Always eager to attract new audiences to the world of motorcycling, Kawasaki UK is excited to be teaming up with downhill mountain bike star Bernard Kerr. Team owner and rider of the Pivot Factory Racing Squad, Bernard will be using the Kawasaki KX250, KLX140R and Brute Force 450 throughout 2026.

The name Bernard Kerr will need no introduction to fans of the adrenaline-fueled world of downhill mountain biking, with the 34-year-old Englishman having achieved a huge amount of success in both the UCI Downhill World Cup and the Red Bull Hardline events, some of the most brutal downhill races in the world. 

When he’s not taking on the challenging trails or running his multi-rider Pivot Factory Racing team, Bernard has amassed a huge following across his Instagram and YouTube accounts. A keen petrolhead, Kawasaki is excited to be teaming up with Bernard for 2026, supplying him with the proven KX250, KLX140R and Brute Force 450 ATV. These machines will be appearing frequently throughout his content next year, helping to bring the Kawasaki range to a huge new audience.

Bernard Kerr:

“Kawasaki has always been the super cool green brand that hosted some of the greats in the Supercross Heyday that I looked up to. To be a part of this iconic brand and create some great memories and content with them is honestly a childhood dream. It’s going to be a partnership I will cherish and enjoy all the way!”

Kawasaki’s history in the entry level and junior classes of off-road machinery is the stuff of legend. And that continues into 2026 with the confirmation that the KLX110R and KX65 are included in the upcoming season range

When learning turns to racing, Kawasaki is again front and centre with the iconic KX65. Start point for many domestic and world champions, the KX65 not only looks like it belongs in the race paddock but the results over many years speak for themselves.

The much anticipated unveiling of the 2026 adult KX models for Europe has manifested itself on two machines in the shape of models in the 250cc and 450cc categories

Entering the MX2 class with the official Kawasaki team this year, popular French rider. Mathis Valin has impressed in 2025 on the KRT KX250-SR machine based around the standard model available in Kawasaki dealerships. That race development, innovative engineering and cutting-edge technology flows into 2026 providing an ideal platform for professional and amateur racer alike incorporating such features as power modes and Kawasaki Traction Control. There is also a symmetrically aligned intake and exhaust to deliver strong over-run and smooth low-rpm torque characteristics.

At the pinnacle of the KX offering in 2026 is the mighty KX450, a machine that in its SR form has propelled Kawasaki Racing Team rider, Romain Febvre, to red plate status across a slew  of races during the 2025 MXGP season. With a chassis optimised in terms of rigidity balance this has contributed to increased front-end feel evidenced in outstanding MXGP performances across the season. In turn, this translates to improved cornering feel in a wide range of conditions.  Add Brembo brake components, Showa suspension plus ODI Lock-on grips and the attention to detail is there for all to see.  Additionally, the integration of smartphone connectivity allows riders to connect with their machine to adjust engine mapping directly from a handheld device.

Join the green team in 2026 and enjoy the precision of machine control and performance that comes as a direct result of Kawasaki racing on the world stage.

Both bikes are available in Lime Green, with the KX250 costing £7,799 (available from the end of July) and the KX450 costing £8,399 (available from late 2025)

The Kawasaki Racing Team enters the FIM Motocross World Championship stronger than ever in 2025 as the team will compete in both major classes this year; alongside the rich history of the team in the MXGP class, a new chapter will open as they will also line up in the MX2 class.

Based in Lommel (Belgium), which is considered the ‘heart of European motocross’, the Kawasaki Racing Team has a long experience in racing in the premier off-road series as both the team owner and management have been involved in motorsport for many years. 

Former Formula1 world champion Kimi Räikkönen, the team principal who has been passionate about motocross since his childhood, is universally respected in the sport as is team manager Antti Pyrhönen, who successfully contested the motocross world championship for more than a decade before turning to team management twelve years ago. 

Working closely with Kawasaki Motors Ltd, the team achieved outstanding results during the last two campaigns as they celebrated twenty-three GP podiums, six GP victories and twelve moto wins in the MXGP class, the pinnacle of off-road racing. 

Throughout the winter the team members and Japanese engineers have worked systematically to optimise Kawasaki's commitment to new FIM technical and environmental rules with continued updates and refinement to the KX-SR factory machines, which themselves are developed from the stock bikes available to customers at the worldwide network of Kawasaki dealerships. 

Testing went perfectly in sunny Sardinia throughout January to prepare for the first pre-season races, the first of which is hosted by the Salop Motor Club at Hawkstone Park in England prior to the opening round of the FIM World Championship in Argentina on March 1st/2nd. 

It was a busy and intense winter as the team will not only remain committed to success in the MXGP class with Frenchman Romain Febvre – it will be his fourth season with the team – and Latvian Pauls Jonass – a former MX2 world champion – but also extend their portfolio by entering the MX2 class as the official Kawasaki team for the first time with Mathis Valin. 

