, and WSB Homologation Special the KB998 Rimini. For 2025, Kawasaki will be creating a small network of bimota dealers through which customers can purchase the bimota products.
In addition to all of the new metal on display, Kawasaki will also be supporting the “Live Action with Bridgestone” arena. This free show will see a host of British Superbike and Isle of Man TT stars past and present going head to head on the Kawasaki KLX140 in what is sure to be a bar-bashing, adrenaline-fueled display for the whole family to enjoy!
As always, all Club Kawasaki members are welcome to join Kawasaki UK for a free coffee in the VIP members area on the stand.
After a hugely successful debut season, which saw some of the most thrilling racing of the year, the Kawasaki British Superteen Championship is returning for 2025, and Kawasaki UK is proud to welcome AJN Steelstock as the new title sponsor.
Coming down to the very last lap of the last race of the year, the 2024 Kawasaki British Superteen Championship proved to be one of the most exciting race series in the entire British Superbike paddock. Kawasaki UK is excited to announce the series will be returning in 2025, giving the stars of tomorrow a platform to showcase their talent.
With riders again running identically prepared Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR machines, Kawasaki UK is proud to announce that AJN Steelstock will become the title sponsor for the season. Already a prominent figure within the paddock, this new sponsorship further strengthens AJN Steelstock’s ties with Kawasaki, having been announced as the title sponsor of the official Superbike team yesterday.
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department:
“Year one of the Superteen series was amazing, no question. With close battles at every round and a grid full of youngsters eager to prove themselves on identical machinery it was of course an easy decision to go again for a second year. We are delighted to have Alan and his team at AJN Steelstock join us for 2025 as we collectively hunt for the next superstar of the future! We would like to thank Alan for his support, and we can now move into next season confident of another eight rounds of bar-banging action!”
Alan Boyden, Joint Managing Director, AJN Steelstock:
“AJN has been involved in motorsport sponsorship, particularly motorcycle racing, for several years now and we’ve helped support some fantastic riders and teams over that time.
We have an amazing British Superbikes line-up next year, but we’re really excited to be supporting the 2025 Kawasaki British Superteen Championship. For us, all our sponsorships have been born out of the idea of helping talented individuals and giving them a chance to achieve their goals and dreams.
The Kawasaki British Superteen Championship echoes that philosophy by introducing young riders to the national circuit and laying the foundations for a potential career as future Superbike championship riders.”
After several seasons of nurturing the next generation of talent, the ROKiT Rookies Kawasaki team is stepping up to take on the mantle of the official Kawasaki Supersport team for 2025.
Having had a strong representation across the support classes in the British Superbike paddock, the ROKiT Rookies Kawasaki team is the epitome of the Team Green philosophy, giving young riders the opportunity to develop in a professional and dedicated environment. This ethos has already led to success, with the team winning the Junior Supersport title and, most recently, the inaugural Kawasaki British Superteen title.
For 2025, the team will become the official Kawasaki representation in the competitive Supersport class. The team will be fielding Cameron Dawson, who is well-versed with the Ninja ZX-6R, having raced it in 2024. A second Supersport rider will be confirmed shortly.
In the Supersport Cup class, 2024 Kawasaki British Superteen Champion Kalvin Kelly will be campaigning the Ninja ZX-6R for the first time.
Leon Haslam: Team Owner of ROKiT Rookies Kawasaki
“The ROKiT Rookies Kawasaki team have done really well over the past few years, especially with finishing first and second in the Superteen series this year. So now to get the official status for Supersport with Kawasaki UK is amazing. I’m really pleased to be able to give Kalvin the chance to step up to Supersport after winning the title last year, and am looking forward to seeing how he adapts. I’m also happy to welcome Cameron to the team, who has been part of the Kawasaki umbrella for a number of years. We have done a lot of development of the ZX-6R this year and now with its eligibility to race in the World Supersport Championship, I’m excited for 2025.”
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki Motors UK:
“We are excited to promote the ROKiT Rookies Kawasaki team to official Supersport status for 2025. Over the years, the academy team have grown bigger and stronger and has achieved a lot of success! We believe that with a strong rider lineup and the Next Generation Ninja ZX-6R that they will be strong contenders for even more success next season!”
