Our History

1974 
Created as Kawasaki Motors (UK) Ltd, the company was formed by Managing Director Mick Uchida and Director, Kit Kitayama and operated initially from the Holiday Inn, Marble Arch. Quickly transferring to its first permanent HQ at Staines, it enjoyed warehousing close by at Bedfont, Middlesex. 
In this first year of official distribution, Kawasaki had just fifteen road bike dealers in the UK who sold 1230 units in 1974 from a range comprising just six models. 
That said, those six models were iconic to say the least, and paved the way not only for the current crop of machines, but also for the UK foundation of Kawasaki’s legendary status as the pre-eminent manufacturer of highly engineered performance oriented motorcycles. 
 
1975
Already with an understanding of racing as a promotional tool, Kawasaki establishes one of its most famous racing partnerships, that between Mick Grant and the fearsome 750cc H2R two stroke, three cylinder racing machine. “Speed trapped” in later years at over 190mph on the Isle of Man TT course, the H2R in both early air-cooled, and final water-cooled guises, was instrumental, along with motocross product, in the creation of the association between the lime green colour and Kawasaki racing endeavours. 
Initial sales efforts and customer demand saw sales increase 450% and the dealer network expand to encompass 50 dealers. 
Off-road product was also new to the UK and marketed by Kawasport, a company founded by trials ace Don Smith (who also helped design the KT250 trials machine) and Alec Wright, the latter who would go on to become a significant driving force within the company and create the Team Green racing and ownership programme. 
 
1976 
Somewhat of an icon at its launch, the 903cc four cylinder Z1 range leading machine won the coveted MCN “Machine of the Year” award for a record fourth time in 1976, the last time it would win in this guise before evolving into the Z900. 
Alongside publicity for the larger machine, the UK public also caught its first glimpse of the new KH250, a three cylinder two stroke machine that was the first “proper” motorcycle that many riders owned. (At the time, 17 year old’s could ride a 250cc machine with L plates attached until they passed their motorcycle test) 
To accommodate the extra sales and administration effort across all products, the company moved west along the A4 to Deal Avenue, Slough, where it was to remain for some years. 
 
1977 
Sales of motorcycles in the UK were continuing to grow and Kawasaki, like others, benefited – especially from the growth in the sales of “commuter” machines such as the KH125 and Z200. 
On the track, Mick Grant wins an historic GP victory on the KR250 racing machine at Assen in Holland. An innovative “tandem twin” two stroke design the KR250 and larger KR350 had the cylinders mounted one behind the other creating a very narrow and aerodynamic machine. In America Reg Pridmore becomes AMA Superbike Champion on his air-cooled Z1000. 
 
1978 
Now expanded to sixteen machines, the motorcycle range is topped by the 1015cc Z1R (the first machine in the world to come with a bikini fairing as a standard fitment) complimented by the smaller but no less significant Z250, the first bike specially designed by Kawasaki for the UK market. 
A busy year for Kawasaki, 1978 also represented the centenary of the founding of the original Kawasaki business, a shipyard created by Shozo Kawasaki in Tsukiji, Tokyo. 
With the now established KR250 and KR350 racing machines, Kawasaki wins both classes in the world Championship with Kork Ballington and Mick Grant mounts the top step of the podium on the Isle of Man, winning the Classic race at the TT event on his H2R and setting a lap record of 114mph average. Reg Pridmore repeats his AMA Superbike Championship win. 
 
1979 
With sales just shy of 15,000 units, the Kawasaki range is headed by one of the largest, and certainly most impressive machines yet to emerge from Japan, the mighty six cylinder, water-cooled Z1300. 
New managing director, Seth Nagamoto takes the helm at KMUK while rider, Kork Ballington does the “double” again and wins both the 250 and 350 world Championships 
 
1980 
Team Green, the most famous name in off-road sport in the UK, is established by Alec Wright and the first off-road training schools for customers are conducted. 
Sales of over 22,000 units are helped by a comprehensive range of four cylinder, four stroke machines including the Z400, Z500, Z750 and the first fuel injected motorcycle retailed by Kawasaki, the Z1000H. Anton Mang takes over the KR reigns and wins the 250cc world championship. 
 
1981 
Government legislation and higher rates of tax threaten the motorcycle market and the attraction of two wheels to learner riders. Kawasaki introduces two sports mopeds, the road going AR50 and off-road styled AE50. 
The year also marks the arrival of the KLT200 trike, the first all terrain vehicle (ATV) that the company has imported into the UK. In his stride after a debut win year, Mang wins both the 250cc and 350cc world championships for Kawasaki on the KR tandem twins. Eddie Lawson becomes AMA Superbike Champion. 
 
