Club Kawasaki Magazine - Issue 30

New models for 2026

World’s longest commute

Cornwall by bimota TERA

KLE500SE

WELCOME

Welcome to Club Magazine – issue 30!

Customary for this winter issue, we are pleased to announce the 2026 new models on pages 8 to 14, including the all-new KLE500. You can see the entire range at Motorcycle Live 2025 between 15th and 23rd November.

We’ll be there ready to greet you with the treats you have come to expect as valued Club Members. As part of our all new show stand, we will have the exclusive hospitality area where you and your guest can enjoy a well-earned sit down and free refreshments. We’ll also be celebrating Club Kawasaki’s 15th anniversary by giving out a commemorative keyring and pin badge to all Club members who visit us!

Fresh off the rack, in this issue we have the brand-new 2026 Sports range of clothing, worn by Kawasaki UK staff as our official uniform. You can get your hands on it, too. And don’t forget that Club members get 10% off official Kawasaki clothing and merchandise.

Also inside this issue, we bring you an exclusive interview with WorldSBK rider Garret Gerloff, touring tips from Simon Weir – from planning and packing to paperwork – and we hear how Martin Lambert got on during his 800-mile tour on the bimota TERA.

Get to know Kieran Evans, our Customer Experience and Training Co-ordinator, in our staff insight feature, and meet Club member Prashant Verma, who learnt to ride on a Kawasaki and went on to buy a Ninja 650.

Looking ahead to 2026, we will soon be announcing our regular calendar features, such as BSB and WorldSBK, including exclusive hospitality tickets. Look out for announcements in our Friday News emails. Every fortnight we send a news roundup, details of competitions and a handy list of any shows and events coming up so you don’t miss a thing!

Last but not least, don’t forget to see if your Challenge selfie has made it onto the back cover.

Enjoy!

Charlotte Stow | Editor

CLUB KAWASAKI MAGAZINE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Editor: Charlotte Stow

Designer: Kar Lee

Exclusive content: Martin Lambert

Contributors: Mike Aylwin, Dialogue Content Marketing Ltd, Ross Burridge, Simon Weir, Lee Dunham

Thanks to:

Kieran Evans, Jemma Newman, Jamie Davies, Richard Wood, Lynne Downing

Photography:

KME, KMUK, Tim Keeton –Impact Images

Published by Kawasaki Motors UK www.kawasaki.co.uk

Printed by Dialogue Content Marketing Ltd

Membership www.club-kawasaki.co.uk

©2025 Kawasaki Motors UK. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All information contained within this magazine is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Kawasaki Motors UK cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information.

8 NEW MODEL NEWS

Take a look at what is in store for another season of ground-breaking new motorcycles and off-road metal in 2026.

16 THE WORLD’S LONGEST COMMUTE!

From the Versys 1100 and KX450 motorcycles to the proven Mule Pro DXT utility vehicle and powerful Ultra 310LX Jet Ski, “Davo” embraces the world of Kawasaki in a race against time.

20 QUICKFIRE KIMI

Ten quickfire questions with 2007 Formula 1 World Champion and team principal of the Kawasaki Racing Team in MXGP, Kimi Räikkönen.

31 TOUR DE FRANCE

Keeping the wheels spinning at the 2025

Tour de France are a myriad of team and organiser support vehicles, among them a fleet of Kawasaki Versys 1100s.

34 GARRETT GERLOFF IS IN THE WSBK HOT SEAT

We took a chair opposite Garrett Gerloff and fired some questions at him in an exclusive Club Kawasaki interview. Take a seat and enjoy this great insight.

40 LEE DUNHAM – THE MOTORCROSS MARVEL

Lee Dunham spent years honing his skills on track and winning titles, and now he’s teaching others the joys of offroad racing at The LDR Training Facility.

44 CORNWALL BY BIMOTA

Martin Lambert compares the bimota TERA to his go-to Versys 1100 on a real-world 800-mile road trip.

Welcome back to the latest edition of our Club Kawasaki magazine, and we’ve got a LOT of news and insight to update you on!

If you’ve been following our social media channels over the last few months, you’ll have seen a steady stream of new colourways and models announced, exciting events, world-record-breaking stunts and a lot of racing insight. If you’ve missed any of it, we’ve got you covered!

More world records for JD

Many of you may remember our very own JD Stunts breaking the Guinness World Record for the fastest speed while skiing behind a bike last year. Well, the likeable County Durham stunt rider wrote his name into the books once again over the summer for the fastest “highchair” wheelie.

This latest feat required him to sit on the tank and place both feet over the handlebars, all while accelerating up to an almost unbelievable speed of 127mph! JD completed the record on a specially modified Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R, which had its fairing removed and featured a hand-operated rear brake, adjustable high-rise clip-ons and an electronic, bar-mounted gear shifter, as well as a modified tank to provide better comfort and stability during the attempts.

Not resting on his laurels, JD is now turning his attention to another record – setting the fastest speed while riding facing backwards, which was set in 2002 and stands at 151.7mph. This attempt is scheduled to take place in 2026.

New bimota dealers launched

Fresh from making its UK debut back at the MCN London Motorcycle Show in February, we have officially launched the bimota dealer network, with five locations across the country ready to commence selling the KB998 Rimini, KB4 and Tesi H2 TERA.

Whether it has been outstanding road test reviews from the likes of MCN World Superbike podiums at the hands of Alex Lowes, or becoming the machine of choice for the FS-3 Racing squad for the 2026 BSB season, the bimota range has been making a name for itself all summer long.

UK riders are now able to experience it for themselves at one of the five new dealers:

n bimota by Signature Moto

n bimota by Cobb & Jagger

n bimota by Chris Walker Motorcycles

n bimota by Hyside Motorcycles

n bimota by Bournemouth Motorcycles

Southampton boat show debut

As summer was coming to a close, we were excited to make our debut at the renowned Southampton International Boat Show. With over 110,000 visitors in attendance, it was the perfect opportunity to showcase the latest range of watercraft. From the supercharged Jet Ski Ultra 310 series, one of the most powerful personal watercraft in the industry,

Superteen showdown

Finally, after two incredible seasons, the Kawasaki British Superteens season will be evolving into the National Junior Sportbike Championship for 2026. The new series will be open to any manufacturer, but we expect the proven Ninja ZX-4RR will remain the machine of choice and we will be offering a race-ready package for those eager to stay with Kawasaki.

to the three-person Ultra 160LX-S Angler and race-winning SX-R stand-up, the Kawasaki stand had something for everyone visiting!

Of course, we couldn’t not bring some two- and four-wheel options with us, with the stand also featuring the likes of the Mule Pro-MX utility vehicle and the KFX90 ATV, as well as the Kawasaki Elektrode 20 electric balance bike.

It took 10 years but Romain Febvre’s perseverance paid off in spades

Febvre ends Kawasaki’s 27-year wait for MXGP gold

ROMAIN, WHAT DOES THIS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE, WON 10 YEARS AFTER YOUR FIRST, MEAN?

It has a completely different meaning, because to achieve it I went through some difficult years with injuries and two runner-up finishes. When I missed out on the title in 2021 by just five points, it was very hard to accept. But this time, I had a fantastic season, winning Kawasaki’s first 450 title.

YOU WERE 23 IN 2015 AND IT WAS YOUR FIRST MXGP SEASON. IS THIS WORLD TITLE SOMETHING YOU ENJOY DIFFERENTLY?

In 2015, I was young; I was just arriving in the category and everything happened so quickly that I didn’t necessarily appreciate it. But now, I’ve been waiting for this title for so long that I’m going to enjoy every moment! I know there will be a lot of demands; I’ll probably be invited to Japan. I’m going to approach all of this differently from

2015. I didn’t have a bad experience, but it was too intense. I hadn’t rested over the winter, and at the beginning of 2016, I hadn’t recovered. I’m not going to make that mistake again, and I’m going to enjoy every moment.

IN 2021, THE TITLE ELUDED YOU BY JUST FIVE POINTS. IN 2023, YOU WERE ALSO VICE-WORLD CHAMPION. WHAT MADE THE DIFFERENCE THIS SEASON?

Perseverance! I had a crazy season – 16 podiums out of 20 GPs and five Grand Prix victories. I fought until the end, and even when Lucas came within a few points after the Belgian GP, I didn’t give up, and I’m happy with myself. Experience also played in my favour.

WAS THE SWEDISH GRAND PRIX THE TURNING POINT OF THE SEASON?

One of the turning points, yes, along with China, where my lead increased from 26 to 47 points, which

allowed me to approach the final with more confidence.

IT HAS BEEN 27 YEARS SINCE KAWASAKI WON THE PREMIER CLASS. WAS THAT AN EXTRA MOTIVATION FOR YOU?

When I joined Kawasaki in 2020, I found a bike I really liked, both the engine and the chassis. The bike suited me from the start, but I was able to make it even more to my liking by adjusting lots of little things. We worked a lot with the Kawasaki factory and the team on the new bike; everyone did a good job, and we can be happy with the result we achieved with this title. n

CLASS 2026

Kawasaki charges into 2026 with fresh models, iconic returns and striking new colourways – from two wheels to Jet Skis, the lineup is looking stronger than ever

Z range

Stretching an enviable lineage way back to the Z1 Super Four of the early 1970s, Z speaks to riders on many levels, and Kawasaki’s Z offering for 2026 is as impressive as ever. The new Z125 joins the A2 licencefriendly Z500 and Z500 SE in the lineup. The Z500 will be available in Candy Lime Green/Metallic Carbon Grey, while the Z500 SE will be available in two new options: Ebony/Metallic Carbon Grey and Pearl Blizzard White/Ebony.

The Z500’s larger stablemate, the enjoys a new colour option for 2026, Pearl Blizzard White, while the Z900 comes in Ebony/Metallic Carbon Grey, Candy Lime Green/Metallic Carbon Grey and Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Grey/Metallic Spark Black. The Special Edition, or model, of Z900 comes in a new colour option for the coming season of Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Grey/Metallic Matte Carbon Grey.

Z650 S

he all-new Z650 S oozes Sugomi attitude, blending contemporary style with a rider-focused chassis, engine and electronic aids. With a muscular new look, the bike takes a fresh approach to ergonomic fit with repositioned footpegs, a stunning new fatbar handlebar configuration and updates to both rider and passenger seating. The new forward-leaning riding position pairs well with an updated, more cushioned front seat that is 20mm wider and features 10mm of added cushioning.

A new 4.3-inch TFT meter panel relays all the essential information and reacts to ambient light, offering the best resolution. In terms of the engine, the addictive 649cm3 compact parallel twin delivers a powerfulfeeling throttle response and a quick-revving character, with KTRC traction control as standard. To optimise performance for everyday riding, care has been taken to maximise low- to mid-range torque. Equipped with a slipper clutch, a patented radiator fan cover directs hot air down and away from the rider, significantly increasing congested city comfort.

The characteristic lightweight trellistype chassis tips the scales at just 15kg, contributing to nimble handling, while braking is courtesy of dual ø300mm front discs and ø220mm at the rear. The ABS unit for 2026 is a new item from Continental. A carefully focused range

accompanies the new Z650 S, including colour-matched pillion seat covers, luggage options and a convenient USB-C outlet neatly located inside the front cowl.

Z1100

One of the most popular announcements of the year was the launch of the exciting new Z1100 and Z1100 SE. With the Z family and Sugomi styling a unique concept to Kawasaki, these latest models redefine the top of our Supernaked range.

The Z1100 features a highly rigid aluminium twin-tube frame, SFFBP forks and horizontal back-link suspension, as well as monobloc callipers paired with large ø310mm brake discs, to ensure a sharp and direct response to rider inputs. The SE version features radial-mount monobloc callipers and Brembo discs, plus steel-braided brake lines and an Öhlins S46 rear shock absorber, providing a plush feel and tuning via the remote preload adjuster.

The rider’s view on both machines is dominated by the 5-inch all-digital TFT colour instrumentation, while integrated smartphone connectivity allows for a host of functions via the Kawasaki Rideology app. The bike also features Electronic Throttle Valves (ETV) that deliver more precise and responsive engine control, enabling cruise control plus the latest dual-direction KQS quickshifter.

