Club Kawasaki Magazine - 23

WELCOME

Welcome to issue 23 of our Club Kawasaki member’s only magazine. We say members only, but we fully expect you to share this with your friends and fellow bikers before they give it back, of course. With everything we do, you’re always able to bring along guests who aren’t members because we want to shout about how great our Club is and we want them to join us too.

When we create our magazines, we’re mindful that for some members, they might be the only way they interact with us here at Club Kawasaki. Most of the time we’re keeping you updated via the Club Kawasaki website or our fortnightly email updates but we know that’s not for everyone. So we like to try and give you a mixture of the essential information, in our benefits feature, interesting articles, behind the scenes, just for fun and your own stories too. As I’m sure you’re already well aware, or maybe the front cover was the first you’ve heard… 2022 marks the 50th year of Z and we’re celebrating. We’ve included the largest feature we have ever written which takes you all the way from 1972 with the first introduction of the Z range, all the way up to 2022 with the announcement of the special edition 50th anniversary models – and everything in-between.

We’re keeping you up to date with everything you need to know, our events list includes the Kawasaki Dealer Demo Days yet to take place

along with Motorcycle Live at the NEC in November. Look out for our preview event which will be on sale soon – get tickets to the show which include early access to the Kawasaki stand on the opening Saturday and enjoy an exclusive overview of new models from the Kawasaki UK team.

Be sure to check out the benefits of belonging to Club Kawasaki, the one thing our members always say is that the more you put in, the more you get out. So if you don’t join in conversations on the online forum, you won’t feel the benefits of it. It’s easy, put up a quick post in the new members area, even if you’ve been lurking for a while, include a photo of your bike and say hello! You’ll receive lots of nice welcome messages from your fellow Kawasaki fans.

In our My Kawasaki & Me feature of this issue, you’ll meet Andrew, the lucky winner from our Motorcycle Live competition who won… a Kawasaki Z650RS! Unbelievably, he was thinking about buying one already when he received the call to say he’d been chosen as the winner. See what he thinks of the machine and how he reacted when he first found out.

Don’t forget to see if your Challenge selfie has made it to the rear cover!

Enjoy!

Editor: Eleanor Berry

Designer: Kar Lee

Exclusive Content: Martin Lambert

Contributors:

Ross Burridge

Mike Aylwin

Thanks to:

Glen Toy, Andrew Morey, Jason Dale

Photography:

KHI, KME, KMUK, Tim Keeton –Impact Images, Graeme Brown

- GB Images

Eleanor Berry | Editor

©2022 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.

CONTENTS

50 YEARS OF Z

CONTENTS FEATURED

P28 Z50

In 2022 the famous Kawasaki Z brand is fifty years old and in those five decades over 2,500,000 machines bearing the Z name have been built. In this major Club Magazine feature, we tell the full story of Z and provide a unique “behind the scenes” look at the creation of a legend.

P9 THE TT RETURNS

After a three year hiatus, the historic and undeniably exciting Isle of Man TT races returned this year to the Mountain Course for two weeks of exhilarating action!

P14 THE CHALLENGE

All members are invited to join the Club Challenge! Visit new places, meet fellow Club members and gain points for the chance to win prizes at the same time.

P19 EVENTS LIST

There’s still time to get out to some incredible events, with Dealer Demo days, National Events and Motorcycle Live all happening before the end of the year.

P22 BACK TO THE FUTURE

If you were at Motorcycle Live last year, or if you’ve been following any of the incredible Bennetts British Superbike Championship action this year, you will have seen that we’re bringing retro back!

P40 THE Z50TH COLLECTION

The Z50th range includes such a wide spectrum of items that there’s sure to be something for everyone. Whether you were here at the launch of the first Z in 1972 or you’ve joined along the way, make sure to check it out!

P45 BENEFITS REMINDER

Whether you’re new to Club Kawasaki or you’ve been here for the long haul, we’re so glad you’re here! And we just know that the more you get involved, the more you get out of your membership.

P05 NEWS

A roundup of the latest and most important Kawasaki news.

P49 MY KAWASAKI & ME

Meet Andrew Morey, winner of a Kawasaki Z650RS at Motorcycle Live!

P52 KAWASAKI STAFF INSIGHT

Meet Glen Toy, one of the Regional Business Managers within the Sales & Marketing department and get to know him a little better.

ADIDAS ORIGINALS AND KAWASAKI CELEBRATE THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF ZX!

An icon that needs no introduction, Kawasaki has been at the forefront of the motorcycle manufacturing industry for decades. Known for its inimitable aesthetic approach, the brand’s signature sport bike brand – ZX –served as the inspiration for the adidas design team when they first introduced the original ZX500 sneaker in 1984.

Taking cues from Kawasaki’s instantly recognizable design philosophy of motorcycle and colour palette, the collaborative ZX8000 sneaker features a White kangaroo leather upper, with Kawasaki Green leather overlays, blue map suede accents, and a Kawasaki Ninja graphic

on the lateral. Meanwhile, the ZX 5K BOOST boasts a Black TPU overlay and eye stays, Kawasaki green accents, a semi-transparent Black ripstop vamp, and a Kawasaki Ninja logo on the toebox.

Both sneakers are capped off with electroplated lace tips, shoe jewellery and heel pieces, as well as co-branded sock liners. Each pair then comes packaged in a custom box with a printed graphic of the latest Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, filled with tissue paper bearing a printed Kawasaki motorcycle sketch.

Performance in the wet or dry comes as standard fitment!

The ZX 5K BOOST features all the tech you’d imagine in a modern sneaker

Kawasaki celebrate 50 years of the Z family

2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the very first Z model, the iconic Z1. Since then, the Z family has continued to excite riders across the globe and to celebrate the incredible milestone, we’ve unveiled four unique celebratory models.

The Z900 and Z650 received a special 50th anniversary livery, returning

to the roots of the Z brand with the special Fireball pattern of the original Z. Alongside this, the Z900RS and Z650RS also had a makeover with a candy colour tribute.

Alongside the new liveries, the anniversary models also received a host of upgrades to complement their new look.

From the aggressive lines and dramatic GPz colours on the Z900 to the classic scheme on the Z900RS, there’s a big Z to mark the occasion

Dealer Demo Days Return

We’re very excited to be back with our popular Dealer Demo Days. Visiting Kawasaki dealers all over the country, this is your chance to ride the latest models in our 2022 range.

From exhilarating mid-capacity machines to top of the line supercharged motorcycles, you will be able to ride:

n Z650

n Ninja 650

n Versys 650 Tourer

n Vulcan S

n Z650RS

n Z900

n Z900RS

n Ninja 1000SX Tourer

n Ninja H2 SX

n Ninja H2 SX SE Tourer

n Versys 1000 SE Grand Tourer

n Z H2

Ninja ZX-10R

All test rides must be booked in advance through the online sign-up form, so head over to https:// bit.ly/DemoDays2022 to find your nearest participating dealer. Look out for our full 2022 events list later in the magazine!

KAWASAKI COVERS THE 400cc CLASS BASES IN 2023

Two of Kawasaki’s stand-out A2 licence compliant machines of recent years make a welcome return for the 2023 model year line up.