After his victorious campaign in the European EMX250 series during his first season with Kawasaki, French teenager Mathis Valin has been promoted to lead this exciting challenge with the new KX250-SR Kawasaki as KRT seek success in both classes to excite and satisfy the hunger of the lime-green community worldwide. 

Mr Manabu Shinobu: Senior Manager – Marketing Department – Marketing & Sales Division – Kawasaki Motors, Ltd.:
“The Kawasaki official entry in both MXGP and MX2 for the 2025 season shows our level of commitment to off-road sport. We hope fans globally share in the success that is being anticipated using the same KX models that fans can purchase as the base for the world championship machines being campaigned.” 

Antti Pyrhönen: Team Manager:
“The time we are all working towards is here yet again and the Championship is set to start. I am feeling very calm; our riders have completed an extremely strong winter test program, and the team is in a good place” 

Steve Guttridge: Race Planning Manager – Kawasaki Motors Europe:
“The 2025 season lays ahead and both the team and all lime green fans are ready for the gate to drop. Competing officially in both MXGP and MX2 is a huge step forward for our motocross project and we have the riders, staff and machinery in place to make a huge impact.” 

Romain Febvre:
“We had perfect conditions to work in Sardinia; I also had a perfect physical training schedule in Spain before Christmas and then again n Sardinia. The Japanese engineers were with us in Sardinia; we had successful testing sessions with them, and I must say that the bike now suits me even better! I feel confident for the season ahead; now I can’t wait to be behind the starting gate to finalise our preparation!” 

Pauls Jonass:
“Everything has been going really good so far, good preparation and good testing weeks in Sardinia, it was good to know the bike more and more and work on different things as I have never been riding a Kawasaki before joining the team. It has been great to learn the bike better, to work with the mechanics and everyone in the team before the first races. Of course there is still some work to do, but the season is long. I feel ready to go racing and excited to see how the bike and I react in race conditions.” 

Mathis Valin:
“I was welcomed whole-heartedly by the team and I immediately felt comfortable with the team members and the bike. We worked a lot this winter with the team. I also worked hard physically, and I feel ready for the new season; I'm happy to be back racing soon to face the challenges ahead.”

On the last weekend of September, a Kawasaki rider secured the 2024 EMX250 class – the European motocross championship. Bud Racing Kawasaki has specialised in EMX and other off road disciples for many years and rider, Mathis Valin, took the crown with a spectacular win/win weekend.  Of course, Mathis will soon be even more familiar as he takes his seat in 2025 for KRT in the world MX2 class.

Dominating the first race on Saturday, Valin pulled off an impressive victory to clinch the EMX250 Championship showcasing his dominance and mastery of the track. His follow up of winning race two simply underlined his EMX dominance – a sign of things to come from the young French rider.The story of success was augmented by actions in the WorldSBK paddock over the same period where Kawasaki clinched the WorldSSP 300 Championship in the Manufacturer category… with one round remaining.Inigo Iglesias Bravo (Füsport – RT Motorsports by SKM Kawasaki) and Mirko Gennai (MTM Kawasaki) each won a race at the penultimate round of the 2024 WorldSSP 300 Championship and in doing so they ensured Kawasaki’s name would once more be engraved on the Manufacturers cup. 

Both EMX and WorldSSP 300 are so-called “feeder” classes for MX2 and also WorldSSP (where Kawasaki will race the ZX-6R 636cc model in 2025). Gaining experience in terms of race craft and machine control is one of the prime benefits of a rider gradually working their way methodically through classes and something Kawasaki actively supports.  

Steve Guttridge, Race Planning Manager, Kawasaki Motors Europe, said: “Kawasaki is understandably proud to have added to our existing Championship success in WorldSSP300 by achieving the manufacturer title honour once more in 2024. This is now our sixth success as a brand from eight attempts, but the real credit has to go our teams and their riders delivering such consistently strong results on the Ninja 400.

With no less than four riders sharing the top step of the podium so far in 2024, this Championship provides real excitement and – being part of the WorldSBK paddock – creates a great ladder of opportunity for aspiring riders. Add the fact that Kawasaki Bud Racing and Mathis Valin took a European title and this add up to a very fruitful weekend for Kawasaki riders and fans”.

With the countdown to Motorcycle Live on, Kawasaki UK is delighted to announce the latest part of its 2024 plans with the launch of the FUCHS Silkolene Green Adventure. The exciting new element will provide an opportunity for youngsters between 7 and 12 the chance to get their first ride on two wheels.

