As a Club Kawasaki member you’ll receive an exclusive £1500 of FREE Helmet and Protective clothing cover worth £29.99 when you purchase an annual motorcycle insurance policy through Kawasaki Insurance using the Club Kawasaki phone number. Kawasaki Insurance can cater for the entire model range as well as offering multi bike policies and every policy comes with new bike replacement for newly registered bikes written off within six months, uninsured driver accident cover and unlimited accessories cover, as well as up to £100,000 of FREE legal expenses. As a Club Kawasaki member, you could also receive a premium discount of up to 10%.
All you need to do is call the Club Kawasaki Insurance line on 0800 085 6551 and let the specialists at
the right insurance cover for the right price, giving you peace of mind to concentrate on what’s really
• •
• Provisional & A2 licence holders
• Personal Accident cover
So remember, to claim your £1500 of FREE Helmet and Protective clothing cover worth £29.99, take a policy out with Kawasaki Insurance by calling the dedicated Club Kawasaki insurance line on 0800 085 6551.
Lines are open: 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm Saturday 10am to 2pm Sunday
•
• Club Kawasaki Member Discounts
• Limited Mileage Discounts
• Track Days 0800Calluson0856551
WELCOME
Welcome to Club Magazine – issue 28!
Hi everyone, as the weather starts to turn colder and the riding season comes to an end, we look back on the last six months (and look forward to what’s coming up!).
The wait is over… check out our feature which focuses on the 2025 model range, including a few new bikes such as the Versys 1100 and Ninja 1100SX.
And of course, if seeing them on paper isn’t enough for you then you’ll need to come along to this year’s Motorcycle Live show at the NEC 16-24 November. If you’ve been lucky enough to get your hands on a ticket to our Club Kawasaki preview event which is taking place on the opening morning of the show – then you’ll be one of the first in the UK to see those new models too.
You can expect all the usual perks as a Club member at Motorcycle Live this year so come and say hello, enter into the Club Hospitality area, enjoy a hot drink and a sit down on us on any day of the show! You might even bump into a few famous Kawasaki faces while you’re there too.
Read on to see our tips on how to look after your bike during the colder months when you might be storing your bike away for the end of the season.
This issue features an article by our magazine designer Kar Lee, who took our Versys 1000 S GT out on an epic adventure from Calais, France to Simplon Pass, Switzerland. We hear from Club member Harry Sedgwick (aka Toppie) and the love of riding through three generations of his family.
Once again, we bring you our My Kawasaki & Me feature – get to know Club Kawasaki member John Bennett who you may know as Lamb Chop Rides from YouTube.
Forgotten.... but not gone. We take a look at the how and why of the fastest two-wheel sport, drag racing, plus its iconic home at Santa Pod.
We’ll be back with you for issue 29 in Spring next year, don’t forget to see if your Challenge selfie has made it onto the rear cover!
I hope you enjoy this issue of the magazine and as always, I would love to hear your feedback on the forum.
Editor: Charlotte Stow
Designer: Kar Lee
Exclusive content: Martin Lambert
Contributors: Mike Aylwin, Dialogue Agency
Thanks to: Ben Vincent, Jemma Newman, Ross Burridge
Photography: KME, KMUK, Tim KeetonImpact Images
Published by Kawasaki Motors UK www.kawasaki.co.uk
See all the new models first at motorccyle Live 2024
NEW MODEL NEWS
P5 NEW MODEL NEWS
P23 SWISS ROAD TRIPS
P42 RIDING TOGETHER
Check out our 2025 models, including the new Versys 1100 and Ninja 1100SX.
P14 INTO HIBERNATION
We bring you our tips on how to store your bike during the winter, so that it stays in top condition ready to come out of hibernation when spring rolls around again.
P18 RACING
As we wrap up the 2024 Kawasaki British Superteen series, we look back on some of the closest and most exciting races over the last year.
Read on to hear how Kar Lee, our magazine designer, got on during his epic adventure to Switzerland on a Versys 1000 S GT.
P29 THE MAIN EVENT AT SANTA POD
Discover Santa Pod’s mission to boost the sport of drag racing in the UK.
P40 JD STUNTS
Stunt rider Jonny Davies, AKA JD Stunts, set a new Guinness World Record for being the fastest person to be dragged behind a motorcycle.
We caught up with Club member ‘Toppie’ who shares his story of the love of riding through three generations of his family.
