MSS Colchester Kawasaki riders Simon Andrews and Gary Mason got to test the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R complete with Magneti Marelli electronics, but only after snow was cleared from the circuit of Guadix in Spain.
Gary, Simon and new Superstock rider Howie Mainwaring each rode more than 30 laps in the test to dial in the new electronics systems.
On Tuesday, the team awoke to a thick blanket of snow, but unlike in their British home, the show soon melted, allowing the riders to gain meaningful practice and log valuable data.
MSS Colchester continues testing through Thursday.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is launching a new line of powersport oils. Comprised of the latest formulations of superior quality lubricants and specifically engineered to Kawasaki’s highest standards, the new Kawasaki Performance Oils line includes full-synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral based formulations in multiple grades of motorcycle oils, plus new ATV/UTV and PWC formulations. This is not a simple re-branding of the old product, but an entirely new lineup of super quality modern powersport engine oils.

In accordance with strict Kawasaki guidelines, significant improvements have been made across the entire line. The results include mineral based formulations which deliver a 20% reduction in phosphorous and sulfur content, 45% lower volatility, 5% higher film thickness, between 15 – 30% better anti-wear characteristics and up to a 15% improvement in anti-oxidancy, depending on type. In addition to the advanced mineral based formulations, the new Kawasaki Performance Oils lineup also includes the latest semi and full-synthetic performance engine lubricants based on modern polyalphaolefins and esters.

“These new oils cover gaps in the previous lineup and will help Kawasaki dealers to capitalize on the strong demand for modern synthetic oil formulations, while more effectively serving the needs of their powersports customers,” said Jim Williams, KMC’s director of corporate sales.

In conjunction with the launch of these new oils, KMC is also releasing distinctive new packaging, “Performance Made Perfect” marketing and dealer displays all designed to emphasize the modern, high-performance attributes of Kawasaki Performance Oils.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, utility vehicles and recreation utility vehicles through a network of more than 1,475 independent retailers, with an additional 8,000 retailers specializing in Kawasaki power products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,300 people in the United States, with 400 of them located at KMC’s Irvine, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline,”Let the good times roll,” is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish motorcycles for over four decades. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

For more discussion on Kawasaki Products go to link

After being linked to race for DFX, Matteo Baiocco has instead signed a deal with Italian run Team Pedercini and will ride the Kawasaki ZX10R in this year’s World Superbike Championship.

The 26 year old Baiocco, who has experience in the Italian CIV and in Superbikes, last year was one of the unfortunates, who had to switch teams during the season, with the first part of the season riding for financially strapped PSG-1 Corse and with Guandalini Racing in the final rounds.

Baiocco will team up with WSBK rookie Roger Lee Hayden, who got his first taste of WSBK testing at Portimao in January, but was almost dead last in the unofficial test times while on his learning curve, getting used to the new track, new tires and overcoming the language barrier.

MSS Colchester Kawasaki are busy putting together plans for an intense racing season with new riders, sponsors, high-technology and a focused development schedule as they attack British Superbike (BSB), National Superstock and the Isle of Man TT.

The Essex based team stepped up a level in 2009 with their riders regularly running at the sharp end of the pack resulting in a creditable BSB series finish of sixth and seventh. Star rider Simon Andrews lead races, finished on the podium and would have had an even stronger Championship position had it not been for injury.

For the 2010 season, Andrews will again spearhead the team, backed up by Privateers Cup winner, Gary Mason, whilst the squad will also run a professional effort in the fiercely competitive Metzeler National Superstock Championship, having signed up Howie Mainwaring.

Away from the short circuits the team will run a fourth Kawasaki ZX-10R in the varied roads circuits of the Isle of Man TT, Ulster GP and NW200 utilising the talents of roads specialist Ryan Farquhar.

Over the winter the team have picked up two state-of-the-art electronics packages which have been developed by the Kawasaki World Superbike outfit of Paul Bird Motorsport. The Magneti Marelli ‘Marvel’ system handles all on-board electronics to tackle both data collection and system management, with a myriad of datalogging and fine tuning options available. The electronics systems have been installed and the technicians have acquainted themselves with the technology, the team now track time to hone their set up.

Winter testing is scheduled to start on the 9^th March at Guadix in Spain, which will give the team the opportunity to explore the new electronics for the first time.

Another welcome development has been the addition of important new sponsors to help support the team as they push for championship honours in 2010. Mac Tools, Maxxis Tyres and Hornee Jeans are supplying the team with considerable sponsorship and marketing support for the new season to join Kawasaki UK, Colchester Kawasaki and Rock Oil as major sponsors, with others still in final negotiation. Mac Tools will also be supplying the team with valuable workshop equipment both for the race workshop and also kitting out the transporters with high end tooling.

