LAST CHANCE TO CHANGE YOUR RIDING LIFE (AND SAVE MONEY TOO)
This is it — the final SoCal ChampSchool event of 2025! Join us November 4–5 at Buttonwillow Raceway Park for two incredible days of riding, learning, and improvement with the Yamaha Champions Riding School team. Perfect weather, an epic track, and the same championship-winning curriculum that’s transformed thousands of riders around the world.
Don’t sit out the last ride of the year—and don’t miss the final chance to save money before 2025 wraps up!
CHAMPSCHOOL TWO-DAY
$2,995 → $2,695 with code: EBBWFALL25
Ride your own bike or one of our Yamahas. Learn from national champions, MotoAmerica pros, and industry experts. You’ll master real-world techniques that work on any bike, any road, and any track.
CHAMPSTREET ONE-DAY
$495 → $445 with code: EBBWFALL25
No leathers required. Real-world speeds, real-world skills. Ideal for street riders who want to brake, corner, and control their bikes with precision and confidence.
This is your last opportunity in 2025 to train with the best, improve your riding forever, and save money doing it.
Whether you’re chasing lap times or just want to feel in total control every time you ride—this is your weekend.
Buttonwillow Raceway Park — Nov 4–5, 2025
Turn fear into focus. Ride like a champion — any bike, any road, any pace.
Triumph Motorcycles introduces the model year 2026 Scrambler 900, a significantly enhanced evolution of its iconic modern classic. Reimagining the timeless Triumph design DNA with a fresh and contemporary edge, this latest model blends new cutting-edge technology with engineering excellence, while preserving its authentic Scrambler identity.
The 2026 Scrambler 900 features a more refined chassis, upgraded suspension and braking components, lightweight aluminum wheel rims, and the introduction of lean-sensitive Optimized Cornering ABS and Traction Control. A new modern instrument cluster, updated LED lighting, and improved connectivity further enhance the riding experience, while staying true to the bike’s authentic character.
The chassis has undergone significant upgrades. A redesigned tubular steel frame is now paired with a cast aluminum swingarm that improves rigidity and reduces weight. Suspension has been enhanced with 1.69 in (43 mm) Showa upside-down forks and preload-adjustable twin piggyback rear suspension units, delivering confident handling across a variety of terrain.
Lightweight aluminum wheel rims further reduce unsprung mass, and the bike is fitted with Metzeler Tourance dual-purpose tires. Braking performance has been improved with a larger 12.6 inch (320 mm) front disc and a radial four-piston caliper, offering stronger and more progressive stopping power.
The Scrambler 900 now features lean-sensitive Optimized Cornering ABS and Traction Control, a notable advancement from the previous switchable systems. Ride-by-wire throttle technology supports three riding modes; Road; Rain and Off-road. The Off-road mode disables rear ABS for better control on loose terrain.
The new instrument cluster combines a classic round housing with a modern LCD display and integrated TFT screen, showing speed, rpm, gear position, and riding mode. When paired with the optional Bluetooth module, riders can access phone and music controls, as well as turn-byturn navigation. A USB-C charging port is now included for added convenience, and cruise control is available as a dealer-fit accessory.
Paul Stroud – Chief Commercial Officer, Triumph Motorcycles
“The Scrambler 900 has long been celebrated for its distinctive character and all-around versatility. With this latest evolution, we’ve refined every aspect of the riding experience— focusing on intuitive handling, enhanced ergonomics, and the kind of premium build quality that speaks to Triumph’s commitment to engineering excellence.
With a relaxed and confident riding position, easy handling, and a torquey Bonneville twin that’s full of character, the Scrambler delivers genuine all-terrain capability and undeniable cool factor. This is a motorcycle that feels as good to ride as it looks. It stays true to the authentic Scrambler spirit, while offering the performance, versatility, and timeless style that today’s riders expect. We’re proud of what this bike represents and excited for riders to experience it.”
At the heart of the Scrambler 900 is the 900cc Bonneville twin engine, known for its responsive character and distinctive Scrambler sound. It produces 64.1 HP (65 PS) at 7,250 rpm and delivers peak torque of 59.0 lb-ft (80 Nm) at just 3,250 rpm, offering accessible performance across the rev range. The 270-degree crank ensures a smooth, tractable power delivery that’s engaging on every ride, whether navigating city streets or tackling off-road trails.
The revised brushed stainless steel two-into-one high-level exhaust not only underpins the Scrambler’s iconic silhouette but also maintains its signature exhaust note, while meeting modern emissions standards. A torque-assist clutch with span adjustable lever provides smooth and progressive control, especially useful in urban traffic or off-road maneuvers.
The Scrambler 900’s upright stance and larger front wheel give it a commanding presence that’s unmistakably built for all-road adventure. Minimalist bodywork, wide handlebars, and the signature twin high-level silencers are complemented by a protective sump guard and robust spoked wheels fitted with dual-purpose tires, reinforcing the Scrambler’s tough, go-anywhere attitude.