At the annual celebration of all things two-wheeled, Kawasaki UK and Team Green partner FUCHS Silkolene are giving young riders attending Motorcycle Live 2024 a chance to experience the joys of riding for the first time. The all-new FUCHS Silkolene Green Adventure area is a unique chance for youngsters to ride the Kawasaki Elektrode, a 20-inch wheeled electric-only off-road bike. 

Open to attendees between the ages of 7 and 12 (height dependent), every child will be under the watchful eyes and tuition of experienced trainer Craig Chamberlain, who runs the Kawasaki MX Experience days. Children interested in experiencing the Elektrode and having fun on two wheels for the first time should stop by the Kawasaki stand in Hall 4 on any of the nine show days. Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department:

“We are always striving to provide customers visiting the Kawasaki stand with an interactive experience alongside showcasing our range of new and exciting machines. The “FUCHS Silkolene Green Adventure” will be a great opportunity for parents to give their children the chance to try two wheels for the first time in a controlled and safe environment. The Kawasaki Elektrode is the perfect tool to start your biking journey on at that age and we are confident there will be a lot of smiling faces throughout the nine-day show.” Natasha Moore – FUCHS UK Sales Manager, Motorcycle Division.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Kawasaki UK on the FUCHS Silkolene Green Adventure, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting the next generation of riders. At FUCHS Silkolene, we are passionate about providing innovative and sustainable solutions for motorcycling, and this event gives young riders the opportunity to explore the excitement of two wheels on the all-electric Kawasaki Elektrode. It’s a fantastic initiative that we are proud to be part of, and we can’t wait to see the enthusiasm it will inspire in these future riders.”

Current leader of the 250 European motocross championship, Mathis Valin will join the Kawasaki Racing Team next season to compete in the FIM MX2 World Championship. The French youngster, who is enjoying an impressive first season on a KX250 with Bud Racing Kawasaki, will lead the factory effort in this class.

After a successful career in the 125 class, in which he won the Junior World Championship and collected a silver medal in the European Championship last year, Mathis, who celebrated his eighteenth birthday recently, started his rookie season in the 250cc class with Bud Racing Kawasaki by racing to victory in the Junior category of the famous Enduropale du Touquet; since then he has added the French Elite title and is leading the European EMX250 Championship after seven rounds. 

Trained by Thierry Van den Bosch, a former Supermoto World Champion, Mathis has already won two rounds and five motos on a variety of different surfaces such as hardpack at Madrid, the mud of Saint Jean d’Angely and the deep sand of Lommel. 

For his official entry to the MX2 World Championship next season with factory KX250 machinery, the Kawasaki Racing Team has reached an agreement with Team Bud Racing to allow the young prospect to enter his new challenge in the best conditions. Mathis will move to Belgium at the end of the season to start working with the KRT staff and to prepare his first attempt in the highly-competitive MX2 GP class. 

Mathis Valin:

“It's a dream came true! If anyone had told me earlier this year that I would be joining the Kawasaki Racing Team at the end of the season I wouldn’t have believed them. I’m happy and proud to join the team; I think that my results helped me to earn this position and now the goal will be to carry on working hard to continue getting good results. It’s a big change for me but already this season I have left my parental home so moving to Belgium, in a team where there are already some French guys, will be OK. When I was offered this opportunity to join KRT there was no hesitation; initially the plan was for me to stay two years with Bud in the European Championship, but, as I’m currently leading the series, it’s already time to move up to the MX2 World Championship next year and I will do my best to end this current season with some more successes.” 

Shigemi Tanaka (General Manager, Marketing & Sales Division, Kawasaki Motors, Ltd):
“In Mathis we have a great example of the Team Green principle of nurturing talent and developing it within a structured and sympathetic environment. We are super excited to be re-entering the MX2 class with a factory team in 2025 and all the parts of a complex jig-saw are gradually falling into place. Mathis is a crucial part of this emerging team structure, and we hope that Kawasaki fans and young riders across the globe will both follow his progress on the new KX250 complete with the very latest engine and chassis technology identifying with him while he demonstrates the core values of our Team Green philosophy.” 

Antti Pyrhonen (KRT Team Manager):
“We are very excited about this new opportunity with Kawasaki to enter the MX2 class and for sure it will be a different challenge. We will work next year with a young rider; it’s always interesting to educate them in training, riding and race tactics as well as everything else outside of racing; we need to support them with their living situation, travelling and so on. We are really excited about that, we have the experience to do it plus it’s a great compliment that Kawasaki give us the opportunity to enter the MX2 category because this way we can build the Team Green spirit from a young age all the way through to the premier MXGP class. 

Mathis has impressed us; if you watched his career in recent years he already showed incredible speed in the 125 class, was successful in that class and immediately won races in the EMX250. He’s a young rider but he has already the winning mentality and that opens even greater opportunities to continue in the future. And it's nice that he’s coming from the Kawasaki family; it’s been a great effort from everyone and I want to thank not only the Kawasaki factory in Japan for this opportunity but also Steve Guttridge at KME and Stephane Dassé from Bud Racing for their big efforts behind the scenes to make this possible.” 

Steve Guttridge (Race Planning Manager, Kawasaki Motors Europe):
“Bud Racing does a  fantastic job of bringing up the young pilots and has a famous history of developing French talent through to their professional career. So to join up all the dots and bring Mathis through into KRT at the first opportunity as we establish an MX2 seat within the factory team is perfect. All the young riders can now see that there is a ladder into a factory team with Kawasaki when they achieve their targets. Mathis gets on very well with the KX250 and is leading the EMX. He likes the base bike so there is one less thing for him to get used to as he moves to a different team set-up.” 

Stephane Dasse (Bud Racing Team Manager):
“For sure it’s a great opportunity for Mathis to move to KRT next season, even if our plan was to keep him with us for another year. He adapted so well to the 250 that he immediately achieved top results, and Kawasaki will now give him the chance to move to the MX2 World Championship so we let him move on! For sure it’s great to see that our work with him is paying off, and to see that there’s a strong connection between Bud, KRT and Kawasaki.”

For 50 years (and counting), Kawasaki’s KX motocrossers have been built to dominate the racetrack and push racers toward the top step of the podium.

The next step in that progression is the new 2025 KX250, which receives upgrades in a number of key areas for better racetrack performance while equipping it for its factory KRT MX2 Championship debut in the coming season.

In terms of the radically updated spec, the engine power feeling at low speeds and throttle control when exiting corners are both improved for 2025 as a result of a symmetrically aligned intake and exhaust and optimised downdraft intake.

Already known for being a nimble, well-handling machine, the KX250 is now even more agile with updates to the frame and suspension, many of which are similar to those that the KX250’s older sibling, the flagship KX450, received for 2024. These updates – combined with new features such as ODI Lock-On grips and smoother new bodywork – allow the rider to move around on the bike more easily and are destined to translate into faster lap times.

Racers will be delighted with the new tech features, including Power Modes and Kawasaki Traction Control, which are easily selectable from a new switch box located on the left handlebar. Additionally, smartphone connectivity allows riders to connect with their machine to adjust engine mapping directly from their smartphones using Kawasaki’s unique Rideology App tuned specifically for the KX.

Of course, an “attention getter” is the new engine configuration. Finger-follower valve actuation stays, as does a downdraft-style intake, and dual injectors but these are now joined by a new design of piston plus a revised intake and exhaust layout (with the silencer moved further forward for better mass centralisation) and a single-shaft primary balancer for an all-around stronger package with enhanced control and greater low to mid-range urge.

The symmetrically aligned intake and exhaust deliver a strong over-run and smooth low-rpm torque characteristics.  A redesigned intake offers a much straighter route for air-fuel mix to enter the cylinder, while a centrally positioned exhaust port lines up with the intake for high airflow efficiency; both contributing to increased performance.  The optimised downdraft intake also adds to low-end performance while a single-shaft primary engine balancer contributes to smoother power delivery and reduced vibration.

There is even a completely redesigned airbox to maximise the potential of the KX250’s dual injectors and match the new downdraft intake.  Complementing the significantly increased low-end torque and the smoother power delivery, throttle response is more linear.

In terms of gear changing, a hydraulic clutch offers more direct feel and lighter lever action plus less play as the clutch heats up during heavy use. The single-shaft primary engine balancer contributes to the smooth power delivery and reduced vibration, which improves throttle control, especially when exiting slower-speed corners.

Chassis-wise, the KX250’s new frame is based on that of the 2024 KX450, and updates for 2025 to suit the new intake and exhaust layout help to deliver improved handling.  The smooth bodywork is designed to facilitate rider movement and control plus fine-tuned suspension and brake components further contribute to the KX250’s light, agile handling thanks to its optimised rigidity balance.

High-performance Showa ø48 mm inverted coil-spring forks and New Uni Trak rear suspension offer race-ready suspension performance while the Ergo-fit choice of four handlebar positions and two footpeg positions allows riders to tailor their riding position to suit body size and ergonomic preference.

Kawasaki is as focused as ever to create and provide the most rider friendly, race winning package possible. It was a tough call to make the best better but we are confident that the 2025 KX250 moves the class to the next level allowing aspiring and time served riders the unique ability to fulfil their ambition to “Be Next”.  

The KX250 will be available late summer with pricing TBC. 

Following in the silent wheel tracks of the original Elektrode, the latest and larger model in the expanding family will be available in Europe for the 2025 sales season.

The Elektrode 20 is a variant of Kawasaki's first electric balance bike, the Elektrode 16, following the development concept of “My First Fun to Ride”.  Now with 20-inch wheels, the target age range has also increased to include adults allowing more riders to experience the off-road fun that powered two wheelers can bring while delivering Kawasaki's 'Fun to Ride' spirit.

Targeted at those is not yet ready to ride an off-road motorcycle or do not have the environment locally to ride one in, the Elektrode 20 is ideal for use at suitable off-road parks or campgrounds with the necessary facilities and permissions.

In its striking characteristic Kawasaki lime green and black livery, the Elektrode 20 is powered by a combination of a 48 V/10.2 Ah (489.6 Wh) battery linked to an in-wheel motor rated at 750w; a substantial increase over the Elektrode 16’s motor which is rated at 250w.  With the facility to charge – via the charger and charging lead plugged into the battery housed on the frame diagonal tube – zero to full charge in four hours with 90% of charge delivered in just three hours.

Offering three selectable speed modes riders can “tune” the performance to suit their skill and requirement from Low, Mid and High with the comfort of long riding sessions. A full hour of riding is possible in High mode and longer periods at the lower speed ratings are possible according to rider weight, terrain and usage.

The large MTB type tube frame accommodates a telescopic front fork, manual cable type front and rear brakes (operated by left and right handlebar levers) and 20 inch (50.8cm) front and rear tyres. And, in order to accommodate as many rider heights as possible, the seat offers a generous 143mm of height adjustability. It even has a front KX style “number board” to further reinforce its off-road looks and personality!

Thanks to its KX off-road inspired design – coupled with the use of the evocative Kawasaki lime green colourway – the Elektrode 20 is sure to set the pulses racing of not only those who are ready to leave the smaller Elektrode behind but also parents and family members who won’t be able to resist the ease of operation, performance, endurance and fun offered by Kawasaki’s latest all electric off-road offering.

2025 model year colour: Lime Green

The Kawasaki Racing Team will extend its remit in 2025 by entering the MX2 category as well as competing in the MXGP Championship.

Based at its impressive workshop near the Lommel track in Belgium, the new enterprise will come under the responsibility of existing KRT Manager, Antti Pyrhönen, while team staffing will evolve and expand according to the extra demands of an additional championship.

Initially utilising the direct relationship that the team has with the KMC factory engineers in Japan – including their wealth of design knowledge and engineering insight relating to the production KX250 machine – the KRT MX2 team will be working on an all new specification across the coming months gearing towards a fully developed race machine for 2025 season.

With no decision at this time being made on who may ride for the team, KRT are targeting those with both podium potential allied to the skill to provide accurate feedback during the important pre-season testing phase. 

The best way to lead is by example, so the establishment of this factory attack on MX2 honours within the highly professional and proven race-winning structure of the Kawasaki Racing Team will provide a stable base for rider and championship success. We hope youth riders will see this as something to aspire to and, in turn, to graduate from MX2 experience and success towards MXGP, the very pinnacle of motocross.”      

As riders grow and progress in their riding ambitions, their bike – and its size – is of great importance. Kawasaki can now offer a new capacity option for young riders with the introduction of the KX112.

A classic two-stroke, water-cooled single cylinder machine with a 19inch front and 16inch rear wheel combination, the KX112 is destined to make a great practice or track day bike for younger riders getting to grips with precise machine control and practicing their race craft.

Thanks to a sturdy six speed transmission, allied to tried and trusted Kawasaki KX engineering, the KX112 enjoys factory inspired styling and Dunlop MX33 tyres.  Additionally, unique Kawasaki “Ergofit” functionality delivers an adjustable handlebar mounting system allowing riders to tailor fit their riding style and size by selecting from six different possible handlebar positions.

With an 870mm seat height and weighing in at just 77kg, the new KX112 will for sure be an exciting new practice and track day option for discerning young riders in 2024.

Afteran incredible 2023 season that saw him win every race he finished, Billy Askewwill remain with Kawasaki for next year, joining fellow new recruit Bobby Bruceand Jack Chambers in the Dixon Racing Team. The signing completes an excitinglineup for Team Green in the UK for 2024 that includes Tommy Searle, MelPocock, Joel Rizzi, Carlton Husband and Charlie Cole.

The established squad has enjoyed fantastic success over the years, most notably winning the MX Nationals MX2 series and claiming runner-up spot in the ACU British MX2 Championship in the 2022 season. Now, the experienced team is making the switch to Team Green, running the Kawasaki KX250 and all-new KX450 machines. 

The team will be fielding a three-rider attack in the British Championship as well as competing in the highly competitive Arenacross Tour. The full lineup will be announced in due course, but the team and Kawasaki are very excited to unveil this news and preparing for what we collectively hope will be a successful 2024 season! 

