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 rburridge@kawasaki.co.uk.
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”.
The school has an array of dates across the summer, taking in some of the most famous circuits in the UK, including Brands Hatch, Donington Park and Cadwell Park. Each day will see customers able to take part in expert tuition sessions, from novice trackday riders to experienced circuit riders. The knowledgeable team at CSS have designed each level to specifically help riders improve their confidence and techniques both on track and on the road.
Constantly evolving, the school has developed techniques to help prepare riders physically and mentally to shave seconds off their lap times, whilst giving them the awareness to avoid costly mistakes. Riders of all abilities have benefitted from the stepped ‘levels’ including National road racers looking to fine tune their skills.
The addition of the California Superbike School track training helps to further enhance Kawasaki’s offering of ‘Experiences’ to its customers. With a number of off-road partners already, this new opportunity allows Kawasaki fans to truly enhance their skills, both on dirt and on track.
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki UK: “When it comes to trackday tuition, the California Superbike School really is the pinnacle, so it is fantastic to be able to partner with them for 2021. Their passion and knowledge is second to none, and our Ninja 650, Z900 and Ninja ZX-10R machines are perfect to help riders of all experience levels enhance their track skills.
We are confident that every customer will be able to enjoy the benefits of the Kawasaki range and the 2021 calendar has an incredible option of circuits to choose from, so we can’t wait to see customers out enjoying themselves!”
Gary Adshead, Chief Riding Coach California Superbike School UK: “We are immensely proud to be working with Kawasaki UK, it is a real privilege to work with an equally driven and committed team of professionals. Our coaches are thrilled with the news that they will be operating on a Kawasaki platform to demonstrate our world-famous riding technology. We literally cannot wait for our valued customers to see and experience the stunning green machines at their fullest potential!”
Launching confidently into the 2022 season, Kawasaki will offer eight off-road machines across a range of sizes and disciplines from first two-wheeler and junior MX machines all the way to MX2 and MXGP class machines plus two enduro/trail specified mounts.
Entry point into the addictive world of off-road riding remains covered with the compact four stroke KLX110 with its semi-auto gearbox, kick and electric start systems plus tutor friendly adjustable throttle stop. For those seeking their very first taste of competition, the KX65 provides a sturdy, easy to maintain and thoroughly competitive place in the Kawasaki pack with the venerable KX85 on the near horizon as “next bike” for many young and fast-growing riders.
Both the KX85 small wheel and big wheel models benefited recently from upgrades chief amongst which are redesigned radiator shrouds creating a distinct synergy with adult KX models delivering increased cooling air flow to the radiator of the water-cooled two-stroke paddock favourite.
Moving up the range, there are two quarter litre offerings, one the KX250X enduro/trail machine with its refocussed suspension settings, bash plate, electric start and side stand that benefits greatly from its MX sibling, the KX250.
Inheriting much of its advanced specification from its larger capacity stablemate, the KX250 has a KX450 type frame and swinging arm, the same hydraulic clutch set up as the 450 and the useful integration of Ninja superbike technology thanks to finger followers in the valve train allowing more consistent high rev performance and an increased lift capacity for the camshafts.
At the top of the capacity scale, the green team will offer an impressive two machine range in 2022 with the KX450X and KX450. Offering an enduro/trail targeted machine in the KX450X and the race and championship winning potential of the awesome KX450, the complete eight model 2022 range has both breadth and depth and is sure to strike a chord with fans young and old, those new to the sport or engrossed in motocross: plus those obsessed with enduro and trail riding for weekend fun or full-on competition.
The KX65, KLX110, KX450 and KX450X will be arriving in the UK from June. The KX250X will be available in July, followed by the KX250 in August and the KX85 in October.
Full pricing is as below:
KX65 – £3,099KX85 / KX85 II – £4,049 / £4,149KLX110 – £2,349KX250 – £7,699KX450 – £7,999KX250X – £7,799KX450X – £8,199
If you have purchased a new Kawasaki motorcycle, you have free access to Club Kawasaki membership with exclusive discounts, news, events and more. You must activate your account within 12 months to gain access for free.
What is Club Kawasaki?
A place for Kawasaki owners, riders & fans to enjoy exclusive events, news, discounts, and content together. You’ll gain instant access to the Club Kawasaki website where you’ll find…
- Your Digital Service History
- A forum to chat to likeminded Kawasaki fans
- Member only discounts on Kawasaki Clothing & Accessories
- Our carefully selected Kawasaki Experience partners
- National Shows, Racing & Local Events organised by local Ambassadors
- Regular news & updates via email
- Four magazines per year – two printed & two digital
How does it work?
You’ll need your membership number to activate your account. When you bought your new Kawasaki, you would have received your Club Kawasaki welcome email which includes your membership number. If you do not have this information and you need it re-sent to you, please email your bike registration number to club@kawasaki.co.uk.