Its clean, stripped-back aesthetic has been refined for 2026 with tighter lines and modernized details, all while preserving the heritage-inspired appeal that defines the Scrambler DNA.
The 3.17 gal (12 liters) fuel tank now features a more angular profile and a new filler cap, adding both style and practicality. New side panels, brushed aluminum throttle body covers, and redesigned heel guards enhance the bike’s visual impact, while the reworked twin exhaust system and heat shielding maintain its iconic look.
Slimmer mudguards, updated fork protectors, and a retro-style aluminum bracket supporting the new LED headlight add further refinement. At the rear, a compact LED light and reprofiled twopiece seat on a narrower rear subframe complete the clean, purposeful design.
The engine design remains true to its classic Triumph heritage, combining timeless aesthetics with modern engineering precision. Black powder-coated cases, finely machined cooling fins, concealed radiator and discreetly routed cabling contribute to a clean, uncluttered look that reflects thoughtful design and attention to detail. The Scrambler 900 has been designed with premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship, including brushed aluminum and stainless steel, powder-coated finishes, and anodized components.
The new styling is complemented by two new premium color options; an adventure-ready Matte Khaki Green with Phantom Black, and a stunning Mineral Grey with Cosmic Yellow.
Triumph offers over 120 genuine accessories for the Scrambler 900, allowing riders to tailor the bike to their preferences. Off-road enhancements include a high front mudguard, handguards, aluminum sump guard, and headlight grill. For a more custom look, riders can choose a brown quilted seat. FOX rear shocks with compression damping are available for performance tuning, while practical options include heated grips, tank pads, a center stand, luggage rack, and rugged panniers.
With two-year unlimited mileage warranty and a class-leading 10,000-mile (16,000 km) service interval, the Scrambler 900 is built for more time on the road and less time in the workshop, giving riders the freedom to enjoy every mile.
Available to order now at authorized Triumph dealerships starting at $12,395 USD / $13,995 CAD and arriving in dealerships beginning February 2026. For more information or to find your local dealer, visit triumphmotorcycles.com.
The FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup is the perfect first step on the ladder for those riders with their sights set on reaching the pinnacle of World Championship motorcycle road racing.
The series runs alongside six European rounds of the FIM Superbike World Championship, giving youngsters the chance to showcase their talents in front of the top teams in the world.
Registration for the 2026 FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup remains open until midnight on 31st March 2026. More info HERE
• Performance-enhancing rider-focused technology including lean sensitive Optimized Cornering ABS and Traction Control, Triumph Shift Assist, Bluetooth Connectivity, three Rider Modes and Cruise Control
• Available to order now and in stores by April 2026
MY26 Triumph Trident 800. Photo courtesy Triumph
Triumph Motorcycles has revealed the all-new Trident 800, a brand new naked middleweight roadster designed to deliver exhilarating performance, dynamic urban attitude, and a high-energy riding experience. With its compact, muscular stance and stripped-back styling, the Trident 800 brings a bold new edge to Triumph’s roadster line-up.
With its responsive 798cc triple engine and triple throttle bodies, the Trident 800 offers addictive real-world performance that’s ready to thrill. From the instant throttle response, to the unrelenting mid-range torque and thrilling top-end power, the ride is both visceral and refined, backed by Triumph’s unmistakable triple soundtrack channeled through the upswept sports-style silencer.
Built for serious fun, the Trident 800’s lightweight chassis and high specification adjustable Showa suspension deliver a high-energy riding experience with instinctive agility and confident control. Wide bars, a compact frame and assertive riding position combine to create a bike that reacts immediately to every input, flicks effortlessly through corners and stays composed at speed. Just 198kg fully fueled, with grippy Michelin tires, it’s light on its feet and always ready to deliver the grin factor.
The Trident 800 is equipped with intuitive, rider-focused technology designed to enhance every ride. Three riding modes tailor throttle response and traction control to suit the conditions, while lean-sensitive Optimized Cornering ABS and Optimized Cornering Traction Control deliver confidence and control in every turn. With My Triumph Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and a clean and clear TFT dash, the Trident 800 keeps you dialed in and in the moment.
Blending rebellious energy with refined Triumph roadster DNA, its sculpted tank and trim tail create a lean, modern silhouette, while premium finishes, from brushed aluminum to bold color schemes and contrasting gold-colored wheels, amplify its dynamic presence. Whether parked curbside or carving through city streets, the Trident 800 delivers a compelling blend of attitude, performance and precision.
Steve Sargent, Chief Product Officer, Triumph Motorcycles said: “The incredible popularity of the Trident 660 and the Street Triple 765 RS has shown us just how much riders in this segment value a thrilling, confidence-inspiring ride that’s packed with character and technology. With the launch of the Trident 800, we’ve taken that winning formula and dialed it up, delivering even more road-focused capability and excitement.
“With the Trident 800, we’ve focused on delivering the kind of performance and character that riders want in the real world. The all-new engine with triple throttle bodies provides maximum engagement on everyday roads, and we’ve paired that with a lightweight, high-spec chassis and adjustable Showa suspension.
