MotoXtreme Kawasaki Ltd News Feed

Kawasaki's All-New TERYX KRX1000

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Kawasaki’s all-new trail adventure Side x Side was built for high-adrenaline fun in the woods and on rock trails. Boasting the toughness, durability and reliability that TERYX models are renowned for, the KRX 1000 possesses the capability and confidence to tackle tough rock crawls, superb cornering and straight-line stability on rock/wood/desert trails, and superior comfort.

The powerful, high-torque 999 cm3 Parallel Twin engine is paired with a CVT transmission and centrifugal clutch, ensuring superb control for navigating tricky technical sections. The chassis, which features a high-rigidity frame with integrated ROPS, positions the wheels as far apart as possible, creating a sturdy platform. This is complemented by suspension with massive shock units and long wheel travel designed to overcome large obstacles and to soak up bumps on the trail. The roomy cabin with tall doors and adjustable high-back bucket seats delivers outstanding ride comfort, allowing driver and passenger to simply enjoy the ride.

The all-new TERYX KRX 1000 represents Kawasaki’s first challenge in the growing Sport Side x Side category, and an exciting new flavour for hard-core trail/adventure enthusiasts.

Let The Good Times Roll

Tyler Steiner joins the ENI Kawasaki Race Team

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The ENI Kawasaki Race Team is excited to announce that Tyler Steiner will be on board the KX450 MX1 machine for the 2019/2020 season. Tyler is a very promising rider with some great results both here and abroad. With 2 years experience already in the MX1 class, the 20 year old from Te Puke is set for a great season ahead.

Some highlights include,

Competed Mini O’s in Florida 2014
2014 - Junior 125 nationals 2nd place
2016 - 125 junior and 250 junior nats 3rd place
2017 - MX1 labour weekend 5th place
2017 - China international 2nd place
2018 MX1 labour weekend 5th place

Welcome to the team Tyler, we’re excited to see what the season brings!

8 Oct 2019

NINJA H2 ORDER WINDOW NOW OPEN!

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BECOME PART OF MOTORCYCLE HISTORY:
2020 Supercharged Ninja H2 order window is now open!

・Order period : 1st Oct, 2019 ～　20th Dec, 2019

・Production period : Jan　～　May, 2020

The H2R, H2 Carbon, and H2 are works-of-art and not just anyone can walk into a dealership and get their hands on one. Each model is handbuilt and must be pre-ordered and the window to do so is now!

Street legal H2 models feature a beastly supercharged, 998cc, in-line four engine that produces 231 horsepower, while the H2R boast 300 horsepower and are closed-course only.

With great power, comes great responsibility, which is why all H2 models are outfitted with the latest Brembo Stylma Calipers, Ohlins TTX rear shock, KYB Racing front forks, and Kawasaki’s Cornering Management Function to ensure optimal control and confidence on the street or track.

Don’t wait too long to become part of this exclusive ‘supercharged’ club—orders must be placed before Dec. 20th!

#Kawasaki #Supercharged #H2R #H2 #H2Carbon

7 Oct 2019

TEAM GREEN MERCHANDISE NOW AVAILAB

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With the relaunch of Team Green, Kawasaki NZ is proud to announce that Team Green Merchandise is now available.

JOSIAH NATZKE JOINS ENI KAWASAKI RACE TEAM

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Transdiesel ENI Kawasaki Race Team is excited to announce that the very talented Josiah Natzke will be a Team Green member for the 2019/2020 season!

The 20 year old from Mount Maunganui already has 3 years of
international experience (Maxxis British MX Championship and ADAC German MX Masters) to his credit. Combining a track record of titles both locally and abroad, Natzke is set for a much anticipated return to NZ racing! Some outstanding achievements include;
2014/15 NZ 125 Champion
2015 EMX125 Runner-Up
2016 EMX250 Switzerland 2nd Place
2017 EMX250 Latvia Winner
2018 250 NZ Supercross Champion

Welcome back Josiah - we look forward to a successful season!

7 Oct 2019

REA FIVE TIMES CHAMPION AFTER RACE TWO WIN

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After overcoming a tough early season Jonathan Rea became the World Championship for a record fifth time in the best way possible – with a race win. No other rider has won five titles in this category, never mind five in succession.

The eventual timing of Jonathan’s latest title success was somewhat unexpected, despite his strong podiums showings in the first two Magny Cours races. Rea had a genuine opportunity to take the crown again after his only title rival Alvaro Bautista collided with Razgatlioglu and had to retire. Jonathan’s race two victory was his 12^th win of the season.

Rea had aimed to win all the French WorldSBK races before the final contest of the weekend and he finally took his 83^rd career victory by 0.862 seconds from Michael van der Mark. Jonathan’s latest title win came with two rounds to spare.

