From a press release issued by Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.:

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. announced the launch of the new Kawasaki owners club, effective immediately, which replaces the Good Times™ Owners Club (GTOC) and enhances member benefits to make Kawasaki motorcycle ownership even more enjoyable.

The new Riders of Kawasaki (ROK) owners club expands the benefits available to owners of street-legal Kawasaki motorcycles, including Vulcan® cruisers, Ninja® sportbikes and dual-purposes motorcycles such as the adventure-oriented KLR650. Member benefits include six issues of the new ROK magazine, special promotional packages and VIP hospitality at select national events, such as AMA Superbike races, and a membership kit.

ROK also offers a premium membership package that includes a 24-hour roadside assistance program with coverage extending from the continental United States to Canada, Alaska and Hawaii.

To help spread the word about ROK, Kawasaki is giving a free one-year membership, including the roadside assistance package, to those who purchase a new 2005 Kawasaki street bike. Plus, those who have a current GTOC membership will automatically become a ROK member with full premium package benefits. At the end of the one-year complimentary membership, however, those who wish to renew their membership must contact ROK to make arrangements to pay the annual fees for either the basic or premium package benefits.

Tom Orbe, vice president of sales and marketing at Kawasaki, said ROK was created to enhance the Kawasaki ownership experience while introducing a growing market of new riders to motorcycling.

“ROK is our way of showing appreciation to our loyal customers,” said Orbe. “It’s also a great way to introduce new buyers to an exciting lifestyle.”

An additional ROK benefit for new riders is that, upon completion of a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course or Keith Code’s California Superbike School, Kawasaki will give new members a $50 gift certificate redeemable toward parts, accessories, apparel and service at any Kawasaki dealership.

Orbe added that while many owners clubs often attract older riders with many years of experience, ROK is for all ages and riding styles.

“Some clubs tend to focus a little more on one aspect of riding, such as touring, whereas ROK embraces every style of Kawasaki street bike,” he said. “Whether you’re into Ninja sportbikes, naked bikes or adventure-touring on a KLR650, it helps to provide more opportunities to ride and meet other people who enjoy doing the same things.”

For more information about joining ROK, consumers should visit their local Kawasaki dealer or call 1-877-ROK-CLUB. They can also apply for membership online at www.kawasaki.com.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and sells at wholesale Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, utility vehicles and power products through a network of more than 1,500 independent retailers, with an additional 8,400 retailers specializing in power products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 2,400 people in the United States, with more than 350 of them located at the Irvine, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.™”, is recognized worldwide and the brand is aggressively carrying its heritage of leading-edge power, performance and exhilaration into the 21st century. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.