At the heart of these new Z machines is a powerhouse 1,099cm3 in-line fourcylinder 100.0kW {136PS} engine with optimised intake ports utilising increased displacement for better low-mid range response, delivering a maximum of 113Nm of torque while achieving impressive fuel economy. Camshaft profiles, valve springs and even pistons have all been revised, and each final gear ratio has been optimised with 5th and 6th gears even longer than previous litre class Z models.

ninja family

The entire Ninja family will be receiving a range of new colours, with nine new liveries available across six machines. The 636cc Ninja ZX-6R gains two new colours for a fresh sales season comprising Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Grey/Metallic Spark Black/Lime Green as a new livery, plus an updated variation on the fan favourite Lime Green livery.

The highly praised and A2 licence friendly Ninja 650 will be offered in two new colour options in the upcoming range: Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Grey/Metallic Flat Spark Black and Lime Green. Proudly featuring Kawasaki’s recently developed mid-capacity, water-cooled twincylinder engine, the Ninja 500 and its special-edition, SE, sibling, will come in Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black and Lime Green and Metallic Matte Twilight Blue/Candy Persimmon Red respectively.

The diminutive ZX-4RR will be in dealer showrooms in two-brand new colourways for the 2026 model year: Lime Green and Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Grey/Metallic Spark Black.

ZX-10R gets a stronger visual bond to the ZX-4RR and ZX-6R

Ninja ZX-10R

The most successful machine in World Superbike history, the formidable Ninja ZX-10R, reaches new heights of competitiveness in 2026. The most obvious change is the new aggressive front face and aero package, which helps to enhance frontend feel for greater confidence through corners, a vital element of a fast lap time. Complementing the functional beauty is a new family look that strengthens the next generation of the Ninja family.

While maintaining its race-proven engine performance, the 2026 model also offers improved emissions. The robust electronics package continues to help riders ride with greater precision on the track, while features like electronic cruise control and new 5-inch TFT instrumentation with turn-by-turn navigation. Once again, the ZX-10R range will also feature the trackfocused Ninja ZX-10RR. The ultimate trackday weapon, this single-seat model enhances the potential of the base model with

The most obvious change is the newly designed winglets

further engine and chassis modifications, including Pankl titanium connecting rods and lightweight pistons, a titanium coating on the fork inner tubes and fine-tuned rear suspension settings. The RR remains a limited-production option, with just 500 units produced worldwide… so be quick!

Ninja 125 & Z125

Making a welcome return for 2026 are the Ninja 125 and Z125 entry-level machines. The perfect motorcycles for those riders looking to make their first steps in the world of two wheels, each bike utilises a tubular trellis-type chassis construction similar to Kawasaki’s top-of-the-range supercharged Ninja and Z machines, ensuring an idealised balance of style, engineering and durability.

Both bikes come equipped with a 15PS (11kW) engine for controllability and performance throughout the rev range, offering great low-to midrange flexibility when riding through town. They also feature Uni-Trak rear suspension, ø37mm telescopic front forks plus dependable ABS brakes.

The 2026 Ninja 125 comes in two colours – Lime Green and Metallic Graphite Grey/Metallic Spark Black, while the Z125 comes in Pearl Storm Grey/Ebony and Candy Lime Green/ Metallic Spark Black.

Versys 1100

Another model that joined the range last year, the Versys 1100 became a familiar sight on the roads of France over the summer, thanks to it being the Official Motorcycle of the 2025 Tour de France. Taking on the 21 stages and 2,074 miles of roads with ease, riders can take on an adventure themselves in 2026 with two new liveries: Metallic Deep Blue/Metallic Diablo Black and Emerald Blazed Green/ Metallic Diablo Black.

Z650RS

One of our most popular machines, the Z650RS turns heads wherever it goes thanks to its retro-inspired design and modern performance. With design playing such a deciding factor for buyers, the 2026 machine will be available in three colours: Ebony, Metallic Ocean Blue and Candy Emerald Green.

kle500/se

Ninja 1100SX

After making its debut last year, the Ninja 1100SX has received rave reviews including winning the coveted MCN “Best Sports Tourer” award. The stunning machine remains in the family for 2026 and will be available in several new colours, including Metallic Brilliant Golden Black/Metallic Carbon Grey for the standard model and Metallic Deep Blue/Metallic Diablo Black, plus Emerald Blazed Green/Metallic Diablo Black for the SE model.

Versys 650

The smaller capacity adventure machine, the Versys 650, is ideal for those riders seeking all-day comfort and performance, and will be available in three colourways for the new season. This includes Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Matte Carbon Grey, Metallic Deep Blue/Metallic Spark Black and Metallic Graphite Grey/Metallic Spark Black.

The KLE name makes a welcome return to the Kawasaki fold for 2026, with the rally-styled KLE500. With a light yet strong multi-purpose trellis chassis, the A2-compliant machine is powered by the highly praised, assist- and slipperclutch-equipped, water-cooled parallel-twin engine.

Styling-wise, the eye is first drawn to the tall windshield, which, together with the raised, short 16-litre fuel tank, lends the bike a purpose-built look inspired by off-road rally machines.

The KLE500 also features a carefully crafted KX-inspired seat, a footpeg handlebar relationship and stylish protection from the wind and elements thanks to a three-position adjustable screen.

The bike features a combination of 21inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, shod with IRC GP-410 tyres, while suspension duties are ably catered for with a specially developed KYB cartridge-type inverted front fork and a new Uni-Trak rear suspension, delivering outstanding feedback and compliance in all riding situations. Highly effective front and rear disc brakes provide sure stopping power, and selectable ABS lets riders disable it as desired.

For a premium feel and enhanced comfort both on and off the road, an SE model offers LED indicators, TFT instrumentation and a package that includes a larger windshield, sturdy hand guards and a large skid plate.

Cruisers

Our mid-capacity cruiser range also gets some livery updates for the 2026 season, helping 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 bike.

its popular Metallic Flat Spark Black option for the ’26 model year and welcome a new Metallic Graphite Grey/ Metallic Flat Spark Black livery.

The Vulcan S has, over a number of years, carved itself a reputation for style, performance and durability and will retain

The new Eliminator 500 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 Grey/Flat Ebony.

utility family

brute force 750

At the top of the pile in terms of Kawasaki’s popular ATV range, the Brute Force 750 offers exemplary peak power, impressive towing ability and sheer “can-do” attitude. For 2026, the introduction of an SE model with the convenience of hand guards as standard is a potential game changer, coming equipped as standard with a substantial and effective front brush guard and the undoubted convenience of a Warn VRX 25-S chassis-mounted winch delivering impressive pulling power.

With electronically selectable 2WD/4WD on both standard and SE machines, plus double wishbone suspension front and rear, the automotive parallels are apparent yet these ultra-powerful ATVs can go places and enter spaces that would defeat a pick-up truck.

jet ski range

Our Jet Ski range has also welcomed new machines this year, each bringing its own distinct personality and positioning. The STX160X represents an entry to the world of Kawasaki twoseat personal watercraft, offering all the key features riders need for enjoyment on the water, as well as numerous flagship-

inspired features like an easy-to-read 7-inch TFT display, KSRD smart reverse, adjustable Electronic Cruise Control and even Electric Trim Control.

Like its sibling, the STX160X has a convenient one-touch 5mph mode for use in “No Wake” zones, regulating engine speed to maintain a forward speed of

Mule

The 2026 MULE SX 4x4 offers switchable 2WD/4WD, plus the simplicity of an aircooled, single-cylinder petrol power unit, making it a firm favourite with small-scale farms and for recreational use.

Moving up the engine capacity and vehicle size scale, the PRO-MX shares the same easy-to-use and dependable CVT-style transmission with all others in the 2026 MULE range, while offering 2WD/4WD, plus a combined cargo weight of 544kg.

The MULE Pro-FX features a dedicated 2-cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve, liquid-cooled 999cm3 power plant, plus electrically selectable 2WD/4WD, a dual-mode rear differential plus, for the FX, the undoubted benefit of self-levelling rear suspension. On the more practical side, the easy-access oil filter (and oil dipstick), plus air-cleaner filter, greatly facilitates maintenance chores and reduces downtime.

The MULE PRO DX and DXT models offer the convenience of diesel motive power, both machines boast 3-cylinder, in-line OHV, liquid-cooled engines fed by Bosch fuel injection.

5mph (8km/h). All models also feature power mode selection and KSS (Kawasaki Smart Steering). While power can be selected from Full, Middle and Low, there is also a Smart Learning Operation (SLO) Mode, which is ideal for becoming familiar with surroundings and getting used to a new Jet Ski.

off-road range

KX250

Entering the MX2 class with the official Kawasaki team this year, popular French rider Mathis Valin has impressed on the KRT KX250-SR machine based around the standard model available in Kawasaki dealerships. That race development, innovative engineering and cutting-edge technology flows into 2026, providing an ideal platform for professional and amateur racers alike, incorporating such features as power modes and Kawasaki Traction Control.

KX450

Reach for the sky with the KX450

The MXGP-winning KX450 remains the pinnacle of the KX range in 2026, offering a chassis optimised in terms of rigidity balance which has contributed to increased front-end feel. This translates to improved cornering feel in a wide range of conditions, and add Brembo brake components, Showa suspension and ODI lock-on grips and the attention to detail is there for all to see. Additionally, the integration of smartphone connectivity allows riders to connect with their machine to adjust engine mapping directly from a handheld device.

KLX140

The KLX range kick-started a passion for riding for many of today’s top-level motocross and enduro riders. Based around the time-served and durable OHC 4-stroke, Kawasaki-engineered

Also in the lineup is the model with accent lights, a unique smoked meter visor to add to its classy looks. All models feature the TFT full colour display with a large, easy-to-read 7-inch screen offering multiple display modes, a jog-dial control, Bluetooth connectivity and even infotainment features.

and built, 11PS air-cooled, singlecylinder engine, the KLX140 series are machines with rugged five-speed transmissions allied to a manual clutch, allowing kids and youth riders to hone their competition skills with the knowledge that style and reliability are cornerstones of the KLX family.

With electric starting plus disc brakes as standard, the KLX140 is available in a range of wheel sizes. The R model is the smallest wheel option (17-inch front/14-inch rear), the L mounts mid-sized wheels (19-inch front/16-inch rear) and the F is full-sized at (21-inch front/18-inch rear). Add adjustable rear suspension and a perimeter-style steel frame and you get a KLX140 that is ready to rock – whether as a learning and recreational machine or to take those first tentative steps into off-road sport.

KLX110R

Benefitting from both electric and kick KLX110R is an ideal entry into

not just the enjoyment of off-road riding but also the elementary skills of machine control that will return benefits across a whole life on two wheels. Add a 4-speed semi-auto transmission with automatic clutch for stall-free shifting and inherent durability and Kawasaki build quality and it’s a machine built to last season in, season out.

KX65

When learning turns to racing,

Kawasaki is again front and centre with the iconic KX65. A starting point for many champion riders, the KX65 not only looks like it belongs in the race paddock but the results speak for themselves.

Looking for all the world like a full-on MXGP machine (and that is essential for junior’s pride), the KX65 boasts a timeserved and high-performing 2-stroke powerplant that is both easy to maintain and famously durable! n

Take a closer look at the bimota range

Having made its UK debut at the MCN London Motorcycle Show earlier this year, the bimota range is now available for customers across the country, with dealers located throughout the UK as far south as Chelmsford, through to Leeds and even Bournemouth. This means that interested riders will not have to travel far to see this stunning range of machines.

Aimed firmly at customers who enjoy unique engineering and highquality, high-end motorcycles, the bimota family currently has three machines available. The first is the built-toorder World Superbikespec KB998 Rimini

Powered by a 998cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder engine, the powerful Superbike features a billet aluminium alloy plates with oval tube trellis frame and weighs in at just 195kg, making it

a very nimble machine that is the ultimate track weapon. Don’t just take our word for it though, the bike has already achieved multiple podiums at the hands of Alex Lowes in World Superbikes, while the FS-3 Racing team has announced that it will be making the switch to bimota machinery for the 2026 BSB season!

For those riders seeking performance and

styling cues that hark back to the bimota brand’s rich heritage, the bike features a high-tensile steel trellis frame and a 1,043cc 4-stroke engine and comes equipped with the sporty Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa V3 SP tyres as standard, along with Ohlins front and rear.

