Category: Motorcycles

1. Three Essential Items You Need for Motocross

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 24th Oct 2017

   If you are thinking of getting into the sport of motocross, there are some things that you will need before hitting the track.  This is a very exciting sport that can be physically challenging.  But if you have the right equipment and have taken the time to practice, you can succeed in this fast-paced sport!  Today, we are going to learn more about three essential items that you will need before getting on your bike.  

   A High-Quality Helmet 

   Before you even think about getting on a motocross bike, you will need to purchase a good helmet. A motocross helmet is specifically designed for the sport and will keep you safe while you are on the track. So, when helmet shopping, make sure that you are buying one that is rated for motocross. There are a lot of good helmet makers in the market today, one of the most popular being Fox Racing. These companies produce high-quality helmets that you can trust to protect you while you are enjoying a day of racing. While there’s other safety gear that you will need, a helmet is vital and required. So, make sure you get one before you get on the back of that bike.  

   The Right Bike for Your Size 

   If you are new to motocross racing, you might think that bikes are one size fits all.  But that is simply not the case. Choosing the right bike for your size is very important and can have a positive effect on your performance. First, you will need to consider your height.  A great way to find a bike that fits your height is to sit on it. When you get on the bike, make sure to sit forward to see if your feet can touch the ground.  But you don’t want your feet to be flat footed on the ground. Instead, choose a bike that will let half your feet touch the ground while sitting forward. Next, you will need to consider your weight.  If you are under 150 pounds, you should choose a bike that is under 250cc. This will give you greater control over the bike.  On the other hand, if you weigh 200 pounds or more, a 450cc bike will probably serve you better.  

   A Pair of Motocross Approved Boots 

   Another essential item that you will need to get before hitting the track is a pair of motocross approved boots. These stylish boots will not only keep you safe while on the track but will also make you look great!  Motocross boots come in a wide-range of colours so finding ones to fit your style won’t be an issue. These boots will help you stay on your bike and control those hard to navigate turns.  

   These are just a few of the essentials that you will need before you get on the back of a bike. While there are other items that you will need, these are highly important and you can’t ride without them. Make sure that you purchase these items so that you can take part in this very exciting sport. 

2. Triumph wins at MCN Awards

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 21st Oct 2017

   As MCN’s Manufacturer of the Year for the 2^nd year running, this award is testament to our range of bikes and the passion and expertise our engineers put into delivering #WinningDNA.

   Our new Street Triple RS has won both the Overall Machine of the Year and the Best Naked awards, and our Bonneville Bobber the Best Cruiser/Custom.

    

   

    

    

    

3. 67‑plate Kawasaki machines available on 1 September

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 29th Aug 2017

   The new 67-plate registration prefix will be debuted on 1 September 2017 – with over 20 models in the current line-up and a whole host of finance deals available on 2017 models, it’s a fantastic opportunity to ride away on the ‘green’ machine of your dreams.

   Kawasaki’s range of motorcycles has something to suit everyone, at all stages of their riding career; from the recently-launched J125, the commuting companion with plenty of underseat storage and A1 licence friendly option, to the top of the range, limited-edition Ninja H2 Carbon with its Supercharged engine, carbon fibre upper cowl and Öhlins rear suspension.

   Developed by the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) and Kawasaki factory in Japan, the new Ninja ZX-10R and ZX10RR has been tested, refined and approved by Double World Superbike Champion, Jonathan Rea, and 2013 World Superbike Champion, Tom Sykes. #GetCloser to the Ninja ZX-10R and experience the KRT technology up close by booking a test ride with your local authorised dealer.

   The thrill seeking ZZR1400 has been won over fans by matching Kawasaki’s passion for engineering with rider’s desire for ultimate performance. Dominating acceleration mated to sophisticated rider aids mean that power has never felt so good.

   For more information on finance packages and to tailor a dealer around your monthly budgets, visit www.kawasaki-kalculator.co.uk.

   With a full network of Kawasaki dealers across the UK and Ireland, there’s plenty of help and advice available.

   Every new Kawasaki comes with K-PAC including a 12-month membership to Club Kawasaki.

   Members of Club Kawasaki enjoy a range of benefits including discounts on genuine Kawasaki clothing and accessories, a range of events and experiences from Virgin Experience Days and other exclusive partners, a Club magazine twice a year plus regular news updates on the world of Kawasaki. But you don’t have to ride a Kawasaki to join – for just £29.95, everyone is welcome into the Kawasaki world.

   Visit www.kawasaki.co.uk to see the full range or to locate your nearest dealer.

