ISSUE 20
CLUB KAWASAKI MEMBERS MAGAZINE W W W. C L U B - K AWA S A K I . CO . U K
D I G I T A L
E D I T I O N
25 YEARS OF THE
NINJA ZX-6R NEW BIKE VIDEOS
2021 CLOTHING
TEAM GREEN TORQUE
CONTENTS
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25 YEARS OF
ZX-6R P8
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P13
P22 25 YEARS OF ZX-6R
P13 2021 CLOTHING
P36 TEAM GREEN TORQUE
Can you remember what you were doing in 1995? Here at Kawasaki, we were in the midst of launching a new machine which would go on to become a staple of the Supersport world…
Andy Drake, Kawasaki UK Clothing & Accessories Manager, has chosen his top picks for this season and thanks to the new format, we’re able to show you videos and link directly to the content for you to browse the shop.
A brand new, dedicated digital section from Kawasaki UK Racing Manager, Ross Burridge. We talk to FS-3 Racing Kawasaki about building a superbike and celebrate Superbike wins.
P4 CLUB MAGAZINE GOES DIGITAL Let us reassure you that the printed magazine is here to stay, and it now has a digital friend to run alongside it and bring you content which isn’t possible on paper.
P6 NEWS
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P8 NEW MODEL VIDEOS P18 CLUB BENEFITS P32 2020 CHALLENGE RECAP 3
W E L CO M E I S S U E _ 2 0
M E M B E R S
people who dedicated their lives to each small element which makes today’s communication possible. We’ve been able to keep in touch with our loved ones across the world and for many of us, we’ve been able to continue working remotely and create virtual events in the place of those planned to be physical.
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elcome to the first ever fully digital Club Kawasaki Magazine edition. We all know the world has changed considerably over the last year – several changes for the worse but also some for the better. We have been forced to adapt and become more flexible as people, and accept the importance of digital communication to keep us all connected. Did you know that a version of video telephones was being used in Berlin in 1936? They used closed circuit television systems at that time and the video calls we know today weren’t possible until significant technological advances had been made as well as the popularisation of the internet. Even once the technology was readily available, us humans are creatures of habit and don’t often like to be early adopters. Where would we be without those
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Back in November Kawasaki took part in Motorcycle Live Online to bring you the latest new models alongside daily competitions and interviews which you were able to view virtually from home. We realise that virtual events do not replace the need for physical events, and we are excited to be welcoming the Motorcycle Live show back to the calendar for December 4-12 this year which will take place at it’s usual home of the NEC, Birmingham. While we’re delving into a bit of a history lesson here, did you also know that the first digital magazines were produced in the 1980’s? Diskzines or Diskmags, as they were called, were distributed onto floppy disks, and posted out to readers for them to view on their computers. PCLife was one of the first companies to create a magazine in this format, it included music, animations and other types of multimedia. Made easier in the 1990’s by the introduction of CDROM’s which could hold much more data and by the 2000’s they moved online.
M A G A Z I N E
We know that the printed issues hold a special place in the hearts of many of our members and there’s nothing quite like that tangible product to pick up and flick through. We want to reassure you that the digital magazines are being added to the benefits you receive, rather than replacing the printed versions. Digital technology does allow us to include features which aren’t possible in the printed version like direct links and videos, it also gives us creative freedom to include as many pages as necessary without increasing print costs or having a negative impact on the environment. This is our first foray into the world of digital magazines so we’ve included topics you’re used to while taking advantage of the new media we’re able to show you – all right on the same page in front of you. The next digital magazine will land with you in August this year so if you have any feedback or suggestions for us, we can look to include them in that issue.
Eleanor Berry | Editor
D I G I T A L
E D I T I O N We cannot wait to be back at the NEC for Motorcycle Live!
events 2021
Events are slowly making their way back into the Club Kawasaki Calendar. So far we have just two which you can get involved with but we expect many more to be added soon including Ambassador & Dealer events too!