Completing the current range is the Tesi H2 TERA Sports Tourer. With the bimota hub steering system, high-tensile steel trellis frame and a raft of proven electronics, it is the bike of choice for riders seeking a machine that can take them across mountains and beyond borders with ease. The 998cc 4-stroke engine can take on the longest of roads, while the spacious 22-litre tank will let you enjoy more of the road. With exceptional performance, uncompromising stability and precision, it’s an exhilarating experience for your next adventure! n

Search for “World’s longest commute (Isle

From Australia to the Isle of Man

The World’s Toughest Commute!

TT racer Davo Johnson made the arduous trek to the office from the other side of the planet to the UK – with the help of Kawasaki machinery!

You’re an Isle of Man TT racer.

You’re sitting in your kitchen in Adelaide, Australia, and suddenly realise you’re late for your flight to the island for the iconic TT races. How do you get there? Using every conceivable Kawasaki machine, of course!

And that’s just the predicament we put TT legend Davo Johnson in this year. So he set off on an epic journey, filmed as part of our latest video production…

The 2025 Isle of Man TT proved to be a memorable event for Davo, who delivered an impressive performance with a standout fifth-place finish in the Superbike race.

However, it was his journey to the TT that provided just as much entertainment as the racing itself! Our Marketing Department has been working hard to showcase how our expertise extends far beyond motorcycles –encompassing a diverse range of products including ATVs, utility vehicles and Jet Skis.

So, in comes Davo, ready to help us put these products in the limelight, and in doing so create one of the most watched videos we have ever made at Kawasaki UK with more than one million views...

It all began at Adelaide Airport, where Davo set off bright and early, leathers packed, ready for another TT campaign. After the long

flight to London Heathrow, things quickly took a turn when he “missed” his connecting flight to the Isle of Man. Most travellers would book the next available seat. Davo, on the other hand, called Kawasaki.

He took a quick detour to Kawasaki Motors UK, where he was handed the keys to a Versys 1100 – the perfect tool for a cross-country dash. With time ticking down before the ferry, Davo hit the motorway for Liverpool. Unfortunately, even the mighty Versys couldn’t bend time — and he arrived just in time to see the ferry heading off without him. (Gaining permission to film at the point of boarding the ferry at the Steam Packet

Terminal is harder than you might think!) Unfazed, he turned to plan B. A call to one of our dealers (Ideal Boats) in North Wales produced a Mule PRO-DXT, complete with a trailer carrying a Kawasaki Ultra 310LX Jet Ski. After a cruise across to Pwllheli, naturally, Davo did what any determined racer would do: jumped in the Mule, towed the Jet Ski to the coast and launched it into the sea — all while still wearing his race leathers, of course.

We filmed every moment to make it appear as if he’d genuinely continued his journey by water. Clever camera work, drone shots and some very wet acting on Davo’s part helped

Behind the Camera Making Davo’s Kawasaki Commute

THREE COUNTRIES, FIVE VEHICLES AND ONE VERY PATIENT FILM CREW! What looks like one smooth, globe-trotting journey on screen was actually filmed over several weeks across Australia, England, Wales and the Isle of Man – often in completely different weather conditions.

TIMING WAS EVERYTHING. From tracking ferry departure times to catching the last light on both the remote Welsh beach and the Liverpool ferry dock, the crew worked to stitch together each leg of the journey so it looked like a single, continuous adventure.

TWO CREWS, ONE MISSION. With one film team in Australia and another in the UK, co-ordination was key. Each location had to match camera settings, lighting tone and even Davo’s level of “travel fatigue” – not easy when he looks like he’s about to fall asleep most of the time!

THAT JET SKI LAUNCH? REAL. Yes, Davo actually launched the Ultra 310LX in his race leathers – and yes, they got very wet. We can’t say it was his favourite part of filming, but there aren’t many riders who would do that, trust us!

CONTINUITY. Keeping the same helmet, gloves and background gear consistent across continents proved to be one of the biggest challenges – especially when some items decided to stay behind in airport luggage!

THE RESULT? A seamless Kawasaki adventure, which proves that with enough creativity and co-ordination, you really can make it look like a racer commuted halfway around the world on Kawasaki machinery.

behind the scenes: the world’s toughest commute

Why choose between surf or turf when you can have both?

stitch together the illusion that he was now crossing the Irish Sea under his own power.

The Kawasaki vehicles used

VERSYS 1100

The perfect choice when your “connecting flight” turns into a cross-country adventure. Smooth, capable and comfortable enough to make even a detour to Liverpool feel like a scenic tour.

Arriving on the Isle of Man, Davo rode the Jet Ski up onto a quiet stretch of beach (filmed from a different angle in Pwllheli to make it look like the Isle of Man!) — where he just happened to encounter Enduro World Champion David Knight, who was out training on the sand. In true Kawasaki fashion, Knighter had a spare KX450 with him, and with a grin and a handshake, lent it to Davo to finish the final leg of his journey.

The pair tore across the island’s plantations and trails, before rolling triumphantly into the TT paddock.

There, Davo parked up the KX, swapped his lid for his racing helmet, climbed aboard his Ninja ZX-10RR and blasted off for first practice – completing what looked like the most entertaining commute in racing history.

In truth, of course Davo didn’t actually ride, drive or jet-ski the whole way from Adelaide to the Isle of Man (we’ll let him off this time).

But thanks to the hard work of our production crew and a LOT of logistical juggling and permissions, it certainly looks like he did.

The finished video is more than just a fun watch — it’s a celebration of the diverse Kawasaki brand. From Jet Skis to Mules, Versys and Ninja models, this was a project that showed every side of what makes Kawasaki tick. Make sure you head to the Kawasaki YouTube channel and search for “World’s longest commute (Isle of Man TT)”. It’s a video not to miss! n

MULE PRO-DXT

When your commute requires torque and towing power. Davo’s trusty workhorse for hauling a Jet Ski down to and across the beach!

ULTRA 310LX JET SKI

The super powerful, supercharged production Jet Ski is ideal for turning a missed ferry into a waterborne alternative.

NINJA ZX-10RR

KX450

The 450cc MX1 machine can handle all off-road conditions. Thanks to Enduro legend David Knight, this bridged the gap from beach to paddock in true Kawasaki style.

The ultimate Superbike machine. After the chaos, Davo ends up where he belongs – back on the bike that enables him to tackle the 37¾-mile course and lap at over 130mph average speed!

FAST CHAT

QUICKFIRE KIMI

Famously economical with his words, we asked the 2007 Formula 1 World Champion and team principal of the Kawasaki Racing Team in MXGP, Kimi Räikkönen, 10 quickfire questions. This is what the “Iceman” said...

1 Favourite Ferrari? Kimi: 2007 F1 (World Championshipcar).

2 Favourite wristwatch?  Kimi: Any one that I have sold!

3 KX250 or KX450 – which is your preferred ride?

Kimi: KX250.

4 Beer or wine?

Kimi: Beer.

5 Best airport in the world?

Kimi: The nearest

6 Surf or turf (seafood or meat)?  Kimi: Both.

7 One word to sum up Febvre? Kimi: Champion.

8 Greatest ever F1 driver (aside from yourself!)?

Kimi: James Hunt.

9 Road cycling or gym cycling?

Kimi: Both.

10 One word to sum up 2026 racing ambitions

Club Kawasaki

the benefits to belonging

We have a number of handpicked items featuring the Club Kawasaki logo so you can represent Kawasaki while you’re on or off your motorcycle. You’ll also find tickets to events for sale in the Club online shop. To place an order, log in to the members website at www.club-kawasaki.co.uk

n CLUB15 KEYRING AND PIN BADGE

To celebrate Club Kawasaki turning 15 this year, we have created a special commemorative keyring and pin badge. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or just joined the ride, this keepsake is a token of our appreciation for your loyalty and passion. If you would like a keyring and/or a pin badge, please come and see us at Motorcycle Live at the NEC between 15th and 23rd November or email club@kawasaki.co.uk

KEYRING

Sports 2026 Polo

RRP £46.95 CLUB £42.26

Short-sleeved polo shirt with buttoned opening and hemmed sleeves

n 2 buttoned opening

n Embroidered logos front and back

n Embroidered patch on upper right sleeve

n Side panels with green insert combined with hexagon print

n Pique fabric

n 72% cotton 28% polyester

Sports 2026 Polo

RRP

Short sleeved polo-shirt with buttoned opening and hemmed sleeves

n 2 buttoned opening

n Embroidered logos front and back

n Embroidered patch on upper right sleeve

n Side panels with green insert combined with hexagon print

n Pique fabric

n 72% cotton 28% polyester

Zipped sweatshirt with zipped side pockets, standup collar and ribbed hem and cuffs

n Green shoulder inserts

n Side panels with green insert combined with hexagon print

n Embroidered patch on upper right sleeve

n Front and back logos embroidered

n Ribbed hem and cuffs

n Unbrushed terry

n 81.6% cotton 18.4% polyester

Zipped sweatshirt with zipped side pockets and standup collar

Green shoulder inserts

Side panels with green insert combined with hexagon print

Embroidered patch on upper right sleeve

Front and back logos embroidered

Elastic trimmed cuffs

Unbrushed terry

MALE

RRP £89.95 CLUB £80.96

Hoody with kangaroo and zipped pocket, ribbed hem and cuffs pocket

n Green lined hood

n Printed Kawasaki logo on the front

n Ribbed hem and cuffs

n Unbrushed terry

n 81.6% cotton 18.4% polyester

Sports 2026 T-Shirt

MALE

RRP £33.95 CLUB £30.56

Short-sleeved crew neck T-shirt

n Side panels with green insert combined with hexagon print

n Embroidered patch on upper right sleeve

n Front and back logos printed

n Single knit fabric

n 72.7% cotton 27.3% polyester

Sports 2026 T-Shirt

KIDS

RRP £23.95 CLUB £21.56

Short-sleeved rounded neck T-shirt

n Side panels with green insert combined with hexagon print

n Embroidered patch on upper right sleeve

n Front and back logos printed

n Single knit fabric

n 72.7% cotton

n 27.3% polyester

Sports 2026 Hoody

KIDS

RRP £51.95 CLUB £46.76

Kids hoody with kangaroo pocket

n Green shoulder inserts

n Embroidered patch on upper right sleeve

n Front and back logos embroidered

n Ribbed hem and cuffs

n Unbrushed terry

n 81.6% cotton 18.4%polyester

Only the slickest kids get to wear the slickest hoodies

We’ve reached peak performance

Sports 2026 CAP

ADULT

RRP £21.95 CLUB £19.76

Black or grey six-panel peak cap with embroidered air holes

n Velcro adjustable strap

n Microfibre

n 100% polyester

BIMOTA

BbKRT

2026 Beanie

RRP £21.95 CLUB £19.76

Gear up in style with the bimota by KRT Beanie 2025, designed for true motorcycle enthusiasts and best bimota fans. Featuring a sleek grey and white design, this beanie isn’t just an accessory, it’s a statement.

The iconic bimota by Kawasaki logo on the front showcases your passion for highperformance machines and the Italian team.

Crafted from premium-quality materials, this beanie is as durable as it is comfortable, keeping you warm on crisp race days or casual walks. Whether you’re trackside cheering on your favourite team or hitting the road, the bimota by KRT Beanie completes your rider-inspired look.

Double layer knitted beanie with turnup featuring the bimota by Kawasaki logos. The colour reflects bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team colours

n Double layer with turnup

n Rubber badges with BBKRT logos

n Embroidered Kawasaki logo

n Knitted

n 100% acrylic

n Only available in adult size

BbKRT Neckwarmer

RRP £10.95 CLUB £9.85

Show your passion for speed and style with the bimota by KRT Neckwarmer 2025! Designed with a striking white base enhanced by bold grey, black, and red accents, it’s the ultimate statement piece for motorcycle enthusiasts.

Featuring the iconic BBK Racing Team logo with subtle bimota and Kawasaki logos, this neckwarmer perfectly blends performance and fandom, making it a must-have accessory for true bimota fans.

Crafted with premium, high-quality materials, it ensures comfort and durability, keeping you protected from the elements whether you’re cruising down the highway or cheering trackside

n Single layer

n Sublimation print

n Knitted 100% Polyester Only available in one size

BbKRT 2026 Cap

Be

Get ready to showcase your passion for motorsport with the bimota by KRT Cap 2025! Designed for true enthusiasts, this high-quality cap combines sleek style with official WorldSBK authenticity. Featuring a striking white and grey design and the iconic bimota logo front and center, it’s a must-have for fans of speed, adrenaline, and bimota excellence.

