5 November 2013 EICMA NEWS: Kawasaki launches significant new models

Having launched an impressive fourteen new models in the past three years including ten in the previous two years alone, a manufacturer could be forgiven for resting on their laurels; not so Kawasaki.

With a diverse offering of no less than four new 2014 machines on show at EICMA - including the unveiling of two models officially seeing the light of day for the first time at the prestigious International Show – the scene is set for yet another impressive year from the Japanese manufcturer.

Offering an insight into two important aspects of Kawasaki’s approach to powered two wheelers, the latest Z1000 Supernaked is joined in the “lime light” by the first Kawasaki scooter offering in the European market, the distinctive J300.

Underpinning the debut of these sure to be popular machines are two further models focussed on the coming year, the recently introduced Z1000SX Sports Tourer and, for off-road fans, a small and large wheel version of the radically updated KX85 motocross machine.

“It’s been a testing time economically over the past few years in the European market and Kawasaki has responded to this with many carefully considered new models that appeal to our customers spirit of adventure, allied to an understandable desire to achieve value for money”, comments Managing Director of Kawasaki Motors Europe, Yasushi Kawakami.

“We are now starting to see genuine signs of economic recovery and, by investing in research and development during even the harshest times, Kawasaki is equipped better than most to offer customers a desirable range of machines in both existing and new classes of powered two wheelers.

Already the press reports for the new Z1000SX are extremely positive with many endorsing our claim that this is the definitive Sports Touring machine of its type. Motorcyclists will always have a sense of adventure and, for Kawasaki fans in particular, this is matched to a sporting nature. The Z1000SX bonds these two emotions and we are confident it will maintain its impressive market position with the aid of the many new upgrades incorporated for 2014.

Likewise, the KX85 has been launched just as we are celebrating four decades of success with the KX brand. Our philosophy has not been radically modified over the years – there has been no need. Our desire is to provide a “ladder of opportunity” from the first enjoyable forays into the world of off-road riding all the way to adult podium places and Championship success on Kawasaki machinery. Our unique Team Green approach lives on with the new KX85 and we are already seeing the wins start to mount up for riders who are competing on this powerful new machine”.

Focussing on the two machines set to have their official public unveiling at the Milan based EICMA show, Mr Kawakami emphasised the precise approach to each machine and how they fit into the overall Kawasaki approach to the European market.

“The J300 is a bold, confident step for Kawasaki in Europe. It is our first scooter offering and serves as a first step along a road which will be marked by further products focussed on the undeniable need for consumers to address their personal transport needs. For Kawasaki dealers it signifies the ability to offer a full and broad range of machines. And for customers - both familiar with Kawasaki and new to our brand – a chance to enjoy the undoubted benefits of a scooter allied to the style and personality of the Kawasaki brand.

Speaking of brand issues, the new Z1000 plays a major part on our approach for the 2014 season. Employing Kawasaki’s unique Sugomi approach to the entire design process, the Z1000 is a very visual symbol of what marks the Kawasaki brand out as being distinctive, stimulating and provocative while encompassing all the innovative engineering qualities we are famous for.

Europe is one of our most important markets and we think the 2014 range displays our commitment with a line-up that will please our current customers while attracting yet more new riders to the Kawasaki brand.”