“We know this customer is looking for rider-focused technology like lean-sensitive Optimized Cornering ABS and Traction Control, Triumph Shift Assist, and cruise control to enhance the riding experience without distracting from it. This bike is for riders who want maximum excitement, anytime, anywhere. This opens the door to a whole new audience of riders looking for a fun, adrenaline-fueled, purposeful ride.”
MY26 Triumph Trident 800. Photo courtesy Triumph
ALL-NEW TRIPLE ENGINE
At the heart of the Trident 800 is Triumph’s all-new 798cc triple, engineered for pulse-pounding excitement. It reacts instantly in any gear, delivering a wave of torque and a howling top end that surges all the way to the 11,500 rpm redline.
Producing 113.4 HP (115PS) at 10,750 rpm, and a peak 61.9 lb-ft (84Nm) of torque at 8,500 rpm, the triple’s addictive mid-range drive is accompanied by a deep induction roar through the triple throttle bodies, amplified by the redesigned airbox and intake trumpet system to optimize airflow and induction sound. The result is a deep, throaty growl under load and the unmistakable Triumph triple howl at high revs. Internally, the engine features a twist-forged crankshaft, unique camshaft and balancer, forged conrods, and high-compression pistons, all designed to maximize performance and durability.
MY26 Triumph Trident 800. Photo courtesy Triumph
EFFORTLESS HANDLING AND AGILITY
Backing up the engine is a chassis built for high-energy riding, with a lightweight frame and adjustable Showa suspension which deliver razor-sharp handling. The split seat is 31.9 in (810 mm) high, with a narrow stand-over, shaped to hold the rider in place. Up front, 1.61 in (41 mm) upside-down Showa forks feature big-piston, separate-function damping, with adjustable compression and rebound. The rear Showa monoshock offers preload and rebound adjustment for a perfectly tuned ride. Braking is handled by twin 4-piston radial calipers gripping 12.2 in (310 mm) discs, fed by braided steel lines for strong, progressive stopping power.
MY26 Triumph Trident 800. Photo courtesy Triumph
RIDER-FOCUSED TECHNOLOGY
The Trident 800 is equipped with smart, rider-focused technology designed to enhance the ride without distraction. At its core are three riding modes, Road, Sport and Rain, which tailor throttle response and traction control to suit the conditions. Whether dialing up performance or prioritizing extra peace of mind in wet weather, the system ensures the rider remains in control and connected to the road.
Advanced lean-sensitive Optimized Cornering ABS and Traction Control provide added confidence through turns, using real-time data to adjust braking and power delivery based on lean angle. Power is delivered through a slick 6-speed gearbox, with Triumph Shift Assist enables clutch-less up and down gear changes for seamless acceleration while cruise control adds convenience on longer journeys.
Connectivity and visibility are equally refined. The My Triumph Bluetooth system allows seamless control of music, calls and turn-by-turn navigation via the left-hand switchcube, with information displayed on a clean, round 3.5-inch color TFT screen. The all-LED lighting system, including a distinctive round headlight, integrated taillight, and self-cancelling indicators, ensures the Trident 800 stands out day or night, combining modern design with everyday practicality.
MY26 Triumph Trident 800. Photo courtesy Triumph
NAKED STYLE WITH ATTITUDE
Visually, the Trident 800 hits hard. Its naked design is all muscle and intent, blending sharp surfaces with smooth curves to create a commanding profile and athletic poise. The wide, chiseled 3.7 gal (14 liter) tank flows seamlessly into the contoured seat and sleek tail unit, while the short upswept silencer and minimal number plate hanger keep the rear lean and purposeful. A color-coded belly pan and flyscreen add aerodynamic edge and visual cohesion, reinforcing the bike’s dynamic roadster stance.
Every detail of the Trident 800 has been crafted to deliver a premium finish. The embossed seat logo adds a subtle touch of refinement, while the lightweight cast aluminum wheels, in a striking gold finish, amplify the bike’s bold, unapologetic style.
The wheel design complements all three color options: Ash Grey with Diablo Red detailing, Carnival Red with Graphite accents, and Jet Black for a dark, moody vibe.
The Trident 800’s styling can be further enhanced with a range of Genuine Triumph Accessories, allowing riders to tailor the bike to their own aesthetic. Options include a sleek Akrapovič silencer, with a titanium wrap and carbon fibre end cap, designed to elevate the bike’s sporty silhouette.
MY26 Triumph Trident 800. Photo courtesy Triumph
On the Road
With two-year unlimited mileage warranty and a class-leading 10,000-mile (16,000 km) service interval, the new Trident 800 is built for more time on the road and less time in the workshop, giving riders the freedom to enjoy every mile.
Available to order now at authorized Triumph dealerships, starting at $9,995 USD / $11,695 CAD and arriving in dealerships beginning April 2026. For more information or to find your local dealer, visit triumphmotorcycles.com.
The new 2026 Kawasaki KLE®500 ABS is built for adventure, transitioning from city streets to dirt roads and beyond. Its rally-inspired styling immediately signals purpose and capability, with a tall windshield, raised short fuel tank, and sweeping side covers that emphasize both functionality and rider freedom. The 21” spoked front wheel and protective
skid plate hint at the bike’s off-road prowess, combining rugged cues with a sleek, cohesive design that balances form and function.
