Kawasaki to launch its first scooter in Europe

In a move to increase its prominence in the popular urban and sub-urban personal transport market, Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki is embarking on an ambitious plan to introduce its first scooter to the European market.

Kawasaki Scooters - UK bound

 Styled entirely in-house by a dedicated design team, the new J300 scooter features exciting Kawasaki visual cues that Mr Keishi Fukumoto, head of KHI’s Styling Department comments: “It was of great importance that our first step into the European scooter market should be with a machine that embodied Kawasaki’s cutting-edge design. We are happy that we have achieved this with the styling features of the new J300.”

Of the design philosophy, Mr Fukumoto added: “J stands for Jyounetsu, which means passion in Japanese. We approached the styling and design of the J300 with the same passion as for our other significant new models for the 2014 season.”

Recognising a Europe-wide demand for stylish, easy-to-ride and reliable scooters, Kawasaki has reacted to an obvious gap in its product offering. The J300 complements other successful urban families such as the popular ER series of machines and the versatile city charm of the Versys.

With the core drive train and additional chassis elements provided by strategic vehicle partner Kymco, the development, styling and final product engineering approach has been conducted exclusively by the design and engineering team at Kawasaki’s factory in Akashi, Japan and Kawasaki’s European R&D Department.

Available from franchised dealers later this year, the J300 is set to appeal to Kawasaki enthusiasts in need of a smart commuter and to attract new riders to Kawasaki.
J300 will be unveiled to the press and public at the Eicma Milan show next month.

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RACING NEWS: TRIUMPH FACTORY BACKING FOR SMITHS

Gloucester-based Smiths Racing will contest the 2014 British Supersport Championship with official backing from Triumph Motorcycles, its fifth season representing the leading UK manufacturer.



 

Smiths Race team: Triumph backing

 Aboard 675R Daytonas, Smiths took first and third spots in the 2012 British Supersport Championship thanks to Australian riders Glen Richards and Billy McConnell. Defending champion Richards has struggled with injury this season in the Motorpoint-sponsored series but McConnell was lying in third with Richards seventh after the recent penultimate round at Silverstone. For 2014, the team will continue with two riders in British Supersport, as well as competing in selected World Supersport rounds.

Triumph Motorcycles UK and Ireland general manager Rick Cawley commented: “We’re delighted to be working with Smiths again next season. We have a great relationship with the team and very much value the passion and commitment they bring to Triumph’s race programme. They have been instrumental in taking the 675R from an award-winning road bike to a highly competitive race machine and we’re looking forward to next season with relish.”

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EVENT: International Dirt Bike Show

Organisers are hailing this year’s International Dirt Bike Show as the biggest and best ever. Doors open on 31 October at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

2013 Dirt Bike Show- biggest ever

All the major motocross, enduro, trail and trial manufacturers will be there, as well as all the latest and best riding gear, kit, parts and accessories.

For many families, though, a visit to Europe's largest dedicated off-road show is as much about the free entertainment and hands-on activities as it is about seeing the latest gear, and the 2013 event certainly won't stretch the family budget. The organising team has stacked out halls four and five with plenty to see and do. Hall four is the place to head if you want to sit back and enjoy watching others take the strain and hall five is where you can get involved.

The live arena schedule will see non-stop action with Steve Colley, three-time British solo trials champ, and his ultra-popular trials bike stunt show alternating with a series of Flattrack racing demonstration heats and finals, where the 2009 British and European Flattrack Champion Pete Boast and team will show the body positioning and brake/throttle skills involved in this hectic discipline. Show favourites Danny Butler and his Extreme Mountain Bike crew will return with a new and exciting stage set through which they'll perform impressive gravity-defying stunts, without an engine in sight.

The action continues through into hall five with rounds three and four of the new all-action Fro Systems UK Superlite minibike series taking over the weekend of the Show, with daily qualifying heats and an afternoon finale.