P55 MOTOLINER
Meet Motoliner, frame straighteners based in Maidstone, Kent, with almost 40 years of specialist experience.
P5 CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
P38 CLUB CHALLENGE & BENEFITS
P34 MY KAWASAKI & ME
P52 KMUK STAFF INSIGHT
Take A Closer Look At The 2025 Kawasaki Range 2025
If you’ve been following the Kawasaki UK channels over the last few weeks, you’ll have no doubt seen we’ve started teasing out some of the 2025 range. Missed them? Don’t worry! We thought we would take a closer look at the bikes making up our new lineup…
Versys 1100
Since its introduction in 2012, the Versys name has evolved year-on-year. For 2025, the versatile machine is taking another step forward with an increase in capacity from 1,043 cm3 to 1,099 cm3. This capacity increase, along with other subtle adjustments, increases maximum power from 120 PS to 135 PS.
Designed for riders to take on any road, from motorways to poorly maintained country roads, the additional increase in mid-high RPM torque makes an already great riding experience even more enjoyable!
The Versys 1100 also features an updated Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) feature that now functions with a lower minimum shift point of 1500rpm, while new upper gear ratios enhance touring comfort when partnered with electronic cruise control. In terms of engine changes, selected headlines include centre intake funnels now 45 mm longer than the outer intake funnels adding to better torque between
4,000 and 7,000 rpm.
The intake ports were optimised to suit a throttle body change and are now narrower in relation to the bike’s increased displacement. The resulting higher intake flow velocity in the low- to mid-rpm range benefits low-mid range torque. Additionally, new ECU settings optimised for the higher engine displacement have the throttle valve opening characteristics revised across the rev range while cam profiles with a lower valve lift also contribute to increased lowmid rpm range torque.
Designed for riders to take on any road, from motorways to poorly maintained country roads
performance. Braking is revised too with the rear disc diameter increasing from 250 mm to 260 mm.
Increased rideability is also thanks to a heavier flywheel mass, and a secondary balancer reduces excess vibration while large connector pipes join exhaust headers 1-4 and 2-3, contributing to better performance at all rpms. And to keep things under control, an oil cooler has been added in 2025 for improved cooling
A USB-C port is standard, and in terms of electronic rider aids, the Versys 1100 owner will be well served with a raft of items including KTRC traction control, cornering management, power mode and riding mode selections and – for SE owners – Showa electronically damped suspension. Boasting the convenience of Kawasaki’s unique Rideology smartphone app (which is now voice command function ready), you have the ideal planet exploring platform. Versys 1100 – Destination: Everywhere.
Versys 1100S, now with more power and torque where it matters most
versys 1100se
Ninja 1100SX
The Versys model isn’t the only one getting a capacity increase, with the Ninja SX raising from 1043cc to 1099cc. But there is much more to the Ninja 1100SX than that, with a host of updates and refinements to maintain its place at the forefront of the supersport touring pack.
Offering increased torque across the rev range, the need to change gear is reduced – even more so when ratio changes mean new longer 5th and 6th gears. Like its SX forebears, the latest iteration perfectly blends its touring and sporting abilities, and features the same updated Kawasaki Quick Shifter as the Versys.
Rider and passenger convenience is an SX watchword, which is why the Ninja 1100SX features a handlebar-mounted USB-C port as standard along with electronic cruise control, power modes, cornering management, K-TRC traction control and intelligent anti-lock brakes. An upscaled rear disc offers even better stopping power while the 2025 Ninja
1100SX also boasts even greater fuel efficiency.
For the first time, the Ninja 1100SX will come with a sibling in the guise of an SE variant.
Boasting Brembo M4.32 front brake calipers, master cylinder and disc rotors plus steel mesh brake hoses, the SE also enjoys heated grips and an Öhlins S46 rear shock absorber with remote pre-load adjustment as standard.
No matter whether you’re looking for sports or touring duties, the new Ninja 1100SX is ready to deliver – from its height adjustable screen to a range of colour-coded luggage options, plus a number of Edition models.
Offering increased torque across the rev range
ninja 1100sx
The new machine features sharp, edgy styling
The jewel in the crown of our 2025 lineup, and a bike that Z fans have been waiting for, the all-new Z900 and Z900 SE.