On paved roads, the KLE500 ABS offers smooth, confident performance. The upright riding position and elevated windshield provide excellent visibility and wind protection, while the trellis-style frame delivers an ideal balance of rigidity and low weight. Fully loaded with panniers or a top case, the bike maintains a composed, confidence-inspiring ride. Its compact, parallel-twin engine delivers strong torque and the perfect mix of power and control, whether running errands around town, cruising on the highway, or venturing on longer tours.
Off the pavement, the KLE500 ABS reveals its true capabilities. Long-travel suspension conquers rough terrain, while a slim fuel tank and sleek side covers facilitate natural standing riding positions. Generous ground clearance and smooth, linear power delivery give riders confidence across a variety of terrain. For those seeking an elevated experience, the KLE500 SE ABS model adds a premium package with a taller windshield, reinforced hand guards, larger skid plate, LED lighting, and TFT instrumentation –enhancing both comfort and control. With the KLE500 ABS, Kawasaki invites riders to embrace adventure wherever it leads.
KAWASAKI KLE500 ABS HIGHLIGHTS:
● Fuel-injected 451cc parallel-twin engine
● Lightweight, multi-purpose trellis frame
● LCD instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP*
● Relaxed, upright riding position with KX-inspired ergonomics
● KYB inverted front fork and New Uni-Trak® rear suspension
● Sturdy and light 21” front and 17” rear spoke wheels
● Large 300mm front / 230mm rear disc brakes with selectable ABS
● Rally-inspired styling with tall front cowl
● Adjustable rally-style windscreen
Kawasaki KLE®500 ABS. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
ENGINE:
At the heart of the 2026 KLE500 ABS lies a responsive 451cc parallel twin engine, delivering usable power across the rev range. Whether cruising on the highway or tackling dirt roads, riders will appreciate its low-end torque, quick acceleration at higher rpm, and well-balanced, predictable character. The lightweight flywheel mass ensures sharp throttle response, while ECU settings smooth out power delivery on the road and provide plenty of low-end pull off-road. Combined with a fully machined balancer shaft to reduce vibration, the KLE500 delivers confidence-inspiring, comfortable performance both on and off the pavement.
The engine’s design maximizes efficiency and compactness. Its 70.0 x 58.6mm bore and stroke provide strong, linear power, while the aluminum die-cast, open-deck cylinder offers excellent heat dissipation and reduced weight. Sleeveless plated bores further contribute to lightness and durability, while oil jets cooling the underside of the pistons enable the use of a lightweight piston design. Long-reach spark plugs not only aid performance with advanced timing but also optimize heat transfer by maintaining excellent contact with the cooling jacket, keeping the engine running efficiently under varying conditions.
A downdraft intake system delivers a short, direct path to the cylinders for efficient cylinder filling, particularly at high rpm. Its design also contributes to a slim chassis layout that improves reach to the ground. A large 5.6 L airbox, with rigidity designed into its top structure, enhances intake efficiency while filtering out unwanted noise – allowing riders to hear the satisfying intake note during acceleration. The left and right intake funnels feature different heights, a detail that smooths throttle response by tuning out torque valleys. Injectors placed close to the intake ports further improve combustion efficiency and deliver a natural, linear throttle feel.
Additional innovations reinforce the KLE500’s performance advantage. Lightweight Denso stick-type ignition coils minimize electrical interference, while the silencer’s upswept angle improves off-road ground clearance and allows panniers to be mounted symmetrically for balanced adventure touring. Maximum lean angle is preserved thanks to the thoughtful placement of the exhaust system. Heat management also received careful attention: Kawasaki’s unique radiator fan cover redirects hot air away from the rider and critical contact areas like the frame, tank, and side covers, keeping the rider comfortable even in heavy traffic or during long days on the trail.
The KLE500’s transmission complements its flexible engine performance with a 46/15 final drive ratio chosen for a perfect balance of highway efficiency and smooth off-road torque delivery. Its Assist & Slipper Clutch enhances control with an exceptionally light lever pull and wide engagement range, particularly valuable for new riders or those navigating technical terrain. The assist cam reduces spring load for an easy clutch feel, while the slipper cam prevents rear-wheel hop or skidding during aggressive downshifts by relieving pressure on the clutch plates. This dual-function clutch not only enhances performance but also makes the KLE500 more accessible and confidence inspiring for riders.
INSTRUMENTATION:
The KLE500 ABS features a high-contrast full LCD instrument panel designed for clear visibility and intuitive operation in all riding conditions. Its sophisticated layout includes a prominent bar-style tachometer that arcs over the speedometer and other displayed information, ensuring key data is immediately readable at a glance. The panel presents a comprehensive array of functions, including odometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, dual trip meters, remaining range, current and average fuel consumption, coolant temperature, clock, service indicator, and connected device notifications such as mail and telephone alerts.