1982 
Chuck Nakajima takes over as Managing Director of KMUK and Kawasaki enjoys market dominance as number one in the UK motorcycle market over 126cc category with a 27% market share. Mang wins again and becomes the last ever 350cc world Champion as the class ends. Eddie Lawson repeats his AMA Superbike Championship win. 
 
1983 
The range leading GPz1100 is voted “Machine of the Year” by Motor Cycle News, while the mighty KX500 single cylinder two stroke is introduced as off-road range leader. 
Big news of the year for road riders is the introduction of the GPz750 Turbo, a machine which, like the Z1, would go on to become a revered collector’s item in future years. Wayne Rainey becomes AMA Superbike Champion. 
 
1984 
The world’s first sports bike to boast a liquid cooled, 16 valve, four cylinder water-cooled engine, the GPz900R is introduced. It wins not only the production TT in the hands of rider Geoff Johnson but is also voted UK “Bike of the Year” by MCN readers. 
Kawasaki continues as UK market leader in sales of over 126cc road motorcycles. 
 
1985 
A new and significant class is created by Kawasaki with the introduction of the GPz600R. 
Four wheeled ATV product is imported for the first time and the emphasis on use passes from leisure to agriculture and public amenity. 
In the off-road sphere, Kawasaki Team Green sweeps the board winning all the UK schoolboy championships plus the AMCA 125 and 250 titles. 
 
1986 
Managing Director, Shuji Mihara takes over and the GTR1000 touring machine reaches our shores scoring an immediate hit with long distance riders. 
Kawasaki UK establishes a bonded warehouse and distribution depot in Eastleigh, Hants. 
 
1987 
Road bike sales are boosted with the introduction of the GPX750R and GPZ500S, both machines become an instant sales success in their respective classes. 
Waterborne enthusiasts welcome the twin seater X-2 which, by year end, has doubled Jet Ski watercraft sales for the company in the UK. 
 
1988 
Sales of road motorcycles climb by 15.6% and market share approaches 20%. 
As range leader, the radically styled ZX-10 with its aluminium “E-Box” frame wins the MCN “Machine of the Year” award. 
Rider Kurt Nicholl wins the 500c British Motocross Championship on a KX500. 
 
1989 
The company moves to its current premises in Bourne End, Bucks, while market share reaches 21%. 
For the first time since the legendary 1970’s two stroke triple machines, the company wins MCN “Machine of the Year” with a two stroke, the twin cylinder 250cc KR-1. 
 
1990 
Kawasaki’s Akashi factory near Kobe in Japan, celebrates it 50th anniversary while Mr Yasuo Akisada takes over as Managing Director of KMUK. 
The ZZ-R1100 and ZZ-R600 are introduced, the former becomes MCN “Machine of the Year”, while the latter enjoys sales and racetrack success in the hands of Kawasaki Team Green rider, John Reynolds. Doug Chandler wins the AMA Superbike Championship. 
 
1991 
The “Retro” styled Zephyr range is introduced in 550 and 750cc form and Team Green rider, Paul Malin, is the youngest ever winner of a 500cc MX GP at 19 years and 86 days in France. 
Kawasaki commercial products range in the UK is boosted by the introduction of the MULE 1000 and 2110 utility vehicles. 
 
1992 
Kawasaki continues to dominate motocross sales and remains market leader with the aid of the successful Team Green concept. 
The Zephyr 1100 is launched exploring the range into three machines with 550, 750 and 1100cc capacity. Scott Russell becomes AMA Superbike Champion. 
 
1993
KRC, the Kawasaki Riders Club is launched offering free membership for all Kawasaki new bike buyers in the UK. 
K-Care Insurance is launched providing tailored insurance solutions for Kawasaki road bike owners. 
Scott Russell powers his way to win the World Superbike Championship for Kawasaki on the Muzzy ZX-7. 
 
1994 
The Kawasaki cruiser range grows larger in terms of both machines and capacity with the introduction of the water-cooled VN1500 V-twin. 
The British 125 motocross championship is claimed by Team Green rider, Neil Prince. 
Kawasaki in Japan celebrates having manufactured their nine millionth motorcycle. Kenji Kawano joins Kawasaki Motors UK as Managing Director.
 
