Day: 25 October 2023
Kawasaki unveil Ninja 40th Anniversary models for 2024 range
Over the last 40 years, Ninja motorcycles have captured the hearts of Sportsbike enthusiasts around the world. Never straying from what made Ninja famous from the start, the development of the iconic brand has always been at the forefront of technology, making Ninja not just a recognisable name but, for many riders, a way of life.
Now – for the 2024 model year – Kawasaki is releasing a “family group” of Ninja 40th Anniversary models as part of a celebration of four decades of performance and innovation. Set to be seen “in the flesh” for the first time at the prestigious EICMA show in Milan and now unveiled online, the trio of machines comprises the Ninja ZX-10R, base machine for multiple WorldSBK titles, the highly regarded mid-weight 636cc Supersport Ninja ZX-6R and the already highly praised and equally high revving Ninja ZX-4RR.
Each machine will be available in a version of the evocative early 1990’s Kawasaki World Endurance livery of green, blue and white with the bold, unapologetic Kawasaki logo dominating the lower cowl; just like the three-time championship winning machines of the period. Adopted for the 1989 ZXR series of machines, the distinctive livery dials into the fashion for all things retro while also looking fresh and contemporary. Like the Ninja itself – it’s a win/win combination.
Boasting a 40th Anniversary logo on their fuel tanks, each machine has had its livery carefully adjusted to suit the bodywork while the bold Kawasaki logo was taken from original drawings and even the displacement figures on the rear bodywork are evocative of the period. Adding lime green wheels and silver painted parts (including frame parts) illustrates the attention to detail lavished on these machines by stylists at the Kawasaki factory in Japan.
Available alongside the already announced colourways for the 2024 season, the 40th Anniversary models will play a significant role in a global digital celebration of a Sportsbike brand that is universally recognised and respected.
The bikes will begin to arrive in dealers from January 2024. The Ninja ZX-4RR will cost £8,899, the Ninja ZX-6R £10,849, and the Ninja ZX-10R £17,749.
That’s a wrap on BSB ’23!
The 2023 Bennetts British Superbike Championship came to a close over the weekend, and it was a great year for our Team Green family!
In the blue-riband class, the FS-3 Racing team had one of their strongest seasons to date, with Lee Jackson taking five podiums over the year to finish a hard-fought fourth place in the Championship standings. Despite it being his maiden season in the Superbike class, teammate Max Cook impressed everyone to finish 15th overall and secure the R&G Rising Stars award as the top rookie.
2023 also proved to be a breakthrough year for GR Motosport Superbike rider Storm Stacey, who had his best-ever season, which included his first front row start, highest points tally, and finishing top independent Kawasaki team. Rookie riders Bradley Perie, Jack Scott and Lous Valleley also enjoyed a strong end to the season as they continued to get to grips with the Ninja ZX-10RR.
In the British Supersport class, Gearlink Kawasaki rider Tom Booth-Amos had a brilliant season, taking more race wins than any other rider on his way to second overall in the series. Luke Stapleford also had a strong season, taking a pair of wins alongside a further eight podiums.
More Ninja ZX-6R success came in the National Junior Superstock Championship, where Cameron Dawson and Asher Durham finished second and third in the series, taking two wins and nine podiums between them.
The Ninja 400 was the machine of choice in the British Junior Supersport class, with the top 16 riders in the Championship opting for Kawasaki power. The title came down to the final round, but it was Finn Smart-Weeden who was eventually crowned Champion ahead of Lewis Jones and Lennon Docherty.
While the season might have only ended a few days ago, 2024 has already begun as FS-3 Racing’s new signing, Jason O’Halloran, got his first laps of the ZX-10RR Superbike earlier this week. You will be able to meet Jason and Max Cook next month on the Kawasaki stand at Motorcycle Live.
Completely Motorbikes announced as new title sponsor of FS-3 Racing Kawasaki
Popular Kawasaki UK dealer Completely Motorbikes has signed a deal to become the title sponsor of FS-3 Racing, the official Kawasaki Superbike team in the British Superbike Championship. The partnership kicks off this weekend at the final round of this year’s championship with the Completely Motorbikes logo appearing on one of the team’s superbikes on the Completely Motorbikes stand at Brands Hatch at an unveiling event on Thursday afternoon and then out on the track. The new logo will also be prominent in the team’s pitlane garage over the weekend.
Fresh from announcing its 2024 line-up of Jason O’Halloran and Max Cook, the FS-3 Racing team is excited to confirm that Completely Motorbikes is joining the team as its title sponsor for the 2024 season and beyond. The motorcycle dealership has Kawasaki branches in Worcester, Gloucester and Yeovil and is no stranger to the Bennetts British Superbike paddock, already sponsoring teams throughout the series.
The new partnership was announced today on the Completely Motorbikes stand at Brands Hatch ahead of the final round of the 2023 BSB season, with the FS-3 Racing’s superbikes carrying the Completely Motorbike logo on the side of the Ninja ZX-10RR’s and in the team’s pitlane garage.
Nigel Snook, FS-3 Racing Team Owner:
‘’We are delighted to welcome Rob and James Ayland to the team. The Completely Motorbikes logo is already a familiar sight in the British Superbikes paddock and on the track. Their ambitions are a perfect match with ours and we are excited that they have chosen to team up with FS-3 Racing and Kawasaki as they move up to support a front running two-rider superbike entry. Working with Rob and James will provide a wide range of opportunities for their customers to get closer to the action and for the team to be directly involved in helping promote bike sales across the country’’.
Rob Ayland, Completely Motoring Group Managing Director:
“We have been proud to sponsor the Bennetts British Superbike series since 2020, moving onto 2024 when we also become official sponsors of the “Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki’’ team. To hopefully see Jason and Max fighting for the championship in 2024 on the official FS-3 Racing Kawasaki is a culmination of four years of successful involvement with many riders, and at all levels of BSB. The “Team Green” headline sponsorship has all of the Completely Motorbikes group very excited and we cannot wait for 2024 season to commence!”
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki UK:
“It is fantastic that FS-3 Racing now has a completed line up with Jason O'Halloran and Max Cook and a new title partner confirmed for 2024 so they are all set to operate to the level required within the Bennetts British Superbikes Championship. We are incredibly pleased that Rob and his team at the Completely Motorbikes group have come on board to support our official team. It’s a perfect match to be honest, and I sincerely hope that this new relationship is fruitful for all parties, both on and off track in 2024 and beyond.”