A standout feature of the instrument panel is Kawasaki’s Economical Riding Indicator, which
constantly provides feedback on favorable fuel consumption. By observing the conditions under which the indicator appears, riders can adjust their riding style to maximize efficiency and extend range. This practical, always-on feature complements the KLE500’s adventure-ready versatility, helping riders balance performance and economy whether navigating city streets or exploring dirt roads.
The journey to off-road adventure is paved with comfort. With a tall, rally-style adjustable windscreen, ample seat cushioning, smartphone connectivity, and more, just getting to your destination is part of the fun. Photo courtesy Kawasaki
SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY:
The KLE500 ABS integrates advanced smartphone connectivity, allowing riders to interact
seamlessly with their motorcycle via the RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE* application. By linking their smartphone wirelessly to the instrument panel, riders can access a wide range of functions that enhance convenience, control, and overall riding experience. Essential vehicle information such as fuel gauge, odometer, and maintenance schedule can be monitored directly through the app, while GPS route and vehicle performance data can be logged and reviewed using the Riding Log function.
Connectivity extends to communication and customization features as well. Incoming phone calls and emails are indicated directly on the instrument display, keeping riders informed without taking their eyes off the road. General instrument display settings, including preferred units, date, and format, can be easily adjusted through the app, providing a personalized riding experience. Navigation capabilities allow riders to plan and modify routes, add waypoints, and search for destinations, helping to make adventure or commuting rides more intuitive and organized.
For added convenience and safety, select markets support a voice command feature, enabling riders to control the app while keeping hands and feet on the controls. Voice command and advanced navigation functions require a separate purchased license within the app, and availability may vary by region. This smartphone integration transforms the KLE500 into a connected, versatile adventure machine, combining modern technology with Kawasaki’s signature riding performance.
CHASSIS:
The KLE500 ABS is built on a high-tensile steel trellis frame, engineered specifically for real-world adventure riding. Rather than adapting motocross geometry, Kawasaki designed the frame for versatility and comfort across diverse conditions – from daily commuting to forest trails. Optimized chassis rigidity balance delivers both stability on the road and surefooted performance on rough terrain. Weighing only 41.8 lbs., the frame incorporates a thick down tube, ideally positioned cross members, and lightened gussets that reinforce key areas without adding unnecessary mass. The combination of lightweight construction and durable reinforcement ensures riders can enjoy both light handling and rugged capability.
To further enhance stability, the engine is mounted as a stressed member with short, rigid brackets, and was rotated forward around the axis of its output shaft – a sportbike-derived technique that lowers the center of gravity. This design provides a confident, lightweight feel whether maneuvering at a stop or picking the bike up off its side stand, while still offering 6.8” of ground clearance for off-road use. The fuel tank was also carefully designed to complement the chassis: slim and narrow to allow forward body movement for better control on dirt but shaped not to extend too far downward so as to preserve clearance. With a 4.2-gallon capacity, it balances riding range with agile handling.
Additional chassis details reinforce the KLE500’s dual-purpose nature. The aluminum lower triple clamp reduces weight, while the handlebar holder’s one-piece rubber-mounted design cuts vibration for added comfort. At the rear, an aluminum diecast swingarm mounting plate secures the swingarm pivot shaft directly to the engine, boosting stability and enhancing handling response. The lightweight square-tube swingarm, reinforced with gussets, reduces unsprung weight for nimble suspension action. A rigid rear frame supports two panniers and a top case simultaneously, catering to touring riders who need cargo options. Meanwhile, a standard aluminum skid plate protects the engine and muffler from trail impacts, while adding to the KLE500’s tough, adventure-ready styling.
From city street commutes to dirt road adventures, the KLE®500 ABS motorcycle offers real-world versatility with its multi-purpose design. With a trellis-style frame, class-leading long-travel suspension, and off-road and rally-inspired features, the KLE500 ABS motorcycle is primed to be your guide for adventure. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
SUSPENSION:
The KLE500 ABS is equipped with suspension designed to deliver confidence and comfort across a wide range of terrain. Up front, a specially designed 43mm cartridge-type inverted fork –technology usually reserved for larger-displacement machines – offers 210mm of wheel travel. Its inverted construction reduces unsprung weight for responsive suspension action while providing greater rigidity than a conventional fork. The result is light, predictable handling on unpaved roads, complemented by fork settings that absorb bumps smoothly for reassuring control. Integrated fork guards in the front fender protect the tubes from rocks and debris, further enhancing durability in off-road conditions.
At the rear, Kawasaki’s New Uni-Trak® suspension provides 200mm of wheel travel, delivering smooth, progressive action in the early stroke while maintaining strong resistance against bottoming. This balance ensures both on-road comfort and stability on rough trails. Stepless adjustable spring preload allows riders to tailor stiffness and ride height to suit their weight, riding style, or the added load of a passenger and luggage. Together, the advanced suspension components give the KLE500 ABS the versatility to explore dirt roads confidently while maintaining comfort and control on everyday rides.