1995 
Another cruiser, the VN800, is introduced along with a raft of Genuine Kawasaki Accessories. 
Along with the introduction of the sports touring GPZ1100, Kawasaki fans celebrate Belgian rider, Stephan Everts World 250 MX crown. 
 
1996 
Another in a long line a famous machines makes its debut, the stunning ZX-7R. 
Kawasaki win off-road once more by securing the World 125cc MX championship with Sebastian Tortelli. Doug Chandler becomes AMA Superbike Champion
 
1997 
Yet another machine designed especially for Europe reaches UK shores. The 499cc parallel twin ER-5 immediately wins favour with learner riders, commuters and a growing number of women enthusiasts. 
The year also sees the introduction of the Eddie Lawson AMA Superbike race styled ZRX1100. Doug Chandler repeats his AMA Superbike Championship win. 
 
1998 
The mould breaking ZX-6R is reincarnated and immediately raises the performance and styling standard of the middleweight Supersport class. 
Off-road, Sebastian Tortelli dominates to win the coveted world 250cc motocross title for Kawasaki. 
 
1999 
Retro styled parallel twin W650 launched alongside classic fully valenced 800 and 1500cc Drifter cruisers. 
Waves are created with the introduction of the state-of-the-art Ultra 150 two person performance Jet Ski personal watercraft producing 150bph! 
 
2000 
All eyes are on Kawasaki as it introduces its most advanced Supersport machine ever, the ZX-12R. Using technology only previously seen on F1 cars and in aircraft, the semi-monocoque chassis is matched to a hugely powerful engine and aerodynamic cowling. The combination results in a fast, powerful, nimble and stable machine that justifiably heads the Kawasaki stable and gains universal plaudits. Yoshio Sanjo takes over reigns as KMUK Managing Director 
 
2001 
Launched in Spain to the European press the half-cowled ZRX1200S and ZR-7S pre-dating the current fashion for this type of machine by several years. Riding the Ninja ZX-6R, Australian, Andrew Pitt becomes the Supersport world Champion. 
 
2002 
Continuing the long line of sports tourers established by the 1100cc models, the ZZ-R1200 is launched in Southern France. Kawasaki.co.uk, the web site for the UK market, is launched. The innovative new Z1000 wins the Motorcycle Designers Association Open category award. Kawasaki Motors UK Ltd becomes the UK branch of KME, Kawasaki Motors Europe. Kawasaki enters the Moto GP Championship with a 990cc machine. 
 
2003 
Z1000 goes on general sale in the UK and, along with the radical design of the new ZX-6R, re-establishes Kawasaki as the cutting edge brand with both journalists and customers. Shunji Tanaka, the designer of the Mazda MX-5 sports car, joins Kawasaki with a mission to reinvigorate the Kawasaki product design studio, K-Tec, and promises more innovative designs to come. 
 
2004 
Kawasaki re-enters the high end Supersport fray with the formidable ZX-10R designed as a cutting edge high performance machine for skilled riders. The ZX-10R makes an ideal Superbike race machine in its debut season in the hands of a variety of private teams and the KMUK supported Hawk Kawasaki team. 
Another radical design from Tanaka and the K-Tec team, the Z750 represents a breath of fresh air for the naked middleweight sector which is gaining importance in the UK sales charts. 
Proving that they can do “big” when required, Kawasaki stuns with its 2000cc VN Cruiser with unique “Gatling” style headlamp. 
Acknowledging the trend for four stroke motocross machines, the factory reveals its new KX250F four stroke customer machine. 
 
2005 
Partner to the already successful Z750, the half cowled Z750S is announced. 
After a twenty year break Kawasaki wins again at the Isle of Man TT with rider Ryan Farquhar securing a win in the Production 600 TT on the 599cc Kawasaki ZX-6RR, the machine later returns to Japan to be displayed at Kawasaki’s own museum. 
Olivier Jacque scores a magnificent second place the at Shanghai Moto GP event. 
 
2006 
Kawasaki stuns the world of motorcycling with a cutting edge contemporary urban design, the ER-6n. A 650cc parallel twin, the ER-6n successfully appeals to new motorcyclists, those who already have a licence and want a fun machine and the still neglected female market. 
A half cowled version of the “naked” ER-6n, the ER-6f announced to appeal to more sporting riders – both machines are Euro-3 compliant and have an ABS option. 
Reinforcing their credentials as “the performance manufacturer”, Kawasaki announce the ZZR1400. A powerful and stylish Supersport tourer, speculation is rife at the Paris motorcycle show launch regarding power and acceleration figures… factory insiders stay tight lipped on the subject ! 
Entry level cruisers are important to all manufacturers. Kawasaki unveils its VN900. 
Off-road riders and Team Green dealers are impressed by the range leading KX450F four stroke and its alloy framed stablemate, the updated KX250F. 
 