Haslam had a difficult Sunday after his Race One crash on Saturday but fought as hard as he could, against an aggravated shoulder injury and issues under braking, to record ninth and seventh place finishes today.

Rea’s championship points total is now 544, while Haslam is sixth overall after Razgatlioglu’s first two race wins in WorldSBK.

The next round is a flyaway event, and will be held at the El Villicum circuit in Argentina, between the 11^th and 13^th of October.

Jonathan Rea, stated: “I am just super-happy. It has been the biggest challenge to date and we have just chipped away. The beginning of the season was really tough, to be beaten the way we were. But to mentally accept the challenge and keep working as a team – also away from the track – we kept strong. I have worked and kept working. We all go to each weekend looking for the opportunity and we have had lots of opportunities this year, and won a lot of races. It is beyond my wildest dreams to win the title here because after four rounds I would have bitten your hand off if you told me I was going to be champion. With yesterday’s race being quite chaotic I was nervous going into today because I did not understand the points situation. The target all weekend was to try and – realistically – win it in Argentina, so we could go to Qatar with less pressure. But we got another opportunity today and I felt a little bit better with the bike compared to yesterday. With the temperature going up the pace was not so fast I was able to manage the bike, and I could see my opportunity with Michael. He was struggling in some areas where we were strong. And we were weaker in some areas where he was strong. So I was putting that all together, learning that for a few laps and then putting my head down and getting the job done. Massive thanks to Kawasaki, the team, my sponsors, my family, all my friends and everybody in my corner. I am the guy taking the plaudits but it is such a big team effort and I am fortunate to be in this position.”

Leon Haslam, stated: “It was a tough day. I knew it was going to be tough, especially with my main issue this year being stopping. There are five or six places on track where you have to make a maximum stop. I knew Toprak’s strength was there, so for me that was kind of predictable with the way he works the bike. For my part, from yesterday to the third race today I found a lot more consistent and better pace but it just was not enough. I had a battle with Tom Sykes and managed to beat him in the last race but we were missing two or three tenths of a second at least.”

Toprak Razgatlioglu (Turkish Puccetti Racing) won the sprint race from Jonathan today but crashed out of Race Two after an early rear end slide and then a collision with the following Alvaro Bautista. Toprak’s two race wins in France take him to fifth in the championship, on 260 points, and contributed to the fact that a Kawasaki rider won every major race at Magny Cours.

Jordi Torres (Team Pedercini Racing Kawasaki) was 15^th and then a fine tenth despite starting each Sunday race from a lowly grid position. Jordi is now 11^th overall. Leandro Mercado (Orelac Racing VerdNatura Kawasaki) will face a home round next time out in Argentina, but on Sunday in France he scored 14^th and 11^th place finishes. He is ranked 15^th overall.

2019 KRT Rider WorldSBK Statistics

Jonathan Rea: World Champion 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019
2019: Races 31, Wins 12, Podiums 28, Superpoles 6
Career Race Wins: 83 (68 for Kawasaki)
Career Podiums: 162 (120 for Kawasaki)
Career Poles: 22 (18 for Kawasaki)

Leon Haslam:
2019: Races: 31, Wins 0, Podiums 6, Superpoles 0
Career Race Wins: 5 (0 for Kawasaki)
Career Podiums: 45 (7 for Kawasaki)
Career Poles: 3 (0 for Kawasaki)

7 x Riders’ Championships (Scott Russell 1993, Tom Sykes 2013, Rea 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019), 1 x EVO Riders’ Championship (David Salom 2014)
4 x Manufacturers’ Championships (Ninja ZX-10R 2015 & 2016, Ninja ZX-10RR 2017 & 2018)
4 x Teams’ Championships (KRT/Provec Racing 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018)

Kawasaki FIM Superbike World Championship Statistics
Total Kawasaki Race Wins: 141 – second overall
Total Kawasaki Podiums: 424 – second overall
Total Kawasaki Poles: 87 – second overall

#NinjaSpirit
#Rea5stars

Words and photos: Kawasaki EU

Team Green KawiGirls Announced

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Team Green KawiGirls has been announced via the Kawasaki NZ Facebook page and Instagram.

Mikayla Rowe, currently 4NZ in senior women's MX has been selected to spearhead the initiative which will focus on girls only ride events for girls on any brand.

With the success of reigning New Zealand Supersport 600 Champion and FIM Women's Motocross World Champion Courtney Duncan the KawiGirl initiative is poised to gain a lot of momentum.

