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Chequered Flag For Gearlink Kawasaki
At the end of this season, British Superbike paddock stalwarts Gearlink Kawasaki will take their final chequered flag as Team Owner Michael de Bidaph enjoys a well-deserved retirement. Having been competing for nearly two decades, the iconic green and orange machines have powered multiple riders to victories and podiums, and Kawasaki UK would like to thank Michael, Norma, and the entire team for their dedication and commitment.
First starting out in racing back in 2004 as a sponsor of a young James Hillier, Gearlink was officially formed the following year as Michael, his wife Norma, James and his dad entered the Supersport Cup. Claiming several Cup podiums that year, James and the team remained together for several more seasons enjoying strong success.
In 2008, Gearlink became the official Kawasaki UK British Supersport team, where they would go on to achieve incredible results for Team Green. While they never quite managed to secure the elusive title, the team came close on several occasions, most notably in 2011 when Ben Wilson missed out on being crowned Champion by just one point. The team also finished runner-up in 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2023, cementing their success with multiple riders. Even earlier this season, Gearlink showed just how highly regarded they are when World Supersport rider Can Öncü rode for them at Donington Park, taking victory and second place.
Of course, it wasn’t just in the Supersport class where Gearlink shone. The team were regular points scorers in the prestige British Superbike class during their tenure in the premier class, while wins and podiums came aplenty at the North West 200. The most notable of these came in 2016 when the Gearlink Ninja ZX-6R powered Alastair Seeley to victory in the Supersport class, seeing him named the most successful rider around the ‘Triangle’ in the process.
As the team prepares for its final few races, Kawasaki UK would like to say a massive congratulations and heartfelt thank you for everything the Gearlink Kawasaki team has achieved.
Michael de Bidaph, Gearlink Kawasaki Team Owner
“It would be fitting to say that this is the end of an era that started in 2004. My darling Norma and I part sponsored James Hillier that year and at the end of that season decided to set up our own team. In 2005 we competed in the Supersport cup series with James, his dad, a Transit van and a small camper for the two of us. Throughout the past twenty years we have had highs and lows with many race wins by different riders and have thoroughly enjoyed life in the paddock making many friends along the way.
I must admit that we never set out to achieve such success ending up with an Arctic, a forty-foot Motorhome, several race bikes and numerous race equipment but I think our deep passion for this wonderful sport has been a contributing factor towards this feat.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our dear friends Ben & Louise Wilson for doing such a great job in running the team over the past few years, Ross Burridge at Kawasaki UK, Stuart Higgs and the MSVR staff and all of our sponsors especially product suppliers as without them none of this would have been possible”
Ben Wilson, Gearlink Kawasaki Team Manager
“Gearlink Kawasaki has been a massive part of my life and really has moulded me into the person I am today. I’ve had some big highs and equally some big lows, chased championships and had the privilege of standing on the podium many times in the iconic green and orange livery. The past few years of running the team have been an honour and a privilege, and we have enjoyed much success along the way. We never quite managed a Championship title, but we came pretty close! This is the end of an era now, and it will leave a huge hole in mine and my family’s life, but the time feels right now to make this Gearlink’s last season”
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department:
“Wow, what can I say? This truly is an end of an era with Kawasaki UK working with Gearlink for so many years. Michael, Norma, Ben and Lou have always been some of the most professional, enthusiastic and dedicated people we have had the pleasure of working with and they will be sorely missed from the paddock. That green and orange livery is synonymous with the Supersport class and visions of Michael and Norma hanging over the pit wall celebrating their many race wins will stay with us forever. It’s criminal that they never won that elusive Supersport title, but we all collectively had a lot of fun trying to achieve it along the way. We wish them all the very best.”
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Carl Cox Tours On The Kawasaki Hybrid Ahead Of Hybrid Tour
Ahead of his return to the Capital next month for his all-new Hybrid Set, which blends his traditional DJ show with live electronic music, legendary DJ and Producer Carl Cox teamed up with Kawasaki to try the all-new Z 7 Hybrid.
A lifelong biker, Carl has always had a passion for two wheels and is a big supporter of multiple racers and race teams via his Carl Cox Motorsport outfit. Currently in the midst of a busy summer of gigs and festivals in the northern hemisphere, the electronic music pioneer has shaken up his show for 2024 with the introduction of the Hybrid Set, a unique show that combines traditional DJing with live electronic music created on stage.