With a completely new, eye-catching design, ramping up the Sugomi philosophy that has become synonymous with the Z family, the new machine features sharp, edgy styling that makes effective use of metal parts to hint at the sharp performance that lies within.
A major part of a sharper-looking, innovative front end are the new precise and compact headlights as well as an advanced LED taillight. New brushed aluminium side shrouds and other accents give the Z900 a high-quality, metallic look while the new, more comfortable seat is flatter, allowing the rider to shift around easily and keep their attention on the large 5” all-digital TFT colour instrumentation, plus the convenience of electronic cruise control as standard.
The engine has also been revised for 2025, with the powerful 948 cm3 liquidcooled, 4-stroke In-line Four engine providing a quick-revving character and stronger mid-range hit allied to precise
control from the new electronic throttle valves. Updated camshaft profiles contribute to improved fuel economy, increased torque at lower rpm and new ECU settings aiding a 16% potential increase in fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions over the previous model. Kawasaki’s KTRC traction control also features as well as selectable power modes and integrated riding modes.
New front brakes now feature radial-mount 4-piston calipers offering a linear brake touch through the new Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tyres. Additionally, in a first for Kawasaki, turn-by-turn navigation can be displayed on the instrument panel, allowing the rider to see where the next turn should be made.
In addition to the standard Z900, the Special Edition (SE) model features higher-grade suspension (including an Öhlins rear shock), Brembo front brake components, and special colour and graphics.
The new Z900 will start arriving with dealers in March 2025.
The 2025 Z900 also comes in a SE flavour featuring an Öhlins rear shock and Brembo front calipers
Z900
z900 se
z900
Z500 and Ninja 500
Making a big splash following their launch last year, the Z500 and Ninja 500 accelerate into 2025 with a host of new colours for the new year. These A2-compliant machines offer ample power through the entire rpm range
thanks to their 451cc engine, while the trellis frame, Kawasaki Assist and Slipper Clutch create genuinely riderfriendly machines.
No matter what angle the Z500 is seen from, its triple headlight-centred front face and aggressive lines make it clear that this is a member of the Z family, with aggressive Supernaked looks and ample street presence. The Ninja alternative offers a distinctive front face and sleek, flowing lines, making it clear that this is a member of the Ninja family, with raceinspired, big-bike looks. The shape of the full-fairing bodywork fosters a sense of unity with the rider, helping them feel at one with the bike.
Both machines boast a full LCD instrument panel on the standard
Z Family
The ever-popular Z Family also continues over into 2025. The powerful, supercharged Z H2 SE continues in the same colours as this year, while the standard model is available in Emerald Blazed Green/ Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/ Metallic Diablo Black. For the Z650, two new colour options are being released in the guise of Metallic Spark Black/ Red and Metallic Spark Black/Green while the globally successful RS range flexes its muscles once more with three new options for the Z650RS and the same number of possibilities within the Z900RS offering.
models and a TFT display on the SE models, offering smartphone connectivity that enables riders to connect with their machines to enjoy display notifications, riding logs and community features. SE models also feature original colour and graphics along with other exclusive features and accessories.
And for 2025, a new colour option is offered for the Ninja 500, mirroring the accents seen on the KRT Ninja ZX-10RR in many superbike races – the lime green base colour is augmented by black and white graphics with yellow striped highlights. Whatever the colour and whether Ninja 500 or Z500 in standard or SE spec, the choice in 2025 is going to be the right one!
The Z500 offers big bike thrills in an A2compliant package
The sleek and sophisticated Ninja 500
Ninja Range
With only two current colour schemes carried into 2025, there’s a host of new colour options in the Ninja range. Retained is the Metallic Graphite Gray/Metallic Diablo Black Ninja ZX-10R option alongside a lime Green/Ebony/Pearl Blizzard White while the formerly Lime Green Ninja ZX-10RR will soon be offered in a Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray colourway. Both colour options for the Ninja ZX-6R in 2025 are new, with customers able to specify either Lime Green/Ebony/Pearl Blizzard White or Ebony/Metallic Flat Spark Black. The Ninja ZX-4RR is also available in Lime Green/Ebony/Pearl Blizzard White.
The final three new Ninja colours for 2025 adorn the Ninja 650 twin with black, green and grey represented. Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black will be the darkest option sitting alongside Lime Green/Pearl Blizzard White and, finally, Metallic Matte Carbon Gray/Flat Ebony.
