As the 2012 BSB regulations change to restrict the escalating use of electronics, MSS team boss Nick Morgan chose two riders who he believes will make good use of their riding and throttle control skills. Michael is world renowned for his sublime riding skills in wet, tricky conditions whilst Peter has only ever experienced traction control once, which he used turned down to a low level.

With 28 BSB wins, 500GP, World Superbike and considerable ‘roads’ experience, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge to the team, crucial in this transition year as the technical regulations change.

Last year Michael narrowly missed out on a top six Showdown slot after being crashed into at Cadwell Park by a wayward rider. Michael recently won the Macau GP for a record seventh time and also has ridden for MSS previously at that same event.

Michael Rutter explains his decision to join the MSS Colchester Kawasaki team, “I’m really looking forward to getting on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R for 2012, I know the power is good and having watched the riders clocking up podiums last year, I could see the whole machine is a good package. I also think the new ‘Ten’ is a good bike for UK tracks with the way it steers.

“It’s true when I rode for Nick in 2007 we struggled a bit with set-up but the bike is completely different now and to be fair to them it was MSS’s first go in the main BSB class, whereas now they have great pedigree and are a much stronger team all round.

“I do like Nick, we go back a long way and I know I’ll be able to get on with the job without all the messing around too. In terms of expectation it’s hard to say how it will all work but my aim is to get into that top six Showdown and by then I know we’ll be firing on all four cylinders. Then with the way the points work- anything could happen!

“I can’t wait to get out on the new bike and show there’s still some life in the old dog yet!”

Peter Hickman has a history of riding Kawasaki machinery in both Superstock and Superbike and is looking forward to riding the new Ninja ZX-10R for a top team in 2012.

Twenty-four year old ‘Hicky’ started last season still a relative unknown amongst the top BSB riders but soon had their notice logging a superb second place at Thruxton after leading much of the race. Peter hovered around the final six cut off for the Showdown for a while before an eventual ninth ranking in this ultra competitive field.

Hicky explains, “I’ve been talking to Nick for a couple of years but it came together for 2012 over the winter and I’ve got to say I’m really chuffed to be with such a professional team. I keep coming back to Kawasaki; I won the Superstock Cup in 2004 on one and raced one again in Superstock in 2005 before two years on the Hawk Kawasaki bike in 2006-7 with some really good results in the first year.

The new rules in BSB should maybe close the gap between the very top riders and the rest of the field but I’m sure it will still be the same faces up the front. That said, I haven’t got to re-learn anything as I only experienced traction control for the first time last season and even then had it running in the background rather than using it properly.

I’m bringing my crew chief with me so it will be good to have a bit of consistency and I know Nick runs a great team. I feel like I’ve earned my place on the BSB grid now and with this package and team there’s no reason why we can’t be aiming for the top six, even with such a strong field.”

MSS Colchester Kawasaki Team Manager Nick Morgan, “We have an interesting line-up for this year that will hopefully cause some surprises. Michael needs no introduction and possesses such experience that will see him snatch results when they’re least expected.

From my perspective it’s a good opportunity for a new rider like Hicky to come in and learn from Michael. I think he’s a really underrated rider who’s worked hard to get where he has. Last season saw some great rides, maybe he could benefit from some more direction and it will all click into place.

One thing we did last year that turned a few heads was run to the 2012 spec before the end of the season. We didn’t set the world alight but we logged up days and days of data at different tracks on how the new ZX-10R reacts when using the new engine spec regulations and Motec ECU.

This means when we come to start testing in Spain we won’t have to re-invent the wheel and will be able to utilise that information to fine tune the bikes to Michael and Hicky.

It’s exciting to be going into the new season with a new line-up and from my point of view I went away for the Winter so I’m refreshed and raring to go too.

I’d just like to say thank you again to our loyal partners who enable us to go racing and welcome Bathams Brewery as a partner to the team plus Luke and the team from Motorcycles Direct who now own the Colchester Kawasaki dealership.”

The MSS Colchester Kawasaki squad will also be supporting two Superstock riders in the form of fast Slovakian lady Sandra Stammova and young Brighton racer Leon Hunt. This will be the second year for both riders in the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 class after a learning season in this competitive series.


The squad will also unveil their new for 2012 livery soon and announce further plans for the coming season.

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