Fresh from announcing AJN Steelstock as its title sponsor for the 2025 season, FS-3 Racing and Kawasaki UK are excited to announce Christian Iddon and Max Cook as the riders. A regular race winner and podium finisher, Iddon brings a wealth of experience to the squad, while Cook will be looking to become an established front-runner as he enters his third season.
No stranger to the Ninja ZX-10RR, Max Cook remains with the team for a third consecutive season. Having made the big jump up to Superbikes in 2021, the youngster has impressed everyone with his pace, claiming his maiden podium earlier this year. With a strong finish to the 2024 season, Cook is now ready to make the step up to consistently challenge for podiums throughout 2025.
Max Cook
“The 2024 season was a big learning curve for me, and there were many high points during the year, including achieving my first BSB pole position and podium finish. I know the areas for improvement to come from me in 2025 so I can become an established front-runner. A strong finish to the 2024 season has given me a big boost in confidence and shown me what the ZX-10RR is really capable of. I’m really looking forward to having a strong and consistent season, and thank you, AJN Steelstock Kawasaki, for giving me the opportunity.”
Christian Iddon
“I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the very impressive team workshop and been welcomed with open arms by the team and Kawasaki. After spending four of the last five years on another manufacturer’s bikes, I know there will be a bit of adaptation to make, but once I am able to get on the team’s ZX-10RR superbike, I plan to start making the changes necessary for me to get the best out of the bike. Kawasaki has achieved considerable success over the years in BSB, and my own expectations are very high, so I’m just excited for 2025 to hurry up so we can get down to business.’’
Nigel Snook, AJN Steelstock Kawasaki Team Owner
“We are delighted to confirm that AJN Steelstock will be extending its support for the team, stepping up to be our title sponsor as we continue to represent Kawasaki in the series. We are confident that the AJN Steelstock Kawasaki superbikes will have a big impact on the championship. We have a strong rider lineup as established front-runner Christian Iddon joins us alongside Max Cook, our talented youngster.”
Already a valued partner of the FS-3 Racing Kawasaki British Superbike Team, AJN Steelstock will be stepping up to become the title sponsor for the team, who will be announcing their 2025 rider lineup on the Kawasaki stand at Motorcycle Live tomorrow.
The 2025 rider lineup will be announced live on the Kawasaki stand at Motorcycle Live tomorrow at 12:30 while the covers will be pulled off the new-look livery at 2.30pm.
Nigel Snook, FS-3 Racing Team Owner:
“With FS-3 Racing preparing to enter its tenth season in the British Superbike Championship, we are delighted to be able to confirm that AJN Steelstock will be extending its support for the team, stepping up to be our title sponsor as we continue to represent Kawasaki in the series.
Alan Boyden, Managing Director at AJN Steelstock: “The team achieved some memorable results last year with Jason and Max showcasing the best of British Superbikes and treating fans to some fantastic races and battles at the front of the pack.“Everyone involved is keen to build on the successes of last season and we’re delighted to have strengthened our relationship with FS-3 Racing and Kawasaki for the 2025 campaign. We’re sure it’s going to be another exciting one.”
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki Motors UK:
“Alan and the team at AJN Steelstock are huge fans of motorcycling and British Superbikes in particular. This makes them the perfect partner not just for FS-3 Racing but also for Kawasaki UK. We look forward to working with them next season and hopefully celebrating many successes throughout the year!”
Inheriting the exciting and rider-friendly concept of its predecessors, the new Z900 benefits from chassis and engine updates that contribute to even greater street-riding fun. An enhanced electronic rider support package includes IMU feedback and Kawasaki’s latest dual-direction KQS (operating from as low as 1500rpm), plus when it’s time to get from point A to point B, ride-enhancing features like electronic cruise control and Kawasaki’s first “turn-by-turn” navigation system help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Kawasaki could be forgiven for resting on their laurels in respect of the Z900, but in fact the energy expended by the Akashi factory for 2025 is considerable. A ramped up sugomi * design catches the eye with sharp, edgy styling that makes effective use of metal parts as it hints at the sharp sugomi performance within.
In terms of motive power, the powerful 948 cm3 liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-line Four engine has a quick-revving character and a stronger mid-range hit allied to precise control from the new electronic throttle valves while Kawasaki’s highly sophisticated electronic management systems feature an IMU to oversee a variety of functions. And to slow the go show, the new front brakes now feature new radial-mount 4-piston calipers offering a linear brake touch through the new Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tyres.