Crafted for comfort and durability, this cap isn’t just a stylish accessory, it’s your connection to the excitement of the WorldSBK Championship. Whether you’re trackside or simply repping your favorite sport, gear up with the official merchandise that lets you wear your fandom proudly!

Five panel peak cap with a grey mesh backing featuring the 3D printed BBK Racing Team logo on the front on a white background.

It features embroidered red and white bimota markings and Kawasaki logo, rubber bimota trademark on the back, the inside of the cap is taped with bimotabranded red binding, and the black underside of the peak is printed with bimota by Kawasaki logo

n Adjustable strap

n Peak and front 100% cotton twill

n Back mesh: 100% nylon

n Only available in adult size

RIDING GEAR

AMIENS II Textile Jacket

RRP £135.95 CLUB £122.36

Our Amiens textile jacket is a bold and vibrant take on protective motorcycling apparel. Its futuristic style and reflective panels offer increased visibility and protection. Rated CE Level AA, the jacket comes with CE Level 1 armour and back protector pocket

FEATURES & BENEFITS

n Improved fit

n Neoprene sports comfort collar

n Intake and exhaust vents

n Waist and sleeve adjusters

n Motion panels

n Reflective detail

n 2 x outer zip pockets

n 4 x internal pockets

n 360° connection zip

TRIER II Textile Jacket

MALE

RRP £216.95 CLUB £195.26

n Reflective detail: yes – reflex print

n Adjustment: waist adjusters

n Outer pockets: 2

n Map pocket: fixed

The

BAMBERG II Textile Trousers

MALE

RRP £156.95 CLUB £141.26

FEATURES & BENEFITS

n Reflective detail: yes – reflex print

n Adjustment: waist adjusters

n Outer pockets: 4

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Carry loads in style and comfort

Sweet dreams guaranteed with Kawasaki baby

Baby PJs

RRP £31.95 CLUB £28.76

100% cotton jersey baby pyjamas –the ideal attire for sleep time

n Cuffed hem and legs

n Wide neck opening

n Kawasaki river-mark logo

n 100% cotton, medium weight

RRP £89.95 CLUB £80.96

The Kawasaki-Ogio backpack is the best choice for carrying your computer and documents. The backpack is equipped with a dedicated padded pocket for carrying a 15” laptop with side zip for easy access, tablet pocket in the main compartment of the backpack, padded back with three bands to increase comfort, shoulder straps to double density for greater stability and comfort and also features zip pockets for valuables and important documents

n Dimensions: 47.5cm x 32.5cm x 15.5cm

n Laptop pocket size: up to 15 inches

n Waterproof: no

Material: 330D x 400D nylon/polyester Colour: grey with green details

Adult Bathrobe

RRP

This 100% cotton bathrobe is just the right attire for lounging around the house

n Black bathrobe with pockets

n Embroidered with Kawasaki logo on back and front

n 100% cotton terry

n Available in sizes S/M & L/XL

Teddy Bear

RRP

Say hello to the one and only Kawasaki mascot

Height 25cm

Ikigai Touring

Japan’s Hidden Roads on Two Wheels

Discover Japan beyond the neon: Ikigai’s small-group motorcycle tours weave through beach races, shrine-side switchbacks and villages

Working for a Japanese company like Kawasaki, there is one constant when you mention it to people in conversation: “Oh

Japan, I’d love to go there, what is it like?”

Put simply: diverse and fascinating. But it is a land of multiple layers, and most people only see what is on the surface – there is much more to Japan than you might experience in cities or on the coastal plain, where the vast majority of the population lives.

And for a motorcyclist, there is an incredible variety of roads and places to experience if you venture away from the near identical “templated” expressways and roads in towns and cities.

That is where Tony Wong and his friend and business partner, Adam Kennedy, come in. Sharing a passion for Japan, cool bikes and relaxed travelling, the pair created Ikigai Touring, a motorcycle tour experience that unlocks Japan with biking tours built around the desires and riding styles of small groups of guests. (Appropriately, Ikigai in Japanese means “a reason for living”.)

Tony and Adam hail from Perth in Western Australia and run their bespoke motorcycling tours with no more than six guests in the group, resulting in tours that are personalised, intimate and explore the “real” Japan.

“There are times when we won’t see tourists for days and sometimes ride without seeing another vehicle for hours,” says Tony.

Ikigai Tours so far have included areas around Mount Fuji, Izu, Hiroshima, Kyushu, Ishikawa, Toyama, and Gifu. When you look at a map, that means they are able to cover a vast area of Japan and are not focused on one specific place or set of roads.

This could be you. Fancy it?

This most recent Ikigai tour was an event focused on just three riders – Den, Callan and Andy. Den and Callan were Japan virgins, and it was Andy’s second time in Japan, with his first being a Hiroshima Ikigai Tour organised earlier in the year.

The three guest tour threw up an interesting fact in that all participants were riding Kawasaki bikes!

This three-guest tour threw up an interesting fact – all participants were riding Kawasaki bikes! Hosts Adam and Tony on their own W650 machines, Callan on a Meguro S1 230, Andy on a W800 and Den on a Z900RS.

As Tony explains: “All these models were, in their own way, perfect for touring in Japan – mountain roads, expressway sections, country and city traffic. Nobody felt disadvantaged, and we saw to it that the pace was right for everyone.

Normally our riders pick up their rental bikes at one hire company, but this time, due to availability, we hired from two rental companies – Kawasaki Plaza in Toyama and Bikeon in Kanazawa.”

The group first met, appropriately, at a noodle restaurant north of Toyama and headed to Himi. This would be base camp for the tour for the first few nights as it is close to the Chirihama Sandflats race weekend, which was one of the main focuses of this particular tour.

There is a real passion for classic bikes all over Japan, and the Chirihama weekend of beach racing features hundreds of vintage motorcycles competing in various categories. The majority of the bikes were Harley-Davidsons mixed with Indians, Triumphs, BSAs, and a handful of old Honda and Kawasaki machines. After spending a few hours at the race in the morning, we would take the crew riding into the countryside through mountains, along the coast, rivers and through villages, visiting shrines and temples with stops for lunch and coffee,” says Adam. “We would head back to the hotel for around 5pm, reconvening an hour or two later for a relaxed dinner.”

Following the weekend of beach racing, the tour moved to the higher grounds of Takayama for a couple of nights, stopping off on the way at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirikawa. We enjoyed riding on plenty of beautiful mountain roads, alongside many rivers and through small, sparsely populated villages.

“Riding in Japan is truly magical and an experience that leaves you longing for more”

Tony Wong, Ikigai Touring

Tony – who is conversant in Japanese and acts very much as host interpreter alongside Adam – highlighted the core attraction of this type of touring holiday: “Riding in Japan is truly magical and an experience that leaves you longing for more. The bikes were all more than capable and lived up to our expectations.

Callan, the youngest and tallest of our crew, was on the Meguro S1, and he really put the bike through its paces! We were all impressed with Callan’s riding, how versatile that 232cc single was handling single-lane twisty mountain roads like a BMX bike and also 100km/hr expressways, cruising with ease.

Den on the Z900RS – a bike he had never ridden before –was very impressed with both the nimbleness and power. Adam who had rented this model before on tour in Japan, was so impressed that he bought one for himself on returning to Australia.

Andy rented the W800, and like the W650 ridden by myself and Adam, these bikes are perfect for touring in Japan. Not

only do they handle all riding conditions perfectly, but they also look very cool being retro in design.

My personal W650 is a mild custom by Heiwa Motorcycle in Hiroshima – with custom seat, pipes, and paint. The W is a reliable workhorse, and it was so cool at night to see a line of Kawasaki bikes all parked in a row, plus the smiling faces of happy clients.”

So, you have your answer to the question of what Japan is like. But why not experience it for yourself on two wheels. Tony and Adam are ready to build a tour around you and your friends if you want to go as a group, or simply add you to a tour they are building. Either way, Ikigai Touring is a fantastic option if you want to get under the skin of this endlessly fascinating country and also get in touch with your own personal reason for living. n

Green Future

Tour France de

The

world’s greatest bicycle event was a spectacular feast of human endurance, stunning scenery, Kawasakis and strawberries on the racing line

Just about everyone on planet Earth has heard of the Tour de France. Its sheer scale and magnitude are hard to comprehend. In terms of sporting events it overshadows such megaliths as the World Cup and Formula 1. Into this human-powered/two-wheel arena, Kawasaki has re-emerged as a core sponsor in 2025, re-energising a relationship with the world’s ultimate bicycle race that stretches back decades. To put it in perspective, in 2025 television views (just in Europe) were in the region of 150 million people; the Tour website had over 33 million visitors in the period measured by the organisers, while the mobile App was downloaded 40 million times and social media video content commanded a staggering 1.3 billion views! The total distance covered was 2074 miles by 184 riders in 23 teams of eight riders each. The race was divided into 21 stages, including six gruelling mountain stages and a total ascent across the whole race of 52,500m (172244 ft!). It requires enormous logistical support in terms of team vehicles, medical and police backup, plus a swathe of safety and security

measures – and it all rolls as a complete entity from one stage to the next.

One minute there is a stretch of road between 80 and 150 miles long and next, the whole tour descends on it, closing main and side roads, putting security measures into place and creating a huge start area called the “village”, plus the finish line area with media stages, areas

Social media video content created commanded a staggering 1.3 billion views

for broadcasters, medical services, the police and even the fire brigade, together with the caravan promotional circus. The next day, the whole route is back to how it was before – well rehearsed and incredibly impressive.

But enough Tour de France facts and figures – why is Kawasaki involved? Historically, Kawasaki supported the race with motorcycles via a connection between the race organisers and

Kawasaki Motors France. Way back when, GTR1000 touring bikes were supplied to the Tour to be used by travelling marshals and as TV camera platforms. They even loaned some original 4-cylinder Z650 machines in the late 1970s, so the link between Kawasaki and the race is well established. As the Tour grew in stature and commercially, so did the fee for being a sponsor. Eventually, the coveted “official motorcycle” status was usurped by Yamaha and, for many years, they provided bikes and support to the tour, until 2024 when they put their resources elsewhere.

The chance to get back into bed with the Tour de France was seized upon by Ito-san, the head of Kawasaki motorcycles in Japan. His plan was to have a wide reach and include the whole of Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

Kawasaki wants to be carbon neutral by the mid 2030’s and to highlight this mission in the wider world, the Tour de France offers some compelling synergies. Cycling itself is obviously pretty green to start with, but the entire race – and its support structure – has the same ambition to be carbon neutral within the

It was said that too many strawberries would probably cause a jam

Media and minders in a vibrant Paris Stopping for a leek

The big Versys was the perfect tool for the task in hand

Final stage cobbles in packed Paris

Kawasaki Hybrid #green-power

Over 20 Versys 1100s were supplied – a truly versatile workhorse

The Eliminator 500 brought cruiser style to the streets

After 21 stages the winner relaxes was yellow!

Team Green out in force! From the advanced Ninja H2 Hydrogen to the Ninja 7 Hybrid

shortest timeframe possible.

Already the four wheel partner, Škoda, provides only hybrid or electric vehicles, in time, every lorry or vehicle associated with the Tour should be carbon neutral, the viewing public will be encouraged to car pool or use carbon-neutral and then carbon-free public transport to attend.

From a Kawasaki perspective, the main fleet of motorcycles for 2025 were the new Euro5+ and the fuel-efficient Versys 1100s. A fleet of machines was supplied to A.S.O., who added specialist satellite navigation and communication equipment to them. The majority of machines were in direct support of the Tour, either riding well in advance to ensure things like road junctions were shut and the route clear and safe for the peloton to progress. Machines were also loaned to a major financial institution as a “mobile billboard”, as well as an event support bike for the brake and gear train company, Shimano.

As expected, the riders were very impressed with the all-day and any-road ability of the Versys 1100, and there was only one mishap during the entire race when a stationary bike accidentally fell over, causing minimal damage.

