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!”

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.” 

“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. 

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: 

Kawasaki works with authorised training service providers throughout the UK to offer professional rider training. Located in areas to complement the Kawasaki dealer network, current riders and those new to two-wheels are encouraged to learn and improve their skills to get the most of their experience on a Kawasaki machine. 

KRTS is a national training service provided by leading manufacturer Kawasaki. We aim to ensure safe, comprehensive and fun motorcycle training at the highest level. We launched KRTS to help protect the future of our industry.

This fantastic offer applies to all practical motorcycle tests, including CBT, module 1 & module 2. With over 60 KRTS centres across the UK, we’re confident you will find a school to suit you.

Simply visit learntoridewithkawasaki.co.uk to find your nearest KRTS provider, and start your journey today.

*Terms & Conditions

Anyone who passes a practical motorcycle test including CBT, module 1 & module 2 (theory test is not included) through an approved KRTS school between October 2024 and 8th November 2024 is eligible to receive a free one-day ticket to the 2024 Motorcycle Live Show at the NEC, Birmingham 16-24 November 2024. All test passers must email krts@kawasaki.co.uk with the date they passed their test and the name of the KRTS school, to request their free one-day show ticket which can be used on any show day of your choice. A maximum of one Motorcycle Live Show 2024 entry ticket is available to each person who completes their test, regardless of how many tests are completed during the offer period. For any questions, or to request your ticket, please email krts@kawasaki.co.uk. For further detail on Motorcycle Live visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk’. All ticket requests will be checked for eligibility. 

Popular from the get-go, Kawasaki’s Ninja 500 and Z500 hit the ground running and have not looked back since their introduction. Boasting a completely new engine platform and styling focused on the iconic Ninja and Z families respectively, the two A2 compliant middleweights have been among the most popular models at Kawasaki dealerships over the past year.

The engine in the new Ninja 500 and Z500 is up the task, no matter what it may be. Ample power from the 451 cm3 power unit is available through the entire rpm range to make it easy for riders to use, no matter what kind of riding they are doing, from low-end urge for accelerating off the line in the city to top-end revs for riding on the highway. Kawasaki’s Assist & Slipper Clutch on both machines results in a light clutch pull for even more rider-friendly and manageable riding in everyday situations plus predictable handling is delivered thanks to a chassis conceived with light weight, manoeuvrability, and mass centralisation in mind provides excellent feel and inspiring confidence for a wide range of riders. 

The Ninja 500 and Z500 feature a trellis frame similar in design to that of the Ninja H2.  Kawasaki’s advanced dynamic rigidity analysis was used to ensure optimum rigidity with light weight.  The engine is rigid-mounted and used as a stressed member. And while seat height is 785 mm, the slim design of both the seat and the rear of the engine gives riders an unobstructed line for their feet to reach the ground. 

No matter from what angle the Z500 is seen, its triple headlight-centred front face and aggressive lines make it clear that this is a member of the Z family, with aggressive Supernaked looks and ample street presence. The Ninja alternative offers a distinctive front face and sleek, flowing lines make it clear that this is a member of the Ninja family, with race-inspired, big-bike looks.  The shape of the full-fairing bodywork fosters a sense of unity with the rider, helping them feel at one with the bike. 

Both machines boast a full LCD instrument panel on the standard models and the TFT display on the SE models offer smartphone connectivity, enabling riders to connect with their machines to enjoy display notifications, riding logs, and community features. SE models also feature original colour and graphics along with other exclusive features and accessories. 

And for 2025 a new colour option is offered for the Ninja 500 mirroring the accents seen on the KRT Ninja ZX-10RR in many superbike races with the lime green base colour augmented by black, and white graphics with yellow striped highlights. Whatever the colour and whether Ninja 500 or Z500 in standard or SE spec, the choice in 2025 is going to be the right one!