Kawasaki’s mid-capacity cruiser range gets some livery updates for the 2026 season to keep these popular machines at the forefront of their style sector.

The three machines – one Vulcan and two Eliminators –  are attractive to many types of rider including those with European A2 licences looking to migrate up from a smaller capacity machine. But that is only one area where Kawasaki cruisers score as a growing number of older and more experienced riders are finding that the 500cc to 650cc arena caters perfectly for not just their performance expectations but also the size and weight of these machines means they are eminently manageable. 

With its water-cooled 649cc parallel twin engine, the Vulcan S has, over a number of years, carved itself a reputation for style, performance and durability.  The combination of a sleek 18 inch front wheel and traditional wide rear 17 inch item is allied to effective cruiser styling and a relaxed ergonomic riding position that can be revised due to the use of Kawasaki’s Ergo-Fit accessory items covering both handlebar position and reach to the foot controls. Retaining its ever popular Metallic Flat Spark Black option for the ’26 model year, the Vulcan S can now also be optioned in a Metallic Graphite Gray/ Metallic Flat Spark Black livery. 

Kawasaki dealer showrooms will also display two versions of the recently launched Eliminator 500 in 2026, those being the standard machine and the SE version. With their trellis type chassis and newly developed parallel twin, fuel-injected engines, the Eliminators have opened up cruiser style motorcycling to riders who had previously aspired to such a machine and either did not feel there was a model that suited their requirements or was beyond their budget. 

At a maximum of 33.4 kW {45 PS}, these machines comfortably comply with EU A2 category licencing laws yet boast a finely balanced power to weight ratio that delivers Kawasaki’s traditional “fun to ride” character. While both machines share an advanced specification including digital instrumentation and a combination of 18 inch front and 16 inch rear wheels, the SE model also boasts a headlamp cowl and a convenient USB-C socket as standard fitment. 

In terms of colours, the standard machine will still be available in Metallic Flat Spark Black while a new second colour of Metallic Imperial Red/Ebony will be offered. For the SE model the new colour for 2026 will be Metallic Matte Carbon Gray/Flat Ebony.  Whatever the option chosen, Vulcan and Eliminator riders in 2026 can rest assured their choice of boulevard cruiser is already endorsed by an enthusiastic and loyal community of Kawasaki Cruiser owners.  

The Vulcan S will be available from October, with prices starting from £7,199. 

The Eliminator 500 range will be available from January, with the standard model costing £5,999 and the SE version £6,399.

After breaking the Guinness World Record for the fastest speed being dragged behind a motorcycle last year, JD Stunts and Kawasaki UK have teamed up once more to take on two more records. Riding a modified Ninja ZX-10R, JD will be aiming to first break 135mph while performing a “highchair” wheelie. He will then attempt to set a new record of 160mph while facing the wrong way!

Fresh from its central role in the Tour de France as official motorcycle of the event, the new colourways for the Versys 1100 in the 2026 motorcycle range have been announced.

A fleet of Versys 1100 machines were supplied to ASO – the organisers of the world famous cycling event – to assist in road closures and allied safety aspects plus use as fast response medical bikes and to aid and assist the peloton as it covered twenty one demanding stages and over 3300kms of French roads.

Kawasaki fans will not have to travel quite that far to see the models available in showrooms in 2026 with the Versys 1100 retaining its current livery while the S and SE each enjoy two updated colour schemes. 

Equipped as standard with Showa electronically damped suspension front and rear, the range leading Versys 1100 SE will appear in showrooms in the two options of Metallic Deep Blue/Metallic Diablo Black or Emerald Blazed Green/ Metallic Diablo Black. 

For the S model which offers many of the advanced features as the SE such as an up/down quick shifter, electronic cruise control and Smartphone connectivity with a voice command feature, there are also two new liveries comprising the same Metallic Deep Blue/Metallic Diablo Black or Emerald Blazed Green/Metallic Diablo Black approach.  

Riding to the local café or supporting the worlds most famous cycling event over thousands of kilometers, the Versys 1100 is ready to go the distance. Now, with new colour options for 2026, the views are set to remain fresh and spectacular.

As a core brand family in the Kawasaki motorcycle portfolio, the announcement of new colourways for Ninja range models is always a sign that the new season is coming closer… and for 2026 across the five models just announced there are set to be an impressive ten new colour options.