The focus for the initiative is to facilitate a fun, low-pressure and safe environment for girls to enjoy the sport of off-road motorcycling, and with our newly appointed ambassador, there is sure to be an avid following.

Mikayla will run the Facebook and Instagram pages as well as a private girls only Facebook group. Be sure to give them a like and get behind the KawiGirls NZ movement.

Visit www.facebook.com/Kawigirlsnz to keep updated

Courtney Duncan crowned Women’s Motocross World Championship (WMX) champion

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New Zealand’s Courtney Duncan has become the first Kiwi woman to win a FIM World MX Championship title, when she won the first race in the Women’s Motocross World Championship’s final round in Turkey overnight. She is flanked by her Bike It Dixon Racing Team owner Steve Dixon (left) and mechanic Nick Matthews (right) with the special gold helmet her sponsor Just 1 presented her with post-race.

New Zealand motocross sensation Courtney Duncan has done it – crossing the finish line of the Women’s Motocross World Championship’s first race, punching both firsts in the air, index fingers pointed skyward in the international symbol for number one.

After riding immaculately throughout the MXGP of Turkey’s 20-minute, plus two laps race, she stamped her global dominance on the 10 other WMX riders, winning it by a whopping 12.818secs and earning herself an unassailable lead, with one race still to run tonight (NZ time).

An emotional Duncan entered the pit lane area on her Kawasaki KX250, where her British-based Kawasaki team Bike It Dixon Racing Team (DRT), friends and family were waiting to envelope her with hugs. She shouted out one word that summed up the three long, hard years she has been waiting for this moment.

“Yeah!”

Tears of joy quickly spilled into her helmet as she absorbed all that she has achieved.

“What a day! What a day! It’s indescribable right now. There were some big emotions after the race. So much gets built into this. This goes way back to when I started when I was 7-years of age. Everything goes into this. So much effort from my family – they did so much for me growing up to get me to this point. All my team, my sponsors everyone back over home. I have a huge team at home, and everyone plays a huge part in this championship. It was definitely a team effort. I can’t thank everyone enough,” Duncan says.

The 23-year-old Otago rider could not have scripted her maiden championship victory any more perfectly. After topping both timed practise outings, she was confident lining up in the start gates in the 30degC heat, facing the well-watered circuit for the WMX’s first time racing at the Afyonkarahisar track.

She started off steadily, taking her time to find the right lines, initially settling into fourth place. Duncan then demonstrated her racing smarts by gradually picking off her main championship rivals German Larissa Papenmeier and Dutch woman Nancy Van De Ven over the first five laps.

There was a heart-in-mouth moment as Duncan went wide, making a outside passing move on Van De Ven and wobbled in a deep rut, but she held strong and began hunting down Denmark rider Sara Andersen.

Although the pair concertinaed for the lead over half a lap, Duncan soon out-classed Andersen, shot out in front and never looked back.

“Moto one was really good. I got asked did I feel pressure going into the race and I’ve got to be completely honest with you, lining up I felt so comfortable and confident. After the sight lap, I knew the track had changed a lot. I had it in my mind that I was going to warm up into the race, so I took a few laps, found some good lines and made the passes. Then I just kind of cruised and maintained the lead. It was good enough to win the championship in the first moto. It feels amazing! Duncan says.

“I don’t know how to describe it – the journey to get here has been tough. Man, it’s been tough! After winning my first pro race on debut [in 2016] I felt like I couldn’t do nothing wrong. Since then it’s been a downward slope but this year, we changed that and we turned it around and made it happen,” she adds.

Duncan picked up the maximum 25 points to bring her total to 214, which is 31 clear of Van de Ven on 183, meaning the last race at 8.30pm tonight (NZ time) is merely a formality. The race win today was Duncan’s eighth victory out of nine races this season, where she has been imperious, except for the second race in at the first round in Valkenswaard, Netherlands, where she slipped to fourth.

Duncan credited her new team, new-found motivation and commuting back home to New Zealand between rounds for her iron-clad control of the 2019 WMX season.

“I haven’t had to think about the races. I haven’t been waiting for them. I’ve been putting in the work and enjoying life outside of it,’’she says.

Contacting Duncan in the early hours of the morning here in New Zealand, it was late in the evening in Turkey. She was still at the track, with her team, soaking it all in.

“I’m enjoying the night, just celebrating and enjoying this championship. Everyone put so much work into it – it was a big team effort. It’s going to take a bit of time to fully settle in, what we have just achieved. I know I’m going to look back and realise that this was pretty special.”

Like many Courtney Duncan fans who couldn’t make it to Turkey, Kawasaki New Zealand’s Managing Director Shane Verhoeven was watching Duncan’s race live on MXGP-TV.