Versys and Vulcan Twins
The popular Versys 650 adventure tourer and much-loved Vulcan S are also both set for a colour refresh for the 2025 sales season. Continuing to be offered in black, the two new 2025 colours for the Versys 650 will be Pearl Robotic White/Metallic Spark Black and Metallic Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Spark Black. Carrying the current highly demanded Metallic Flat Spark Black colourway into 2025, the new colour option for Vulcan S will be a subtle take on the same theme encompassing Metallic Flat Spark Black/ Metallic Flat Raw Graystone.
Eliminator
Arelatively recent and welcome addition to the Kawasaki range, the Eliminator 500 will continue to be available in two model specifications in 2025 with potential owners being able to select from three new colourways. For the standard model two colourways will be on offer for the coming season, Metallic Flat Spark Black or Pearl Robotic White, while the range-leading SE model will be offered in Metallic Carbon Gray/Flat Ebony.
Ninja 650
Ninja ZX-10RR
Ninja ZX-10R
Ninja ZX-4RR
Versys 650
Vulcan S
Eliminator 500
ninja zx-6r
Turning to four wheels, 2025 will see the launch of the muchanticipated Brute Force 450, which offers the perfect balance between physical size, performance and innovative features. This new model joins the impressive Brute Force 750, creating a formidable ATV range.
KX Range
Covering both youth and adult categories, there are eight machines in the KX range for 2025. From the legendary KX65 all the way up the experience ladder to the awesome KX450, Kawasaki is focused on covering the bases and offering choice, quality and durability in the competitive off-road arena.
The first ‘real MX bike experience’ for many of Team Green’s current adult riders, the water-cooled, two-stroke KX65 is nothing short of a legend, while the KX85 is the ideal ‘next step’ and is available in both standard (17inch front / 14inch rear) and big wheel (19inch front / 17inch rear) versions. Next on the ladder for many riders will be the KX112, a classic two-stroke, water-cooled single cylinder machine with an 870mm seat height and a 19inch front and 16inch rear wheel combination. Needing no introduction, the KX250 is all new for 2025 and ready to make its KRT factory debut in
a green machine for every occasion
the MX2 class in the upcoming season. Sharing the same straight path inlet and exhaust technology as its bigger brother, the KX250 features a redesigned airbox, a KX450 style frame, mass centralised silencer, smoother bodywork and Smartphone tuning via the Kawasaki Rideology App for KX.
A single-shaft primary engine balancer for both machines contributes to smoother power delivery and reduced vibration while engine power feeling at low speeds and throttle control when exiting corners are both improved for 2025 as a result of the symmetrically aligned intake and exhaust and optimised downdraft intake.
The ‘crowning glory’ of the 2025 KX line is the duo of the KX450 and KX450X, the pinnacle of MX and cross-country racers. As base bike for the KRT factory KX450-SR, the MXGP-developed KX450 is ready to deliver when it matters, complete with chassis and engine specifications tested and approved by Romain Febvre and Jeremy Seewer.
The Mule utility range also gets updated for next year, led by the Mule Pro-FX. This flagship model is powered by a Kawasaki-built 999 cm3 liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin engine combined with a highly reliable continuously variable transmission (CVT) delivering excellent driveability, while throttle response and reassuring engine braking add to driver confidence when descending slopes.
Joining it will be the Pro-DX and PRO-DXT, alongside the popular Mule SX, which boasts selectable 2WD and 4WD with Hi-Lo dual-range transfer case and a rear differential lock.
Jet Skis
The 2025 Kawasaki range isn’t just on the land! There will be six craft across our LX and LXS Jet Ski range. A new addition arrives in the guise of the Ultra 160LX-S Angler, a machine equipped specifically for the needs of fishing enthusiasts, which joins the Ultra 160 series and Ultra 310 series. n
Mule Pro FX
Ultra 160LX-S Angler
From the KX65 to the KX450, there’s
Brute Force 450
kx250
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO BOUGHT OUR NEW, INNOVATIVE PROTECTION PRODUCT IN 2024
Demand for the Helite H-MOOV was way ahead of forecast, so thank you to all who purchased and thank you for your patience to all who are still waiting for supply Order yours now to beat the demand in 2025 and use the code KAWASAKI FREE to get a spare free CO2 canister with your new product
Sports Bodywarmer
MALE
RRP £119.95 | CLUB £107.96
Puffer padded body warmer with zipped inner and outer pockets.