MSS Colchester Kawasaki Team Owner, Nick Morgan said, “We feel like we are finally getting the breaks we need after all these years. For the first time we have had the very best riders approach us and big sponsors asking to support the team. We have a strong rider line-up, dedicated staff ready to go and partners who are passionate about our development. When all’s said and done it comes down to Brands Hatch round one but we certainly feel we have the structure and support in place for a great year.”

The MSS Colchester Kawasaki sponsor line-up for 2010 includes: Mac Tools, Maxxis Tyres, Kawasaki UK, Colchester Kawasaki, Hornee Jeans, Rock Oil, B & C Express (Arrow Exhaust, Renthal and Tsubaki), NGK Spark Plugs Ltd, Goodridge, Skidmarx, Pro Bolt, MotoXclean, Icom,  Talking Headsets, Brupac, TRW, Samco, Barrus, Touch 4, Colourlink, Sound Sense, Clinton Enterprises, Blackhorse Finance, JBL/Karman Kardon, Pipercross, GB Racing, Valta Moto.

Here is a press release received from Kawasaki today. It indicates that Chad Reed had successful surgery on his broken left hand this week, and that he should miss at least six weeks before he returns to racing.

Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Chad Reed underwent successful surgery to repair his broken left hand in California. Reed is expected to miss a minimum of six weeks recovering from the injury that occurred on Saturday night at Chase Field in Phoenix.

“This will be the first time Chad has ever missed a supercross,” said Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Manager Mike Fisher. “I know Chad wants to be racing. His surgery went really well and will start his rehabilitation as soon as he can. We want him to be 100 percent when he returns so he can put his Monster Energy Kawasaki on the podium.”

Reed’s teammate Ryan Villopoto scored his first podium finish of the season in Phoenix and is looking to earn his first win of the season at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. this weekend. The team is currently exploring its options for an interim rider.

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Pedercini Kawasaki is delighted to announce that American Roger Lee Hayden will join the team to compete in the 2010 Superbike World Championship.

The 26-year-old from Owensboro, Kentucky, USA has spent much of his career on Kawasaki machinery and in 2009 he participated in the Daytona Sportbike 600cc category in the Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki team. Hayden’s career began in 2004 in the AMA Supersport championship and the year after he was named AMA Superbike Rookie of the Year. In AMA Supersport he was able to win 13 races.

Regarding Pedercini Kawasaki’s second rider, the team is carrying out negotiations with several competitive riders, in order to have a strong team to be able to run at the front.

Roger Lee Hayden declared: “I am really happy to be participating in the World Superbike Championship next year with the Pedercini Team. It has always been my goal to race in a World Championship Series, and now I have the opportunity. It’s a big difference from what I did last year, but I’m ready and looking forward to taking that next step. I have experience on the Kawasaki Superbike, so that does not make everything completely new. It should be fun learning and racing at the new circuits and of course we have a home round in Salt Lake at Miller Motorsports Park. My first test will be at Portimao towards the end of January and I can’t wait to get back on a bike again!”

Team manager Lucio Pedercini added: “We’re very happy with our signing of Roger. He is a young rider and we hope to realize his full potential and guide him through his debut as we strongly believe that Hayden will put us in a good position to compete in the next Superbike World Championship. He has been competitive on Kawasaki machinery in the USA, he knows the Kawasaki ZX 10R and we want to continue developing his career within Kawasaki. We understand that Roger may need some time to adapt himself to our team, the new circuits and to such a difficult and competitive championship as World Superbike, but we are sure about his talent, motivation and determination.”

KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A. SUSPENDS ROAD RACING FOR 2010 SEASON

IRVINE, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2009) — Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. announced the company will not participate in the AMA Pro Racing road racing series in 2010

“While we’ve always considered road racing an integral part of our sportbike development process, the realities of the current economic situation dictate the temporary suspension of our U.S. road racing activities,” said Bruce Stjernstrom, marketing director.

Kawasaki’s long history of successful road racing includes 20 AMA series championships. Among the many champions who have worn the Kawasaki lime green racing leathers are Reg Pridmore, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Miguel Duhamel, Scott Russell, Doug Chandler, Eric Bostrom and more recently Tommy Hayden and Roger Hayden.
“We expect to see eventual improvements in the general economic condition and Kawasaki will reevaluate its road racing position as we monitor those issues,” said Stjernstrom.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, utility vehicles and recreation utility vehicles through a network of more than 1,475 independent retailers, with an additional 8,000 retailers specializing in Kawasaki power products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,300 people in the United States, with 400 of them located at KMC’s Irvine, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline,”Let the good times roll,” is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish motorcycles for over four decades. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

A recent safety notice posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website stats that Kawasaki is recalling 259 units of the Ninja 250R entry-level sportbike due to potential oil leak which could endanger the riders’ lives.

The direct consequence of such a problem is that oil deposited on the rear tire could seriously increase the risk of crashing.

“Kawasaki is recalling model year 2009-2010 EX250 Ninja 250 motorcycles. Porosity in the engine case could allow engine oil to leak and be deposited on the rear tire,” the notification posted on the NHTSA website stated.