2007 
The famous GTR name is used after a gap of over a decade for a stunning new 1400cc Sports Touring machine with such innovations as Variable Valve Timing, a slipper clutch and monocoque style chassis. Setting new standards for touring handling and performance, the machine is an instant hit. In a departure from traditional thinking, Kawasaki announce the Versys, a 650cc machine based on the ER-6 engine and chassis but with a “go-anywhere” look and feel. The name is said to represent “Versatile System” and the style soon catches the imagination of UK riders. In motocross, the MX1 class KX450F is launched. The Essex based MSS Kawasaki Team are appointed as Kawasaki UK’s Superbike squad. 
 
2008 
Kawasaki in the UK return to the quarter litre class with the Ninja 250R. A category that had effectively been “forgotten”, the pent up demand from customers both new to motorcycling and returning to two wheels is overwhelming. With costs spiralling in the world of racing, Kawasaki takes the difficult decision to withdraw from MotoGP. 
 
2009 
With the GTR a sports touring hit, Kawasaki addresses the V-Twin touring market with the impressive 1700cc Voyager, the first “full dress” machine to emerge from the Japanese manufacturer. In another first, the Voyager, with its on board entertainment system, is also the world’s first motorcycle to be iPod compatible via an accessory lead. Adding to its success with the Ninja 250R, Kawasaki UK also starts sales of the KLX250, and enduro styled entry level machine with off-road looks and strong on road ability. 
 
2010 
A raft of new machines is announced the 2010 season. The avant garde styling of the latest Z1000 wins widespread praise, so too does its engine and chassis performance at its Spanish launch. It is quickly dubbed the best Japanese street fighter machine so far. Likewise, the re-launched 1400GTR is praised for a raft of updates including traction control, linked braking and even more creature comforts such as heated grips and a “memory” equipped electronic windscreen. For entry level bikers, the new KLX125 off-roader and D-TRACKER SuperMoto style machine are both welcomed as genuine prospects as “first rungs” on the Kawasaki ownership ladder.
 
2011
A wide range of machines were launched in 2011 across many style categories. A new version of the Ninja ZX-10R confirmed Kawasaki’s commitment to the Supersport class while the introduction of the Z100SX sports-tourer showed how classes and styles were evolving with Kawasaki once  more creating a new type of machine appealing to riders moving away from track oriented machines. The Z750R was a logical high-spec version of the venerable Z750 reflecting owner’s desire to add bling to their naked bikes. For cruiser fans, the VN1700 Voyager Custom displayed true “bagger” style and mean black personality while the air-cooled parallel twin W series made a comeback with the W800, a fuel injected machine with classic looks and continuing the traditional Kawasaki W line. Finally, for the dirt demons, a new, updated KX250F pushed the quarter litre MX class on once more. Racing fans were treated to a season-long battle for the British Supersport title with Gearlink Kawasaki rider, Ben Wilson, racking up 9 wins among 18 podiums on the Ninja ZX-6R and, ultimately, losing the title by just one point at the last event of the season. At the Isle of Man TT, Michal Dunlop took the race and fastest lap of 129.709 mph on his Ninja ZX-10R in the 1000cc Superstock race
 
2012 
Updates and new models for 2012 displayed just how wide the Kawasaki range had become. Old favourites like the ZZR1400 gained more technical prowess and more performance – both of which were welcomed with open arms. The ER-6n and ER-6f had styling updates among other tweaks to keep them at the centre of attention in the burgeoning middle weight market. Meanwhile, a year after the Z1000SX debut, the Versys 1000 was launched. An “any roads” machine, its upright riding style, go-anywhere looks and flexible engine won many admirers. A strong season on track witnessed Shane “Shakey” Byrne take the BSB title on his Rapid Solicitors PBM Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R with no less than 8 race wins. Veteran Chris walker also got hearts pumping with a magnificent win at Oulton Park in the rain mirroring his last to first WSBK victory at Assen many years earlier. Kawasaki also took the BSB manufacturers title and, in Superstock 1000, Keith Farmer made it a double reason to celebrate for the Rapid Solicitors team taking a tough fought title. TT fans saw Dave Molyneux and Patrick Farrance win both sidecar races while Kawasaki legend, Ryan Farquhar, stole the show in the Lightweight TT which heralded Kawasaki machines in all of the top ten places.
2013
A capacity increase for the mid-weight naked Kawasaki resulted in both the Z800 and Z800e being launched in 2013. The e version was category 2 licence compliant from the outset while the full power Z800 was the first machine to employ the Kawasaki Sugomi design philosophy. In fact it was all out cubes in 2013 as the Ninja 250R increased to 300cc and won yet more fans with its lithe nature, big bike looks and manageable weight. The ZX-6R returned to an earlier capacity in 2013. The 636cc machine was still as fast and responsive as ever but, with the aid of the capacity hike, it also delivered considerable torque as well as low and mid-range pulling power. British rider, Tom Sykes took the WSBK Championship by the scruff in 2014 winning with an easy margin and taking 9 victories along the way – a memorable feat. At the TT racing festival on the Isle of Man, the ER-6f based Supertwin of James Hillier took first place and, in a repeat of the previous year, all top ten places were claimed by Kawasaki mounted riders.
 