2022 has witnessed celebrations highlighting 50 years of the famous Z range providing a springboard for the re-introduction of the Euro5 compliant Z400 complete with its 399 cm3 parallel twin water-cooled engine delivering 33.4 kW (45PS) and 37 N.m (3.8kg-m) of torque at 8,000 rpm.

Complete with an assist and slipper clutch and a trellis frame mirroring the chassis of the range-leading Z H2, the Z400 provides a big bike personality in a manageable package for those making their way up the capacity ladder or those who feel the 400cc class is their ideal destination.

A seat height of 785 mm contributes towards admirable manoeuvrability while Kawasaki’s

unique ERGO-fit optional seat enhances riding comfort for taller riders, making the Z400 the most logical choice in class.

The new 2023 Ninja 400 shares its A2 licence compliance with the Z400 along with a tubular trellis chassis and powerful 286mm front disc brake coupled with an equally effective 193mm rear rotor.

Ninja style never goes out of fashion and the Ninja 400 revels in its family resemblance to the mighty Ninja ZX-10R, a machine that has achieved unparalleled levels of WorldSBK Championship success. And like its Ninja big brother, the 400-class machine also features an assist and slipper clutch facilitating smooth gear down changes and a 20% lighter lever pull at the handlebar.

Both machines will be available from mid-August with the prices to be confirmed.

SPEC YOUR PERFECT RIDE

KAWASAKI KALCULATOR

The Ninja 400 offers stunning, high-quality looks, strong engine performance with light, predictable handling and a relaxed, sporty riding position.

Vulcan S...not your average cruiser, offering a lower seat height and designed for independent minded riders.

The new Kawasaki Z650RS combines Retro style with modern sports technology, offering an unrivalled, stylish experience.

TAILOR THE PERFECT DEAL FOR YOU AT WWW.KAWASAKI-KALCULATOR. CO.UK

THE ISLE OF MAN TT RETURNS!

After a three year hiatus, the historic and undeniably exciting Isle of Man TT races returned this year to the Mountain Course for two weeks of exhilarating action! With action getting underway on Sunday, 29th May, it marked 1,087 days since the riders had last set off down Glencrutchery Road with anger. However, our official team, DAO Racing Kawasaki and rider Dean Harrison proved to be just as fast as where they left off back in 2019.

n Dean Harrison came into this years event reigning Senior TT winner from back in 2019, the last time the race was run. It wasn’t meant to be this year, but hey, two second places in the Superbike and Senior races on his Ninja ZX-10RR isn’t too bad, right?

A series of podium finishes including a brace of second positions across the Superbike, Senior TT and Supersport races secured Dean’s position as one of the best of the current crop of TT Superstars. Throw into the mix an amazing debut podium finish for Paul Jordan and the PreZ Racing team on their Ninja 650 Supertwin and it made for a successful two weeks of racing! Here, we’ve given you a highlight reel of this year’s event with a selection of amazing images showcasing not only how the races went for Team Green, but a bit more about the course itself.

IOM TT 2022

WE’RE BACK!

BUNGALOW

This section is also the fourth timing point on the course and gives a good indicator as to whether the rider is going to be on lap record pace. It’s a fast left hander followed by a right over the tram lines as they pass the famous Joey Dunlop statue. It’s a popular place to watch as you can see the riders all the way from the Verandah to Brandywell, a total of 1.5 miles!

BARREGARROW

Probably one of the most gasp inducing corners on the circuit, the bottom of Barregarrow sees the riders machines bottom out completely with their fairings scraping the floor as they fire through this left hander, almost touching the wall on the inside, with a blind exit –scary!

view to a thrill

Sightseeing... the IOM TT way!

ST NINIANS

This incredibly fast left hand kink just as they reach top speeds appears within seconds of the start of the lap. Riders here will often have both wheels off the ground and is a fan favourite place to watch as in such close proximity to the paddock.

THE GOOSENECK

This is one of the slower corners the riders negotiate, but it’s an important one nonetheless as a smooth fast exit from this corner sets them up for the uphill section as they climb the mountain.

CREG-NY-BAA

Situated at the end of the Mountain section, this corner is a short circuit style, knee down right hander taken in front of a huge crowd all enjoying a beer at the famous Creg pub! On the exit the riders often run down the very left hand side of the road and give the fans viewing on the bank there a bit of a scare!

MILNTOWN

A super fast jump on the way into Ramsey, the riders get airborne over the Glen Auldyn bridge and immediately have to negotiate a very fast right hander, definitely not for the faint hearted!

IOM TT 2022

WE’RE BACK!

n The six lap Senior TT race was all the more difficult for Dean as he took not one, but two bird strikes, the first of which hit his screen on lap one!

n Although a race win eluded him, Dean had a fantastic week taking four podium finishes across the Superbike and Supersport classes. The five races that Dean took part in total over 900 hard miles of racing, so for man and machine to complete this feat with no breakdown or accident is an achievement in itself!

n Fans of Dean and the DAO Racing team were treated to a special one-off livery for the Senior TT race as Dean unveiled a new look ZX10RR in front of the fans during race week. That’s one of the best bits about the TT, you can get up close and personal with the stars of the sport.

n The legendary Bob Gray plays a huge part in how the bike performs at the TT. He spends the two weeks trawling through data ensuring the bike is working at it’s optimum; a challenging task when there is over two hundred corners and 37 ¾ miles of data to analyse!

n Behind the rider is a whole team of people helping make it all happen. None however are more important than the partners of the riders waiting anxiously in the paddock. Dean’s better half, Vicky is instrumental in making sure Dean is the best he can be.

n It was an emotional event for Paul Jordan and the PreZ Racing team as they took their maiden Isle of Man TT podium in the Supertwin class. Here you can really see the emotion and what it means to both the rider and the team!

2022 CLUB CHALLENGE THE

All members are invited to join the Club Challenge! This is your chance to visit new places, meet fellow Club members and gain points for the chance to win prizes at the same time.

IRELAND

HOW IT WORKS

The challenge is open from 15th March 2022 to 12th December 2022.

SCOTLAND WALES & NORTH ENGLAND

WALES & SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

EAST ENGLAND

THE PRIZES

CHALLENGE HERO

Kawasaki insurance policy £500

Visit the most ‘Hero’ locations to be in with a chance to win a free Kawasaki Insurance policy up to the value of £500 including free helmet and leathers cover. If more than one person has visited the same, majority number of ‘Hero’ locations, a winner will be chosen at random from those entries.

POINTS COLLECTOR

2023 Ticket package

RRP £200

Gain the most points overall to be in with a chance of winning tickets to World Superbikes, London Motorcycle Show, Motorcycle Live, MXGP, and British Superbikes in 2023.

1 Visit the locations listed

2 Snap your Challenge Selfie

3 Submit your Challenge Selfie using the upload tool*

4 We will add your points to the Challenge Leaderboard & photo to the gallery

5 Repeat steps 1-3 as many times as you can before the close date!

■ We will announce the winners in December 2022

THE POINTS

Standard locations are worth 25 points

Hero locations are worth 50 points

Kawasaki dealer locations are worth 20 points each Kawasaki UK events are worth 30 points

■ A selfie from one of the standard locations will gain you 25 points and Hero locations are worth double - 50 points.

■ There is one hero location in each region for you to tick off to be in the running for our top prize of that Kawasaki Insurance Policy.