Family members looking to have-a-go won't be disappointed, as an array of activities, including Oset electric trials for the kids, My First Honda Licence, intro-to-intermediate trials try-outs for adults, as well as kids' quads and remote control 'crossers, will all be free-of-charge in hall five. If you're 16 and over and fancy having a crack at riding a geared road bike, the Motor Cycle Industry Association's 'Get On' team will be only too happy to assist.

Children aged ten and under go free, admission on the day of Hallowe’en is half-price for adults, and parking is free too.

Visit www.dirtbikeshow.co.uk for more details.



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EVENT: Guy Martin at D-Store relaunch

To celebrate the re-launch of the flagship UK Dainese D-Store, D-Store Manchester is holding a VIP evening with Guy Martin on 9 October.

VIP evening with Guy Martin

 Thirty pairs of tickets will be available through a raffle; 15 pairs will be available through the store's website/social media, with entry available until 11pm Friday, 4 October; and 15 will be available until 4pm Sunday, 6 October by registration in person at the D-Store Manchester. All people applying in person will be in with a chance of winning a signed Guy Martin replica AGV K3 helmet.

The evening will have a Q&A session with Guy and everyone present will receive a free limited-edition signed picture and a chance to have their photo taken with Guy. (The five best questioners picked from social media will also receive a signed poster.)

Refreshments will be provided, and special offers will be available on the full range of Dainese clothing, AGV and Arai helmets.

Dainese D-Store Manchester had a full refit during the summer and now has a comprehensive range of Dainese clothing, from the motorbike and ski collections, AGV and Arai helmets.

www.dainesemanchester.co.uk

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NICK SANDERS EXPEDITION CENTRE NOW OPEN!

Yamaha is delighted to announce that round-the-world adventurer and long-time Yamaha ambassador, Nick Sanders, has opened his Expedition Centre at his home in the Welsh countryside. After a two-year build period, The Nick Sanders Expedition Centre opened on 27th September 2013, for riders to stay and ride with the modern day legend of adventure riding, as well as learn from his vast experience.

The Nick Sanders Expedition Centre

 Between 27th Sep and 31st Oct 2013 there are 8 x 3-day Expedition Centre experiences available, which include 3 night’s full accommodation, breakfast and evening meals all for just £175 (using your own bike).

An experience with a difference

Most riders relish the thought of going on an adventure but often don’t for various reasons; money, family / work commitments, lack of confidence or just plain old lack of knowledge. So, rather than trying to teach riders how to ride, the new Nick Sanders Expedition Centre is focused instead on challenging all those negative reasons, to get riders into the right mind-set to take the plunge and commit to an adventure ride.

Whether you want to prepare for that once in a lifetime round the world trip, refine a journey across Europe or simply plan a ride in the UK, Nick and his partner Dr Caroline Taylor will talk you through your project on a one to one basis - The Expedition Centre could be thought of as a consultation process for your ‘next big step’;

“Everyone can do the ride they’ve always wanted to do,”said Nick, “we can help give you that push to go and make it cheaper and safer.”

With a maximum of 12 people on any one experience, Nick will also personally lead riders across hidden ‘white / unclassified’ roads in Mid Wales and Snowdonia – magnificent roads almost free of cars.

“I know roads you wouldn’t believe existed,” said Nick, “on a good day they are as good as anywhere I have ridden in the world.”

Authentic accomodation

The Nick Sanders Centre- a unique experience

Riders will stay in a mixture of brand new and beautifully appointed Mongolian Yurts, Log Cabins with log burning fires or the support truck that went to Timbuktu, which has now been converted into accommodation. Hot showers and drying rooms are also available.
Meals are included in the price and are of the highest standard cooked by Caroline onsite, using the best locally sourced produce from the nearby town of Machynlleth, as well as home grown herbs and salad vegetables from Nick’s land.

For full details or to book you Expedition Experience, contact Nick on nick@nicksanders.com or visit the website at www.nicksanders.com.

