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Friday News 5 September

New MY26 colours for Kawasaki cruisers

Kawasaki Z650RS boasts three new 2026 colours

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New MY26 colours for Kawasaki cruisers

Kawasaki's mid-capacity cruiser range gets some livery updates for the 2026 season to keep these popular machines at the forefront of their style sector.

The three machines – one Vulcan and two Eliminators - are attractive to many types of rider including those with European A2 licences looking to migrate up from a smaller capacity machine. But that is only one area where Kawasaki cruisers score as a growing number of older and more experienced riders are finding that the 500cc to 650cc arena caters perfectly for not just their performance expectations but also the size and weight of these machines means they are eminently manageable.

With its water-cooled 649cc parallel twin engine, the Vulcan S has, over a number of years, carved itself a reputation for style, performance and durability. The combination of a sleek 18 inch front wheel and traditional wide rear 17 inch item is allied to effective cruiser styling and a relaxed ergonomic riding position that can be revised due to the use of Kawasaki's Ergo-Fit accessory items covering both handlebar position and reach to the foot controls. Retaining its ever popular Metallic Flat Spark Black option for the '26 model year, the Vulcan S can now also be optioned in a Metallic Graphite Gray/ Metallic Flat Spark Black livery.

Kawasaki dealer showrooms will also display two versions of the recently launched Eliminator 500 in 2026, those being the standard machine and the SE version. With their trellis type chassis and newly developed parallel twin, fuel-injected engines, the Eliminators have opened up cruiser style motorcycling to riders who had previously aspired to such a machine and either did not feel there was a model that suited their requirements or was beyond their budget.

At a maximum of 33.4 kW {45 PS}, these machines comfortably comply with EU A2 category licencing laws yet boast a finely balanced power to weight ratio that delivers Kawasaki's traditional “fun to ride” character. While both machines share an advanced specification including digital instrumentation and a combination of 18 inch front and 16 inch rear wheels, the SE model also boasts a headlamp cowl and a convenient USB-C socket as standard fitment.

In terms of colours, the standard machine will still be available in Metallic Flat Spark Black while a new second colour of Metallic Imperial Red/Ebony will be offered. For the SE model the new colour for 2026 will be Metallic Matte Carbon Gray/Flat Ebony. Whatever the option chosen, Vulcan and Eliminator riders in 2026 can rest assured their choice of boulevard cruiser is already endorsed by an enthusiastic and loyal community of Kawasaki Cruiser owners.

The Vulcan S will be available from October, with prices starting from £7,199. The Eliminator 500 range will be available from January, with the standard model costing £5,999 and the SE version £6,399.

Kawasaki Z650RS boasts three new 2026 colours

Harking back to the game-changing Z650-B1 of 1976, the Z650RS has been a Kawasaki fan favourite since its introduction for the 2022 model year.

Echoing the mantra of its forebear, the Z650RS offers not simply great all round performance in terms of engine response, handling and braking, but a seemingly timeless approach to styling initiated by the famous Z1 model Super Four then amplified by the Z650-B1. That kind of style never goes out of fashion, a fact underpinned by the legions of riders who have already invested in the Z650RS.

Whilst looking like a classic from the 1970's, the specification of the Z650RS is fiercely contemporary with ABS, dual throttle valves, 2-Mode traction control plus an assist and slipper clutch all as standard while retaining needle style meters and an evocative round headlamp albeit LED which puts traditional lights in the shade.

For many riders, the deciding factor, the “icing on the cake”, is the colour of their much anticipated new machine. And for 2026 no less than three colour options for the Z650RS will be available; these being Ebony, Metallic Ocean Blue and Candy Emerald Green.

Whatever the choice, being part of the Z650RS family imbues riders with a sense of belonging to a Z650 dynasty that will stretch way back exactly 50 years in 2026. A unique feeling and a super special bike.

The 2026 Z650RS will be available from November, costing £7,899.

World record holder JD Stunts Sets Sights On Two More!

