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.
MCN CROWNS SUZUKI GSX-8R SPORTSBIKE OF THE YEAR
Motorcycle News has crowned the Suzuki GSX-8R as its “Sportsbike of the Year”. The 8R collects the award a year after its naked stablemate, the GSX-8S, won the award for Best Naked.
The award makes it two awards in two years for Suzuki’s 776cc parallel twin engine platform, which has won favour with press and customers alike thanks to its punchy power delivery and flexibility.
The GSX-8R was heralded as ‘a sublime bit of kit’ by the world famous motorcycling newspaper, and praised for being ‘cracking fun to ride’ and for being ‘living proof that sportsbikes can be fun, comfortable and capable, without breaking the bank, as it blends sportiness with everyday usability.
Jak Tyrrell, Suzuki GB’s senior motorcycle marketing manager, said after collecting the award, “It’s obviously really pleasing to see the 8R recognised as the great bike it is, but, for us, it’s also great to see that our latest engine platform is clearly a leading light in the middleweight category, with two MCN awards in two years. The GSX-8R really captured imaginations when it was revealed, and has clearly delivered on its promise to be a sportsbike accessible for all riders.”
The GSX-8R houses its 776cc engine inside a brand new chassis, with suspension from Showa, including the firm’s SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) at the front. Radially-mounted Nissin four-piston calipers provide the stopping power.
An electronics package features a bi-directional quickshifter as standard, three power modes, and three traction control settings, with all information displayed via a colour TFT screen.
The GSX-8R is currently available with 4.9% APR representative finance over four years, and with a £2,038.56 deposit it can be ridden away for just £69 per month.
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…”
NEW COLOURS FOR ICONIC SV650
Suzuki has launched three new colours for the SV650, with this year being the 25th year of production for the iconic middleweight.
Respected and loved by riders the world over for its real-world performance and versatility, the SV650 is still equally capable for the daily commute as it is on a track day, thanks to its infectious V-twin character that has been captivating new and experienced riders alike for the last 25 years.
The legendary middleweight comes in a brand new pearl vigor blue with striking colour matched frame and wheels. There are two further options which both come with bronze frame and wheels, and the choice of matt black or green colour scheme.
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.
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.
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.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Secures Victory in Valleys X-Treme Lite
Glyn-Neath, South Wales, January 2026 – The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 has demonstrated its off-road capability by securing a class victory in the Big Bike Single class at the challenging Valleys X-Treme Lite 2026 race, held on the weekend of January 10th and 11th in Wales.
Cooperb Motorcycles prepared three production Himalayan 450s for entry, with Jake Edey completing 7 laps in 2:09:20,79, winning the Big Bike Single class by 51 seconds, and finishing 60th overall out of 240 total entries – his total time would have even secured third place in the Big Bike Twin class, if eligible.
Proving its capabilities from the factory, the Himalayan 450 ridden by Jake was mostly a production model. For the challenging Welsh course, which featured a variety of conditions – from demanding woodland sections and slick, muddy ascents, to high-speed sections on fire roads – minimal modifications were made.
These included fitting the Rally Seat, Rally Tail, and Arrow Exhaust from the Himalayan Genuine Motorcycle Accessories (GMA) catalogue, with Cooperb Motorcycles completing the setup for the Welsh winter valleys by fitting knobbly tyres and adjusting the suspension.
Two other Himalayan 450s entered in the Lite Race from Cooperb Motorcycles, with Jack and Ian Cooper competing in the Lite race.
The success of the Himalayan 450 in this event underscores the Royal Enfield’s commitment to real-world adventure riding, and providing riders with the option to ‘go-anywhere’ regardless of the riders off-road ability, proving the strength of the Himalayan 450 from the road to competition-level riding.
Jake Edey, Big Bike Single 2026 Class Winner:
“Conditions were properly tough. But the Himalayan handled everything brilliantly, the 450 engine is a perfect balance of usable power and smooth delivery, which made maintaining traction in the wet far easier than you might expect. I had no issues in the muddy climbs or tight woods and managed to pass several bigger bikes along the way.
That said, by now I know just how capable the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 really is, no matter what the UK throws at it.
The Himalayan’s lower seat height was a real advantage — when I needed to dab a foot to regain balance, the bike wasn’t already tipping past the point of no return. That gave me a lot of confidence over a long, demanding race.
About two hours in, fatigue started to creep in and I had a moment where I came into a rocky downhill section far too fast. But the Himalayan stayed stable and predictable, allowing me to recover without incident. I’m convinced that on a bigger, heavier bike I’d have been thrown off.
What really stood out was how much I enjoyed the whole experience. The bike wasn’t just capable in extreme conditions — it was genuinely fun to ride. After a tough race, some sketchy moments, and plenty of laughs, I crossed the line winning the Big Bike Singles class and even set the fastest lap among the twin-cylinder bikes.
To really underline how usable it is, I rode the Himalayan into work the following Monday — which pretty much sums up what the bike’s all about.“
Quote from Becky Blackmore, Marketing Manager Royal Enfield UK:
“We are really proud of Jake Edey’s fantastic performance and class win at the Valleys X-Treme Lite. This result emphatically proves that the Himalayan 450 is a serious, capable machine that can tackle extreme terrain, even just with light preparation.
This win is a testament to the Himalayan’s adventure lineage and its suitability for riders of all levels looking to push their limits.”
About the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450:
A motorcycle with strong adventure lineage yet remains true to our philosophy of pure motorcycling. The all-new Himalayan 450 retains the capability, versatility and the ability to go anywhere your adventure takes you. Nothing you don’t need and everything that you do for the changing times.
The Himalayan 450 is currently available through Royal Enfield’s winter deals offer, running to the 31st March 2026, with 0% APR Representative on the 50/50 Advance Payment Plan (APP), and eligible for the low rate 5.9% APR Representative PCP and HP offers. More information can be found here.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
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A full quote from Jake Edey is available on request.
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Ian of Cooperb Motorcycles extends an open invitation to press and media to join Cooperb on some Himalayan experiences, including their Scramalayan and Himalayan Adventure Rides – all accessed on the Royal Enfield Riders Club – dates upcoming to be confirmed down the line. If interested, please contact alex.strange@motocom.co.uk.
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More photos, courtesy of Jamie Morris, found here: https://royalenfieldmedia.co.uk/folders/201
MOTUL FIM SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TICKETS
What’s Included?
- Weekend admission – 13 – 14 July
- Sunday suite access & hospitality – 14 July only
- Morning coffee with a hot breakfast roll
- Buffet lunch
- Afternoon tea & cakes
- In suite bar serving house wines, beers & soft drinks
- Television with live feed and timing
- Parking pass – 1 per booking
- Directors’ Suite – the best views of the circuit with balcony on three sides of the suite, located by Goddards
- Rider appearances from Kawasaki Racing Team – subject to timings & team discretion on the day
£199 per person
JD Stunts Announces Date For Guinness World Record Attempt!
Kawasaki UK and Jonny Davies, AKA JD Stunts, have today confirmed the date for the Guinness World Record attempt to set a new fastest speed for being dragged behind a motorcycle. The attempt will take place on Sunday, August 18th,as part of the Ultimate Supercar day at Elvington Airfield.
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!”