■ Gain extra points by visiting Kawasaki dealers throughout the UK too - submit those using the Challenge tool for an extra 20 points each. Attend Kawasaki UK events across the regions to add even more points to your name and work your way up the leaderboard!

■ Choose to visit as many places as you like, the more photos you submit, the more points you gain and the higher your chance of winning the top prizes.

REGIONAL WINNERS

Club Membership & Ogio Backpack RRP £81.90

Visit all four locations within a region to be in with a chance of winning free Club Kawasaki membership and a Kawasaki Ogio Backpack. We will add the free 12 months membership to your existing account. There will be one winner per region so you have fi ve chances to win this prize.

BEST REGIONAL PHOTO

Club Water Bottle & T-shirt RRP £27.90

Submit your best photos of your Kawasaki for a chance to win a Club Kawasaki insulated metal bottle and a Club Kawasaki T-shirt. One person from each region will win this prize.

SCOTLAND

KAWASAKI INSURANCE PERKS

Receive an exclusive £1500 of FREE Helmet & Protective Clothing cover worth £29.99 when you purchase an annual motorcycle insurance policy. As a Club member, you could also receive up to 25% discount so make sure you have your membership number ready and call Kawasaki Insurance on 0800 085 6551 to claim the offer. T’s & C’s apply.

4 GRETNA GREEN

25

POINTS

Gretna Green is a village on the Scottish border that is worldfamous as a romantic wedding destination. First, over the border, it became a haven for young lovers.

2 FORT AUGUSTUS LOCKS 25 POINTS

Situated on the most southern tip of Loch Ness on the Great Glen Way, this historic and scenic hamlet is a popular tourist destination, and offers spectacular views down Loch Ness.

3 PORTPATRICK LIFEBOAT STATION

25

POINTS

For nearly 140 years an all-weather lifeboat has operated from Portpatrick’s picturesque harbour. The crews have been honoured with five awards for gallantry, including a Bronze Medal.

HERO

1 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND

50

POINTS

Formed in 2006, collections relate to Scottish antiquities, culture and history, with international collections covering science and technology, natural history, and world cultures.

TOP TIP Entry is free and the museum is open daily, 10.00 - 17.00

National Museum of Scotland

Portpatrick Lifeboat Station

Edinburgh Kawasaki

WALES & NORTH ENGLAND

3 BEAUMARIS CASTLE 25 POINTS

2 HOUSESTEADS ROMAN FORT 25 POINTS

Set high on a dramatic escarpment on Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, Housesteads Roman Fort takes you back to the Roman Empire. Wander the barrack blocks and the hospital.

WALES & SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

3 BUCKFAST ABBEY 25 POINTS

4 BARRY ISLAND 25 POINTS

Fortress of near-perfect symmetry is an unfinished masterpiece. Beaumaris on the island of Anglesey is famous as the greatest castle never built. HERO

HERO

A district, peninsula and seaside resort, forming part of the town of Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. Famous for its golden beaches, family amusements, colourful beach huts and, of course, “Gavin & Stacey”.

Buckfast Abbey forms part of an active Benedictine monastery. The first Benedictine abbey was followed by a Savignac abbey constructed on the site of the current abbey in 1134.

Keighley & Worth Valley railway

National Memorial Arboretum

Clay Cross Kawasaki, Chesterfield

4 HONISTER PASS

25 POINTS

Honister pass starts at Gatesgarth Farm, at the southern end of Buttermere. It connects the Buttermere valley with the eastern end of Borrowdale valley.

1 KEIGHLEY & WORTH VALLEY RAILWAY 50 POINTS

A unique 5 mile branch line railway set in the heart of West Yorkshire and running heritage steam and diesel trains through stunning Brontë Country.

TOP TIP If you book a Day Rover 3 days in advance you can save 15% – and everyone loves a good old Yorkshire bargain!

1 NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM

50 POINTS

An evolving, maturing woodland landscape featuring 25,000 trees and a large collection of nearly 400 memorials. The 150-acre site is a living, growing tribute to those who have served and continue to serve our country.

TOP TIP Check the NMA website for their daily activities list so you don’t miss out!

2 FLEET AIR ARM MUSEUM

25 POINTS

Fleet Air Arm Museum has an extensive collection of military and civilian aircraft, aero engines, models of aircraft and Royal Navy ships, and paintings and drawings related to naval aviation.

EAST ENGLAND

2 LACEY GREEN WINDMILL

25 POINTS

England’s oldest smock mill, with wooden machinery dating from around 1650. Since 1971 it has been restored to working order by members of The Chiltern Society.

1 EATON PARK 50 POINTS

One of Norwich’s most beautiful historic parks. There are 80 glorious acres, packed with great things to see and do for all ages including crazy golf, putting green, boat pond, cafe, sporting facilities and more.

TOP TIP Eaton Park is open all day, every day, 365 days a year. Entry is free.

3 SPINNAKER TOWER 25 POINTS

A 170-metre landmark observation tower in Portsmouth, England. It is the centrepiece of the redevelopment of Portsmouth Harbour, which was supported by a National Lottery.

4 ALFRED CORRY MUSEUM

25

POINTS

4

The museum features both of the boat and the shed and an extensive collection of old photographs depicting all aspects of the boat, its crew and the history of the lives it saved.

Spinnaker Tower

Eaton Park

HERO

1 CLIFFS OF MOHER

50 POINTS

Sea cliffs located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare, Ireland. They run for about 14 kilometres.

TOP TIP You can park either at the visitor centre or at Guerin’s Path.

4 MUSSENDEN TEMPLE 25 POINTS

A historical landmark built in 1785 as an estate library. The building was modelled after Rome’s Temple of Vesta.

3 KENMARE PIER 25 POINTS

Just a few minutes walk from Kenmare centre, a beautiful place to watch sunsets and soak in the atmosphere.

2 SEAN’S BAR 25 POINTS

The oldest bar in the entire world! It has been serving alcohol to locals at the spot of Sean’s bar for as far back as 900 AD - over 1100 years ago.

Sean’s Bar

Cliffs of Moher

Kenmare pier

events shows &

As Club Kawasaki members, you’re able to view the Kawasaki calendar and see all events in one place. These events range from local dealer demo days to exclusive hospitality at British and World Superbikes.

Events are constantly being added to the calendar by your local Ambassadors, dealers and by us at Kawasaki UK so make sure you log on to: forum.club-kawasaki.co.uk/ calendar/ to see the most up to date calendar.

club kawasaki forum calendar

DID YOU KNOW?

All members are able to add events to the Club Kawasaki forum calendar so if you know about an event you think your fellow Club members would be interested in, please feel free to add the details.

ack to t b

If you were at Motorcycle Live last year, or if you’ve been following any of the incredible Bennetts British Superbike Championship action this year, you will have seen that we’re bringing retro back!

We’ve launched a limited edition livery for the Ninja ZX-10R that has been inspired by the iconic ZXR 750 livery from the early 1990s. First appearing on Jonathan Rea’s World Superbike machine last year in Argentina as part of Kawasaki’s 125th-anniversary celebrations, the colour scheme has been an instant hit with fans.

An original icon Kawasaki had made 750 sports bikes before the ZXR750, so 749cc was not exactly uncharted territory. In many ways, the basic specs were not ground-breaking, but that is only part of the story. Following on from the GPX 750 (the first bike to win a World Superbike race for Kawasaki in the hands of Adrien Morillas), the ZXR series gave focus to the three-quarter litre supersport offering from Akashi.

In fact, the heart of Adrien’s bike (which still exists in a private UK collection) gave Kawasaki’s

engineers the start point for the next step along the road. Fast, with good manners and power across the rev range, the GPX had to contend with the likes of “the racetrack refugee” GSX-R from Suzuki which did not make life easy (plus homologation specials like the Honda RC30). Yet, as an allround sports package, the GPX was a highly forgiving and rewarding day to day ride and a good base from which to develop a full-blown racing superbike.

The gear heads at Akashi were not despondent about slim pickings

he future

retro paint meets modern technology for a winning combo

early on in WorldSBK and and set about the next iteration with vigour as a machine was needed as the World Superbike Championship gained momentum and influence. Enter stage left the ZXR750 H-1. Visually stunning complete with its “shell suit” paint scheme and “Hoover hose” air intakes (which in reality did very little), the H1 announced that Kawasaki was serious about WSBK and was quickly followed by the ZXR750 H2 that was visually similar but included a host of detail changes such as a revised swinging arm

"The ZX-7R was justifiably noted for its incredibly precise front end and surefooted handling"

and less harsh suspension…. marginally.

Racing success arrived in 1990 thanks to Robbie Phillis and Doug Chandler who managed to climb the top step of the podium at their respective home rounds in Australia and the USA. Then, just as the GPX made way for the ZXR, the much loved Ninja ZX-7R arrived and another road and racing icon was born.

Dale’s Dream Bike

We were lucky enough to be contacted by Jason Dale, a fan of

Kawasaki but also the owner of a stunning ZXR750 H1 and even luckier as he kindly offered to loan it to us to display at the MCN London Show earlier this year;

“Like many teenagers growing up in the 80’s, I started off my motorcycling career on a 50cc two stroke, in my case it was the Kawasaki AR50” said Jason.

“I can still remember setting off from home and heading over to my local Kawasaki dealer, to stare enviously into the showroom

"The guys at FS-3 Racing also fell in love with the design"

window. The GPZ900R was always a firm favourite, but one day as I stood in the doorway taking my helmet off, I saw it, the ZXR750 H1.

After grabbing a handful of brochures to pin up on my wall, I kick started my AR and as I rode home, I promised myself that one day I would own one.

Fast forward 30 plus years, and I finally fulfilled my dream of owning one of these amazing bikes and couldn’t believe it when the guys at Kawasaki UK showcased it at the

"The ZX-7R livery has always been a fan favourite, and last year saw a resurgence in popularity thanks to Jonathan Rea and the Kawasaki Racing Team"

London bike

show,

sitting it next to the new Ninja ZX-10R and FS-3 Racing British Superbike in the same colours.

This really is a ‘poster on the bedroom wall’ dream come true scenario, I mean what an amazing bike to own and ride and what an amazing end to the story”.

A popular return

The ZXR750 livery has always been a fan favourite, and last year saw a resurgence in popularity thanks

to Jonathan Rea and the Kawasaki Racing Team. Ahead of the Argentina World Superbike round, Rea and Alex Lowes were asked to choose their favourite colour schemes from history to celebrate 125 years of Kawasaki.

With Alex choosing the iconic GPz900R livery, Jonathan opted for the resplendent white, blue and green ZXR750 livery. It proved an instant success, with social media awash with comments and requests for a road-going replica.

Hearing those requests, we got to work creating a limited edition livery for the Ninja ZX10R and ZX-10RR, unveiling the colours at Motorcycle Live. The unique upgrade is available to any customer purchasing a new ZX-10R from their local Kawasaki dealer.

Bringing it to BSB

Proving an instant hit at Motorcycle Live, we sat down with the FS-3 Racing British Superbike team to begin planning the livery for the

2022 season. With the retro livery proving so popular, we decided to replicate those colours for the Ninja ZX-10R Superbikes that Lee Jackson and Rory Skinner would be racing for the season.

Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki UK, said “Having witnessed the incredibly positive feedback from racing fans across the globe after seeing Jonathan’s machine in Argentina, and then on our standard road bike at Motorcycle Live on the Kawasaki stand, we knew we had to see it on track in the UK this year.

The guys at FS-3 Racing also fell in love with the design and have created a beautiful looking homage to the original which has graced the BSB grid throughout 2022.”

First unveiled at the MCN London Motorcycle Show in February, against a stunning backdrop of the city, and next to Jason’s original

The "Hoover" pipes are a dead giveaway –this could only be the ZXR

ZXR750, the striking liveries made their track debut at Silverstone in April. The livery has proved to be a rapid addition, with both Rory and Lee already climbing the podium as they bid to make the 2022 BSB Showdown.

With this livery proving such a hit with the public, who knows, we may have to explore another iconic livery from our rich heritage for BSB 2023! n

Still

handsome after all these years

In 2022 the famous Kawasaki Z brand is fifty years old and in those five decades over 2,500,000 machines bearing the Z name have been built. Now part of the landscape of motorcycling, the beginnings of the legend were actually quite fragile and uncertain. In this major Club Magazine feature, we tell the full story of Z and provide a unique “behind the scenes” look at the creation of a legend.

Z might be the last letter of the alphabet, but it was the first big superbike that would influence motorcycling as we know it

an iconic 50 years

Fifty years ago – 1972 – was a key year in terms of the global situation both politically and in terms of human endeavour. The optimism and “Flower Power” of the 60’s was giving way to a new less forgiving age of technology. Political and social change was happening at breakneck speed with as much unrest as there was optimism. And for Kawasaki the early 70’s was also uncertain as the company began tentative steps towards a global presence; 1972 would prove a pivotal year. A year which, at its extreme, could make or break the future of all motorcycle manufacture at Akashi.

The main focus for Kawasaki in terms of motorcycle production for export was the United States of America. Establishing a strong market presence in the world’s single largest motorcycle market was a fundamental step along the road to expanding Kawasaki’s own motorcycle production and the range of products on offer to Americans but also other potential global markets.

By 1972 the focus of all Japanese manufacturers on the American market and was evident for all to see. Honda, who had invested early in the US market were reaping the rewards with a significant market share of some 50% across the capacity classes. Yamaha who followed in the years after Honda made inroads were also strong and the remaining manufacturers shared the rest of the market. This included the once dominant UK manufacturers who witnessed their market share decline rapidly thanks to a lack of investment in new models coupled with a strategy that prioritised large capacity machines.

From bullet trains to aircraft and shipbuilding, postWW2 Kawasaki was a company with a diverse portfolio

In the 70s, motorcycling was opened out to a broader market that included families, women, and teenagers

The presence and influence of domestic manufacturers should not be underestimated and even though imports of non-US motorcycles we’re increasing at a dramatic rate so did Harley-Davidson increase production to counter the onslaught. (This eventually led to the proposing of protectionist legislation in later years, something that reared its ugly head again under the regime of Donald Trump).

The fundamental difference between the approach of America’s domestic manufacturers plus UK motorcycle makers compared to the Japanese was the “democratisation” of the motorcycle market. While both concentrated on a perception of a male dominated large capacity motorcycle market, the Japanese in particular invested in and created a much broader market which included families, women and teenagers. The emphasis on smaller capacity fun to ride machines altered the perception of motorcycling in the USA at a time when consumer spending and recreational time we’re increasing. No longer the preserve of Hells Angel wannabees, the demand for, and acceptance of, powered two wheelers spiralled.

In the post war years, Kawasaki as a company rapidly rebuilt itself. Ship building was reenergised on a grand scale and the Kobe dockyards were full of bulk carriers and super tankers under construction. Kawasaki marine endeavours were matched by other large scale engineering arms such as development of the famous Shinkansen bullet train, large scale commercial building projects such as bridges and power generation plants and the expansion of its aircraft and aerospace division which entered into partnership with a variety of companies to create advanced aircraft and helicopters built under licence. In comparison

an iconic 50 years

Kawasaki’s motorcycle production was facing a steep development curve. The global market for consumer goods was expanding and it was only natural Kawasaki, with its huge reserves of technical and engineering skill plus manufacturing capacity, would consider consumers as its next step commercially.

AIMING FOR THE USA

So, what were the fundamentals of Kawasaki’s decision to target the American market? Of course, there were many, but the basics were two-fold. As a business-to-business heavy engineering company Kawasaki had little or no public awareness compared to companies such as Honda who without the background of shipbuilding and aircraft manufacture targeted the consumer market from day one.

Kawasaki decided that one of the most direct ways to increase consumer awareness of the company and its products would be to have a public facing offer and since the purchase of the Meguro company and the initial inroads into the US market with the W1 650, Kawasaki were determined to have a higher public profile. Meguro were once a dominant force in the Japanese market but a stagnation of design development for the pre-unit engined K1 and crippling industrial action by Meguro staff made them a logical take over target for Kawasaki who tasked legendary “Ben” Inamura with updating the 500cc K1 to become the W1 650cc Kawasaki.

Apart from recognition on the world stage - and like many other Japanese firms - there was a desire to export and gain foreign income to rebuild Japan’s post-war economy which was still in a state of flux in the 1960s.

Some of the reasons to target the American market have an undeniable logic. It was in the 1970s, American was a unified market with a largely common language of English. Additionally, the specification of the product sold in America was broadly similar from coast to coast. Even

“The American market was vast and the sheer number of people who were qualified to ride a motorcycle was in the millions”

though the country was large, administration would be relatively simple with East and West Coast offices and perhaps some smaller sub offices to service an enormous market. Compared to Europe, with its multiplicity of languages, specifications and diverse legal requirements, the American market was undeniably larger and simpler to service.

The final part of the decision-making process centred on the fact that since the early 1950s the American market was overtly consumerist with spending at its core. In comparison many post-war European countries we’re still paying the price of conflict (to the USA ironically), and many were categorised in terms of conservative or saving biased approaches to personal income. Lastly, the American market was vast and the sheer number of people who were qualified to ride a motorcycle was in the millions. Unknown to the outside world-including Kawasaki’s American office, work on a four-cylinder four-stroke double overhead camshaft engine began in 1967. The responsibility of Ben Inamura, the complex engine was being developed just one year after the introduction of the Kawasaki W1 650 to the American market. At the time it was the largest capacity motorcycle manufactured in Japan and was a development of the Meguro K1. As the office of American Kawasaki Motors Corporation (AKMC) evolved product planning became a core element of day-to-day business in a motorcycle market which was accelerating as fast as the motorcycles themselves.

By coincidence, in 1968, a proposal from AKMC was tabled requesting a “Zapper” motorcycle, one with high performance, high presence, high engineering and high technology. The American staff were naturally delighted that work had already begun on an engine platform and, following successful bench testing, the management of Kawasaki approved the next stage which included creating basic chassis elements to form a riding test mule for the engine. What was not made so public was the fact that this was only an engine and not much else

The W1 650 initially entered the US market in the 1960s

as Kawasaki management had agreed to indulge Inamura by allowing an engine to be created to test his theories. Only when this was rubber stamped would the process of chassis development and styling be sanctioned. Then disaster struck!

THE HONDA HICCUP

The world of Kawasaki motorcycling and manufacture was shocked in 1968 when Honda unveiled the 749cc single overhead camshaft CB750 complete with 4 into 4 exhausts and a hydraulic front disc brake. The engine base that Inamura was working on was also 749cc which not only complied with the contemporary Japanese gentlemen’s agreement on the upper limit of motorcycle engine capacity but was judged as sufficient to make a bold statement in the American market.

At this time, with code name N600 as only a development mule and the prospect of strong competition from an American market dominant Honda, the future of the Kawasaki project and Inamura’s dream was most certainly in doubt. Inside the Kawasaki factory there was intense debate and only after considerable examination of the

potential within the American market did the next evolution of Kawasaki double overhead cam project get the green light in December 1969.

N600 itself used many common Kawasaki components at the development stages most obviously parts from N100 (more commonly known as H1 Mach III) which was launched to the market in 1969. While Inamura and his team of engineers gradually refined the engine package, “Ken” Norimasa Tada and others were tasked with the considerable challenge of styling the new machine. American Kawasaki Motors Corporation were asked to commission styling exercises, and these formed the basis of the departure point towards the styling of code name T103 which would eventually become the model Z1 Super Four.

Adapting to the manufacture of a complex motorcycle was a challenge in itself for Kawasaki. Inheriting the production line and manufacturing processes from Meguro gave the company some limited insight into production but this was a pre-unit British style machine with a separate engine and

“The world of Kawasaki motorcycling was shocked in 1968 when Honda unveiled the 749cc single overhead camshaft CB750”

Thanks

Project N600 was originally a 749cc inlinefour (right) with parts from the H1 Mach III 2-stroke (above)

to the Honda CB750, Kawasaki changed their plans and 749cc Project N600 became the 903cc Project T103. Here it is restyled as per “Ken” Tada’s vision which has instantly recognisable Z characteristics

an iconic 50 years

gearbox, relatively simple construction and manufactured in fairly limited numbers.

For Kawasaki not just the way to manufacture but the scalability of manufacturing all had to be considered. In order to fit in with the production of other products and a predicted launch date plus the inevitable complexity of dealing with a huge number of vendors meant a production timing had to be established. Working towards this, the engineering side of the project made good progress but the all-important styling was to be adjusted right up until the last possible moment. In charge of the overall look of the machine Ken Tada took his responsibility seriously. Uniquely he was tasked with the complete look of the machine including the appearance of the engine. Considering Kawasaki’s limited background in motorcycle production and Tada’s relative inexperience in large scale projects, the resulting 903cc Z1 model super four was nothing short of sensational and a sign of great faith by Kawasaki management of the time.

DEVELOPMENT & LAUNCH

In pre–Internet America, Kawasaki decided the best way to test what they hoped would be a definitive four stroke high performance motorcycle would be to test exhaustively on real roads. Therefore, a small group of test riders and engineers - including the famous racer Paul Smart and his girlfriend Maggie - rode pre-production machines from coast to coast and back again. At points during the process Kawasaki engineers (who also test rode) disassembled the engine and other parts of the machine at the roadside to inspect for wear and report back to the factory in Japan via Telex. Each time these machines were reassembled (sometimes overnight) to be ready for riding the next day. With testing and adjustments complete, the Kawasaki factory were confident to move to the pre-production stage creating motorcycles complete enough to show to the press. For the unveiling, four American publications were targeted and invited to the Kawasaki factory in the Akashi without actually knowing the machine they were going to see and ride.

In fact the publications had to pay their own airfare and were only told details of the Z1 super four when they were airborne (no phone calls from planes in those days!). Each of the four journalists were presented with a golden key that represented their doorway to a new world of motorcycling. A factory tour of the Akashi plant was combined with the chance to be among the first to ride this historic machine code named “New York Steak”, dubbed this as it was the biggest and best meal on an American menu. Eventually

Lawson on the big Zed was a formidable combination

“Eddie Lawson on the sit up and beg Z1000 is a benchmark image in racing and the machine even raced in open classes against Grand Prix 2-Strokes”

an iconic 50 years

bikes were shipped to the USA for the magazines to test more extensively and the spectacular results of those tests formed the foundations for the resultant success of the machine. Such was the speed of change within the project that the machines shipped did not match the golden keys and only one was “gifted” (to Kawasaki Manager Alan Mesak) while the others were sold to the publications at a much-reduced price.

GLOBAL DEMAND

In Europe the debut of the Z1 one super four was at the 1972 IFMA show in Cologne and the impact with the public was dramatic. Double overhead cams, 903cc and a quoted 82 horsepower were far in excess of the specification that Honda introduced the CB750 at in 1968. Now Kawasaki had two large markets to supply with this game changing machine as the whole of Europe woke up to the style and the performance of the Z1.

Following the IFMA show in Germany, the following year, 1973, witnessed Kawasaki taking to the track to prove the durability and performance of the Z1. At Daytona a group of riders plus some standard and one modified Z1 set 52 American and world records over a 24 hour period - the legend of the Z1 had arrived as documented in the film, So Far, So Fast. In terms of production planning the initial estimate of demand and supply was set at 500 units a month. Global demand was far in excess of this though and Kawasaki had to quickly adapt and ramp up production to a staggering 5800 units a month. Thanks to good preplanning this task was challenging yet possible.

With such a high performance and strong engine - which still had potential to offer even more power – the Z1 was a natural for the racetrack. The motor was designed to be easy to maintain and this was another bonus for racers quite apart from its incredible reliability. The 1974 world endurance championship was secured by Kawasaki mounted riders and many other endurance racing successes followed. In drag racing the role of honour was considerable with even twin-engined machines competing thanks to the endeavours of riders such as Henk Vink the contemporary importer of Kawasaki into the Netherlands.

In the USA the lime green racer with the 21 number plate became an icon in itself. Eddie Lawson on the sit up and beg Z1000 is a benchmark image in racing and the machine even raced in open classes against Grand Prix 2-Strokes of the time. More recently both the Z800 and the Z900 have been raced in Spain as part of a cup racing series.

Following the successful launch of the Z1 some four years later, in 1976, the press got sight of a younger brother, the

(Right & below)

Daytona 1973 saw a group of riders confirm the durability and performance of the Z1 over a 24-hour period

“The Z1 was a natural for the racetrack”

(Above & right) From drag racing to World Endurance, the Z1 engine showed its potential as a racing powerhouse

Z650-B1. DOHC like its Big Brother, the Z650 relied on a chain primary drive instead of gears and a plain bearing crankshaft. The engine was declared by all to be very smooth in operation and the machine lighter and, for many, better handling than the heavier Z1. The target of 750cc performance in a 650cc package was achieved and for Kawasaki and riders around the world midweight sports motorcycles had arrived.

CONFIRMING THE 2-WHEEL BRAND

It is no exaggeration to say that the Z1 kept Kawasaki on two wheels and that the resultant Z family allowed range expansion for the Kawasaki motorcycle offering. It also kickstarted a worldwide dealer network and created a platform for other Kawasaki families such as Vulcan and Ninja. The legendary reliability of the Z1 played a fundamental part in the creation of Kawasaki’s bulletproof reputation with the company becoming synonymous with performance and engineering.

Along with Norimasa Tada another landmark personality in the world of Kawasaki design was Shunji Tanaka. Joining Kawasaki from Mazda, Tanaka was part of the design team for the MX5 sports car which has become the highest selling sports car in history. His unconventional approach changed the way motorcycles were designed at Kawasaki with each bike having its own unique personality, signature colours and a face in the headlamp area based on theatrical masks from Japanese theatre. His overall approach was successful not simply for Z models but also Ninja and others. His contribution has led seamlessly to the current design philosophy of Sugomi itself created by Keishi Fukumoto who led the motorcycle design team until only recently.

In 2022 Kawasaki has an enviable stable of Z50 machinery but these were not the first machines that looked to the past to extend into the future. The earlier Zephyr range pointed the way and now the demand for Z and RS machines is wide ranging from those who already have an understanding of Kawasaki and its heritage, those that own classic machines such as Z1’s, and the younger generation who respond immediately to the flowing lines and stylish simplicity of the RS and the dynamic appeal of the angular Z models.

(Above, left, & below) Four US magazines were invited to ride the Z1 at a mystery launch unaware of what they were going to test

Old meets new: the Z1’s DNA is obvious in the 2022 Z900RS

(Left & above) Shunji Tanaka joined Kawasaki from Mazda where his direction paved the way throughout the 2000s to the present day. Sadly, he passed away in 2021 but his influence in design language is clear

an iconic 50 years

Zed is universal. Not simply tied to the past but for now and for the future. Who knows how it will progress. Will we have an electric Z? Or a hybrid model? Perhaps the next generation of Z will be hydrogen powered as Kawasaki already has a litre class motor on the test bench running on hydrogen fuel. Whatever the power it is sure that the family values and core identity of Z will remain the same. Kawasaki regards 2022 as simply the first 50 years of Z

and Z50 has shown that the spirit of zed is still very much alive. The modern embodiment is of course the range leading Z H2 with its supercharged engine but heritage plays a vital part in the Kawasaki approach to the vibrant world of motorcycling. For Kawasaki the past informs the future and fans around the world are using this special year to express the sentiment that the Kawasaki Z flame is impossible to extinguish n

years of Z Celebrate 50

The Z50th range includes such a wide spectrum of items that there’s sure to be something for everyone. Whether you were here at the launch of the first Z in 1972 or you’ve joined along the way.

Make the most of your discount as a Club member by entering CLUB10 when purchasing at www.kawasaki.co.uk to get 10% off the prices shown here

The

is reversable so you can switch from dark blue to red in seconds

Z-50th jacket

Z-50th Jacket

Mens RRP £111.95 | CLUB £100.76

Ladies RRP £115.95 | CLUB £104.36

A reversible diamond stitched puffer jacket- outside very dark blue with vintage badges, on the reverse side, red with a modern printed z-logo

FEATURES:

n Outer side diamond stitched on dark blue side

n Vintage looking badges with Kawasaki & 50th anniversary logo on the front

n Reverse side “Z”-red with a smooth surface

n 50th anniversary logo printed on the front with Z-logo and slogan ”z: The story started at the End”

n 100% polyester

Z-50th Red Army Cap

RRP: £ 21.95 | CLUB: £19.76

Army shaped cap in red

FEATURES:

n 100% cotton twill with vintage wash finish

n Embroidered anniversary logo in gold

n Contrast coloured tape on the inside

n The Z- logo engraved on adjustable metal clip fastener

n Air holes in side panels of cap

Z-50th Brown T-shirt

MENS RRP: £34.95 | CLUB: £31.46

LADIES RRP: £38.95 | CLUB: £35.06

This crew neck t-shirt has a vintage feel due to its flock print, soft touch treatment, raglan cut sleeves and hem finish.