n Quilted stitching is engineered according to Kawasaki design
n Outer pockets and inner breast pockets are zipped
n Printed green details
n 96% polyester/4% elastane
n TPU membrane, WP 8,000mm BRP 3,000mm/normal water repellency
WSBK 2024 Bodywarmer
MALE
RRP £89.95 | CLUB £80.96
Softshell body warmer with zipped outer pockets.
n Inner open pockets
n Kawasaki racing and sponsor logos
n Sponsor logos applied as badges
n KRT & Ninja logos silicone print
n Fleece bonded
n 96% polyester/4% elastane
n 80% cotton/20% polyester
2024 clothing & accessories
You might not be getting out on the bike as much as you’d like in the coming months, but you can still show your colours and keep the bad weather out with our stylish and comfortable autumn winter wear collection
WSBK 2024 Jacket
MALE
RRP £158.95 | CLUB £143.06
Padded water-resistant jacket in Kawasaki WSBK 2024 team colours. It has zipped inner and outer pockets and internal sleeve cuffs.
n Taped seam
n Horizontal quilted thermal lining
n Internal stretch cuffs
n Outer pockets and inner breast pockets are zipped
n Kawasaki racing and sponsor logos
n Sponsor logos applied as badges
n KRT & Ninja logos silicone print
n 96% polyester/4% elastane
Like all Kawasakis, the Sports Puffer Jacket for women handles curves with ease
Sports Puffer Jacket
FEMALE
RRP £179.95 | CLUB £161.96
Puffer padded jacket with zipped inner and outer pockets.
n Quilted stitching is engineered according to Kawasaki design
n Green lined hood
n Shoulder and underarm areas
printed with grey hexagon pattern
n Outer pockets and inner breast pockets are zipped
n Printed green details
n 96% polyester/4% elastane
n TPU membrane, WP 8,000mm BRP 3,000mm/normal water repellency
MXGP 2024 2-in-1 Jacket
MALE
RRP £175.95 | CLUB £158.36
Kawasaki MXGP Team replica two-in-one jacket with detachable inner thermal liner, zipped inner and outer pockets and internal sleeve cuff. Seams are taped to keep the rain at bay. Unzip the liner to convert the jacket for mid-season use. Also available in XS.
n Taped seam
n Detachable quilted thermal liner
n Internal stretch cuffs
n Outer and inner breast pockets are zipped
n Printed logos
n 96% polyester/4% elastane
Keeping you snug in those cooler months
WSBK style, softshell warmth
Sports Sweatshirt
FEMALE
RRP £82.95 | CLUB £74.66
Zipped sweatshirt with kangaroo pockets, standup collar and ribbed hem and cuffs.
n Kangaroo pocket
n Shoulder and elbow areas printed with grey hexagon pattern
n Ribbed hem and cuffs
n Double faced interlock
n 72% cotton/28% polyester
Kawasaki Rivermark Umbrella
RRP £39.95 | CLUB £35.96
This large, Kawasaki-branded black umbrella is 135cm in diameter, has a green inside and provides shade from the sun or shelter from the rain. Whether your track side supporting your favourite racer or walking the dog in the park, this umbrella has you covered.
WSBK 2024 Sweatshirt
MALE & FEMALE
RRP £85.95 | CLUB £77.36
Zipped sweatshirt in Kawasaki 2024 WSBK team colours with zipped outer pockets, standup collar and ribbed hem and cuffs.
n Zipped front opening and pockets
n Ribbed hem and cuffs
n Embroidered KRT and Ninja logos
n Sponsor logos embroidered badges
n Polyester side panels with sublimation print
n Unbrushed French terry fabric
n 80% cotton/20% polyester
MXGP 2024 Zipped Sweatshirt
MALE & FEMALE
RRP £82.95 | CLUB £74.66
Kawasaki MXGP team replica zipped sweatshirt with zipped outer pockets, standup collar and ribbed hem and cuffs.
n Zipped front opening and pockets
n Ribbed hem and cuffs
n Embroidered Kawasaki and KX logos
n Sponsor logos embroidered badges
n Unbrushed French terry fabric
n 80% cotton/20% polyester
The female version of the MXGP zipped sweatshirt is tapered at the waist
Male version of the MXGP zipped sweatshirt adds instant kudos in any scenario