A major part of a sharper-looking innovative front end is the new precise and compact headlights, plus an advanced LED taillight. New brushed aluminium side shrouds and other accents give the Z900 a high-quality, metallic look while the new, more comfortable seat is flatter to allow the rider to shift around easily and maintain attention on the large 5” all-digital TFT colour instrumentation plus the convenience of electronic cruise control as standard.
In a Kawasaki first, turn-by-turn navigation can be displayed on the instrument panel, allowing the rider to see where the next turn should be made, while compatibility with Rideology The App Motorcycle allows the rider to control various functions by voice command**.
That is not all though. In fact, the list of new features on the 2025 stretches into the distance and includes updated camshaft profiles contributing to improved fuel economy plus increased torque at lower rpm and new ECU settings aiding a 16% potential increase in fuel economy plus reduced CO2 emissions over the previous model. Kawasaki’s KTRC traction control also features as well as selectable power modes and integrated riding modes.
For the rider, the front seat shape has been updated with thicker urethane and two seat heights are possible*** via the ERGO-FIT High seat at 830mm and an alternative ERGO-FIT Low seat at 810 mm. And forward of the seated rider, the aluminium fat-type handlebar offer an improved rigidity and imbues a sense of pride and purpose.
Sugomi is not just about the face of the new Z900. The advanced LED taillight features a light guiding design creating a cutting-edge, 3D appearance while practically, a cockpit area USB Type-C outlet (standard equipment on the SE model) offers a discreet and convenient charging point.
In addition to the standard Z900, the Special Edition model features higher-grade suspension (including an Öhlins rear shock), Brembo front brake components, and special colour and graphics while the European market will also feature 70 kW and 35 kW models offering A2 European licence compliant access to Z Supernaked excitement for a wider range of riders.
Z fans across Europe have been hungry for a new iteration – so let the feast begin!
Z900 colours:
Metallic Moondust Grey / Metallic Spark Black / Candy Lime Green
Metallic Spark Black / Metallic Carbon Grey / Ebony
Metallic Carbon Grey / Metallic Phantom Silver / Candy Persimmon Red
Z900SE Colour:
Metallic Matt Graphite Grey / Ebony / Metallic Graphite Grey(SE model is not available in a 70Kw version)
*Sugomi describes core performance and styling elements found in Kawasaki’s Z Supernaked models.
**Voice command and navigation functions will be available only to users who have a licence. Support for these functions varies depending on the country
***The standard seat height in Europe is 830mm
In a three-year deal stretching from 2025 to 2027, Kawasaki will provide the official motorcycle for the prestigious and historic race as well as an impressive list of other events totalling twenty-two races in all.
Choosing a fleet of forty-five examples of the new 2025 Versys 1100 as the nominated machine for the initial year of the partnership, Kawasaki is re-energising a relationship with the world’s most famous cycling race that stretches back to the mid-1980’s and previously featured such key Kawasaki machines as the GTR1000 and, more recently, the 1400GTR.
With a combination of all day comfort plus increased power and torque for the 2025 sales season, the Versys 1100 will fulfil a number of essential roles in terms of organising and controlling the races such as road opening and key event support functions across the Tour de France and other European events including the iconic Paris-Roubaix, La Flèche Wallonne, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and La Vuelta. Across the first year of the agreement each machine is expected to cover an average of 20,000 km.
Identified as a “Destination: Everywhere” motorcycle, the Versys 1100 represents the pinnacle of Kawasaki’s any-roads philosophy combining all-day comfort, performance and state-of-the-art technology including rider to motorcycle voice command interaction.
Speaking of the partnership, Kawasaki Motors Europe President, Shigemi Tanaka, expressed the company’s delight at rekindling an historic partnership.
“Kawasaki has traditionally been associated with the colour green and this aligns perfectly with our drive towards carbon neutral clean, green energy, alternative fuels and cutting-edge innovations across the spectrum of new transport solutions plus further innovations within the scope of traditional internal combustion engine technology.
The Tour de France – plus these twenty-one other incredible events we will be part of – represent a global showcase for human endeavour and extracting the maximum performance from rider and machine in an ecologically responsible environment. This aligns perfectly with our passionate approach to our products, and we are proud to re-ignite our relationship with world class cycling adding a further showcase for the exposure of our products and brand ideals.”
The 22 events that Kawasaki will be the official motorcycle for comprise: