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Dec 17
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Motorcycles Tom Cruise rode as Captain Maverick and Ethan Hunt are now nothing short of icons

By General Posts

from https://www.financialexpress.com/

Top Gun 2 is set to release on 26 June next year. That is still a lot of months before Captain Maverick’s glory takes over our screens. So, until then, here’s a look back at the coolest Tom Cruise motorcycle moments that have been and well be.

Top Gun is about to relive on our screens soon and we can’t wait to see Maverick being nothing but magnificent behind the joystick of a fighter jet or behind the handlebar of a pretty iconic Kawasaki. Yes, Top Gun 2 movie trailers have confirmed that Kawasaki GPZ900 will be back on the silver screen. Tom Cruise is one of the most revered motorcycle people in Hollywood. The other hotshot motorcyclist would be Keanu Reeves but let’s just focus on the Cruise missiles for now.

Kawasaki GPZ900R – Top Gun

Tom Cruise has been doing it for decades – including motorcycles in his films. Years before a lot of us were even born, Cruise rode the Kawasaki GPZ900R for the big screen as Captain Maverick in Top Gun 1986. If you like motorcycles, this one is every bit of a celebrity as Mr Cruise is and we’ll also see it in the upcoming Top Gun 2.

Kawasaki H2 – Top Gun 2

Sticking with Top Gun 2. As the GPZ900R was the fastest production motorcycle back in 1986, Maverick had to ride the fastest production motorcycle in today’s day and age. Hence, the supercharged Kawasaki H2. The other good thing about seeing these motorcycles share the screen with Tom Cruise is that he does most of the riding himself.

BMW R nine T Scrambler – Mission Impossible Fallout

The chase scenes make up a huge of reasons why we love Mission Impossible films. MI: Fallout had Cruise riding a BMW R nine T Scrambler on the streets of Paris and around the Arc de Triomphe against the flow of the traffic. Fun fact: an electric bike was used to film the tracking shots of the chase scene.

BMW S1000RR – Mission Impossible Rogue Nation

This one was perhaps the coolest chase scene of all Mission Impossible films (if you’re not still swooning over 2000 Mission Impossible 2 Tom Cruise). Rogue Nation had a load of BMW Motorrads but we love the crooked-faced S1000RR doing high-speed corners with a Tom Cruise on it.

Triumph Speed Triple – Mission Impossible 2

We’re mentioning this one twice because we haven’t stopped swooning over it. This chase scene with Cruise on a Speed Triple and the baddie on a Daytona remains on the top of the list of MI film chase scenes. The dual ‘bug-eye’ headlamp design and polished frame gave the bike a strong streetfighter look that became the trademark of the series, especially the shot where Cruise emerges from a cloud of flames astride the Speed.

Dec 17
Love0

This is the motorcycle used in the new Top Gun: Maverick

By General Posts

by Christopher Weston from https://www.hitc.com/

The eagerly-anticipated Top Gun sequel is shaping to be something spectacular.

The new Top Gun: Maverick trailer has fans pumped and wanting a motorcycle!

Tragically, director Tony Scott passed away back in 2012, but he left behind a surefire cinematic legacy. His greatest achievement arguably remains 1986’s Top Gun, yet he also gave audiences the likes of True Romance, Beverly Hills Cop II, Man On Fire, The Last Boy Scout, Enemy of the State and more.

There has long been talk of Tom Cruise’s Maverick returning to the big screen in an adrenaline-fuelled sequel. However, after the unfortunate departure of Scott, it looked incredibly slim.

Nevertheless, it’s clear the team strived to get the follow-up made, with Joseph Kosinski (Tron: Legacy) taking the helm of Top Gun: Maverick.

With new and familiar faces set to make an appearance, we simply cannot wite to dive into this one…

“His exploits… are legendary.”

The highly-anticipated Top Gun: Maverick is set to be one of the biggest Summer blockbusters of 2020 and the new trailer has given us a sweet taste of what to expect.

It’s packed with brilliantly shot and orchestrated aerial sequences – it is Top Gun after all!

The technology now at our disposal is clearly being utilised very well, with the film boasting a slick and glossy look, even when tracking some seriously impressive stuntwork.

All eyes are on Tom Cruise, which is a given, but with a film of this calibre, there is inevitable stress on the vehicles and machines which make it all possible…

Almost immediately, the motorcycle being ridden by Maverick at the start of the trailer has us attentive.

Look familiar? It should!

The motorcycle he’s riding is a Kawasaki Ninja GPZ900R, which he rode in the previous film in a race with a fighter plane. It’s one of the many throwbacks that features in the trailer, tugging on fans’ nostalgia.

However, it won’t be the only one we see him handle in the sequel. As highlighted by Fox News, one of the trailers also treated audiences to a homage to the 1986 film, with Tom Cruise and co-star Jennifer Connelly riding on a $32,500 Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon.

The shot is a recreation of one featuring Tom and previous co-star Kelly McGillis, who will not be returning. It’s all a trip down memory lane!

Excitingly, the same source notes that Kawasaki markets the vehicle as the most powerful supercharged production motorcycle in the world. So, Maverick’s need for speed sure is in check.

All the elements for me to enjoy TOP GUN: MAVERICK are present: that score, practically shot dogfights, Tom Cruise riding motorcycles, Anthony Edwards’ ‘stache surgically grafted onto Miles Teller’s face, that one guy from that Linklater movie. There’s even erotic beach sports!
— Jacob Knight (@JacobQKnight) December 16, 2019

A number of fans have flocked to Twitter to offer their take on the sequel so far, with one recently writing: “All the elements for me to enjoy TOP GUN: MAVERICK are present: that score, practically shot dogfights, Tom Cruise riding motorcycles, Anthony Edwards’ ‘stache surgically grafted onto Miles Teller’s face, that one guy from that Linklater movie. There’s even erotic beach sports!”

One viewer joked: “I’ve seen two trailers for Top Gun 2 and I know nothing about the plot except Tom still likes planes and motorcycles,” while another similarly added: “Reaction to Top Gun trailer: People with AARP memberships need to wear helmets on motorcycles!”

We look forward to seeing this one land!

 

Nov 07
Love0

Kawasaki to launch electric Ninja

By General Posts

Yoshimoto Matsuda, Senior Manager, Innovation Department division at Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. and his team have been working on the electric motorcycles since the 2000s.

Japanese premium motorcycle manufacturer Kawasaki is working on an electric motorcycle that is likely to come with the Ninja badge upon launch, reveals a media report.

Yoshimoto Matsuda, Senior Manager, Innovation Department division at Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. and his team have been working on the electric motorcycles since the 2000s.

The motorcycle maker has teased a test mule in a video that looks like the upcoming electric Ninja. As Kawasaki hints, the electric motorcycle will be fun to control, exciting and it will reflect the passion of the brand.

The video hinted that Kawasaki is testing the electric powertrain on a 2017 Ninja 650. However, the details about this powertrain are not clear yet.

The media report quoted, Yoshimoto, who said, “We have been thoroughly studying and patenting features ranging from packaging and chassis geometry to transmissions and thumb brake activated energy recovery systems.”

The test mule hs a range of 100 km but the production model is likely to come with improved range. Speaking about the launch date of the electric Kawasaki Ninja, the motorcycle is likely to come sometime in early next decade.

On Tuesday, Kawasaki confirmed that the brand is joining the EV (electric vehicle) revolution by officially announcing that an electric motorcycle is on the way.

Following in the footsteps of Harley Davidson, Kawaski announced that an electric motorcycle — albeit it being a concept model — is currently in development.

In a video demonstrating the speed of the bike, the company’s Innovation Senior Manager Yoshimoto Matsuda stated that the motorcycle is equipped with a next-generation power unit which has been in the works since the turn of the century.

Like their engine powered bikes, the electric iteration has been designed in accordance with the company’s Rideology philosophy which means that it will be fun to ride.

Of the few specs revealed by the company, it has been confirmed that the motorcycle will have a manual transmission, “performance on par with a mid-size displacement model,” and a 100km range.

Matsuda stated that Kawasaki has been busy patenting technologies for electric bikes over the years like a thumb brake-activated energy recovery system, but he did not confirm whether such components will be present on the concept or not.

In any case, this concept basically functions as a preliminary version of upcoming production models which will doubtlessly incorporate some of these elements.

After years and years of development, Kawasaki only revealed that their electric motorcycle will be unveiled in the near future.

Nov 06
Love0

2020 Kawasaki Z900 now gets riding modes, traction control and increased ground clearance

By General Posts

by Express Drives Desk from https://www.financialexpress.com

The new Kawasaki Z900 now is more feature-packed and should be able to take on the Triumph Street Triple as well as Suzuki GSX-S750 in a better fashion.