For the final stage – the grand entrance into Paris – the ecological landscape changed slightly with Kawasaki working alongside A.S.O. to highlight the growing roll call of green machines either in its current range or under development. A group of journalists from across Europe were invited by Kawasaki to ride in the caravan parade that precedes every stage, eventually riding into the centre of Paris – along with Kawasaki’s experimental hydrogen bike – and traverse the world famous ChampsElysées, plus circumnavigating the iconic

A fleet of machines was supplied to A.S.O., who added specialist satellite navigation and communication equipment to them

Arc de Triomphe.

With several “laps” of the ChampsElysées under their belts, the riders parked their steeds and joined the rest of the huge crowd awaiting the arrival of the race. Adding to the sense of drama, a huge black cloud slowly drifted over the centre of Paris and halted ominously. Predictably, the heavens opened as the riders arrived and the thoroughly drenched competitors then undertook a series of “laps” of a final course that included a precarious climb up to the Sacré-Cœur and an even more worrying descent on wet cobblestones! It was close racing all the way to the line as Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates-XRG secured his fourth Tour de France title to add to his incredible success tally.

To witness the culmination of the Tour de France project, Ito-san and the President of KHI, Hashimotosan, flew to Paris in this initial year of a multi-year sponsorship deal. Also in attendance was Tanakasan, the Managing Director of Kawasaki Motors Europe.

Commenting on the hydrogen machine display, plus the atmosphere on the final day of the Tour, hydrogen bike test rider Matthias

The Versys machines ensured the Tour ran smoothly

Hoeppner said: “The Tour de France is such a famous global event, and at first, it was hard to fully appreciate that I would be piloting Kawasaki’s unique Hydrogen ICE machine in front of a combined worldwide muti-million audience.

“As I expected, the bike performed flawlessly and it was a proud moment to be at the head of a Kawasaki display that showcased the breadth of our two-wheel technology from fuel-efficient gasoline engine-equipped bikes to fully EV and hybrid machines.

It was fitting that Mr Ito and Mr Hashimoto were present to see the public reaction to all the hard work being undertaken by our engineers on this and other Kawasaki low-emission and carbon neutral projects.”

In 2025, and subsequent years, Kawasaki sponsorship covers approximately 20 of the major bicycle races across Europe each year, and there will be ample opportunity to enjoy the pinnacle of professional cycling knowing that it’s the ambition of the organisers to provide entertainment and inspiration hand in

UK YouTuber ‘Lamb Chops’ was also in attendance

in the

garrett gerloff

As the sole Ninja rider in WorldSBK, Garrett Gerloff is certainly in the hot seat, and sitting is something he does a lot as he endures regular 15-hour flights from his home in Texas to Europe to race for the Kawasaki WorldSBK team. We took a chair opposite Garrett and fired some questions at him in an exclusive Club magazine interview. Take a seat yourself and enjoy this great insight.

Q: WHAT ARE THE PRESSURES OR REALITIES OF THIS SINGLE-RIDER APPROACH COMPARED WITH PREVIOUS TIMES?

GG: I haven’t really felt like there’s extra pressure, to be honest, but there’s a different challenge being the only Kawasaki rider because I don’t have data that I can look at on the same day in the same conditions.

It can be hard to look at the past and try to make a direct ‘apples to apples’ comparison. And so that’s been kind of a challenge in and of itself.

But, conversely, being the only guy that represents Kawasaki, it’s like an honour for me to be able to do that, and that they picked me to be able to do that.

I feel bad that we haven’t been able to get the results that I know the team and the bike and myself are capable of getting. And so that’s the one thing that has not been the highlight of the year – but we’re all working really hard and trying to move forward.

Q: TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROAD CYCLING TEAM IN THE US?

GG: We have a cycling team, me and a bunch of friends that are all big cyclists. It’s called Go Pivot Cycling. There are some really cool guys on the team, like Bobby Fong, who was fighting for the Moto America championship this year. Scott Russell (former WorldSBK Champion for Kawasaki) is also on the team.

It’s a cool group of guys and we do different trips throughout the year. We actually just did a video from our last trip in Utah. That’s on YouTube. I like being on two wheels in general and cycling is great for fitness and for just for staying on two wheels.

Q: ENLIGHTEN US ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL MENTAL PREPARATION FOR BUILDING UP TO ANY RACE WEEKEND – WHAT SYSTEM DO YOU HAVE?

GG: Going into Friday, I’ve been trying to just kind of clear

garrett gerloff in the hot seat

my mind and go into the weekend with an open view, while also keeping in the back of my mind different things from the past, such as different results that I’ve gotten or different bikes that I’ve ridden. I have a lot of experience and I try to combine that together to go into the weekend with the most direct outlook; a good outlook on the weekend. But, at the same time, I’m trying to clear my mind because you never know, on Friday, everything can change. I’ve had a new bike for all the races this year, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX10RR and I’ve never ridden a Kawasaki at this track at Estoril, Portugal, for instance. Once I do the first couple of sessions, I have a better idea of what I need to work on, what I need to improve with the bike setup, with my team. And so then everything kind of gets more focused. Then I try to have not such an open mind and just focus on the things that need to improve. And then by the time we get to the races, I really try to just focus on just riding the best that I can. I have the package that I have, and just trying to do the best that I can with it.

Q: DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC AS A CHILL DOWN, OR A BOOST UP?

GG: It depends. Sometimes I listen to really relaxing music if I feel like I need to just be precise and work on that. Or if I feel like I just need to find something from myself. I listen to music that’s a bit more high pace. All kinds. I have such a wide spectrum of musical taste, it’s crazy.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A ‘ONE HOUR BEFORE THE RACE I DO THIS’ ROUTINE, AND ’20 MINUTES BEFORE THIS’ I DO THAT, EVERY TIME?

GG: I just try to get ready at the same time of day. I try to give myself time so that if I can’t find something then I have time to find it, you know what I mean? Some guys wait until the absolute last minute to get ready. But then, if they lose something or they need something like their knee sliders, then they’re panicking. And I don’t want to ever be panicked. So I try to give myself a decent amount of time to be prepared.

Q: YOU DO ALL THAT HELMET VISOR, RIDING GEAR PREPARATION YOURSELF?

GG: I do that myself. I’ve always travelled by myself for the most part. Like if I have friends that want to come to the races, then they come and they can help me out, but I never depend on it.

Q: IS THAT A ‘MAKE SURE IT’S DONE RIGHT’ KIND OF THING? DO YOUR VISORS HAVE TO BE A CERTAIN WAY, OR YOUR GLOVES?

GG: No, that’s just what I’ve always done. I’ve always been

kind of solo, you know? I just got to have a routine. I try to stretch before the races. And then just make sure I have everything I need and turn my mind off.

Q: MAYBE THAT SELF-RELIANCE HAS BEEN A HELP TO YOU WHEN YOU CAME TO EUROPE AT FIRST, BECAUSE IT’S OBVIOUSLY A NEW THING FOR ANY AMERICAN RIDER. IT’S NOT ONE CULTURE, IT’S LIKE 20 CULTURES. IT MUST BE BEWILDERING?

GG: I kind of just go into every situation like, ‘All right, I’m here. Let’s just see what happens.’ I’ve been with people who have to have things a certain way, and if they’re not like that, then everything falls apart. I’ve been with people like that and I’ve never understood them, because that’s just never been how I’ve thought about anything. I just kind of cruise, and if the food is different, awesome. I’m like, ‘That tastes interesting,’ or ‘That’s cool; I didn’t know I liked that.’ That’s how I am. Open-minded.

Q: ARE YOU STILL DISCOVERING NEW THINGS IN EUROPE FIVE YEARS AFTER COMING OVER HERE?

GG: Not really. Although going to Hungary was new for me. There was some new stuff there that I thought was cool. But besides that, I’ve kind of been everywhere for the most part, seen a lot, which is nice.

Q: THE KAWASAKI NINJA IS A LEGENDARY BIKE AND KAWASAKI DOES HAVE QUITE HARDCORE FOLLOWERS. ARE YOU AWARE OF THAT? DO YOU HAVE PEOPLE COMING UP TO YOU PURELY BECAUSE YOU’RE THE KAWASAKI MAN?

GG: Yeah, for sure. Actually, earlier this year at Misano, Italy, I believe, we had the Cavalieri di Akashi. I could be saying that wrong! But, anyway, it’s a big Italian group of Kawasaki fans. It was probably 50 people and they were all there just to support the Kawasaki World Superbike team and myself. And I got to eat dinner with them, which was really cool. That’s a nice thing that I haven’t experienced with other manufacturers I’ve been with.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TRACK? FORGET RESULTS, BUT JUST THE ONES THAT YOU ENJOY OR ARE A CHALLENGE, OR THE MOST SATISFYING ONE FOR YOU PERSONALLY?

GG: It’s a weird one, but I enjoyed Cremona in Italy. I just enjoyed it. I mean, a lot of people don’t like going there, but if we’re talking about just the track, I like Cremona and I like Autodrom Mostin the Czech Republic. They are two places that a lot of people don’t think about. They just stand out for me for some reason. I love Misano for the beach and for the restaurants and for the life around the track. But the track itself I’ve kind of struggled at. Some tracks are cooler for the area around the track.

“I have a lot of experience and I try to combine that together to go into the weekend”

garrett gerloff in the hot seat

Q: NOW YOU’LL HAVE TO REVEAL A SECRET ABOUT YOURSELF. DO YOU PREFER LEFT-HAND CORNERS OR RIGHT-HAND CORNERS?

GG: Lefts, yeah, for sure. Dude, you know, I am American, we go counterclockwise. It is interesting… If you look at all of the circuits in America, almost all of them are counterclockwise, but when I came to Europe, almost every track is clockwise, so it’s more right-dominated. The only tracks that we go to that are left-dominated tracks, counterclockwise, are Cremona in Italy. Hungaroring in Hungary, that was counterclockwise, but I think it’s just Hungaroring and Cremona. All the others are clockwise.

Q: THIS YEAR YOU HAVE GONE BACK TO TEXAS BETWEEN RACES. HOW HAS THAT BEEN? AND, GIVEN HOW MUCH INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL YOU’RE DOING, WHAT ARE YOUR TRAVEL TIPS FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO DO WHAT YOU HAD TO DO?

GG: Well, I’ve loved being in Texas more. For me, mentally, it’s been, like, a really nice thing just to be around my family more and to be around my friends and stuff. I was in Europe for four years – probably nine months of each year here and three months at home. I was really struggling to just find the same kind of friendship and community in Europe that I had in America, you know what I mean? And so that was tough, a lot of isolation, and that’s not always great mentally, especially if things aren’t going well at the track, you know – which I’ve had.

“I don’t expect people to come just to watch me, but I love it when they do”

The travel is a bit difficult, but 100% worth it, especially for me mentally. A tip? And one of the things that’s helped me travel is timing when I eat. Apparently, your circadian rhythm is also set by when you eat. When I come to Europe, I try to have my last meal, like around 1pm in US time – and then not eat anything at the airport until I arrive in Europe.

That has been working pretty well, honestly, to kind of just like reset myself. I go a long time without food and I definitely get hungry, but when I start eating again, I kind of am able to get into the rhythm of European time pretty quickly. Then when I go home, it’s the same thing. I need to eat based on US time. Honestly, it’s helped a lot. It’s not perfect. It’s not like, you know, fool-proof, but it works pretty well.

Q: YOU ARE NOT SITTING UP THE FRONT OF THE PLANE ALL THE TIME, I GUESS?

GG: I wish! I’m getting more airline miles, so I might get some upgrades to like a premium economy seat, which is not amazing, but it’s better than just economy. This year, on one airline, I’ve already had 44 flights. That’s a lot. And that doesn’t include the flights to Australia and Japan. It doesn’t include the flights that I’ve done within Europe. So 44 flights on just one airline is, a lot. If I fly from Houston, Texas, I can fly direct to London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Munich, but anywhere else in Europe is not direct.

Q: SO WHAT’S THE BEST SEAT ON THE PLANE TO TAKE?

GG: I’m a window guy as I like to lean up against something, but I’m also an aisle guy because I like to drink a lot and I got to go to the bathroom often. By drink a lot, I mean I hydrate with water a lot! I am not drinking champagne!

Q: DO YOU TRY TO BRING FRIENDS OR YOUR FAMILY OUT TO THE RACES?