2014
For 2014 Sugomi styling (where engineering and styling are melded into one central theme), the Z1000 took the Supernaked Kawasaki image to a higher plain. With daring Streetfighter looks, the Z1000 displayed instant almost visceral response and won the hearts of many with its bold, uncompromising looks. Kawasaki’s first scooter offering emerged blinking into the sunlight in 2014. The J300 was unexpected in the biking world yet it took Kawasaki to a new and enthusiastic audience satisfying the need to a twist-and-go among the popular Kawasaki range. Off-road fans were greeted with yet more updates to the KX250F and KX450F in 2014 while the lower capacity class as enlivened with a radically updated and reengineered KX85. Taking his fourth BSB title again at the last race of the season, Shayne Byrne had a lot to celebrate alongside his Rapid Solicitors PBM Ninja ZX-10R. Also winning the BSB riders Championship via Stuart Easton, the plucky Scott pulled an amazing Macau Grand Prix win out of the bag to make it a vintage season for the Paul Bird Motorsports team. For Stock fans the focus was on Danny Buchan who secured the litre Championship on his Tsingtao Ninja ZX-10R. Another TT sidecar win for Dave Molyneux made history for the Manxman at the June event while Dean Harrison achieved his first TT podium top step in the Lightweight race which, for the third year running, had Kawasaki machines filling the top ten spots. 

2015
2015 saw the launch of a brand new Ninja ZX-10R – developed in conjunction with the Kawasaki Racing Team and the Kawasaki factory in Japan, the bike benefits from the input of two Kawasaki superbike champions – Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes. Improving on an already world-class machine, the new Ninja ZX-10R features a whole host of new innovations in terms of chassis, engine and electronic upgrades. Featuring Brembo M50 monobloc brake calipers and WSBK Showa front forks, the new machine is not only a formidable track day weapon, but a road riders dream. Both the Z800 and Z1000 were released as Sugomi editions in 2015 - machines that take Kawasaki’s styling and engineering concept to the next level with new Candy Crimson Red and black colour treatments, plus accent anodising and model specific Akrapovic silencers for each machine. Joining the J300 in the scooter line-up is the J125, an exciting entry for Kawasaki into the popular 125cc scooter market and A1 riding licence category. Shared features with the J300 include ABS braking, automatic under-seat courtesy light, shutter style security ignition and 12V charger socket. An updated ZZR1400 model was launched and a ZZR1400 Performance Sport model was introduced, which boasts twin Akrapovic silencers as standard, Öhlins TTX39 rear shock absorber, a higher wind-screen and a high grade Brembo M50 braking package. On the race track, Jonathan Rea was crowned World Superbike Champion for 2015 – his first year aboard the Ninja ZX-10R. 2013 Champion Tom Sykes, finished in third place – a result that enabled Kawasaki to be 2015 World Manufacturers Champion. At British level, it was a double British Superstock win for Kawasaki as Josh Elliot won the British Superstock 1000 title and Mason Law won the Superstock 600 Championship. Kawasaki also clinched the Manufacturers Championship at the final round of the MCE British Superbike Championship at Brands hatch – the fourth consecutive British Manufacturers title in recent seasons. It was announced that Team Green would be re-launched for the 2016 race season in the British Superbike Class with both on-road and off-road riders and racing activity joining under the Team Green umbrella. Kawasaki’s were the bike of choice for Olympic medallist’s – both track cyclist and three-time Olympic Champion, Jason Kenny OBE and IBF Heavyweight boxing Champion, Anthony Joshua, chose to ride Kawasaki machinery.