Kawasaki’s second showcase at EICMA 2019 was the updated Z900. The naked litre-class motorcycle gets a full complement of LED headlights, flanked by parking lights (LED) and a redesigned cowl. The Z900 also looks inspired from the Ninja H2 and if you take a closer look, it has got flanks as well. Kawasaki has redesigned the tank extensions and there is the exposed steel trellis frame. One more part that is now LED are the blinkers. Kawasaki hasn’t tinkered with the tail light that is still shaped in the Z pattern. The instrument console too now gets a TFT display with Kawasaki Rideology app connect through Bluetooth.

Riding aids was something that was missing in the Z900. It is surprising that a Rs 8 lakh motorcycle didn’t have any other electronics apart from dual channel ABS. The new Kawasaki Z900 gets two power modes – Low and Full. This is the same from other Kawasaki models and cut off power when in low mode. There is also traction control on offer now. Kawasaki has also added riding modes – Rider, Rain, Sport and Road. The names are self explanatory and in the Rider mode, one can configure it according to their requirements.

Shorter riders earlier preferred the Z900 for its lower (comparatively) 795mm seat height. However, for the 2020 model, Kawasaki has raised the seat height to 820mm. The motorcycle too has grown in length and is taller too. The good part is that the ground clearance is now up from the earlier lowly 130mm to 145mm. Kawasaki has also increased the wheelbase slightly. There though is no weight gain from all this exercise.

Kawasaki has updated the 998c engine to meet Euro-V standards. There is no change in power or torque numbers from before (125hp/99Nm). The gearbox is a 6-speed unit that also gets slipper clutch assistance. Kawasaki has also reworked the exhaust plumbing. There are no changes to the suspension – USD forks in the front and monoshock at the back. Braking duties are carried out by discs at both ends and linked by dual channel ABS.

Oct 23
Love0

Kawasaki Announces the 2020 W800 and Z H2 Motorcycles

By General Posts

2020 W800 Motorcycle
Evolution of Japan’s Original Big Bike
The all-new Kawasaki W800 is Kawasaki’s latest addition to Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.’s retro lineup of motorcycles. It’s a true throwback to its 1960’s predecessor, the famed Kawasaki W1. For 2020, Kawasaki brings class-leading authentic styling, sound, and feel to the category of retro motorcycles. In building the W800, Kawasaki has meticulously crafted one of the most authentic retro bikes in appearance and design, paying homage to the past, all while tastefully incorporating modern technology and features. With the arrival of the W800, riders in search of a taste of history can now enjoy two flavors of W, the W800 and the W800 CAFE.

2020 Z H2 Hypernaked Motorcycle
Supernaked Just Got Supercharged
Kawasaki’s legacy of creating motorcycles that have unrivaled performance, excitement, and Sugomi™ styling continues with an all-new flagship model of the Kawasaki Z line of naked motorcycles, the 2020 Z H2. With the arrival of the hypernaked Z H2 and its powerful, balanced supercharged engine, the second chapter of Kawasaki’s Z history is about to begin and marks the beginning of a new era. Featuring a powerful and balanced supercharged engine, performance can be enjoyed across its entire rev range while still offering superb fuel efficiency. The innovative new Z H2 offers refined naked styling, a high level of handling and comfort, plus the latest technology worthy of the new Z series flagship model.

Oct 09
Love0

Kawasaki Ninja 650: More comfortable and connected than ever

By General Posts

TOKYO, Oct 9 — Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki has announced an updated version of its Ninja 650 for 2020.

For 2020, the medium-weight sportbike has a new TFT color display on which the fuel gauge, gear position indicator, speedometer, “Economical Riding Indicator,” even a connection status with a smartphone via Bluetooth are shown digitally. The screen’s brightness varies according to surrounding light conditions.

Among the motorcycle’s other new features are a passenger seat designed for more comfort, new LED headlights both in front and back of the bike, and standard Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tyres.

For the rest, the frame hasn’t changed, keeping a manoeuvrability that works for everyone from beginners to the most experienced riders. There are new colours, however: Lime Green/Ebony, Metallic Spark Black and Pearl Blizzard White.

