Leon Haslam has signed a deal directly with Kawasaki Motors UK to ride in the British Superbike series with Bournemouth Kawasaki for the 2017 season. 

The team’s title sponsor and machine livery will be unveiled for the first time on the Kawasaki Motors UK stand (Hall 2 Stand 2B15) at Motorcycle Live at 10:30am on Saturday 19 November.

The Derbyshire rider has developed a strong relationship with the Japanese manufacturer, having competed in the prestigious Suzuka 8-hour race, and more recently the Japanese Superbike and World Superbike Championship final rounds, representing the brand.

Runner-up in the 2016 series on the Ninja ZX-10R, Haslam will be partnered by 24-year-old Luke Mossey who achieved a strong position in the 2016 Showdown and who is aiming to improve on his sixth place finish in the Championship this year.

Ross Burridge, Kawasaki Motors UK Senior Racing Coordinator, said: “2016 was a great season of racing and although we were disappointed that Leon narrowly missed out on the title win, he gave 100% throughout the year. We’re delighted to be continuing to work with him for the 2017 season – to be working with a rider of this calibre is very exciting. We’re confident that the Bournemouth Kawasaki team will be a great platform for Leon to strive for the Championship win in 2017.”

Leon Haslam said: “I’m so happy to have a second year with Kawasaki as I believe the ZX-10R will be the bike to beat – I’m super confident that we can win the BSB title. I have a really close relationship with Kawasaki as a manufacturer and it will be great to work with them again. I can’t wait to get everything going again.”

As well as the unveiling of the brand new race bike and 2017 BSB team sponsors, visitors to the stand over the course of the show (19-27 November) will also have the first chance to see the brand new 2017 Kawasaki machinery for the first time in the UK. #GetEvenCloser to the new race-ready Ninja ZX-10RR, the best-selling Z1000SX with advanced electronics and feast your eyes the stunning Ninja H2 Carbon. Also on display will be the brand new additions to the Z family – the Z900 and Z650 – in all their naked glory.