BRAKES & WHEELS:
Braking performance on the KLE500 ABS is designed to inspire rider confidence across both paved and unpaved terrain. A large 300mm steel front disc is paired with a balanced actuation dual-piston caliper using 27mm pistons for strong, controllable stopping power. The single-disc setup reduces unsprung weight, which not only contributes to light handling but also enhances ground-following performance over uneven terrain. A rigid front brake master cylinder further improves controllability by minimizing idle stroke, ensuring precise rider input is translated directly into braking force.
At the rear, a 230mm disc works with a dual-piston caliper fitted with large 27mm pistons, providing ample braking performance and stability. The compact, lightweight Nissin ABS control unit delivers highly accurate braking management, with selectable ABS functionality to match the rider’s preference. Riders can disable ABS via a switch on the left handlebar when off-road riding calls for maximum direct control. For safety, the system automatically resets to its default mode (front and rear ABS enabled) after the bike is switched off and restarted.
The KLE500’s wheels are equally tuned for adventure versatility. A 21” front and 17” rear wheel combination offer excellent stability and bump absorption. Lightweight aluminum rims paired with durable steel spokes strike the ideal balance of strength and reduced unsprung weight, contributing to agile, confidence-inspiring handling. Fitted with IRC GP-410 tires, the KLE500 benefits from a grip-oriented compound for excellent road performance, while the tread design with wide-spaced center blocks enhances traction on dirt roads. These wheels and tires not only deliver performance but also add to the bike’s purposeful, adventure-ready appearance.
Exploring your next adventure will be even more enjoyable with the smooth acceleration and power on-demand delivery of the KLE®500 ABS motorcycle’s parallel-twin engine, confident clutch control, and balanced transmission. Photo courtesy Kawasaki
ERGONOMICS:
The KLE500 ABS offers a relaxed and versatile rider triangle, thoughtfully designed to accommodate a wide variety of rider sizes and situations. An elevated, aluminum fat-type handlebar and slightly foot-forward footpeg placement provide a natural, comfortable position for both seated and standing off-road riding. The wide handlebar allows freedom of movement while minimizing vibration, and the slim fuel tank promotes smooth transitions from sitting to standing, helping riders maintain control and balance in challenging terrain. Smooth bodywork and flat engine, clutch, and sprocket covers further allow riders to shift their weight freely, inspired by Kawasaki’s motocross expertise.
Seat design enhances both comfort and control. The 33.8” seat height balances a relaxed knee bend with reachable footing, while its stepped arrangement provides lumbar support and a higher vantage point for the pillion passenger. Unique hollow cushioning offers long-ride comfort and style, making the KLE500 ideal for adventure touring. The rider’s seat shape also allows easy forward and rearward weight shifting, optimizing bike handling during off-road maneuvers. Adding versatility, the footpegs feature removable rubber inserts, enabling a choice between road-friendly cushioning or spiked, off-road grip without the need for tools.
Rally-inspired features round out the ergonomics package. A tall, adjustable windshield offers three height positions – standard, 27mm higher, and 55mm higher – while maintaining a consistent contour and visual style. Clear panels surrounding the front cowling provide excellent visibility of the terrain and block wind effectively, evoking authentic rally machines. Together, these details combine to create a riding position that balances comfort, control, and style, giving riders confidence on both pavement and dirt.
STYLING:
The 2026 KLE500 ABS showcases distinctive rally-inspired styling that emphasizes versatility and adventure readiness. Its tall, compact front cowling and windshield, combined with a 21” front wheel, convey a condensed rally-raid image, while familiar street bike elements such as the stepped seat, low-positioned front fender, and Kawasaki-family LED headlight design balance approachability with adventure performance. KX motocross-inspired touches – including long, smooth side covers and a slim fuel tank – create a seamless interface for rider movement, enhancing mobility whether seated or standing.
At the front, a compact triple LED headlight arrangement forms the focal point, with two upper low beams and a single lower high beam delivering excellent illumination despite the minimal footprint. Clear panels surrounding the front cowling and a closed inner cowling around the instrument panel give the KLE500 a slim, rider-friendly appearance, while the elevated, angled instrument panel ensures visibility from both seated and standing positions. A convenient multi-purpose bar above the panel adds functional versatility, rounding out the front-end design.
From the side and rear, the KLE500’s styling blends performance cues with practicality. Shrouds and side covers feature large, flat surfaces and sharp graphics, emphasizing mass centralization, long- travel suspension, and adventure capability. The upward-slanting tail cowl and slash-cut muffler cover, complemented by KX-inspired end cap styling, deliver an agile, off-road-ready look. Clear-lens turn signals and a vertically slim LED taillight contribute to a high-quality, compact appearance, while the stepped seat design maintains street-bike familiarity, underscoring the KLE500’s versatility for both urban streets and rugged trails.