MCN FESTIVAL – EAST OF ENGLAND SHOWGROUND – 4-5 SEPTEMBER
The organisers are aiming for the September event to deliver as much of the content that visitors would expect in its usual May slot. This will include a full test ride program, an abundance of gear and kit offers, extraordinary all-action stunt shows, live music and more. If you have already booked tickets for May 2020 or May 2021, they will be honoured for the September date - you don’t need to do anything. If you are unable to make the new September dates, you will be able to get a refund. See www.mcnfestival.com for more info.
Editor: Eleanor Berry Designer: Kar Lee Exclusive Content: Martin Lambert Contributors: Ross Burridge Mike Aylwin Thanks to: Jan Hughes, Geraint Hughes, Andy Drake, Matt Llewelyn, FS-3 Racing Kawasaki Photography: KHI, KME, KMUK, Double Red, Tim Keaton – Impact Images Published by Kawasaki Motors UK www.kawasaki.co.uk Published online by Issuu
MOTORCYCLE LIVE – NEC, BIRMINGHAM – 4-12 DECEMBER
To have the date confirmed in the midst of such uncertainty, underlines the show’s commitment to returning to not only a physical show, but one where the halls of the NEC are brimming with entertainment, interaction, manufacturers, retailers and motorcycles of all shapes, ages, engine types and sizes. We are personally excited to welcome members back on to the Kawasaki stand at Motorcycle Live and finally celebrate our 10th Anniversary – as we should have last year. Tickets will go on sale later in the year. For more info, see www.motorcyclelive.co.uk
Membership www.club-kawasaki.co.uk
©2021 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.
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NEWS
NEWS In a digital magazine, it seems only right to have digital news. We have taken the most recent updates from our Kawasaki colleagues around the world to bring them to you in Club Kawasaki Magazine so you can keep up with the latest Kawasaki News.
KAWASAKI RIDEOLOGY MEETS HYBRID POWER T
hrough evolution and innovation Kawasaki is ready to move to an amazing new era for two-wheelers, Hybrid Power. A combination of petrol engine for the open road, electric only power for city and urban riding, the Hybrid Power solution is just another example of the Kawasaki Rideology philosophy; the ultimate riding feeling in any condition.
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The future of powered propulsion is here!
Kawasaki Rideologyy Meets Artificial Intelligence
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he world has now seen our Artificial Intelligence Controlled concept – 2021 is the time for the “next step”. With testing and feedback complete we are ready to ride a new road with 2-Way verbal
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Speech from Masanori Inoue General Manager of the Marketing & Sales Division at Kawasaki Heavy Industries gives a speech from the Akashi Factory in Japan.
communication between rider and machine allowing fuel and range status updates, weather reports and 3D playback of completed rides. Motorcycle AI just took another step forward thanks to Kawasaki.
KAWASAKI BUSINESS IDEA CHALLENGE Inspiration though empowered employees, Passion as the driving force, Commitment for a better world. Through ideas projects are born and Inspiration, Passion and Commitment follow – this is the Kawasaki Business Idea Challenge.
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ROADBIKE LINE-UP
Bold new graphics match the ZX-10R’s slick aerodynamic bodywork
2021
Click here to find more videos over on the Kawasaki Youtube Channel
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25 YEARS OF THE
NINJA ZX-6R Illustration: Kar Lee / Kardesign
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25 YEARS OF THE
NINJA ZX-6R
Can you remember what you were doing in 1995? Here at Kawasaki, we were in the midst of launching a new machine that would go on to become a staple of the Supersport world… the Ninja ZX-6R! The impact of this all-new 600cc machine was immediate. As the first aluminium beam frame in the class, the ZX-6R was a hit with journalists, fans and racers alike. Its success saw other manufacturers accelerate the development of their 600 machines, seeing the Supersport category truly established. 2020 marked the 25th anniversary of this game-changing machine, so we thought we would take a closer look at the innovation and racing success of the Ninja ZX-6R…
>>> THE EARLY DAYS
By the early 1990s, Kawasaki was already well-known on the mid-weight performance scene. This was thanks to ground-breaking machines such as the GPz550, and the water-cooled GPz600R, with its 16 valve cylinder head and a perimeter style frame. Building on the experience of these machines, Kawasaki engineers set their sights on a mid-weight machine that
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offered the true look, performance and handling of a race bike. The Ninja ZX-6R was born. The 600cc machine was the ideal solution for those riders looking for a step up in capacity from their current bike, as well as being perfect for those seeking a slimmer, more manageable sports bike.
