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.”

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. 

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…”

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.

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.

The popular Versys 650 adventure tourer and much-loved Vulcan S are both set for a colour refresh for the 2025 sales season.

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.

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.

With 2024 marking 25 years since the initial record of 156mph was set by Gary Rothwell, County Durham’s Jonny Davies aims to increase that to 160mph or more this August. The two-time Guinness World Record holder will be using a modified Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX, which features a secondary throttle fitted to the rear of the bike to allow him to continue to accelerate while skiing behind.

Having held several practice runs already, Jonny will have a few more practices before attempting to break the record on Sunday, August 18th, at Elvington Airfield. The record attempt will be part of the lineup for the 2024 Ultimate Supercar event, which will see dozens of elite sports and supercars showcase their own top speeds.

“It has been exciting watching Jonny’s progress with the Ninja H2 SX so far and to now have the record attempt date and location confirmed is fantastic. We are pleased that it’s taking place at such a well-attended event and look forward to our Supercharged machine being showcased in front of thousands of motorsport enthusiasts!” 

“I’m really excited to confirm the date and set my sights on securing a new Guinness World Record. I’ve already done several runs on the Ninja H2 SX, and while these have primarily been to start testing the throttle and other components, we have already been able to reach 120mph! I have a couple more practices before the 18th, where I will be looking to build on that speed and ensure everything is in place for the big day!”