Endurance World Championship
The Endurance World Championship, a series recognised by the FIM (International Motorcycling Federation), is the pinnacle of endurance racing. Races take place over eight or 24 hours, so rider changes, refuelling and tyre changes are all part of the battle for position. Based on production models powered by 4-cylinder engines displacing up to 1000cc, or 2-cylinder engines displacing up to 1200cc, machines are modified with equipment to facilitate quick fuel charges and tyre changes, and tuning that prioritises reliability. In order to be able to race at night, a headlamp is also required equipment. Races like the Suzuka 8 Hours, Le Mans 24 Hours and Bol d’Or 24 Hours are steeped in history and tradition. In recent years, the high pace sustained for long hours has made these some of the most gruelling races in the world – something that only adds to their popularity.
Team Webike SRC Kawasaki France Trickstar, supported by Kawasaki France, is one of the most prominent Kawasaki teams and have experienced victory in Le Mans and the Bol d’Or. This year they have a new team structure and have changed their team name to “Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar.” As before, they will be competing with the Ninja ZX-10RR.
British Superbike Championship
The British Superbike Championship (BSB) is a national road racing series held primarily in the United Kingdom. Many BSB riders go on to race in the Superbike World Championship and MotoGP; conversely, BSB famously counts former World Superbike and MotoGP riders among its number, which increases the level of competition as well as the series’ great popularity. Teams field machines based on production models powered by 4-cylinder engines displacing up to 1000cc, or 2-cylinder engines displacing up to 1200cc, however electronic rider aids like traction control are forbidden, making the races an even greater test of the riders’ technique. In recent years, Kawasaki machines have been at the forefront of the action in BSB, and notably Leon Haslam took his Ninja ZX-10RR to the 2018 title.
In the 2023 season, the top Kawasaki team is the Kawasaki UK-supported Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki, who are competing with the Ninja ZX-10RR.
All Japan Road Race Championship
The All Japan Road Race Championship, organised by the MFJ (Motorcycle Federation of Japan), is Japan’s premier road racing series, with races held at circuits across the country. The series offers four racing classes: top class JSB1000, limited-modification ST1000, 600cc class ST600, and 250cc class J-GP3. Other than J-GP3, the classes are contested by production-based machines, illustrating the potential readily available to average customer.
Kawasaki Plaza Racing Team, supported by Kawasaki Motors Japan, is the top Kawasaki team, fielding Ninja ZX-10R race machines in the ST1000 class, where the performance of the base machine is crucial. They are also planning to compete in the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race in the SST class.
All Japan Motocross Championship
The All Japan Motocross Championship, run by the MFJ (Motorcycle Federation of Japan), is Japan’s premier motocross racing series. Events are hosted by the various regions across the country, with races held on outdoor dirt courses featuring naturally undulating terrain and man-made technical sections. Riders with International A-rank qualification can compete in two classes: IA1 (4-stroke 450cc machines, or 2-stroke 250cc machines) and IA2 (4-stroke 250cc machines, or 2-stroke 125cc machines). The machines are specially prepared motocross racers.
Team Kawasaki R&D, supported by Kawasaki Motors, Ltd., is the top Kawasaki-affiliated team competing in IA1. The KX450-SR factory race machine is used to contest the championship with the main aim of improving performance and pushing development for the KX series.