Step up to the new KLE®500 SE ABS motorcycle for enhanced comfort on and off-road featuring premium upgrades for wherever adventure takes you. Photo courtesy Kawasaki
SPECIAL EDITION MODEL:
The special edition KLE500 SE ABS elevates the adventure experience with premium features designed for both off-road excursions and on-road comfort. A taller 4.1” windshield enhances wind protection on long journeys, while a larger skid plate extends farther along the front and sides of the engine to provide extra durability and confidence when tackling challenging terrain. Metal-reinforced hand guards offer additional protection from branches and debris off-road, while also shielding the rider from wind and cold during extended rides, combining practicality with comfort.
The SE model also introduces a high-grade 4.3” all-digital TFT color instrument panel, replacing the standard LCD display. The TFT technology ensures exceptional visibility in all lighting conditions, with selectable background colors and auto-adjusting brightness. Riders gain access to a comprehensive suite of information, including a digital speedometer, bar-style tachometer, gear position indicator, shift lamp, fuel gauge, trip meters, remaining range, average and current fuel consumption, average speed, total time, coolant temperature, clock, battery voltage, service reminders, and the Economical Riding Indicator. Completing the premium rally-inspired look, sharp LED turn signals add both style and visibility, underscoring the KLE500 SE ABS’ readiness for any adventure.
KAWASAKI GENUINE ACCESSORIES:
Kawasaki offers a wide range of genuine accessories for the KLE500 ABS, allowing riders to tailor the bike to their adventure and touring needs. Available options include a top case with bracket and passenger grab bars, panniers with mounting brackets, and a rear carrier for additional cargo. Comfort and convenience can be enhanced with a large windshield, hand guards, grip heaters, USB Type-C charging, and an ERGO-FIT pillion seat or low seat option. Protective and performance-oriented accessories such as a large skid plate, engine guard, radiator screen, and center stand are also available, along with LED fog lamps, a GPS bracket, and a relay for additional accessories, ensuring the KLE500 is ready for any journey.
All trademarks, registered trademarks, logos, and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
*RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE and all trademarks, registered trademarks, logos, and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Voice command and navigation functions will be available only to users who have purchased a license for those functions. Feature availability may vary to meet individual markets.
KLE®500 SE ABS Shown. Photo courtesy Kawasaki
2026 Model Variations
Kawasaki KLE500 ABS
Color: Metallic Carbon Gray/Ebony
MSRP: $6,599
Kawasaki KLE500 SE ABS
Color: Pearl Blizzard White, Metallic Bluish Green
MSRP: $7,499
ABOUT KAWASAKI:
Kawasaki started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. is committed to maintaining and furthering these strengths which will surely give birth to new legends.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and JET SKI® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. Kawasaki and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at Kawasaki’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the Good Times Roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association hosted a large group of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers, industry leaders and motorcyclists at its campus from Oct. 23-26 for AMA Hall of Fame Days!
“AMA Hall of Fame Days is a grand celebration of all of the amazing individuals in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame that have helped foster a thriving motorcycle community throughout the United States,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “This week reminds us of how strong motorcyclists are when we work together, and the strides that we have made as a community to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.”
AMA Hall of Fame Days kicked off with the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 23, during which six incredible motorcyclists were welcomed into the Hall of Fame. This year’s Hall of Fame class included Dana Bell, Chris Carter, Colin Edwards, Joe Kopp, Chad Reed and Ryan Young.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was followed by a cocktail reception at the Hall of Fame Museum. The festivities included a Hall of Famer autograph session and a silent auction.
On Friday, Oct. 24, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Heritage Adventure Ride took riders on a scenic journey throughout Southern Ohio, starting from the AMA Campus.
The AMA Adventure X Time Trials opened the full day of activities on Saturday, Oct. 25, and allowed racers to compete on the adventure loop on the AMA’s Campus. Immediately following the AMA Adventure X Time Trials, the AMA Pitbike Moto ran on the motocross track, featuring hours of exciting racing action in a variety of classes. Trials Inc. also hosted a round of Vintage Trials on the AMA’s campus.
Concluding the festivities was the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Bike Night on the evening of Oct. 25. The AMA welcomed vendors, food trucks and motorcyclists to its campus, and held a 50/50 raffle and a screening of Motorcycle Mary — including a seminar by Ruth Belcher, Amanda Knapp and AMA Board Member Maggie McNally regarding the life and legacy of the late AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Mary McGee.
All proceeds from AMA Hall of Fame Days went toward the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that financially supports the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
The new 2026 Kawasaki Z650 S ABS redefines urban agility with an unmistakable presence. Light, nimble, and highly responsive, it cruises city streets with ease while projecting a bold statement: this is my playground. Retaining the compact, balanced ride feel that Z riders have come to expect, the Z650 S now features broader shrouds,
a wider handlebar, and redesigned bodywork that give it a muscular, aggressive edge.
Beneath the sleek, sugomi-inspired styling, the Z650 S ABS houses a 649cc parallel-twin engine that delivers strong low- to mid-range torque and linear power delivery. The superb chassis feedback, combined with its lightweight nature, offers intuitive handling in the city and confidence-inspiring performance on open back roads. Whether leaning into corners or cruising through traffic, the Z650 S ABS delivers rider-friendly manoeuvrability and everyday versatility, making it as practical as it is thrilling.