A stand out machine in the Kawasaki range, the latest iteration of the ever-popular Versys 650 is ready to take the 2026 sales season head on. Fully Euro-5 compliant, the agile Versys boasts a maximum of 67 PS in terms of peak power plus a useful 61Nm of peak torque.

Equipped with 17 inch wheels for manoeuvrability and agility, the highly durable and equally highly praised, twin-cylinder, water-cooled 649cm3  engine remains in place while the styling echoes that of the Versys 1100 (which is the official motorcycle of the Tour de France) offering a similar level of rider aids plus distinctive contemporary looks. 

From a riding perspective, the easy to read 4.3” TFT meter relays all essential information while offering the possibility to link to the riders’ Smartphone using Kawasaki’s unique Rideology App that also includes a voice command function. 

Offered as standard with KTRC traction control, plus the convenience of all LED lighting, the best way to truly understand the Versys 650 is to ride one and appreciate the all-day comfort seat, ergonomic riding position and generous weather-beating adjustable screen. Add such accessories as “one-key system” panniers and a voluminous top case and the Versys is ready to satisfy any riders dreams of distance. 

Available for 2026 in three colourways, or as part of Kawasaki’s highly appreciated “Editions” range – which encompasses Tourer and Grand-Tourer editions built using only Kawasaki Genuine Accessories – the latest Versys 650 is ready to go the distance. Priced at £8049 for the standard model.

Available from middle of August 2026 Versys 650 Colour Options:

METALLIC SPARK BLACK/METALLIC MATTE CARBON GRAY
METALLIC DEEP BLUE/METALLIC SPARK BLACK
METALLIC GRAPHITE GRAY/METALLIC SPARK BLACK

Forming part of the very essence of Kawasaki’s naked segment motorcycle heritage, the Z family of machines is as popular as ever, achieving a global following thanks to its adherence to a fun to ride ethos coupled with Kawasaki’s landmark engineering and unique contemporary Sugomi styling. 

Stretching an enviable lineage way back to the Z1 Super Four of the early 1970’s, Z speaks to riders on many levels and Kawasaki’s Z offering for 2026 is as impressive as ever. Five machines with new liveries are now ready to be unveiled and among these are refreshed liveries on entry level A2 compliant models, a mid-capacity stalwart plus hard edged yet rider friendly models in the upper capacity classes. 

From launch, the A2 licence friendly Z500 quickly garnered a reputation for lively and controllable performance thanks to an all new twin-cylinder, water-cooled engine platform combined with an assist and slipper clutch and Smartphone connectivity mated to a forgiving chassis well suited to newbies and experienced riders alike. Infused with Kawasaki’s unique Sugomi spirit, the Z500 and sibling Z500 SE will be available in the 2026 motorcycle range in a combined total of five new colour ways; Ebony/Metallic Carbon Gray, Candy Lime Green/Metallic Carbon Gray and Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Spark Black for the Z500 and Ebony/Metallic Carbon Gray plus Pearl blizzard White/Ebony for the SE version. 

The Z500’s larger stable mate, the Z650 enjoys a new colour option for 2026 while keeping to its tried and trusted combination of 649cc engine, full LED lighting, KTRC traction control and colour TFT plus trellis type chassis sporting a distinctive headlight cowl evoking the 2003 rebirth of the Z family. With a well-earned reputation for performance and durability, the compact twin cylinder engine – complete with cassette type gearbox – is equally at home on city streets as mountain passes and comes in Pearl Blizzard White. 

For many the ideal combination of engine size, willing performance and classic Sugomi style, two Z900 machines for 2026 share four new colour options between them. The Z900 which boasts electronic cruise control, an inertia measurement unit (IMU) and Rideology voice command functionality will appear in Kawasaki dealerships in three colour options, those being Ebony/Metallic Carbon Gray, Candy Lime Green/Metallic Carbon Gray and Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Spark Black for the Z900. 

The Special Edition or SE model of Z900 boasts upgraded brakes and suspension plus a headlamp cowl USB-C socket. It now comes in a new colour option for the coming season of Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray. 

Coming into stock at Kawasaki dealers across Europe soon – along with other incoming 2026 model year machines – the vast array of Z options shows just how seriously Kawasaki takes the category and how determined the company is to offer the widest possible choice to keep the Good Times rolling.

Pricing and availability as follows:

• Z500 – Available from November, price TBC
• Z500 SE – Available from November, price TBC
• Z650 – Available from October, price TBC
• Z900 – Available from October, price TBC
• Z900 SE – Available from late October, price TBC

Harking back to the game-changing Z650-B1 of 1976, the Z650RS has been a Kawasaki fan favourite since its introduction for the 2022 model year.