In synergy, 2024 has seen Kawasaki shakeup the world of two wheels with the introduction of the world’s first strong hybrid machines, the Z 7 Hybrid and Ninja 7 Hybrid. Equipped with a 451cc parallel twin, water-cooled four-stroke engine, and a traction motor plus battery; a futuristic combination that offers a number of new riding experiences plus an engine power of 43.5 kw rising to an impressive hybrid net power of 51.1kw thanks to “e-boost”. This means the innovative new bike offers a new riding experience, providing the acceleration of a 1,000cc-class supersport model with fuel economy on par with the 250cc class.
No stranger to Kawasaki machinery, owning a 1974 Z900 and H2, Carl was eager to try the latest technology on a recent break in his tour schedule. Experiencing all four seasons in the day, Carl said:
“I’ve just ridden the amazing Z 7 Hybrid. As anyone who knows me knows, I love motorcycles, so it was great to try this new bike. The boost button gives it a real kick, and the bike felt super planted. I had to do a bit of a turnaround at one point on a tricky camber and the reverse feature is something you didn’t know you needed until you have it!
I’ve been playing my Hybrid sets for a while now with the concept being mixing existing tracks and making new music at the same time, so with this in mind I thought it was time to try the world’s first Hybrid from Kawasaki and I glad I did!”
Visitors to his show in London next month may well spot the Z 7 Hybrid up close, as Carl will be bringing it to the iconic Camden Roundhouse, on September 8th.
Kawasaki and JD Stunts Set New Guinness World Record
This weekend, stunt rider Jonny Davies, AKA JD Stunts, set a new Guinness World Record for being the fastest person to be dragged behind a motorcycle. Using the supercharged Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX, he recorded an incredible 159.52mph, breaking the 25-year-old existing record.
Taking place at Elvington Airfield as part of the 2024 Ultimate Supercar Event, JD Stunts wowed the crowds with his incredible feat. Already a two-time Guinness World Record holder, late last year, Jonny set his sights on breaking the record for the fastest speed dragged behind a motorcycle, which was previously set by Gary Rothwell in 1999.
After speaking with Kawasaki at Motorcycle Live last year, it was clear the supercharged Ninja H2 SX would be the perfect machine for accelerating hard in the short distance available while maintaining stability. The bike remained completely stock, apart from a specially fitted secondary throttle at the rear of the machine that would allow Jonny to continue accelerating while skiing behind.
Having had several practice runs over the summer, all eyes were on JD on Sunday, August 18th to see if he could break the long-standing record. With two official attempts, the County Durham rider fell just 2mph short on his first run before setting a new Guinness World Record of 159.52mph on his second.
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department:
“As soon as Jonny came to see us at Motorcycle Live last year and explained what he wanted to do, we were hooked! We discussed a couple of different bikes in our range, but the Ninja H2 SX was by far the best tool for the job. His dedication and attention to detail are unrivalled, and we are so pleased to see Jonny break the record! It was a nerve-wracking experience watching the attempt, but it was fantastic to witness the achievement along with a huge supportive crowd!”
Jonny Davies:
“One word to sum up my feelings after breaking the world record… overwhelmed! It was brilliant to see so many people turn out to support the attempt on the day.
It has been amazing having the support from Kawasaki UK, putting their trust in me at the very beginning of the project, supplying a specially adapted Ninja H2SX, which was the perfect tool for the job. The bike passed the ultimate stability test of 159.522mph with no rider and pulled like a train even with me getting dragged along the floor behind it!
Now for what’s next…”
All change for many 2025 Z series colourways
Bikes from Kawasaki’s perennially popular Z series will be represented in 2025 with just a select few colours carried forward from 2024 and the majority of others being brand new.
Remaining in this year’s hue, the powerful, supercharged Hypernaked Z H2 SE continues to be available in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Mirror Coated Black while the standard model will arrive as an Emerald Blazed Green/Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Diablo Black machine.
In terms of the Z650, two new colour options are being released in the guise of Metallic Spark Black/Red and Metallic Spark Black/Green.
The globally successful RS range flexes its muscles once more in 2025 with three new options for the Z650RS and the same number of possibilities within the Z900RS offering.
Making a bold statement on city streets next year, the Z650RS is being offered as either Ebony, Ebony/Green or Ebony/Yellow for 2025; but that hardly tells the full story with the Ebony/Green version evoking memories of the famous Z1 graphic scheme and the Ebony/Yellow iteration conjuring up images of the later, legendary Z1B.