Kawasaki UK is excited to confirm that it will be attending the exciting new AX Fest celebration on September 15-17. Run by the team behind the highly successful Arenacross events, the three-day festival will be a celebration of music and motorbikes, while it will also feature as the opening round of the 2024 Arenacross series.  

Over the past 50 years, Kawasaki KX motorcycles have dominated at the pinnacle of off-road racing, collecting multiple World MX and WMX titles, plus in the U.S. boosting an industry-leading 63 combined AMA motocross and supercross championships as well as 720 victories in AMA professional racing.  Kawasaki’s impressive list of Champions includes all-time greats such as Stefan Everts, Sebastian Tortelli, Mickael Maschio, Christophe Pourcel, and Courtney Duncan for WMX as well as Jeff Ward, Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, Ryan Villopoto and Eli Tomac.

The development of the revolutionary technology for the KX lineup has remained constant throughout the years in Kawasaki’s pursuit of victory. These technological advancements include the Uni-Trak rear suspension in 1979, disc brakes in 1980, and the perimeter frame in 1989. Recent innovations include the DFI system with dual injectors and launch control mode in 2012, but in 2019, Kawasaki engineers took the KX brand a step further by introducing both electric start and a hydraulic clutch to an already impressive list of features found on its flagship KX450. Today, the KX250 and KX450 remain poised to continue their industry-leading charge and have adopted FIM World Superbike-derived technology from the Kawasaki Racing Team efforts such as the finger follower valve train, ensuring KX riders have the power needed to get to the checkered flag first.

Throughout the world, Lime Green continues to be recognized as the colour of Kawasaki, and for over 50 years, KX machines have proudly worn this colour that has served as the colour of victory.

To celebrate this milestone, Kawasaki will be sharing historical content throughout this year featuring some of the greatest technological innovations, racing moments and other memories from the past 50 years.

Leading the 450 cm3 class charge is the awesome KX450 enjoying its first full-model change in five years. The 2024 KX450 benefits from a new frame and bodywork plus increased engine performance thanks to a symmetrically aligned intake and exhaust.

Handling performance is also improved, with greater front-end feel contributing to improved cornering performance to complement the KX450’s acclaimed light, nimble handling and legendary straight-line ability. Aggressive new green bodywork offers improved ergonomics due to a slim, and smoother rider interface while upgrades for the coming season include premium Brembo brake components and ODI Lock-on grips (both firsts on a KX model).

In terms of tech highlights, the 2024 KX450 features for the very first time Power Modes and Kawasaki Traction Control, both easily selectable from switches at the left handlebar.

Riders can quickly select from two levels (Weak, Strong) of traction control to suit conditions and preference. Riders may also elect to turn the system off. Using the Mode (M) button on the left handlebar, it is also possible to switch between two engine maps (Normal, Mild response) provided in the ECU.

Additionally, smartphone connectivity allows riders to connect with their machine to adjust engine mapping directly from their smartphones using the application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX” to adjust engine maps including fuel and ignition timing while maintenance logs are also available.
Adding new features, plus carefully selected electronic rider aids, has taken the KX450 to the next level and Kawasaki hopes that 2024 season riders will accelerate ahead of the chasing pack towards well deserved podium results.

The KX450 will be available from November, with pricing to be confirmed shortly.

Mitch Evans, the newest member of the Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP, starts the next chapter of his career in Green this weekend in the opening round of the FIM MXGP World Championship  at Villa La Angostura, the magnificent track in the shadow of the Patagonian Andes where he recorded his first-ever GP podium in 2019.

The F&H Kawasaki MX2 Racing Team has revealed its new line up before the opening race of the season in Argentina. The team has had a good off season and is ready to perform in 2023. Kevin Horgmo finished fourth in the world championship MX2 in 2022 and is eager to improve on this result this year. Alongside him is the talented Spaniard David Braceras who moves up from the EMX250 Championship to the MX2 class.

The Grand Prix of Argentina will be held Villa La Angostura, one of the best tracks on the MXGP calendar. Both riders are eager to compete and, for David, it’s the first time that he will race an overseas Grand Prix so for him it will be a great experience. 

Kevin Horgmo commented: ‘’The winter preparation went really well. I have enjoyed my time on the bike and we have improved a lot. The pre-season race didn’t really show that but I think that’s what these races are for and I have learnt a lot. Compared to last year I would like to be more consistent and don’t have any silly crashes. I was in a good position many times and let the result slip away. My mission is to improve and be even faster. All the hard work from the winter will pay off during the season. I’m looking forward to Argentina.’’ 

David Braceras commented: ‘’We did a lot of good training on proper tracks during the winter and I started to feel comfortable on the bike. We have done a lot of work with the bike and the suspension and other aspects are going really well. My goals for the first race in Argentina are see where I am and improve on that in the following races. I’m really enthusiastic to go to Argentina as the people there are also speaking Spanish. The track looks also really nice and I think I will adapt well to the type of sand of the track. It’s really fast and I think it will be a good track for me.’’ 