Echoing the mantra of its forebear, the Z650RS offers not simply great all round performance in terms of engine response, handling and braking, but a seemingly timeless approach to styling initiated by the famous Z1 model Super Four then amplified by the Z650-B1. That kind of style never goes out of fashion, a fact underpinned by the legions of riders who have already invested in the Z650RS. 

Whilst looking like a classic from the 1970’s, the specification of the Z650RS is fiercely contemporary with ABS, dual throttle valves, 2-Mode traction control plus an assist and slipper clutch all as standard while retaining needle style meters and an evocative round headlamp albeit LED which puts traditional lights in the shade. 

For many riders, the deciding factor, the “icing on the cake”, is the colour of their much anticipated new machine. And for 2026 no less than three colour options for the Z650RS will be available; these being Ebony, Metallic Ocean Blue and Candy Emerald Green. 

Whatever the choice, being part of the Z650RS family imbues riders with a sense of belonging to a Z650 dynasty that will stretch way back exactly 50 years in 2026. A unique feeling and a super special bike. 

The 2026 Z650RS will be available from November, costing £7,899.

Centre piece of world cycling and recognised as one of the most viewed sports events globally, the Tour de France is an enthralling spectacle that relies on a huge and efficient infrastructure. 

An intrinsic component of what keeps the wheels spinning are the myriad of team and organiser support vehicles, among them this year a fleet of Kawasaki Versys 1100 machines as Official Motorcycles of the 2025 event and for the following two years.

Thanks to their generous luggage capacity, smooth engine response at all speeds and any road, all day comfort, the Versys 1100 support machines add to the efficiency of the race by ensuring road closures are maintained, the crowds are kept safe and that the whole travelling entourage of competitors, team support vehicles and attendant media pack are able to negotiate each stage unhindered.

With twenty one stages and 3338kms for competitors to cover in racing conditions, the  Tour de France offers a mixture or road surfaces, vast elevation changes from mountains to sea level plains plus countless  twists and turns creating the ultimate test for the cyclists – and equally demanding of the support personnel and machinery.

The Versys 1100 excels in its role thanks to its fuel efficiency, any-speed engine flexibility and all road surface agility; plus an ergonomic riding position and luggage capacity that ensure rider and passenger can enjoy their ride and the scenery in ultimate comfort.  Kawasaki wishes all 2025 Tour de France competitors good fortune and the reassurance that the Versys 1100 will be “along for the ride”.   

As the Bennetts British Superbike Championship roars back into action, the AJN Steelstock Kawasaki race team has unveiled a unique yellow livery scheme for this weekend, in recognition of the iconic Kawasaki Z1. 

With Snetterton being AJN Steelstock’s ‘home’ round, the team has created a unique one-off livery to celebrate. The iconic Kawasaki green has been replaced with a vibrant yellow, a nod to the Candy Yellow Z1 that ignited a life-long love of motorcycles and motorcycle racing for AJN Steelstock’s Joint Managing Director, Alan Boyden. 

Both Christian Iddon’s and Max Cook’s Ninja ZX-10RRs will be adorned in the new colourways, while both riders will have matching leathers and the team garage will also have a new look for the weekend.  

In addition to the special livery, Alan will also be bringing along some of his own stunning collection of Kawasakis to display outside the team’s hospitality unit, including an original 1973 Z1, a 1974 Z1A, a 1975 Z1B, a 1976 Z900-A4, a 1979 six-cylinder Z1300, a 1984 Eddie Lawson Replica, a Z900RS and even a Ninja H2 Carbon!  

Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki Motors UK:
“What can I say? This design is absolutely stunning! The AJN Steelstock Kawasaki ZX-10RR’s always stand out on track, but this has taken it to another level. I can’t wait to see the bikes in action this weekend and look forward to customers having the chance to see Alan’s display of both modern and heritage Kawasakis trackside.” 

Alan Boyden, AJN Steelstock’s Joint Managing Director: 
“The Kawasaki Z1 is a classic and a true motorcycling icon. Launched in 1972, it set the bar for high-performance motorcycling and kick-started the concept of the Superbike.” 

“What better way to celebrate the Z1’s iconic status than a special livery for the current ZX-10RR Superbikes and watching them compete for top honours at our home round at Snetterton. We can’t wait to see Max and Christian out on the track.”