Club Kawasaki welcomes all Kawasaki fans, riders & enthusiasts so if you haven't purchased a new Kawasaki and would like to join, you can sign up for £29.95 for 12 months membership.
After a fantastic inaugural season, the team will be looking to build on their Championship winning success when the season gets underway at Oulton Park on May 1st.
Team Manager John Laverty said, “It’s been great to be involved with the Affinity Sports Academy, helping to develop young talent and seeing it all come together last year and win a Championship in our first season was brilliant! Working in conjunction with Team Green, the team has provided Owen with a fully paid ride in Junior Superstock in 2021 as a reward for his achievements. We are hoping for more success next season with our very strong, extended rider line up. I can’t wait!”
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki UK, added, “The Affinity Sports Academy have proved themselves as an accomplished and committed team right from the word go, so to be able to work with them again in 2021 is great for Team Green. It’s well documented that we want to see riders progress with Kawasaki throughout their careers, so seeing Owen get this great chance on the ZX-6R supported by the team is encouraging to see. He is surrounded by seven other riders, all hoping to achieve similar, so I think it’s going to be an exciting year ahead!”
With over 40 years of KX heritage, Kawasaki now delivers an unrivaled expert category machine with a stronger engine mounted in the leanest chassis to date.
Kawasaki’s racing pedigree extends far beyond WorldSBK, BSB and the Isle of Man TT and includes all manner of motocross and dirt races. The KX450 is the latest addition to the accomplished family of Kawasaki off-road machines.
With its factory style components and tuning – including the adoption of a new finger follower valve actuation system – the new engine of the KX450 is now even more powerful. Small mistakes and sudden stalls do not matter as the electric start will make sure you can quickly get restarted and fight your way back to the front of the pack and with the convenience of launch control letting you focus on the holeshot.
The machine now features a new hydraulic clutch offering more direct feel and a light lever action. For those who want to upgrade their riding experience, the KX450 offers the KX FI Calibration accessory kit, allowing riders to go deeper into detail and fully customise engine maps. To increase performance even further, the newest addition to the KX family is trimmed of all unnecessary material and features an improved lightweight aluminium perimeter frame.
In addition to the powerful engine and slim chassis, increased front and rear traction makes sure the power is delivered to the ground controllably and efficiently. Additionally, a Showa inverted front fork delivers smooth action, while the new brakes ensure great stopping power when needed.
The all-new bodywork not only makes the bike look more compact, it also facilitates increased rider movement while the riding position can be tailored to personal preferences due to simple and effective adjustable handlebar and footpeg positions.
The KX450 stands proud and will undoubtedly deliver more victories across the world this season with its powerful engine, leanest chassis to date, and myriad innovative features.
Further innovations for KX250F in 2018, and new C&G for 2018 KX range
Kawasaki has just unveiled its eagerly awaited 2018 model year MX2 class racing machine with a host of changes for the coming season, and it’s the most technically advanced yet.
Revisions to the front fork components and settings are joined by adjustments at the rear for better all-round bump absorption and suspension action.And action is certainly at the top of the agenda in terms of engine updates. With reduced lap times as the ultimate goal – as well as more emphasis on holeshot acceleration out of the start gate – the new KX250F sees changes to the fuel injection function, the engineering of the inlet area and a new approach to the exhaust system.
Along with revised Fi settings, the fuel pump pressure is increased for the new season and the injector mounting angle is shallower. In terms of the inlet tract itself, this is reshaped and there is a shorter intake funnel. To complete the picture, the inlet timing is now slightly more advanced than previous models. This matched to a lower compression ratio at 13.4:1 and creates more power and torque over the current machine. Contributing to the dual benefits of extra power and torque is a re-shaped exhaust that is both longer and wider as it exits the cylinder head and travels towards the silencer. The result? Better bottom end and mid-range, improved power feeling across the entire rev range and smoother power engagement effectively making the high RPM range even easier to use.
Focussing on the holeshot advantage, smooth, easy power and torque plus innovative upgrades, the new 2018 KX250F boldly starts as it means to go on, as quarter litre first choice in MX.
Also updated for 2018, the entire range of Kawasaki competition off-roaders receive a graphic update, from the kids favourite KX65 all the way to the electric start KLX450R Enduro.As the ideal “first ever MX machine”, the KX65 has a new graphic upgrade for the coming season alongside the KLX110 which has proved to be an ideal machine on which to acquire off-road skills under the tutelage of an experienced adult before riding free.
Both the KX85 small wheel and big wheel get the same graphic refresh meaning that – along with the adult racer KX250F and KX450F, the 2018 off-road range is sure to make lime green fans sit up and notice.