“A small number of upper engine cases for the affected model could have porosity in the aluminum casting. This porosity occurs in the vicinity of a pressurized oil passage just above the transmission output shaft. Engine oil leaking from this location can be deposited on the rear tire, creating the risk of a crash.”

Just as expected, Kawasaki’s authorized dealership network across the United States will take care of the problem without any charge for the customers.

“Dealers will inspect and check for leaks in the vicinity of the suspected porosity. Units evidencing signs of leakage will be repaired free of charge,” the recall concluded.
Owners of the motorcycles in question can contact Kawasaki at 1-866-802-9381.

They may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).

The so-called ‘Little Ninja’ is currently in its fourth generation. The bike is powered by a 249 cc liquid cooled, parallel twin, DOHC petrol engine which develops a maximum power of 32 Bhp at 11,000 rpm with the maximum torque of 22 Nm at 8,200 rpm.

For more discussion on Kawasaki Motorcycles or this Recall go to link

German tuners Asphaltfighters unveiled their testosterone laden Kawasaki ZX-10R custom, the Stormbringer, at this year’s Essen Motor Show in Germany, which they claim is the fastest streetbike in the world. Backing that claim up with a top speed of 198mphthe bike will do 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds, 0-124mph in 6.5 seconds, and 0-186mph in 13.9 seconds.

With proper nouns like Asphaltfighter and Stormbringer, this ZX-10R oozes with real manly man stuff, and to help the Stormbringer reach its ludicrous velocities there’s an added “booster” mode, which takes the bikes tuned 220hp engine up another 60hp.

Not stopping with just the engine, the Stormbringer has also gone on a diet bringing the curb weight down to 429lbs. Hardly an improvement over the stock weight, the Stormbringer’s extra pork likely is due to the bike’s bevy of electronics.

Rear-view cameras replace the ZX-10R’s mirrors, a heads-up display projects the bikes speed onto the windscreen, and Xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights help light the way…because you need all that. What one does need is the Stormbringer’s Akrapovic exhaust, 10-level traction control system, OZ wheels, and orange treaded Battlax tires.

Wait, strike that last.

At nearly $86,000, the Stormbringer is an expensive bit of motorcycling meets Fast & The Furious meets Tron meets the “I’m Compensating for Something” club. But at least the Germans are kind enough to throw in “a precisely fitting leather suit and a carbonfibre and Kevlar helmet whose aerodynamic properties make it perfectly suited for the extremely high speeds this motorcycle can reach.”

For Kenny Noyes and the Palmeto Kawasaki team it was one of those weekends when you start out just a little bit behind and can’t quite catch up. Things began with some small problems on Friday that cost the team some valuable set-up time and meant that a lot of Friday’s work had to be done during the qualifying sessions on Saturday.

The big question was whether to use the softer of the two Michelin rear choices. Finally Kenny went for the softer rear and realized very early in the race that the track had warmed up to the point that the harder tire, the one chosen by eventual winner Ivan Silva, (Inmotec Kawasaki) was the right one.

But the trouble just after the start on the change of direction between turns 2 and 3. The rider in front of Kenny suddenly had his rear wheel step out and Kenny had to let off. He was then hit hard from behind by Cardoso and dropped down to ninth. Three laps later he had fought back to fourth, but going into final hairpin on lap 6 he was hit when Silva went for a gap that was closed before he got there.

Next week the series moves to the Circuit of Valencia for the final round and the last ride for Kenny on the Kawasaki before starting winter testing for the 2010 Moto2 World Championship.

Kenny Noyes #35
4º fast lap 1´43.237

“Today’s race had a couple of incidents that set me back. First of all I got a good start but there was a real funnel of bikes coming out of turn two and just where you go from right to left for turn 3 the rider in front on me had a big moment and I had to get out of the throttle to avoid hitting him, but Cardoso, who was just behind me, couldn’t react in time and he hit me so hard that I ran wide and dropped six places, down to ninth.

I was able to come back, finally moving into fourth by passing De Gea and Cardoso both on the brakes for Dry Sack, but about then I realized I had a bad case of the chatters with the rear wheel. We went for the soft tire because the harder one was slow to warm up this morning in the warm-up. But I should have gone with the hard one because the track was a lot warmer and by lap five it was spinning up too much.

The biggest incident of the day was when I was running fourth and Ivan Silva got into the hairpin hot on the inside. I never saw him when I leaned it and he hit me so hard that he almost knocked me off the track. I lost a couple of places that I had to fight to get back to fourth again, but by then we were out of touch.

So between getting clobbered twice and running out of grip n about lap four, we weren’t better than fourth today. We just have to accept it and keep working for the race in Valencia next week. I’ll do my damnest and plan to really enjoy my last ride in the big Kawasaki.”

For more discussion on Kawasaki Racing go to link.