4. Kawasaki UK supply Leon Haslam with a Supermoto spec KX450F

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 4th Aug 2017

   Known for being a big fan of all forms of two-wheels, Kawasaki British Superbike rider Leon Haslam’s latest venture is Supermoto and, as a result, the latest addition to his garage is a Supermoto spec Kawasaki KX450F. 

   The highly modified KX machine was sent to Trevor Pope Motorcycles in Gosport – an experienced Supermoto machine builder – who turned the lime green machine into a Supermoto special.
   
   The standard cast Triple Clamps were replaced with an X Trig 16mm Offset Triple Clamp Front End Yoke Set to improve stability, turning and strength. It has a pair of slick Dunlop tyres and the front has been fitted with a Beringer oversize Front Brake Caliper to accept the 320mm oversize wavy Disc to cope with the extra, heavy braking required – there’s a wavy disc on the rear too. The standard clutch has been changed to a Sutter Slipper clutch too – which is essential to enable the rear wheel to break and gain traction. The machine has also received SAMCO Silicone Radiator Hoses – in green, of course, plus much more…
   
   Leon Haslam said: “I can’t wait to get to have a play on it! Kawasaki have been kind enough to build me a full racing bike – I’ve seen the odd picture of the bike as it’s been built but to see it in the flesh now is awesome. 

   I got into supermoto over the winter for training ahead of the British Superbike Championship. I train out in Spain with the Lowes twins – we ride pit bikes, motocross and supermoto – and was borrowing their bike, so I was keen to get one of my own. From my perspective, I’ll be using it mainly for training.  There’s lots of good spots we go to in the UK too – we usually ride them on pit bikes so to attack them on a super KX450F will be good fun!”

   To view the full range of KX machines, visit: www.kawasaki.co.uk

5. Barry Sheene’s restored XR14 to be ridden by son Freddie at Oliver’s Mount

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 14th Jul 2017

   

   Barry Sheene’s 1976 world championship-winning XR14 – which has been restored with the help of Suzuki’s Vintage Parts Programme – will be ridden by his son Freddie at this year’s Sheene Festival at Oliver’s Mount on 22-23 July.

   The bike, which carried Barry Sheene to victory in four Grands Prix in 1976, was recently restored by former Team Suzuki mechanics Martyn Orgborne and Nigel Everett. Freddie will ride the iconic machine in a special parade session during the weekend, while Steve Parrish will ride the 1977 XR14 that Barry also rode to world championship glory. There will also be a display of other bikes raced by Barry Sheene, and a collection of his leathers.

   Suzuki, sponsoring the event for a third consecutive year, will be bringing a fleet of display bikes, including the Team Classic Suzuki Katana and a number of race bikes from the firm’s decorated history. The original GSX-R750F that was restored as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations will also feature, as will the GSX-R1100 restored by Suzuki’s apprenticeship programme and the TL1000S built from new parts.

   The event, held at the only true road-race circuit in England, will also feature a full programme of 21 races, a trade village, and live band on the Saturday night.

   Freddie Sheene said, “I’m really looking forward to the Oliver’s Mount event, not only for the usual atmosphere but for the fact that the public will be able to see the ‘76 and ‘77 world championship-winning bikes back where they belong. Those bikes laid dormant for the past 40 years and it’s a special moment for everyone to be a part of. The whole process of bringing the bikes back to life wouldn’t have been possible without the help from Suzuki GB and most importantly Martyn Ogborne and Nigel Everett; they have put over 600 hours between them to make this happen. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone over the weekend; let’s just hope the weather stays in check.”

   Scott Beaumont from Oliver’s Mount, commented, “To say we are excited about seeing Barry Sheene’s world championship-winning bike riding around Oliver’s Mount again is an understatement. Then the fact that his son Freddie will be riding it simply gives us goosebumps. This is an incredible opportunity to see this bike ridden in the UK for probably the final time. We simply cannot wait for the festival to get underway, and we hope to see all fans of Sheene, Suzuki, Classic Bikes and riding legends attending. See you all trackside for what is likely to be a once in a lifetime event.”

   Suzuki GB aftersales marketing coordiantor, Tim Davies, added, “We’re delighted to be backing the Sheene Festival again this year, and we’re really looking forward to watching Freddie ride Barry’s championship-winning machine RG500. It’s been really special to be involved in the restoration of such an iconic machine, with the help of the Sheene family. It was great to watch it come together, and it’ll be even more special to see Freddie ride it at a circuit that Barry loved and enjoyed much success at.”

   The 2017 Barry Sheene Festival will take place at Oliver’s Mount on 22-23 July. For tickets and event information, visit www.oliversmountracing.com