GG: Yeah, definitely. I want people to be at every race. But coming from America isn’t necessarily cheap and it’s not easy. Like I said, when you’re talking about - with a stop - a 15-hour flight, one direction. Also in America, you have like the work culture where there’s not a ton of vacation time. And so people can’t just take off seven days whenever they want. You lose a day when you come here just in travel. If people are going to fly to Europe, they’re going to want to be here for more than just six days and be at the track for three of them. People want to go see stuff. And so if you’re going to make that bit of an effort, you kind of have to. So anyway, I don’t expect people to come just to watch me, but I love it when they do.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A MESSAGE TO THE FANS OUT THERE, THE KAWASAKI PEOPLE READING THIS MAGAZINE?

GG: The message to everybody is thank you so much for the support that I get, for all the messages that I received from people that are Kawasaki fans and from the support that I’m getting from the Kawasaki factory.

I’m just super thankful to be in the position that I’m in and to be representing an awesome company like Kawasaki. I wish I was doing a better job, and I’m trying my best to improve my results. But sometimes I think you learn the most in adversity and it can make you way stronger than if you didn’t have the adversity to begin with.

So I guess also to those people that are struggling with something that they’re going through I’d like to say just keep fighting. You never know what you might learn from it, and how it can help you in the future. n

Parallel Lines W650

A true retro tribute done the right way

aunched in 1999 – a year before Triumph “reinvented” the modern Bonneville –Kawasaki was arguably well ahead of the retro curve with the parallel twin W650.

An authentic-looking four-stroke parallel twin, the W650 could be easily mistaken for an historic British machine, something that was a design goal. In fact, Kawasaki engineers visited the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham to research the look and style of the machine during the formative process.

The W650 harked back to the 1966 W1, the first large capacity machine from the Akashi factory. The heavy responsibility for that first W rested on the shoulders of a certain “Ben” Inamura, who would go on to guide the legendary Super Four model Z1.

The W1 was in fact a rework of an earlier machine from Meguro, who Kawasaki had acquired in order for them to understand the intricacies of making such small engineering products instead

of ships. Meguro was once Japan’s leading motorcycle manufacturer but fell on hard times due to an industrial dispute – yes, a strike in Japan!

With slightly less than 50 horsepower, the 1999 W650 was a steady rather than surprising performer but, frankly, the customers were not interested in top speed or acceleration, preferring to cruise along the back roads revelling in the nostalgia of it all.

The W650 exuded quality and, from an engineering aspect, boasted a bevel gear-driven camshaft that bore an uncanny likeness to a 1930s Velocette (see reference about the UK museum!).

Adventures on a W650 are relaxing and unhurried affairs, owing much to the roots of motorcycling, although many opted for the low-bar version as the high bars could turn the rider into a bit of a “sail”.

As a slice of Kawasaki heritage, the W series in 650 and 800 form show how a good idea can be made better – plus they’re a hoot to own and ride! n

motocross marvel!

Lee Dunham spent years honing his skills on track and winning titles, and now he’s teaching others the joys of off-road racing at The LDR Training Facility…

The saying ‘Those who can, do; those who can’t; teach’ doesn’t apply to The LDR Training Facility. In fact, anyone who wants to learn motocross or off-road bike skills really couldn’t be in better hands. Founder Lee Dunham is a well-known name on the motocross circuit and is happy to pass on his expertise to enthusiastic riders.

Lee’s first proper taste of two wheels was on a PW50 on his third birthday. At seven, he started his Kawasaki journey via the local dealership, participating in grassroots competitions, eventually achieving his dream of a place in Team Green Kawasaki Youth at 14. In 2004, Lee won his first title – the KWS International Championship aboard a Kawasaki KXF250 – and at 18 he transitioned into adult racing and into a Kawasaki dealership team, where he was the championship runner-up in 2008.

In what was his “learning year”, Lee gained much-needed knowledge and prepared mentally and physically for whatever 2009 threw at him. From the get-go, that year he stormed to win after win, putting Kawasaki on the top step, and after a year-long battle he won the AMCA British Championship, as well as the IMBA European Championship. After being transferred to new professional team Maxxis Henderson

“I had a fantastic career, from youth to adult racing and loved every second of it”

Lee Dunham, Founder, The LDR Training Facility

LPE Kawasaki, managed by Steve James, Lee he won the AMCA British Championship and the IMBA European Championship for the second year running – this hadn’t been done before! So, as he rewrote the history books, he changed classes from 250cc to 450cc.

The powerful 450cc Kawasakis are considered difficult bikes to race fast and Lee was now up against a class full of previous 250cc winners, but he took

it in his stride and won in his first 450cc year. He also won the AMCA British Championship again, the Superclass Championship and finished third in the European Championships.

After an amazing career, it was almost time to take a step back and Lee planned to retire at the end of 2012. However, that year he finished second and decided that if he were to retire, he needed to be a champion. So, in 2013 he went into battle fitter and more mentally prepared than he’d ever been. The hard work paid off as Lee took the AMCA British Champion title for the fourth time and came third in the European Championships, retiring after the final race.

After an illustrious career that included several podium finishes, and representing Team Great Britain on the European stage for eight years on Kawasaki machinery, Lee was awarded the Alec Wright Memorial Award for outstanding career achievements by Kawasaki UK.

“I had a fantastic career, from youth to adult racing and loved every second of it,” says Lee. “I’m so grateful to Kawasaki for always supporting my dreams and to my family for being behind me every step of the way. I won a lot, and I’m so thankful for Steve Guttridge, who took a risk and gave me my first shot at ‘Team Green’.”

The kids are all right

Lee Dunham is nurturing the future generation of Kawasaki racers through an innovative youth training scheme

The LDR Kawasaki Youth Academy is a Kawasaki programme set up by Lee Dunham to bring the manufacturer’s smallest capacity bikes back on the start lines of grassroots racing. Inspired by his six-year-old son, Jett, who was keen to race a KX65, Lee created a pathway for riders to enter at ground level and evolve through Kawasaki coaching at LDR.

Lee firmly believes in the Kawasaki youth bikes and what they offer to

Like father... like son

the development of young racers. “Our uplifted KX65 has really caught people’s attention around the world,” says Lee. “My inbox is full of queries about the bike – I’ve even had people from New Zealand contact me. We’re really proud of it.

“Both of my sons, Jett and Daxton, are riding now, and this new programme is a fresh, modern and exciting addition to the Kawasaki UK family,” Lee continues. “In 2025, our first year, the team supported five riders on 65cc bikes, and in 2026 we’re supporting three 65cc riders and two 85cc riders. The kids have achieved some amazing results, which has kept us on our toes. Naturally, there have been ups and downs – it’s racing after all – so it has been crucial to stay focused and keep learning, while having as much fun as possible.”

Lee is working with Kawasaki UK to bring back Team Green Kawasaki Youth racing. “We all think this is needed, especially in the youth scene,” he says. “So watch this space!”

Lee firmly believes in the Kawasaki youth bikes and what they offer to the development of young racers

training camp

Lessons start early for keen Kawasaki racers!

As well as the LDR Kawasaki Youth Academy, Lee and the team are inspiring the next generation of racers through The Kawasaki Training Camp. “I wanted to bring back the feeling of Kawasaki community I experienced as part of ‘Team Green’ some 20 years ago.” he says. “I wanted customers to feel part of something.”

Riders of all levels are welcome, but they must own their own Kawasaki motocross/off-road bike. Over two days, Lee will take students through an in-depth programme to unlock their potential, and training will include braking, mastering corners with ruts, tackling jumps safely, as well as reading different line choices, track craft and passing points. Students are given advice on nutrition and fitness, learning what foods work well for training off the bike and what’s best for racing, as well as stretching plans to ensure the muscles and mindset are engaged and active before the track sessions.

The bikes also get lots of attention. Under the watchful eye of a Kawasaki expert, students are shown how to change air filters on their own bikes and learn about lever and handle bar positioning, oil and coolant level checks, tyre pressures, fault diagnosing and pre-race checks. Lee believes it’s important for riders to know their bikes and diagnose any noises or changes and fix them before they become a problem.

“Some of my best memories with Kawasaki were the events we attended as a team,” Lee remembers. “Of course we rode lots, but getting to hang out and ride with our friends was great, so it’s brilliant to see everyone at our camp raise their game on track and learn off track, too.” n

For the full range of classes available, visit www.leedunhamracing.com

The LDR Training Facility

Learn from the best in a safe and fun environment

Lee Dunham’s passion for motorbikes has enabled him to build one of the best training facilities in Europe. Based near Dursley, Gloucestershire, Lee and his team welcome everyone – from complete beginners to budding racers hoping for track success, as well as people looking to take the CBT, MOD1 and MOD2 and road riders keen to navigate the roads with confidence.

TEAM SPIRIT

Part of what makes LDR unique is its work with organisations such as the British Armed Forces, police, charities and schools – something Lee is particularly proud of.

“We’ve worked with members of the Royal Navy to improve riding skills and help team bonding,” he says. “The same with the police. But another aspect of what we do with

them involves young people who have been getting into trouble. The aim is to provide a safe environment for them to learn how to ride. A lot of it is about showing people they can learn new skills and hopefully encourage them to get out of bad habits.”

Learning to ride a motorbike is a great way to channel energy. LDR works with schoolchildren of all ages, from motocross clubs for the local primary school to youngsters who struggle with concentration. “We’ve found that students not interested in traditional team sports, or those with ADHD or autism, can excel when given the task of learning how to ride,” says Lee. “Once the goals have been set, they focus on completing them. When we work with young people, any positive behaviour is rewarded with time on the bike – which everyone loves!”

What is BikeTrac

A discreet GPS/ RF tracker that monitors the movements of any motorcycle, moped or scooter in real time, allowing you to view status and journey history 24/7, with notifications for unauthorised movements, low battery voltage, bike over alerts and more. BikeTrac is insurance approved and offers advanced live monitoring for your pride and joy.

Key Features

A supercharged H2 engine can liven up any dull motorway, even when parked up...

800 Miles on the bimota Tesi h2 TERA

Hardcore Versys rider Martin Lambert samples the Tesi H2 TERA on UK roads to deliver his verdict on bimota’s unique crossover

This article is going to start like one of those AA meetings where I say, “My name is Martin and I am a Versys-holic”. I’m on my sixth Versys now – or seventh – and I have to say the Versys 1100 is the best iTERAtion so far of our litre class any roads bike. But why am I saying this in an article that is focused on the new bimota TERA?

Simply this. Having racked up something like a quarter of a million miles on Versys machines, it was only going to be natural for me to compare any ride on the new TERA with my go-to motorcycle. That said, I approached the opportunity to ride the TERA with an open mind and equally inquisitive nature. There is no doubt it is both a stunning looking machine and also incredibly fascinating. At standstill, the quality of design and finish is matched only by the extravagant engineering. Pictures don’t do it justice and the complexity of the Tesi front end is not only visually stimulating but also much easier to understand when you see it in action. Much the same can be said

for the suspension, with two shock absorbers side by side (where one would normally be at the rear of the machine) with one undertaking duties from the rear wheel and one acted on by a long rod under the engine serving the front end of the bike. It might seem complex and extravagant, but then so are Richard Mille watches and they’re equally mesmerising.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s spool back to my plans for the TERA. I had the bike for a total of four days over a long weekend and decided to test its distance credentials with a ride from my house near Kettering, Northamptonshire to Crantock, just south of Newquay in Cornwall. The journey would amount to just over 300 miles each way, and when you add the commute home from Kawasaki UK to my home on Thursday, and then dropping the bike off the next week, the total distance was a little over 800 miles; more than enough to form a considered opinion on this radical adventure bike.

My first practical challenge was how to

carry my luggage as the side cases and framework were not yet available. Other than wearing a rucksack (which I never like), the only other option was to strap my bag to the passenger seat area. Actually, this worked out really well as my waterproof tote bag was so tightly packed it was more or less self-supporting. Therefore, I could just strap it to the back of the machine without any fear of it drooping down or causing any hindrance. With the bag secured and the fuel tank topped to the brim, I set off down the A14 towards the M6 junction, passing Coventry on my way to Birmingham and the M42. I planned to skirt round beneath Birmingham then pick up the M5 all the way to Exeter, peeling off on the A30 to my destination in Cornwall.

