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! 

With the countdown toMotorcycle Live on, Kawasaki UK is delighted to announce the latest part of its2024 plans with the launch of the FUCHS Silkolene Green Adventure. The excitingnew element will provide an opportunity for youngsters between 7 and 12 thechance to get their first ride on two wheels.

With the all-new Festival Zone set to transform Motorcycle Live, Kawasaki is excited to join the lineup, partnering with Jonny Davies, AKA JD Stunts. After a meeting at the show in 2023, Kawasaki and Jonny set their sights on breaking the 25-year-old Guinness World Record for the fastest speed being dragged behind a motorcycle. That record was achieved this August when he set a new top speed of 159.52mph skiing behind a specially modified Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX.

Now, Jonny will be using a variety of Kawasaki machinery, including his stunt-modified Ninja ZX-6R to perform a thrilling stunt show in the Motorcycle Live Festival Zone. The UK Stunt Champion will undoubtedly enthral fans with his daily high-energy, adrenaline-filled shows.

Alongside bringing the latest 2025 models, Kawasaki has many more exciting plans to be announced ahead of the annual two-wheel extravaganza.

A long-standing presence in the Road Racing paddock, most notably with Dean Harrison, DAO Racing Kawasaki was one of the most successful teams in the sport. With multiple podiums in every class at the Isle of Man TT, the highlight was undoubtedly the memorable Senior TT victory in 2019. The team has also represented Kawasaki well in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, regularly scoring points in the highly competitive series.

The successful relationship between Kawasaki UK and DAO Racing will end after the final round at Brands Hatch, with the team having decided to move on to other ventures. Kawasaki would like to thank the entire team for their hard work and success and wish them the best for whatever the future may hold.

Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department:
“The DAO Racing team have been an important and successful part of the Kawasaki and Team Green family for a number of years achieving some fantastic results along the way, including most notably a Senior TT win at the Isle of Man with Dean Harrison. It’s a shame to see them move away from the Kawasaki brand but I would personally like to wish them all the best for their next steps.”

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.”