After breaking the Guinness World Record for the fastest speed being dragged behind a motorcycle last year, JD Stunts and Kawasaki UK have teamed up once more to take on two more records. Riding a modified Ninja ZX-10R, JD will be aiming to first break 135mph while performing a “highchair” wheelie. He will then attempt to set a new record of 160mph while facing the wrong way!

Already a multiple Guinness World Record holder, British rider Jonny Davies, AKA JD Stunts, and Kawasaki UK have enjoyed a strong partnership over the last few years. The County-Durham rider uses a modified Ninja ZX-6R as part of his regular stunt show, while the supercharged Ninja H2 SX was the machine of choice for his record-breaking 159.52mph run while skiing behind the bike.

Now, JD has turned his attention to breaking two further world records. The first will be breaking the record for the fastest “highchair” wheelie. This stunt involves wheelieing the bike while placing both feet over the handlebars and sitting on the tank, and currently sits at 125mph. Having previously held the record and recording 122mph in unofficial practice in 2020, JD will be looking to break the barrier by a significant margin now that he is riding a more powerful and modified Ninja ZX-10R. The bike has had its fairings removed, features a rear hand-operated brake, adjustable high-rise clip-ons, and an electronic, bar-mounted gear shifter. JD has also modified the tank so he can sit more securely during the wheelie attempt.

Using the same bike, JD will also attempt to break a second world record for the fastest speed while riding backwards. The current record stands at 151.7mph and was set back in 2002; he aims to utilise the 197 bhp Ninja to push the barrier past 160mph.

Both Guinness World Record attempts are again going to be happening at Elvington Airfield, the scene of last year's impressive feat, and are scheduled for September 20th and 21st.

Jonny Davies:
“I'm really pleased to be teaming up with Kawasaki once more for these two world record attempts. Last year's success was great, and I'm sure using the modified Ninja ZX-10R will help us achieve the wheelie and backwards challenges! I have had two top speed practice days ahead of my first official attempt, the ZX-10R is a bit of a beast and I'm very excited for next month!”

Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki Motors UK:
“It's brilliant to see JD using Kawasaki power once more for his two Guinness World Record attempts. The Ninja ZX-10R has proven itself a formidable weapon on the track, and now it's exciting to see it being used in these attempts. We're all looking forward to seeing what Jonny can do next month!”

bimota UK Launch at Chris Walker

Fresh from announcing its first dealers, bimota UK is excited to announce that it will be hosting another special event on Saturday 6th September at Chris Walker. Alongside letting fans get up close and personal with the new bimota range, there will also be a host of prizes up for grabs for guests in attendance.

Open to all motorcyclists, Chris Walker will be hosting this event on Saturday 6th September 9am - 5pm. Visitors will be able to explore the current range of bimota machines, including the World Superbike homologation special KB998 Rimini, the retro-styled KB4, and the supercharged Tesi H2 Tera sports tourer. With models now available to purchase and order, customers can speak directly with dealer staff to find out more about these exotic machines.

In addition to the bikes, there will be a host of prizes exclusively for visitors there on the day. The biggest prize will be a 'Bimota Bundle', which includes a branded pit mat, a bimota sweatshirt or a bimota body warmer. Attendees will also be able to win a signed A3-sized frame picture of Alex Lowes on his bimota World Superbike race bike, as well as a pair of weekend tickets to the British Superbike Championship.
To register your attendance, please click on the link below

Craig Watson, Sales & Marketing Manager
“With bikes now starting to arrive in our bimota dealerships, it's the perfect time to invite as many customers as possible to come together on a day of bimota indulgence. We look forward to welcoming customers along to not only immerse themselves in the world of bimota but also, be in with the chance to win a number of amazing prizes!"

Routes and Tours from Simon Weir

As a member of Club Kawasaki, you can save 20% off the self-guided European tours and hundreds of daytrip routes by Simon Weir, author of Europe for Bikers, Britain for Bikers and the Bikers' Britain series. Wherever you want to ride, he will have a tried-and-tested route for you – from half-day British rides to multi-day European tours.

Discount code: KDy0rP

Please note, the code above expires in 2 weeks, we will publish a new code in Friday news on 19th September.

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