Nathalie Fase, Meam Manager added: ‘’F&H Kawasaki MX2 Racing Team will line up this season with two young, strong talented riders in the FIM Motocross MX2 World Championship. Kevin Horgmo who finished fourth in the world championship with us last season looks stronger than ever after a perfect winter preparation and is ready to go for it.  Our new Spanish talented member of the team David Braceras has recovered well from a minor injury earlier this winter period and we are confident that everything will work out with him step by step during the season. 

The composition of the team has changed slightly, a lot of familiar faces known for years already in the paddock, but also some new additions have made their entrance within the team which is refreshing! I myself recently became the mother of a sweet little boy, so I will have to coordinate the first races from home, Obviously, that is new to experience, but good preparation is half the work and my partner together with our crew is fortunately taking over many of my tasks on site. 

We look back on a good season last year and together with all our sponsors and Kawasaki we are ready to take it even further. The complete F&H Kawasaki MX2 Racing Team is motivated to start the season in a positive way and build from there. Let the good times roll!”

After two solid pre-season races Romain Febvre and the Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP are ready for the opening round of the FIM MXGP World Motocross Championship in Argentina this weekend.

It has been a busy winter for the Frenchman who underwent surgery straight after the final GP of 2022 to remove a pin in his leg. “The surgeon also took this opportunity to clean the knee so I had to wait until the end of November to get back training physically and later on the bike. For the first time in a while I can run and undertake physical training without pain, and that was great to have a strong winter to prepare the season,” explained Romain, who also decided to have further minor surgery on his forearms in January. “Two years ago I experienced pain in my arms and underwent surgery then last year, when I was back after six months, the pain returned. That’s pretty usual after you don’t ride for a long time, but after intensive training and testing this winter I felt the pain again so I didn’t want to take any risks and had surgery in January. I had to stop riding for a few weeks which is why I didn’t race the Italian International series.” 

For the ninth time in his career, Romain will line up in the MXGP class where he won the world title in 2015. He narrowly missed a second title in 2021, his second year with Kawasaki, when the series went to the final moto of the season, and of course it’s his main goal this year to clinch gold again. “It’s impossible to explain what a great feeling it is when you are world champion. Already as a child I was dreaming to get a title at least one time; it was a dream initially but when I finally got it I wanted more. When you take part in any sport, whatever it is, you want to be the best but it’s not easy. Then when you miss it by just a couple of points like in 2021 you look back on the season and you see where you could have got those few more points. And that’s not easy to accept,” he said in analysis. With all his experience he knows how important the mental approach is. “The mental side is a big part of the puzzle! Even if you work hard and are ready for the challenge you know before the start of each race that it’s a tough affair. To be strong mentally can help you to handle the pressure, and that’s something that you must have in you. Either you have it or you don’t; you can’t invent it.” 

The pre-season races were pretty good for Romain, who achieved several podium results, but now it’s time to line up for the first GPs against even stronger opposition. “I’m nearly at 100% now, and the season will be really long. I love that track in Argentina, and the goal will be to score as many points as possible at each round. I know that in 2021 I was missing some speed compared to Herlings at times, and that’s a point we have worked on with Kevin Strijbos. If I regularly take good starts, like in the first moto at Hawkstone, I know what we are capable of this season. Let's go!”

Sharing the same robust and highly regarded 4-stroke SOHC air-cooled, electric start engine matched to lightweight, rigid frames, the three bike KLX140R range for 2023 caters for growing riders and growing confidence alike with their narrow profile chassis’ contributing easy rider grip and smooth movement on the bike.

Equipped with five speed transmissions and manual clutches, the trio of KLX R models begins with the KLX140R. With its low seat height of just 780mm, this is the first chance for many young riders to experience not just the thrill of two wheels but also opportunity to master the operation of a manual clutch and five close ratio competition style gears.

Equipped with front and rear hydraulic disc brakes and sharing the same aggressive track-ready looks of the competition focused KX stable, the KLX140R is for many lucky young riders a “lime green hello” to the world of riding and Kawasaki.

Moving on physically – and appealing to riders further up the height and age scale – is the KLX140R L. Sporting 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels, the KLX140R L rider will enjoy an 800mm seat height and a curb mass of just 95Kg making the machine easy to manoeuvre when riding and a cinch to load after a long day of enjoyable riding. At the zenith of the KLX140R range for 2023 is the KLX140R F equipped with adult off road bike sized 21-inch front and 19 inch rear wheels.  Making full use of the 8.3kW (11PS) power and 12Nm (1.2kgm) torque at 6000 rpm that is a characteristic of all machines in the KLX140R range, the KLX140R F pilot can relish similar chassis dimensions to an adult MX machine while having the reassurance of predictable and manageable power delivery plus adjustable rear suspension. As a final step before entering the full-on competition arena, the KLX140R F model is a great choice of machine.