“The team at Kawasaki NZ are incredibly proud and ecstatic of Courtney’s domination of the 2019 WMX Championship. After many trials and tribulations over the years it is all the more satisfying to see her achieve her goal and to have played a small part in her success this season. Well done to Courtney and we look forward to seeing her back in Kiwi-land to celebrate her victory,” he said.

Motorcycling New Zealand (MNZ) general manager Virginia Henderson echoed Vehoeven’s sentiments, adding that the organisation was honoured that Duncan races under the MNZ banner.

“Courtney truly demonstrates that winning is never easy and that you have to persevere and work hard to achieve your dreams. I’m sure MNZ joins the whole New Zealand nation in congratulating Courtney on this extremely well-deserved championship victory.”

Duncan races again tonight in the final race 10 of the WMX’s five-round championship.

HOW TO WATCH

Visit MXGP TV via link below. Subscription for weekend coverage costs approx. 11 Euro.

https://www.mxgp-tv.com/videos/1194416/mxgp-of-turkey-2019-live

Courtney Duncan’s race times in Turkey

Race 2: Sunday, September 8 11:30AM (20 mins + 2 laps) NZ time Sunday, September – 8.30PM

2019 Women’s Motocross World Championship’s calendar

Round 1: March 31^st Valkenswaard, Netherlands

Round 2: May 19^th Agueda, Portugal

Round 3: July 28^th Loket, Czech Republic

Round 4: August 18^th Imola, Italy

Round 5: September 8^th Afyonkarahisar, Turkey

PHOTO CREDIT: MXGP

COURTNEY DUNCAN AND BIKE IT DRT HAVE CLINCHED THE MANUFACTURERS‘ WORLD TITLE FOR KAWASAKI

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The Kiwi girl was already assured of the individual World title after her victory in yesterday’s first moto at Afyonkarahisar in Turkey but everyone in the compact English team was determined to end the series on a high with yet another moto and overall GP win. And they did it in style, the lone Kawasaki girl grabbing the holeshot to race clear of the chasers at several seconds a lap, celebrating victory by an overwhelming twenty-nine seconds with a classical whip. Courtney completed the individual championship thirty-six points ahead of her closest rival and Kawasaki take the Manufacturers’ title by twenty points. It was their fourth consecutive two-moto-win maximum GP score and the third-in-a-row, an unbeaten run of success, for the incomparable 2020 KX250 which Kawasaki and the DRT crew introduced mid-summer.

Courtney Duncan: “It was so cool to clinch the title yesterday and take away the pressure. I had nothing to lose so I just put down the hammer today; I had a good flow, could have fun, throw some whips and embrace the moment. What a way to end the series! Nine motos out of ten and four GPs out of five! The whole year has been so amazing. I was in a dark spot last year, in a rut mentally and physically, but Steve took a chance on me and I really gelled with the team and the bike from day one. We committed and we succeeded! I’m having as much fun this year as I did when I started riding way back at seven years of age; that’s so important and it’s what brings results. We switched to the 2020 at Loket in July and the results speak for themselves with six wins from six starts; it’s such a nice bike. I’m just so grateful to my family for all they did to make this possible for me and it’s great to have them here this weekend to share this moment. My thanks too to Kawasaki, DRT, Monster Energy and everybody who has supported me all year.”

The championship double was not only a stunning success for Kawasaki – the fifth title in the history of FIM WMX racing – and for the New Zealander but also for Steve Dixon. The DRT team owner has played a pivotal role in world motocross for more than a quarter of a century with innumerable GP victories, podiums and medals but the 2019 success is his first World title.

Steve Dixon: “The whole season was fantastic. We didn’t run a rider in the WMX for ten years but I heard Courtney was looking for a change; I put it to Steve Guttridge at Kawasaki Motors Europe, he was OK on the idea, so we took it from there. My first job was to work out what had happened to Courtney in the past and put it right. She was so relaxed this year and really gelled with the KX250 from day one. We got the 2020 model with even better performance mid-summer and Courtney really liked it. I think the results speak for themselves because this is a standard bike with an after-market pipe you can buy in the shops and she’s won every race. Courtney has signed for another two years so we can go on from here to even more success. I have had a lot of seconds and thirds in the world, even a Nations victory, in the past and now in my thirtieth year we’ve achieved a World title at last.”

Steve Guttridge (Kawasaki Motors Europe Racing Manager): “We are delighted that together the Dixon Racing team and Courtney have delivered this World title for Kawasaki. The level of racing in the WMX class gets higher every season but with Courtney’s confidence in the KX250 she could display a dominance this season which was a pleasure to watch. We are already looking forward to the challenge of defending the title together in 2020.”