The starting price for the new Kawasaki Ninja is US$7,399 (RM31,000). — AFP-Relaxnews

Oct 01
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Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki Race Team Announces 2020 Roster

By General Posts

Foothill Ranch, Calif. (October 1, 2019) – The upcoming 2020 racing season marks 27 years of winning for Kawasaki and Pro Circuit. This successful combination boasts an impressive resume of accolades including the most combined supercross/motocross wins in the 125/250 class and industry-leading 28 championships.

Returning to the Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki race team for 2020 aboard their new KX™250 motorcycles are long-time Team Green™ race team ambassadors Austin Forkner and Garrett Marchbanks. The duo will be accompanied by the fresh faces of Jordon Smith and Cameron McAdoo.

“We have a great team for the 2020 season,” said Mitch Payton, Pro Circuit owner. “It is a great balance of veterans, combined with youth and new talent to our team, and we will provide all the necessary tools to help them reach their full potential. The Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team has high expectations and I know they will all perform their best each weekend.”

Forkner will enter the new season as the most experienced rider on the team. The multi-race winner has high hopes of capturing multiple championships after his successful 2019 season was cut short due to injury. As a young gun, Marchbanks completed his first full year as a pro, earning the Monster Energy AMA Supercross “Rookie of the Year” award along with 14 top-10 finishes between both series. The team is excited about the added depth to their roster with class veteran Smith, while fellow newcomer McAdoo will return to the brand that he once found great success on as a Kawasaki Team Green rider throughout his amateur career.

The 2020 Pro Circuit squad will make their debut as the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM Championship drops the gate on Saturday, January 4th, 2020 at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, California.

Aug 26
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Kawasaki Sweeps AMA Pro Motocross Championships in the 250 and 450 Classes

By General Posts

Foothill Ranch, Calif. (August 25, 2019) – The final round of the 2019 AMA Pro Motocross Championship saw Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Adam Cianciarulo capture his first AMA Pro Motocross 250 title aboard his KX™250 this weekend in Crawfordsville, Indiana. The title is the 15th 250 class motocross championship for Kawasaki, the most 250 class motocross championships of any manufacturer and confirmed the Kawasaki sweep as both teams secured the title in the 250 and 450 classes. Monster Energy® Kawasaki rider Eli Tomac finished the season strong as he went on to capture another overall victory (3-1).

Cianciarulo kicked off the day with a 30-point advantage and lined up for the first moto of the 250 class poised and prepared to fight for the title. As the gate dropped, Cianciarulo positioned himself in fourth around Turn 1. Cianciarulo quickly made his way into third and patiently waited to make his move into second; he knew he needed to finish second in order to clinch the championship and with only three laps remaining, he did just that.

Without the stress of the ultimate goal, Cianciarulo had the luxury of coasting through the final moto but in typical fashion, he charged through the field after the gate dropped on Moto 2. Once again, Cianciarulo sat comfortably in third for the majority of the moto before dropping back into fourth to finish and going on to celebrate the championship with the entire team on the podium. Cianciarulo finished the day with 2-4 moto scores for third overall meaning he never finished off the overall podium this season with 12 straight podiums.

Although the championships was the focus, teammates Garrett Marchbanks and Martin Davalos both had the goal to close out the season on a high note as well. Marchbanks managed to finish 11th in Moto 1, after having to make his way up from 23rd on the first lap. Unfortunately, Davalos was unable to complete the first moto after running into a mechanical issue early on in the race.

Both riders were able to bounce back in Moto 2 as Marchbanks raced to his best finish of the season in seventh, going 11-7 for ninth overall and Davalos captured a top-10 finish for his last 250 class moto, going 39-10 for 16th overall. Marchbanks and Davalos finished 14th and 18th in the 250 class championship points standings, respectively.

“The road to this championship has been a journey. I grew up in the Team Green program and many people had such high expectations but because of injuries, I’ve been unable to fulfill those expectations until now. I wouldn’t change a thing though. I have learned so much, grown as a person and appreciate this moment more than I could have imagined. I’m just so emotional thinking about this accomplishment my entire Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team and I have achieved; we have worked so hard for this and I really put my mind to it. I wanted this title so badly, now it’s time to celebrate!” – Adam Cianciarulo

“It’s been a challenging season, but I’m proud to have officially wrapped up my second Pro Motocross season. I continue to learn and grow as a person and an athlete, and I look forward to continue working with the team to find even more success.” – Garrett Marchbanks