Looking longingly at the past – while being firmly of its time – the Z900RS will appear in Metallic Diablo Black plus an Ino Red offering – again conjuring up fond memories of past famous Z models – while the ever popular SE model will appear in a Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Matte Carbon Gray livery.
For 2025, colours change and evolve while the core spirit of Z continues to delight and inspire and will be available in dealers from the below dates, with prices TBC nearer the time.
- Z H2 SE – April 2025
- Z650 – October 2024
- Z650RS – January 2025
- Z900RS – November 2024
- Z900RS SE – February 2025
Ten new Ninja colourways for 2025
With only two current colour schemes carried into 2025, there are a host of new colour options in the Ninja range within Europe for the coming season.
Retained is the Metallic Graphite Gray/Metallic Diablo Black Ninja ZX-10R option alongside a lime Green/Ebony/Pearl Blizzard White while the formerly Lime Green Ninja ZX-10RR will soon be offered in a Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray colourway. Both colour options for the Ninja ZX-6R in 2025 are new with customers able to specify either Lime Green/Ebony/Pearl Blizzard White or Ebony/Metallic Flat Spark Black. The Ninja ZX-4RR is also available in Lime Green/Ebony/Pearl Blizzard White.
The final three new Ninja colours for 2025 adorn the Ninja 650 twin with black, green and gray represented. Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black will be the darkest option sitting alongside Lime Green/Pearl Blizzard White and, finally, Metallic Matte Carbon Gray/Flat Ebony.
With the majority of machines appearing with new colour options alongside the traditional appeal of the Ninja family, 2025 looks set to be yet another standout season of choice for Kawasaki sport bike enthusiasts.
The bikes will be available in dealers from the below dates, with prices TBC nearer the time.
- Ninja ZX-10R – December 2024
- Ninja ZX-10RR – December 2024
- Ninja ZX-6R – September 2024
- Ninja ZX-4RR – September 2024
- Ninja 650 – January 2025
New 2025 colours for Versys and Vulcan twins
The popular Versys 650 adventure tourer and much-loved Vulcan S are both set for a colour refresh for the 2025 sales season.
Known since its debut as an adaptable “any-roads” machine, the agile Versys 650 will again be offered by Kawasaki dealers for the coming season in a number of options from Standard all the way to Grand Tourer complete with a suite of luggage making this a bike of choice in the mid-weight adventure touring segment. Continuing to be offered in black, the two new 2025 colours will be Pearl Robotic White/Metallic Spark Black and Metallic Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Spark Black.
Sharing the same highly praised 649cm3 water-cooled, parallel-twin powerplant as its touring sibling – yet retuned and refocused for the needs of a cruiser rider – the Vulcan S has single-mindedly carved itself a niche in the mid-weight custom class with its blend of sinuous styling and clever, practical features. Adjustable footpegs and Kawasaki’s Ergo-Fit seating and control options allow riders to fine tune the Vulcan S according to their height and preference, while the tubular style chassis features a laydown single-shock rear suspension equipped with a linkage to enable a longer stroke for increased ride comfort.
Carrying the current highly demanded Metallic Flat Spark Black colourway into 2025, the new colour option for Vulcan S will be a subtle take on the same theme encompassing Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Flat Raw Graystone.
Adventure tour or custom cruising, both the Versys 650 and Vulcan S will be ready to meet the needs of enthusiasts once more in 2025… and ready to fuel their riding passion.
The Versys 650 will be available in dealers from January 2025 and the Vulcan S from October 2024, with prices TBC nearer the time.
Two models and three colour options for 2025 Eliminator
A relatively recent and welcome addition to the Kawasaki range, the Eliminator 500 will continue to be available in two model specifications in 2025 with potential owners being able to select from three new colour ways.
Based around the concept of “Just Ride”, and equipped with Kawasaki’s new parallel-twin, four-stroke mid-capacity engine (that has also been tuned for its role in the new Z and Ninja 500 models), the Eliminator 500 displays long, low drag strip and urban street styling within an easy to ride A2 licence friendly package.
With huge interest in the mid-capacity or so-called “entry level” segment, competition is fierce, so Kawasaki is offering three all new colours for 2025 to underpin the impact and appeal of the Eliminator.