From juniors first tentative steps to pushing the door wide open on adult riding, the highly regarded KLX140R range is ready and willing to add fun and enjoyment in 2023.  

Firmly established in many global markets as the ideal youth or “first time” powered off-road four-wheeler, the KFX 90 will officially appear in the UK for the first time in 2023.

Aggressively styled to echo larger, adult focused KFX quad machines – as well as drawing influence from the two-wheeled KX motocross range – there is no mistaking the updated and restyled frontal area of the lime green racing bodywork with its tall front fenders and Kawasaki branded handlebar pad, but that is just a small part of the story.

While junior dreams of all the terrain they will conquer…. and all the mud they will blast through, parents will zone in on some of the great safety features that create reassurance and allow safe and structured use of this, the first powered vehicle many of the riders will have ever operated.

To start with; the electric starter. The KFX90 is started by inserting and turning an ignition key (that at other times can be kept safe and “out of harm’s way”) plus there is a clever “starter lock-out” safety feature meaning the KFX90 can only be started with the brakes fully applied. And in terms of brakes, no corners are cut with handlebar levers left and right with the front drum brakes operated from the right lever plus a powerful hydraulic rear disc actuated by the left handlebar lever.

That’s start and stop dealt with but what about Go? Utilising a compact and time-proven 89.9cc four-stroke , air-cooled engine, the KFX90 is CVT equipped meaning the only thing junior has to concentrate on is what appropriate speed to travel at and when to apply the brakes leaving the continuously variable transmission to do the rest. Incidentally, there is a throttle stop mechanism that can be set by an adult supervisor so that learning to operate the KFX90 can be done step-by-step with a grown up rationing the urge available.

Two other areas where style meets practicality are the footboards and the new lighting array. Deep non-slip material equipped footboards and compact bodywork styling ensure that the riders’ feet remain inboard and safe at all times, while LED front accent lights and a large rear light are bright, easy to see and low maintenance.

Underpinned by a highly competent and rigid steel cradle chassis with high quality independent adjustable A-arm front suspension and swingarm rear suspension, the KFX is a great introduction to both powered off-road vehicles and Kawasaki. Bring on the Tougher Terrains and Bigger Adventures, the KXF90 is ready and waiting.  

The KXF90 will arrive in dealers in late October and the SRP is £3,299

Chief among many changes are those in the engine group. Within the cylinder head a narrower pitch for the intake valves (37 mm to 35.5 mm), coupled with increased clearance at the valve seats, delivers increased cylinder-filling efficiency and improved combustion for increased peak performance. And to accurately fill that cylinder, the downdraft style intake duct is straighter plus the upstream injector is repositioned from above to below the duct.  These changes further contribute to increased cylinder-filling efficiency which adds to peak performance. In terms of the valves themselves, they are smaller (ø32 mm to ø31 mm) contributing to cylinder-head/valve-seat reliability while enabling the tighter valve pitch while the piston crown is revised to match the valve size and pitch changes.

Aside from the greater engine performance due to these new efficiencies a longer exhaust header pipe (457 mm to 557 mm) offers increased low-mid range torque while the Akashi engineers also ensured that advanced ignition timing matches the engine changes. In terms of power feeling, a new magneto rotor with an increased moment of inertia (9.5 kg·cm2 to 10.0 kg·cm2) contributes to a more racer-friendly power delivery.

In terms of gears, ratios three, four, five and six remain the same but a longer first gear is introduced thanks to feedback from AMA Supercross and the second gear is also modified to make a smoother transition between first and third.

All Japan Motocross Championship experience resulted in changes to the front fork internals to deliver firmer compression damping that contributes to increased off-road performance without sacrificing ride comfort. While the fork spring rate itself is unchanged, a revised oil height contributes to optimised overall spring characteristics. The rear suspension now features firmer compression damping contributing to increased off-road performance without sacrificing ride comfort.

Other chassis upgrades include the adoption of a wider rear tyre for 2023 in the form of Dunlop’s MX33 110/90-19 to compared to the 100/90-19 used last year while the footpegs are 5 mm wider (front-to-rear) and positioned 3 mm rearward to offer excellent grip, superb feel making it easier to weight the pegs plus they are lighter too.

Wise tuners will tell you that gradual refinement and upgrades that integrate seamlessly are often the route to racing success and that is just the route that Kawasaki takes for its quarter litre race class machine. Useable power, considered engine and chassis upgrades plus genuine podium potential, its got to be the new 2023 KX250 from Kawasaki. 

Prices and availability will be announced soon.