“There have been a lot of ups and downs and a few challenges I’ve had to overcome this year. I wanted to make sure and give it my all today for my last 250 class ride. I can’t thank Mitch and the team enough for everything they do to support me. They are and have always been in my corner and now I’m just looking forward to what‘s next.” – Martin Davalos

After securing the 450 class championship at the penultimate round last week, Tomac arrived with a relaxed demeanor to take on the final round of the season. As the gate dropped, Tomac and teammate Joey Savatgy launched out the gate aboard their KX™450 motorcycles in front of the 40-rider field. Savatgy nearly grabbed the holeshot and remained in second for the first two opening laps before Tomac made his way around him on Lap 3. Nearly halfway through the moto, Savatgy was passed once more but was determined to hold on to his position from there, crossing the finish line with his best moto finish of the season in fourth. Tomac battled for the lead throughout the moto to ultimately finish third.

Moto 2 in the 450 class saw both KX™ motorcycles out front once again but it was the No. 17 machine of Savatgy who grabbed the holeshot to lead the opening lap. Halfway through the moto, Savatgy was passed by Tomac and four other contenders to drop to sixth, where he went on to finish. However, around that same time Tomac had maneuvered his way to the front to lead the remaining laps of the moto. The newly crowned champion took the checkered flag to capture the last moto win of the season, going 3-1 for his sixth overall victory of the season.

Savatgy returned for the final round after taking the weekend off to celebrate the birth of his first child determined to finish the season strong by riding up front all day and earning his best finish of the season with fourth place overall (4-6). Savatgy finished 11th in the 450 class championship points standings.

The success didn’t end at the track as MX Sports and NBC Sports hosted an end of season banquet, where Kawasaki was awarded multiple awards as well, including the coveted Manufacturer of the Year award and Monster Energy Kawasaki named Team of the Year. Tomac and Cianciarulo’s mechanics were each awarded Mechanic of the Year in the respective classes in addition to Mitch Payton receiving Team Manager of the Year.

“What an incredible day and season it’s been. I came here this weekend feeling fortunate we were able to secure the championship already; that really took all the weight off my shoulders. My goal was to run my race, finish strong and remain healthy, it was just icing on the cake to finish the last round with the overall win. I’m still on cloud nine and can’t thank the entire Monster Energy Kawasaki team enough for everything they have provided me with this year in order to bring home our third championship.“ – Eli Tomac

“Today was an incredible feeling. I finally feel like I was where I’m supposed to be, running up front. I’ve been able to put together decent motos in the last couple of rounds, but I was just feeling it today and the team set me up with an excellent bike to match it.” – Joey Savatgy

 

Aug 24
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Kawasaki Doubles Down To Capture AMA Pro Motocross Championships in the 250 and 450 Classes

By General Posts

Foothill Ranch, Calif. (August 24, 2019) – Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Adam Cianciarulo captured his first AMA Pro Motocross 250 title aboard his KX™250 this weekend in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

Cianciarulo began his championship campaign by winning the overall in the first four rounds. Cianciarulo’s dominant performance all season long was displayed through his grit, determination, and consistency, never finishing off the overall podium during the season.

The title is the 15th 250 class motorcross championship for Kawasaki, the most 250 class motocross championships of any manufacturer. Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Eli Tomac clinched the 450 class title last weekend at Budds Creek, leading Team Green to the first brand sweep of both motocross classes since Kawasaki achieved the same feat in 2011.

Aug 18
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Kawasaki Rider Eli Tomac Captures Third Consecutive Pro Motocross Championship

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Foothill Ranch, Calif. (August 17, 2019) – Monster Energy® Kawasaki rider Eli Tomac and his KX™450 earned his third consecutive AMA Pro Motocross Championship at the penultimate round of the series in Mechanicsville, Maryland. Tomac scored fo five overall wins this season and captured 10 moto wins in total. Tomac cements his legacy as only the fourth rider in history to win three consecutive motocross titles. The title is Kawasaki’s 14th 450 class motocross championship, more than any other manufacturer.

To get it done today and a race early is amazing! Honestly, when I crossed the line I didn’t know I had gotten the championship. To go three championships in a row is pretty special and something I am proud of. Each championship has been special in its own right, but man am I happy we got it done today. I can’t thank the entire Monster Energy Kawasaki crew and the entire Kawasaki motorcycle corporation enough for all of the hard work and support all season long.“ – Eli Tomac