The performance of that first ZX-6R was incredible, with the bike featuring innovative Kawasaki Ram-Air induction, low weight and an acceleration of 0-97km/h in just 3.6s.
In 1998, second generation ZX-6Rs were introduced with a host of refinements and sleeker aerodynamics
>>> BUILDING ON SUCCESS
The first Ninja ZX-6R iteration remained on showroom floors for three years, before the machine received a host of upgrades in 1998. This first makeover saw the engine tuned to increase peak power, whilst the cowling was also tweaked to improve aerodynamics. Four years later, in 2002, the bike underwent another update. Kawasaki engineers were able to increase the power even further, while the machine also sported a 180 section rear tyre and twin headlights. While racers were still using the 600cc engine, 2002 was also the first introduction of the 636cc engine for road riders. This increased capacity gave riders increased performance and greater power and torque.
The first generation ZX-6Rs (left and above) featured the most incredible induction growl
(Right) 2002 saw the ZX-6R get an increase of capacity up to 636cc for a noticable power boost over the competition
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25 YEARS OF THE
NINJA ZX-6R The first ZX-6R with fuel injection, the B1-H featured radical new styling and radial-mount six-piston brakes as standards
Just one year later, the B1-H model was unveiled to the world. The first ZX-6R with fuel injection, the B1-H featured radical new styling and radialmount six-piston brakes as standards. It also featured an inverted front fork and would rev higher than any previous ZX-6R. In 2005, the C1 model appeared, giving riders increased performance. However, it was the styling that was the biggest change, with a new-look frame and under-seat exhaust system. Further updates in 2007 saw Kawasaki launch a 599cc version for road and track riders alike. Launched by Pere Riba, Akira Yanagawa, Roger Hayden and Noboru Ueda, the 2007 ZX-6R features a revised frame, swingarm, suspension, brakes and body. It also featured an all-new engine that featured a stacked gear arrangement. Three years on, and the ZX-6R was tweaked to include an Assist and Slipper clutch as standard.
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In 2013, the Supersport-conquering bike received another major overhaul. With the engine reverting to 636cc, the new Ninja featured two fuel maps, increased torque and more horsepower at low RPM. It also came with Kawasaki Traction Control and Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System as standard. The most recent update to this incredible machine came in 2019, with the bike receiving new gearing, Euro4 compliance, Kawasaki Quickshifter, updated bodywork, new dash and LED lighting. Unfortunately, 2020 was the final year for ZX-6R in Europe, with the machine not featuring in the 2021 Kawasaki range in the continent.
Underseat exhaust for the 2005 636cc C model showcased the new swingarm
2007 saw the ZX-6R get more track-focused with revisions and a reduction to 599cc
2009 saw continued development and a switch back to the side exit exhaust
2013 was a major update with the engine jumping back up to 636cc and a facelift
2019 was another update year with the ZX-6R getting a new face as well as being Euro 4 compliant
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25 YEARS OF THE
NINJA ZX-6R
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>>> A QUARTER OF A CENTURY OF SUCCESS
Since its launch in 1995, the ZX-6R has firmly established itself as one of the all-time greats in the Supersport class. With success on race tracks around the world, including four World Supersport titles, a British Supersport title and multiple Isle of Man TT wins. We recently sat down with six stars from the last 25 years to find out their thoughts – read them below!
ANDREW PITT LUCAS MAHIAS IAIN MACPHERSON JOAN LASCORZ FABIEN FORET KENAN SOFUOGLU
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K6
A mere 1,220g - one of the lightest road helmets in the world
NARDO GREY
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT W W W. A G V. C O . U K #AGVRIDER
D I G I T A L
E D I T I O N
25 YEARS OF THE
NINJA ZX-6R