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EVENT: Copdock Motorcycle Show

On Sunday 6 October Suzuki GB will be attending East Anglia’s premier bike event, the Copdock Motorcycle Show, with Ipswich-based dealer Orwell Motorcycles.

Suzuki: Will be at the Copdock Motorcycle Show

Suzuki will have on show its extensive 2013 model selection, which includes two new bikes launched earlier this year. The special edition GSX-R1000Z celebrates the legendary machine and the one-millionth GSX-R to be produced since 1985, alongside the Intruder C1500T cruiser with integrated luggage, a trendy ‘all-black’ look and a high touring screen.

Alongside the new models, existing bikes on display will include the highly adaptable and adventures' choice, V-Strom 650 ABS as well as the popular middle-weight SFV650.

Suzuki ambassador and three-time British Superbike Champion John Reynolds will also be available on the day, talking about his racing career and all things Suzuki.

There will also be information on Suzuki's genuine accessory packs, as well as the rider and service plans available, all to keep your Suzuki 100% genuine.

Mark Trench from Orwell Motorcycles commented ahead of the event:

We are really pleased to be attending the Copdock Motorcycle Show with Suzuki. The show is East Anglia’s biggest bike event and it’s great to be able to bring Suzuki to its Norfolk and Suffolk fans. The event has a real mix of biking attractions for the whole family and we look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand to talk about all things Suzuki.

Other models on display include the GSX1250FA, GSR750 and Inazuma 250.

Suzuki will be based on the hard-standing area next to the stunt shows, so come and say hello.

The Copdock Motorcycle Show takes place on Sunday 6 October with gates opening at 10am until 5pm. There is something for all the family on the day with a large auto jumble, stunt displays, live music and great food.

Advance tickets are available to purchase at £7, on-the-day prices are £8 for adults and children under 14 go free! For more information visit, http://www.copdock-cmc.co.uk/Events-TheShow.htm.

Orwell Motorcycles – 200 Ranelagh Road, Ispwich, Suffolk, IP2 0AQ / Telephone 01473 257401

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Motorcycle Live 2013 - looking to put more bums on seats

Motorcycle Live 2013 is not just for seasoned bikers. Anyone thinking about getting on two wheels for the first time or coming back to motorcycling after time away can take advantage of a FREE taster session with the Get On experience – and there’s good news for younger riders too, as it is now open to anyone aged 15 and over.

GetOn: Working hard to put more bumsonseats

 Participants in Get On* – which is an industry-backed nationwide campaign encouraging non-riders to enjoy the benefits of life on two wheels – will receive expert tuition on either a scooter or a 125cc motorcycle in a specially constructed private area. Advance bookings for the 20-minute taster sessions are being taken now and can be booked at http://www.geton.co.uk/free-ride by entering The NEC postcode – B40 1NT.

For those visitors already immersed in life on two wheels, the Test Ride Zone will make a welcome return to Motorcycle Live thanks to Shoei, Sidi and Spada, and a great line up of bikes from leading manufacturers. Accompanied by out-riders, visitors get a real feel for their chosen bike and then have the chance to visit the manufacturer stand with any questions they may have.

Along with a FREE ride, all the safety equipment is provided, so visitors travelling to the show by train or car are still able ride. An experienced Shoei, Sidi and Spada product technician will be on hand to ensure all kit fits correctly. Bikes available to ride will be confirmed nearer the show.

Advance tickets for Motorcycle Live 2013 are just £17 per adult, £11 for Seniors and £7 for children aged 6-16** (kids under five accompanied by a paying adult go free). Bike parking is free of charge and subject to availability. Reduced car parking costs of £8 – subsidised by Motorcycle Live. To book your tickets, call 0844 581 2345 or visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk.

*Get On is brought to you by the leading motorcycle manufacturers, dealers and other companies in the motorcycle market, through the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA). When we say motorcycles, we include motorbikes, scooters and mopeds.

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