Anyone that undertakes a long trip on a motorcycle or in a car knows what a lottery it is. Sometimes you can breeze along without a care in the world, yet on other occasions it seems to be one traffic jam after another. From a pragmatic point of view, I was not unduly concerned if the traffic got heavy because I wanted to see how the TERA behaved in all conditions – safe to say my wish was granted!

exquisitely tapered handlebars get the thumbs-up. Note though, I was close to the limit of touching my feet down –not tiptoes but not far off it.

Next up is a huge mention for the supercharged Kawasaki four-cylinder engine that thrusts the TERA along. This and the style of meter panel are obviously Kawasaki touches, and the engine with its larger-than-life character is absolutely ideal for this bike. Any gear and at any speed, there is always urge available – from mini urge to “my word my arms are stretching” urge. An incredible motor, but as I would find out, it rewards conservative riding with commendable economy, but only if you allow your right hand a degree of restraint. Staying at a gallop and the economy does suffer. For most – me included – it was a price worth paying for the combination of presence and performance that the TERA embodies.

“The engine, with its larger-than-life character, is absolutely ideal for this bike”

As fate would have it, the M42 chugged along at 50 to 60mph and the electronic cruise control took this in its stride. I could spend my time thinking about what traffic might build up at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol or when entering Exeter. Harking back to my Versys and its sofa-like seat, there are two or three riding positions you can adopt over a long distance which keep things comfortable, reduce fatigue and also the need for stops. Combined with its camel-like range ability, the Versys is a bike that gets on with its business in a dutiful but fairly inconspicuous way.

From an instant familiarity point of view, the riding position of the TERA for me at five foot seven is very natural. The handlebars are a little wider than you’d expect but this causes no concerns and, of course, increases leverage and manoeuvrability. And before you ask, no I didn’t have any problems filtering between traffic, so the

By contrast, the TERA is impossible to ignore and I suppose that is what will appeal to many of the people who will purchase one. There are not so many position options on the TERA, and I found that it was more or less a traditional pose against the back of the fuel tank or pushed right back on the seat that were the only two realistic seating positions.

Nevertheless, I got from Kettering to within sight of Bristol before stopping and topping up the fuel tank at one of the UK’s hideously expensive motorway service stations. I was overdressed, so when I had paid for my fuel I took my lightweight waterproof jacket off and thought to myself, “If I fold this carefully it will make extra seat padding.” I was wrong. As previously mentioned, at five foot seven I am more or less in tiptoe territory when the bike is stationary. Adding just a tiny bit more seat height did not make me feel secure, so the jacket was consigned to the tote bag for the time being.

By now I had done well over 100 miles – or 200 if you count the commute home the previous day. I was already impressed by certain facets of the machine, most notably the TESI front end. By absolute chance many years ago in a previous life, I had a Yamaha GTS 1000 on long-term loan from Yamaha UK. That means I have some kind of track

record in hub centre steering, non-conventional front fork machines. At the time, Japanese manufacturers were very conservative in terms of power output, so the GTS, although engaging in terms of handling, was a little underpowered. Spool forward a couple of decades and the steadily refined TESI concept matched with something like 200 horsepower of supercharged engine is a formidable package.

Personally I didn’t have any issues over the whole period I was riding the TERA in terms of instability vagueness or not being aware of what’s going on at the front end. For sure, when you grab the handlebars at a standstill and push on them it’s weird that the bike simply doesn’t dive compared with a conventional fork machine, but when you’re riding

this just evaporates and you can certainly proceed along B-roads and twisty lanes with huge confidence.

Speaking of which, the tyres are really very good despite not hearing of the Anlas Scorpa tyres before. For such an imposing and powerful machine, you wonder if a large, blocky type motocross-inspired tyre is going to give you the contact patch and grip that you are looking for. I can safely say, in the whole time I rode the TERA I had no misgivings at all. The tyres are super sticky and I found myself diving into roundabouts and accelerating while healed over without a care in the world.

I have to admit, I am not the greatest fan of the Somerset levels, but that’s probably more to do with the banality of

the M5 than anything that area can offer in terms of vistas. That said, I was genuinely glad to get to Exeter in the late afternoon and find no significant traffic. The same was true of the A30, and as the relatively benign weather took a turn for the worse and I endured considerable rainfall over Bodmin, taking solace in the fact that even though that TERA has a tiny screen in comparison to the Versys card table of a screen, I felt no significant buffeting or instability. However, I did feel a little guilty about riding a near £35,000 motorcycle in bad weather and equally how long it might take to get it back to the pristine condition I collected it in.

After an hour or so I turned off towards Crantock and my accommodation, courtesy of Chris Simmons Seascape Workshops and the brand new lodge accommodation that has just come on stream. You can read more about Chris and his workshops in the sidebar, but rest assured he, his partner, and the others that turned up for a magnificent barbecue meal on the Friday night were bowled over by the bimota, whereas most of them would hardly give a second glance to my Versys.

The following day was consumed with a wonderful walk across the clifftops of north Cornwall, which is a stunningly spectacular place. When it is as sunny as it was that weekend, it’s one of the best places in mainland Britain to be. For sure, it gets crowded as a holiday destination, and that evening we found it almost impossible to get a table to eat at the local pub or the pizzeria and had to settle for takeaway, but that is a small price to pay for being in such a wonderful environment.

On Sunday, Chris suggested we go to Saint Agnes Head to get some shots of the bike. His day-to-day living is conducting one-to-one and small group teaching sessions about seascape photography and post production in his plush studio using the latest Photoshop software. Nevertheless, he is a keen biker and has at one time or another owned a Z650, ZXR 750 and ZRX 1200, so he has certainly got an eye for a good-looking motorcycle. He also knows all the right places to go in Cornwall to capture the majesty of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cornish shoreline. Having got our shots in the bag we returned to the lodge and he and his partner set about creating a wonderful Sunday lunch with the TERA sat basking in the late afternoon

17-inch wheels front and rear mean a HUGE choice of tyres are available

“Anyone that buys a TERA will have to be the sort of person that enjoys being looked at and being spoken to”

sunshine. I was to return home the next morning, so the latter part of the evening was dedicated to trying to remember how I had packed so much into such a tiny bag and then strapping it safely to the pillion area of the TERA.

The next morning I took the A30 towards Exeter not really knowing what to expect. Boardmasters had taken place at Newquay over the weekend. The surfing and music festival does attract a huge number of people, including their camper vans plus catering vehicles and other impediments that gradually slowed my progress until the inevitable chain of traffic jams hove into view.

You don’t have many options on the A30, so I went into filter mode and I have to say, although there is some land area to the TERA, it filtered incredibly well and perhaps because of that physical presence, the large majority of drivers made an effort to pull out of the way and ease my passage between the lines of vehicles.

Of course there’s always some jealous soul who has to try and make your life miserable, but they are few and far between. The ride into Bristol – which can often be solid from south of Weston-super-Mare until a few miles north of Bristol was actually relatively pain free. I made it all the way to the spectacularly overpriced Gloucester services before needing to top up take a rest and take a quick picture of the TERA luggaged up.

The rest of the journey home was relatively uneventful, but around Worcester the M5 is always pretty grim and the M42 was as busy as I expected. I did move around on the seat a bit just to remain comfortable but still achieved my target of riding from Gloucester to Kettering in one hit. The last 20 miles towards Kettering on the A14 were empty, so I gave the TERA a chance to clear its throat. That’s when you really appreciate how all of the facets of this machine gel together and provide a confidence-inspiring yet visceral experience that few other machines could deliver. Yes, it’s expensive but so too are Lamborghinis. Yes, it’s not perfectly comfortable over huge distances, but then again I don’t expect Ferraris are either.

staying in cornwall

Our stay in Cornwall was courtesy of Cornish Seascape Workshops run by longtime friend, Chris Simmons. His recently completed lodge and its annex are the ideal place to stay just minutes away from Crantock beach and some of the most photogenic parts of Cornwall. Add an encyclopaedic knowledge of all the hidden beauty spots along the coastline – plus the wonderful new self-contained annex – and you have the ideal “hobby holiday”. Chris is also making a special offer to Club Kawasaki members.

Join award-winning photographer Chris Simmons on a one-to-one Cornish Seascape Workshop with a special 10% discount for Club Kawasaki members.

Mention discount code Z1R when getting in touch through the Contact Page of his website at chrissimmonsphotography.youpic.com

I was due to return the bike to Kawasaki UK on the Tuesday morning and it performed its commuting role with aplomb. For sure, hardly anybody that buys a bimota is going to ride to work on it, but this thoroughbred is perfectly happy to be tasked with day-to-day requests as well as excelling on high days and holidays. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t leave it in an airport car park while I went away on business, but it’s not stretching the point too far to say that it is more practical then I would have given it credit for before I had the chance to borrow it.

My real lesson came when I returned to my ride home that evening. While the Versys is perfectly capable and supremely comfortable, it felt a little ordinary compared with the TERA and lacked a little urge, if you know what I mean. Considering this was the first time I had ridden a TERA it was kind of “in at the deep end” territory, and I have to say the partnership between myself and this stunning bimota was formed really quickly. Aside from a few personal niggles, it performed in such an easy and relaxed way, never giving a moment’s hesitation or creating any nervousness.

Anyone that buys a TERA will have to be the sort of person that enjoys being looked at and being spoken to at fuel stations and rest stops because the drama and presence of this bike are unquestioned. Yet putting that aside, and drilling down to the nitty gritty, it’s a wonderful piece of kit and reinforces the whole ethos of bimota striving to make the best styled and most cutting-edge motorcycles without compromise. Terror? No. Terrific? Yes. n

Kawasaki motors uk

STAFF INSIGHT

kieran evans

Customer Experience and Training Co-ordinator

We want Kawasaki customers to have the best experience every time they engage with the brand, and that begins with ensuring our dealers are kept up to date with the latest insights. As our Customer Experience and Training Co-ordinator, Kieran Evans is often the first port of call for ensuring smooth operations. We sat down with him to learn more about his role…

Hi Kieran, thanks for taking the time out. Could you tell us a little more about your role at Kawasaki?

My official title is Customer Experience and Training Coordinator, which covers a broad range of roles. I work closely with Carl Lillywhite, our UK Technical

Trainer, to ensure that all of our dealers and team are up to date with the latest insights and features. This is a mix of in-person training as well as online courses. I’m also responsible for the core systems that customers can engage with, such as our website, finance portal, etc, so it’s pretty varied.

How

did you get started with Kawasaki?

I’ve always had a love for bikes and have been riding off-road since I was about nine or 10, and then on the road from 16. I was working at a dealership for another manufacturer when I saw this role come up. One of my best mates was already working at Kawasaki and suggested I should go for it, so I did. And here we are!

If you could go on a biking holiday or to an event, where would you go?

Last year I went to the MotoGP at Misano, which was amazing… although seeing Marquez win the race while being in the Bagnaia grandstand meant we couldn’t cheer too loudly!

What’s the most rewarding part of the job?

I really enjoy visiting the various dealerships and helping style the showrooms. It’s great to be able to travel the UK, see different places and meet with our dealers in person. I also work at a number of events, and I think the Club Kawasaki event at Donington Park for WorldSBK is my favourite there.

What

about your dream Kawasaki garage?

This is a tough question. I think I would have a classic like the original H2 to begin with. One of my previous bosses and his friends had a lot of old bikes, and the H2 always stood out as being the coolest. I think I would then have a modern option, which would be the Ninja ZX-10RR in the purple anniversary colours that we had on display at the NEC!

Finally,

what do you like to get up to outside of Kawasaki?

I’ve raced motocross since I was young and still compete in the UK Evo Series on a 1988 KX250. My partner and I can often be found at various bike nights during the summer months, and I’m also quite into Japanese cars and have a Subaru Impreza, so I regularly attend different car events too.

Whether you’re new to the Club or not, we want to hear your story too! Visit www.club-kawasaki. co.uk/forum and tell your fellow members all about your Kawasaki and you.

We love hearing about members’ biking journeys and how you found the Club Kawasaki family. In our latest My Kawasaki and Me interview, we catch up with Prashant Verma, a relative newcomer to the Club!

Hi Prashant, thanks for taking the time to chat. Let’s start at the beginning – how did you get into motorcycling?