FEATURES:

n Z-model orange coloured flock print on the front

n Z-model orange coloured screen print on the back

n Brown colour of t-shirt is matched to the colour of the vintage Z-model

n 50% cotton/50% polyester

Z-50th Grey T-shirt

MENS RRP: £34.95 | CLUB: £31.46

LADIES RRP: £38.95 | CLUB: £35.06

Grey mélange t-shirt, normal cut sleeves, crew neckline… the everyday t-shirt!

FEATURES:

n Screen print with broken effect on front and back

n Grey mélange

n 60% cotton, 40% Polyester

Z-50th Brown Peak Cap

RRP: £ 21.95 | CLUB: £19.76

Traditional shaped 6 panel peak cap, with Z engraved adjustable clip fastener

FEATURES:

n 100% cotton canvas

n A leatherette patch with embossed anniversary logo on front

n Tone on tone tape on inside of the cap

n Embroidered air holes on top of cap

Z-50th Brown Army Cap

RRP: £ 21.95 | CLUB: £19.76

Army shaped cap in brown

FEATURES:

n 100% cotton twill with vintage wash finish

n Leatherette patch with embossed anniversary logo

n Contrast orange tape on inside of the caps

n Z-engraved adjustable metal clip fastener

The jacket is available in Mens and Ladies cuts

Z-50th Black Beanie

RRP: £ 17.95 | CLUB: £16.16

A 100% cotton beanie with turn-back edge to shape it to whatever size you want, featuring the 50th anniversary logo embossed on a leatherette badge

FEATURES:

n Single layer

n 50th anniversary embossed badge

n 100% cotton

Z-50th Neck-tube

RRP: £ 12.95 | CLUB: £11.66

This neck-tubes takes us to the era when the “Z “ was born...

FEATURES:

n Single layer

n 95% Polyester/ 5% Elastane

n All over sublimation print

n Red or brown designs

Z-50th Red Beanie

RRP: £ 17.95 | CLUB: £16.16

Wear it red or wear it black! Those are the choices this reversible beanie offers

FEATURES:

n Double layer, reversible red/black

n 50th anniversary logo reversed red on black & black on red

Z-50th Tag Keyring

RRP: £ 17.95 | CLUB: £16.16

Tire shaped keyring with removable tag

FEATURES:

n Silicone with plastic coin tag

n Stainless steel ring

n Tag with reversible colours brown and red

n Kawasaki logo on the outside

n 50th anniversary logo printed on the tag

n Presented in a window box

n Plastic tag can be replaced by 3rd party tracker tag (not included), i.e. Apple AirTag

Z-50th Watchstrap

RRP: £ 29.95 | CLUB: £26.96

Leather watch strap, with Kawasaki branded buckle

FEATURES:

n 100% leather

n Debossed 50th anniversary logo

n Kawasaki logo engraved on the brushed stainless steel buckle

n Available in brown, or black with red reverse side

Z-50th Mug

RRP: £ 17.95 | CLUB: £16.16

Black porcelain mug printed with the 50th Anniversary logo in gold

FEATURES:

n 100% porcelain

n Kawasaki logo printed on the inside of the mug

n Dimension: 7.5cm diameter, 9,5cm high

n Presented in a mat black gift box with 50th logo printed in gold

n Available in red or black

Choose from red or black... or both!

Z-50th Red Peak Cap

RRP: £ 21.95 | CLUB: £19.76

Traditional shaped 6 panel peak cap, with Z engraved adjustable clip fastener

FEATURES:

n 100% cotton canvas

n 3D embroidered anniversary logo in blue

n Grey detail along peak

n Tone on tone tape on inside of the cap

n Embroidered air holes on top of cap

Z-50th Card Wallet

RRP: £34.95 | CLUB: £31.46

Compact card holder made from 100% leather.

FEATURES:

n 4 compartments, of which the main compartment is entered from the top and the other three from the front

n Embossed 50th anniversary logo on the front and Kawasaki on the back

n Different textured leather:

> Pebbled on the back

> Smooth and pebbled on the front

Z-50th Espresso cups

RRP: £ 47.95 | CLUB: £43.16

Black espresso cups printed with the silhouettes of the iconic Z-1, celebrating 50 years

FEATURES:

n 100% porcelain

n Comes in a set of two

n Each side printed in a combination of the below prints:

> 50th anniversary logo

> Slogan “z- the story started at the end”

> Vintage z silhouette

> Super naked z silhouette

n Kawasaki logo printed on the inside of the cup

n Presented in a mat black gift box with 50th logo printed in gold

Club Kawasaki

benefits The to belonging

Whether you’re new to Club Kawasaki or you’ve been here for the long haul, we’re so glad you’re here! And we just know that the more you get involved, the more you get out of your membership. So whether it is race weekends, local ride outs, exclusive content, Kawasaki experiences or friends for life that you’re looking for from your membership… you will find it here. So here’s a quick reminder of everything that’s included with your account.

■ FROM BRITISH & WORLD SUPERBIKES TO LOCAL WEEKEND BIKING FUN

One of our most popular benefits offered to members is the fantastic value tickets to the British Superbike Championship. Every year we look to provide access to our factory supported Kawasaki BSB team with a fantastic value package so that you can see, what is widely acknowledged as the premier domestic superbike racing series in the world, for yourself. As well as exclusive hospitality at the sole UK round of World Superbikes with a visit from the Kawasaki Racing Team riders.

Wherever we go, you’re welcome to come along, enjoy a hot drink, find somewhere to rest your feet and relax. Be sure to come along and say hello to the Club Kawasaki team at Motorcycle Live, MCN London Show and more throughout the year.

On top of all of that, you’ll also find regular local meet-ups organised by your Ambassadors and dealer open days with added extras for Club members like goody bags and exclusive competitions.

Keep up to date with the Club calendar on our events page at club-kawasaki.co.uk.

Will you meet any racing heroes through our exclusive hospitality this year?

thebenefitstobelonging

“You’ll also find regular local meet-ups organised by your Ambassadors and dealer open days with added extras for Club members”

■ KAWASAKI EXPERIENCES

Be it on road, track or off-road we believe we have something suitable for everyone to experience the thrill of riding a Kawasaki motorcycle. We have joined forces with carefully selected riders and trainers throughout the UK to provide the very best experiences, on the very best motorcycles… And the best part is, as a Club Kawasaki member, you can book with at least a 10% discount.

Two exclusive magazines every year just for you!

■ MEMBERS ONLY MAGAZINE

You are reading issue 23 of our exclusive, printed members only magazine – right now! We release two printed issues per year plus a digital version. Look out for regular features from our contributors focusing on the worldwide racing scene, interviews with Kawasaki Motors UK staff, new model news, heritage articles and so much more.

■ MEMBERS WEBSITE

As part of your membership, you have a secure log in to our website which allows you to view the calendar, shop, forum, news and is the only way to access your digital service history online. Log in now at: www.club-kawasaki.co.uk and don’t hesitate to email us at club@kawasaki. co.uk if you have any questions about your account.