For the standard model two colourways will be on offer for the coming season, Metallic Flat Spark Black or Pearl Robotic White, while the range-leading SE model will be offered in Metallic Carbon Gray/Flat Ebony.
For 2025 Eliminator 500 owners the narrative is simple, just pick a colour and then “Just Ride”.
The bike will arrive in dealers in October 2024, with prices TBC.
Take Advantage of Kawasaki’s Summer Blast!
Take Advantage of Kawasaki’s Summer Blast!
This summer, Kawasaki is offering riders a fantastic opportunity to save money on the purchase of their new machine thanks to the Summer Blast promotion! This includes a host of attractive deposit contributions for machines up to 650cc and up to a £1,000 voucher to ‘Kustomize your Ride’ for a select range of higher capacity machines.
Whether you’re considering your first bike or looking for a new machine, the Summer Blast promotion offers customers purchasing via Kawasaki K-Options Finance a £500 deposit contribution toward the Kawasaki Z125, Ninja 125, and the new-for-2024 Z500, Ninja 500, and Eliminator 500. For the 650cc range, including the Z650, Z650RS, Ninja 650, Vulcan S, and Versys 650, Kawasaki is increasing the contribution to £650.
For those riders looking for a larger capacity machine to enjoy this summer, then the popular ‘Kustomize Your Ride’ promotion is continuing, which gives riders purchasing by Kawasaki K-Options Finance or cash customers a voucher that can be used for accessories for their new bike, merchandise, or riding gear. The promotion includes £900for the Z900 and Z900RS and £1,000 for the Ninja ZX-10R, Ninja 1000SX, and Versys 1000.
These attractive offers are available from July1st from all official Kawasaki dealers.
For the month of August into September, Kawasaki is giving you the chance make some big savings with £1,400 off the purchase of the Versys 1000 range in their “Flash Sale”.
Running from the 1st of August through to the 7th of September there has never been a better time to purchase your new Adventure Tourer. Running alongside the current Summer Blast promotion, those riders looking for the ultimate adventure this summer will be able to enjoy £1,400 off the Versys 1000, Versys 1000S and Versys 1000SE.
Interested riders should visit their local dealer ASAP to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
Offer ends 30th September
World’s First Public Demonstration of Hydrogen Engine Motorcycle
On July 20, Kawasaki Motors, a member of the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group, conducted the world’s first public demonstration run of a hydrogen ICE (internal combustion engine) motorcycle by a mass-production motorcycle manufacturer at Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Japan.
The hydrogen ICE motorcycle was designed and built as part of research that began in March 2023, with test runs starting this year, culminating in the public demonstration run. Mounted in the machine is a hydrogen engine based on the 998 cm3 In-Line Four Supercharged Engine found in Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 motorcycle, with modifications made to allow direct injection of hydrogen fuel into the cylinders. The motorcycle’s chassis was designed to accommodate hydrogen fuel canisters and a hydrogen fuel supply system on-board.
Hydrogen ICE motorcycles run on hydrogen combustion, producing the rumble and pulsating sensation that riders enjoy when twisting the throttle, while emitting mainly water*1.
As part of their carbon neutral initiative, Kawasaki Motors is currently conducting research and development with the aim of realizing a functioning hydrogen ICE motorcycle*2 as one carbon-neutral option for riders in the early 2030s.
Kawasaki Motors is a full member of HySE (Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology)*3, a research association focused on hydrogen technology that is actively conducting basic research on hydrogen engines, hydrogen filling systems, and fuel supply systems in order to produce hydrogen-powered small mobility vehicles, including motorcycles.
In order to further strengthen the Kawasaki brand, Kawasaki Motors will provide products and services that meet the needs of our customers and society, including efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality, as we challenge ourselves to examine all possibilities in pursuit of the happiness and joy of all those whose lives Kawasaki touches.
Reference Links
Video of hydrogen ICE motorcycle riding at Autopolis Circuit*4 (Kawasaki Motors Japan)
*1: When riding, a very small amount of engine oil is burned, resulting in the generation of a very small amount of CO2.
*2: The time of commercial availability may vary depending on the hydrogen fuel supply infrastructure and the status of legal regulations in each country.
*3: A research association founded by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Kawasaki Motors, Ltd., Suzuki Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. in May 2023 for the purpose of basic research on hydrogen engines for small mobility vehicles.
*4: Autopolis Co, Ltd. (Hita City, Oita Prefecture)