I’ve actually been riding for quite a while, starting out on two wheels while I was in India. My journey over here began in 2021 when I passed my bike theory test. I went straight into a one-day CBT course, but it was the start of the winter months, and as it got colder and wetter my momentum went into hibernation. Fast-forward to the warmer months, and my spark was back. I signed up for a riding school, but I struggled to get on the heavy training bike, and the instructors weren’t what I was looking for. Undeterred, I did some research and found an authorised Kawasaki KRTS training centre in Leicester, which had glowing reviews, a good reputation and a welcoming team. Soon after I had my official licence!

What made you choose a Kawasaki?

A friend of mine had a Ninja 650 and spoke very highly of it. Having

"Having a community of like-minded riders around is brilliant"

had such a good experience on a Kawasaki at the riding school, I decided to stick with the brand and treat myself to a Ninja 650 as well. I was smitten from the very first ride. For me, it was never about the commute or necessity of riding but about pure, unfiltered joy on two wheels, and the Kawasaki fitted the bill perfectly!

How did you become a member of the Club?

I didn’t know about Club Kawasaki until the dealer I purchased the Ninja 650 from told me that I got a year’s free membership with the new bike, which was a great surprise! Having a community of like-minded riders

around is brilliant, and I’ve been able to attend a few of the different events throughout the year. I took my son to Motorcycle Live, where he had a go on the Moto Trainer simulator on the Kawasaki stand. He was much faster than me. I also recently went to Donington Park for the British Superbike Championship (BSB), which was really good fun.

What’s next for you and the Ninja?

I’m not too sure. I usually ride with friends around the local area, so I haven’t done any long trips or adventures yet. However, I had a great time at Donington Park and am definitely interested in exploring a few more BSB circuits. n

With slick styling and useable real-world performance, the Ninja 650 is a great middleweight option

Henry Snell

2025 Kawasaki British

From culture shock to champion: Here's how Henry Snell dominated the Superteen Championship with ruthless consistency and 11 wins

Over the past two seasons, the Kawasaki British Superteen Championship has become synonymous with bar-bashing action. However, despite the incredibly close racing, this season has seen incredible dominance from Australian rider Henry Snell.

If you have been following our popular Superteen series on our social media channels over the past two years, Henry will be no stranger, as we’ve followed his progress from arriving in the UK to lifting the 2025 crown. As the dust settles on a fantastic season, we sat down with the 19-year-old to learn more about the year and what it has been like racing so far from home…

It has been an incredible two years for you over here, Henry. If we look back at the beginning, what was it like arriving in the UK and coming straight into the BSB paddock?

It was definitely a bit of a culture shock, particularly the weather! But it really has been a fantastic experience, especially being able to come here and do it with my mate Brodie. We raced together for the last six years, were teammates in Australia, and last year we were in the same team at ROKiT Rookies.

I think from landing to getting on a bike for the first time at Donington Park was something like four days, so we were

really thrown in at the deep end! Luckily, I had already had some experience on the Ninja ZX-4RR back in Australia, so it wasn’t too bad, and it just took some time learning the tracks and getting used to being so far from home.

And how was that first season? It was good. It was a little rough at times, but we were up against superfast people like Chloe, Calvin, Ted, etc., who all knew the circuits and were up to speed. Being able to race against them was mega and helped me learn my way around the tracks. Just following them in practice and qualifying made me

Henry practicing his throttle grip strength with Kawasaki Motor UK's Ross Burridge

realise where I could brake later at some places or run the kerb a bit more in others.

I also learnt the importance of consistency and making sure that I was always in the top five. The Superteen series is so competitive that it was a real battle every lap, so I knew that consistency would be important coming into this season.

So moving onto this season, was the Championship the goal?

For sure, but the grid had so much depth, I knew it was going to be close. I actually had a chat with Calvin [last year’s Champion] and he said he only won four races of the season, but it was his consistency that helped him win the title. I had it in my mind from the very start that I needed to be scoring points in every race.

You say scoring points was the goal, but you’ve had a phenomenal season with 11 wins. How did you manage it? I knew this was my season to get my

Superteen Champion

“I knew this was my season to get my name out there”

Henry Snell

name out there. Last year was my first year over here, so you have a bit of an excuse, but this year I knew the circuits, knew the bike, was with the same team, so I had everything I needed.

My goal over the first few rounds was to get a good start early in the race. Because the bikes are all the same, everyone is so close, which means you’re constantly being passed in a group. I knew that if I could make a second or two break from the rest of the field, I would

be able to edge away, while those behind got caught up fighting each other.

How was it being crowned Champion?

Unreal. Definitely one of the best days of my life – it was my first Championship ever, so it was pretty raw emotions, and to do it with my biggest win of the year was mega. Standing up there on the podium with the gold helmet and doing a shooey, with a load of friends and family in the crowd, is

something I’ll definitely never forget.

So, what’s next?

I’ll be moving up to a bigger class for 2026, and then who knows. I’m massively inspired by the likes of Jack Miller, who only grew up a couple of hours away from me, and Casey Stoner, who also made the big move over here to compete in Superteens and then went on to become World Champion, so that’s definitely the dream! n

PLANNING

l 1 PLAN EARLY

Book early for the best choice of accommodation and prices. The most popular places can often sell out by January.

l 2 PICK THE RIGHT TIME

You’ll usually get better prices outside peak holiday season but maybe worse weather. High summer is great, but August in Europe is normally hot and busy. Remember: the highest alpine passes can’t be ridden until June.

l 3 DON’T RELY ON GOOGLE MAPS

It’s a great tool, but Google Maps won’t go over roads when they’re closed (like passes in winter). A MyRoute-app gold subscription lets you turn off seasonal road closures to plan mountain routes all year round.

l 4 TRUST PAPER

You get a better feel for distances with old-school paper maps – and the green highlights on scenic roads can help you pick where to ride.

l 5 HAVE A FOCUS

Doesn’t matter if you want to go to Scotland or Switzerland, focusing on a place, event, must-ride road or route will build a highlight into any tour.

l 6 PLAN BY TIME (NOT MILEAGE)

How much ground you can cover in a day will vary wildly depending on the roads you’re

using. What matters is how long you want to ride each day, so build routes based on that. Remember to allow at least two hours for food, fuel and photo stops.

PAPERWORK

l

7 CHECK YOUR DOCUMENTS

Make sure your passport has at least six months left on it by the end of your planned trip. Check your driving licence will be valid for the full duration of the trip.

l 8 SORT YOUR INSURANCE

If you’re going abroad, make sure your bike insurance covers the countries you plan to visit. Breakdown insurance that includes repatriation (and lost keys) is a good idea.

l 9 GLOBAL HEALTH INSURANCE CARD

Order your GHIC from the NHS website. It won’t cover repatriation, so make sure your travel insurance does.

l 10 AIR-QUALITY STICKERS

If you’re going to France or Spain, many cities now require an air-quality sticker. The French Crit’Air sticker is accepted in Spain and is easier to order online.

l 11 MONEY

If going abroad, take a credit card that won’t charge transaction fees. Most places take contactless payments but may have a €10 minimum, so get your Euros at the Post Office before you go.

BIKE PREP

l 12 SERVICE AND TYRES

Make sure your tyres have more than enough life for your planned trip. If a service is due, get it done a few weeks before you leave – not a few days.

l 13 POWER

If you plan on running a nav, phone or other accessory, make sure you can power it from the bike, ideally from a switched live.

l 14 UK STICKERS

If going abroad, you need UK stickers, not GB. A numberplate one is fine for most countries, but Spain requires a black-andwhite sticker on the luggage as well.

l 15 TOURING MODS

Fitting a new screen, seat or luggage for your trip? Do it well in advance and check it fits and works properly, making any tweaks before starting the tour.

l 16 KNOW YOUR TECH

This is especially true with a new sat nav but holds true for any new tech: practise with it before you go. If the first time you use it is when you’re on tour, it’ll probably go wrong.

PACKING

l 17 AVOID COTTON

Man-made fabrics wash and dry quickly. You can get away with three activeweartype T-shirts, washing each day and drying

do you make next summer’s tour the best one ever?

overnight, rotating through the tour. Fastdrying underwear and socks work the same way.

l 18 FLIPFLOP POWER

Shoes or trainers take up loads of space in the luggage. Learn to love the space-saving flipflop. After all, you’re going somewhere warm, right?

l 19 DON’T HUMP HARD LUGGAGE…

…into the hotel. Liner bags take up little space and make life so much easier. Aim to take just one soft bag and your helmet inside and leave everything else on the bike.

l 20 ACCESSIBLE PACKING

Keep the things you might need during the day – waterproofs, disc lock, sunglasses, maps – separate from the stuff you’ll take into the hotel at night.

l 21 MORE POWER

If you can, take a four-gang extension lead with one adaptor. Charge everything off that.

ON THE ROAD

l 22 FOLLOW THE LEADER

If you’re in a group, let the leader lead. Even if you think they’ve gone wrong, don’t go off on a different road. Let them know if you can, but keep the group together.

l 23 COMMS

Bluetooth (or Mesh) headsets make a huge difference for pillions and also for bike-to-

bike communication, passing on warnings (“Speed camera! Pothole!”) and helping keep everyone alert.

l 24 HANDY CLOTHES PEG

Going via Eurotunnel? Take a clothes peg. Use it to hold your ticket to the bike’s screen.

l 25 ORIGINAL DOCS

It’s a legal requirement in the EU to produce your original insurance and registration docs when stopped by the police (but obviously, try not to get stopped).

l 26 VESTS AND GLOVES

In France and Spain, riders and pillions need a hi-vis vest to be worn if stopped on the roadside – not when riding. In France it’s illegal to ride without CE-approved gloves (but you don’t need a breathalyser).

l 27 OVERRULE THE SAT NAV

If the nav wants you to turn onto an unpaved road or into a farm or down a narrow alley, ignore it. Let it recalculate once you’ve gone past. If necessary, stop and check a map or ask a local, but don’t blindly follow a sat nav onto roads you don’t want to ride.

l 28 STOP. A LOT

Riding non-stop for hours covers ground, but it’s tiring and aches can set in and not go away. Stopping every 60 to 90 minutes for a quick break for pics, food and drink or fuel will keep you comfortable all day.

l 29 DISCIPLINE

Late starts and long lunches make for late finishes. It might be a holiday, but if you want

to get to the next hotel at a sensible time, get on the road by 9am.

l 30 RELAX

Getting the prep right makes everything easier, but don’t stress if things don’t go to plan. If there’s a road closure, just follow the diversions. If you’re running late, set the sat nav to find a faster route. Go with the flow and enjoy being on the bike.

next big road trip

Where to go

AUSTRIA

l + Spectacular scenery and roads

l - Expensive, long way from the UK

BELGIUM

l + Close, good beer, amazing roads in the south

l - North of the country is busy and flat

CROATIA

l + Beautiful, packed with great roads, good value

l - Far away, so a long trip

CZECHIA

l + Still slightly undiscovered, great roads, cheap beer

l - Quite far away, not a huge country

ENGLAND

l + Accessible, great riding in the north

l - South is too busy, not exactly exotic

FRANCE

l + Easy to get to, packed with great riding areas

l - It’s a huge place, expensive toll motorways

GERMANY

l + Good food and drink, autobahns

l - More and more lowered limits on biking roads

IRELAND

l + Great roads and scenery, awesome craic

l - Expensive hotels, can be rainy

ITALY

l + Great roads, food, culture, weather

l - Expensive in the north, the south is a long way away

LUXEMBOURG

l + Easy to get to, brilliant roads, cheap petrol

l - Only a few days’ riding, really

PORTUGAL

l

+ Fabulous weather, roads and food, good value

l - City areas are busy, long way from the UK

SCOTLAND

l + Brilliant roads all over, not just the North Coast 500

l - Midges, traffic on the North Coast 500

SPAIN

l + Weather, roads, history, food, fabulous destination

l - A long ride or expensive ferry to get there

SWITZERLAND

l + Spectacular mountain scenery and roads

l - Expensive, zero-tolerance on speeding

WALES

l + Beautiful countryside, great roads

l - Can get busy, can get wet

More touring questions? Ask Simon on the Kawasaki stand at Motorcycle Live at the NEC on Saturday 22nd November

Don’t go anywhere without one of Simon’s guides! Check your newsletter for the discount code to save 20% on EVERYTHING on Simon’s website to make sure your next tour is the best one yet! Visit www.simonweir.co.uk

20% discount does NOT apply to rider training