■ CLUB KAWASAKI SHOP

We have handpicked several items and branded them with the Club Kawasaki logo so that you can represent the Kawasaki brand while you are on and off your motorcycle. You will also find tickets to events in the Club online shop when they are available. For further details on any of the below items and to place your order, login to the members only website at: www.club-kawasaki.co.uk

■ BEANIE HAT £8.95

■ MEMBERSHIP CARD £2.95

■ STICKERS £2.45

■ T-SHIRT £14.95

■ BLACK METAL BOTTLE £12.95

■ CAP £9.95

■ POWER BANK £12.95

■ USB HISTORY KEY £2.95

SWEATSHIRT £23.95

BLACK METAL BOTTLE £12.95

■ CHALLENGE PIN FREE for those who take part in the challenge!

meet the lucky andrew morey who won a brand new kawasaki z650rs at motorcycle live!

If you visited Motorcycle Live at the end of 2021, you would have no doubt seen that we were giving one lucky entrant the chance to win a brand new Kawasaki Z650RS.

After thousands of entries, it was Andrew Morey, whose name was picked out as our winner.

After dropping the machine off to him in March, we caught up with him recently to find out his thoughts on winning the competition and how he’s been finding the Kawasaki Z650RS.

Before we talk about how you’re finding the bike, tell us about entering the competition

“I’ve entered similar competitions at Motorcycle Live before, but I never really thought I would win it! We have a group of us who go every year, so after a year off, we were all looking forward to going back in 2021.

I’m usually the one who organises everything, so as I was booking the tickets online, I thought I would check out the competition for this year and try my luck!”

Had you seen much of the Z650RS before entering?

“I was actually close to purchasing

one! I had one of the originals when I was younger, and my brother has also had a Z900 recently, which he was a big fan of. I had an accident a little while ago, and I’m not as young as I once used to be, so towards the end of last year, I was looking to trade my current bike in for something a little comfier and nimbler and when I saw the Z650RS launched I was really interested.

We then went to Tenerife in January, and I hired a Versys 650 for a bit. It was a completely different machine from what I was used to, but the engine was fantastic and was more than enough for what I needed. I knew then that the 650 was perfect,

Whether you’re new to the Club or not, we want to hear your story too!

Get online to the Club Kawasaki forum by visiting: www.club-kawasaki.co.uk/ forum and tell your fellow members all about your Kawasaki & you.

"When things seemed too good to be true, I was convinced it was just someone winding me up!"

and with the styling of the RS, I was about to start looking around… and then I got the call to tell me I won!”

It must have been quite a surprise! “It really was! The call came in on Valentine’s Day, but when things seemed too good to be true, I was convinced it was just someone winding me up. The person I spoke to had all the details, though, and I soon realised I was talking to Craig, the Sales & Marketing Manager at Kawasaki UK, it was real, and I couldn’t quite believe it.”

What were your first thoughts when you got the bike?

“It was delivered to my nearest dealer, Wigan Kawasaki, in March, and I loved it straight away. Riding it home, it was instantly clear how much lighter and nimbler it was compared to my previous bike, and I was really impressed with how planted it felt through corners.

The power was great, too. Even though it was a smaller CC than my previous bike, it didn’t feel like a step down at all, and I had a smile on my face the whole way home!”

So, what’s next for you and the bike? “At the moment, I’m just loving riding around on it. My next big trip will be to the Isle of Man for the TT, so

I’m looking forward to taking it over there. I’ve been going since the 1980s, and it really is a special place, so after a few years off, I can’t wait to get back and watch some racing.

Before the pandemic, a few of us would regularly ride around the continent, visiting various World Superbike and MotoGP events. We haven’t got anything planned just yet, but I’m hoping we’ll be able to do some of those again soon too.

I’m also now a member of Club Kawasaki, so I’ll hopefully be attending a few of those events this year as well.” n

The Z650RS shares DNA with the bigger Z900RS seen here at Motorcycle Live 2021

Andrew collected his prize at his local dealer Wigan Kawasaki

KMUK STAFF INSIGHT

glen toy regional business manager

In each issue of the Club Kawasaki members magazine, you get to know a member of the Kawasaki UK team a little better. This time, we’ve chatted to Glen Toy, one of the Regional Business Managers within the Sales & Marketing department.

Who are you & what do you do for Kawasaki UK?

Regional Manager, Sales & Marketing for the Midlands region which covers Kent up to Doncaster, Norwich across to Gloucester and everything in between. The role has changed in the last couple of years due to the Covid pandemic and the resulting widely publicised semiconductor shortage, therefore my main focus now is controlling the flow of new stock into Kawasaki dealers with customer sold orders taking priority above everything else.

How did you end up in the role?

I began my career 25 years ago working at the Carnell motorcycle dealership in Milton Keynes, and then spent the next 18 years in the motor trade in a variety of roles however I always missed the passion of working with bikes. When I saw the Kawasaki UK vacancy advertised in 2015 I knew I just had to throw my hat into the ring and here I am!

What do you do outside of work?

Where would we find you at the weekend?

I love outdoor cooking so I am usually in the back garden either preparing beer can chicken on my Weber BBQ, cooking a pizza in the wood-fired oven or smoking some baby back ribs on the Traeger wood pellet smoker.

What are some of the coolest ‘pinch me’ moments you’ve had as part of your work?

There’s been so many it’s hard to remember them all but there are 3 that stick in my mind… Attending the EICMA bike show in Milan which is 10 times the size of NEC Motorcycle LIVE, and spending the evening in a steak house with 5 colleagues and Jonathan Rea. Riding the Ninja H2R at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground and being recorded at 199mph across the line. I refused to ride it for a second time as the bike is madder than a box of frogs! And thirdly, attending the 2017 IOM TT and speaking with James Hillier on the gird, moments before he set off down Bray Hill on his ZX-10R. Those guys are absolute heroes and I have a whole new level of respect for them, watching what they go through in the minutes before a race.

If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you be doing?

I would most likely be working back at Audi Financial Services where I came from and eliminating the boredom of the job by riding my Ninja ZX-10R as much as possible in the evenings and weekends!

If you have been to the Club Kawasaki preview event at Motorcycle live in recent years you may have met Glen. He’s one of the experts on the microphone who talks you through the latest Kawasaki models at the event and he’ll be there again this year too.

You’ll see Glen holding the mic at various Club Kawasaki events too

You can choose three Kawasaki machines to create your ultimate garage, what’s in there and why?

A GPX600 because that is the first bike I had a pillion ride on when I was 15 years old and I was hooked on bikes ever since. A GPZ900R simply because it has starred in 2 of the coolest films of all time – Top Gun & Top Gun Maverick. Lastly, a Ninja H2 Carbon since that is the limited-edition version of the most extreme road bike ever made.

After experiencing a genuine 199mph piloting a H2R at Bruntingthorpe Proving ground it’s no surprise a road-ready Ninja H2 Carbon makes Glen’s top three

The GPX600 and legendary GPZ900R take their places in Glen’s ultimate garage line-up

RIDEHARDRIDEMORE .

The SportSmart Mk3 is designed for those who demand ultimate performance – ride after ride. Combining fantastic grip and handling on the road with impressive mileage, this true hypersport tyre can also hold its own in the wet. So you can enjoy the true thrill of the ride every day – with no drop-off in performance.