Technology and connectivity further elevate the riding experience. Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) keeps riders reassured, while the Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), available as an accessory, adds sportier engagement. A full TFT color display with a refreshed layout keeps essential information visible at a glance, while smartphone integration enhances the Z650 S ABS cockpit with real-time convenience and connectivity. With its combination of performance, cutting-edge technology, and aggressive new styling, the Z650 S ABS transforms the street into your personal playground.
KAWASAKI Z650 S ABS HIGHLIGHTS:
● NEW muscular SUGOMI™ styling strengthens the Z family image
● Parallel-twin 649cc engine
● NEW Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC)
● NEW Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), accessory option
● NEW 4.3” full color TFT instrumentation
● NEW Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE*
● NEW forward-leaning riding position
Kawasaki Z650 S ABS. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
STYLING:
The new Z650 S ABS features styling designed for riders who want to make the street their
playground, and its aggressive new design reflects that intent. Bold bodywork combines colored, design-enhancing parts on the upper sections with black, functional lower components, creating a minimalist, dynamic impression that emphasizes the bike’s sugomi presence. Wider, tough-looking shrouds give the rider the impression of a larger, more commanding machine, while shared Z family elements, including metallic accents and LED lighting front and rear, reinforce a high-quality, cohesive look. The overall effect is a muscular, modern aesthetic that perfectly complements the Z650 S ABS’ sporty performance and invites riders to be seen on it.
At the front, styling is sharp and purposeful. A compact headlight cowl with an aggressive slant sits low on the bike, following the lines from the top of the fuel tank. The triple LED headlight setup, with dual upper low beams and a single lower high beam, delivers excellent lighting while sharing design cues with other Z models. Colored panels surrounding the deep-set headlights enhance the bike’s compact appearance, while a sharp, tight meter cover and widened fat-type handlebar reinforce the aggressive Z styling and suggest control and confidence at a glance. Even the front fender, with holes cut into its sides, contributes to the edgy, street-ready image.
Layered shrouds with colored panels create a sense of depth, giving riders the impression of a larger, more commanding machine. The sculpted side profile complements the wider handlebar and evokes a rugged, wild character, while the compact, upswept tail features a layered design and LED taillight shared with other Z models. Aluminum side covers, black resin heel guards, and carefully designed rider footpeg stays create a stylish, mechanical aesthetic, while the hexagonal pattern on the upper side covers under the seat and smooth treatment on the lower rear provide contrast and a contemporary feel. Attention to detail, such as clean welding lines, hidden wiring, and a bolt-free resin fuel cap, adds to the premium quality and reinforces the high standards of the Z family.
Practicality is also integrated seamlessly into the design. Luggage hooks are built into the
passenger footpeg stays, the inner fender incorporates part of the chain guard to keep the underside of the tail clean, and an internal-cut key enhances theft deterrence. Even small details, like the granular-style seat material, contribute to the modern aesthetic while providing comfort and style. Every element of the Z650 S ABS’ styling was designed to enhance both its visual impact and rider experience, making it a striking presence on the street while remaining unmistakably part of the Z family.
A strong, torquey engine and lightweight chassis contribute to the Z650 S ABS motorcycle’s sporty performance and versatility. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
ENGINE:
The 2026 Kawasaki Z650 S ABS is powered by a 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that delivers a quick-revving character and a powerful throttle response. Designed with everyday riding in mind, the engine emphasises strong low- to mid-range torque, offering precise control for subtle throttle adjustments and a gratifying surge of acceleration at lower rpm. Performance is optimized across the mid-range (3,000–6,000 rpm), while power delivery remains smooth below 3,000 rpm and continues seamlessly above 6,000 rpm, ensuring confidence-inspiring responsiveness whether navigating city streets, cornering on twisty roads, or enjoying spirited open-road riding. Slim air intake funnels, 36mm throttle bodies with sub-throttles, and fine-atomizing injectors producing 75 μm droplets ensure the ideal fuel-air mixture, while intake and exhaust cams with short operating angles and overlap push torque to the low- and mid-range, resulting in smooth, step-free power and satisfying corner pick-up.
The engine’s compact design contributes to a nimble, agile chassis. Open-deck aluminium cylinders with plated, liner-less bores allow a narrow cylinder pitch and slim engine width, while a triangular layout of the crankshaft and transmission shafts keeps the engine short front-to-back. Semi-dry sump construction, a low-mounted under-engine muffler, and a 180º crankshaft with balancer shaft centralise mass and lower the bike’s center of gravity, enhancing stability and handling. A cassette style transmission simplifies maintenance without compromising the engine’s compact layout, while the under-engine muffler and 33mm diameter tail pipe combine performance with sleek styling.
The Z650 S ABS is equipped with an advanced Assist & Slipper Clutch, developed using feedback from racing applications. An assist cam reduces clutch lever effort during normal operation, making shifts light and smooth, while a slipper cam manages back-torque during rapid downshifts, helping prevent rear-wheel hop or skidding. This system ensures controlled, predictable power delivery across all riding conditions, enhancing both confidence and rider comfort.
Beyond performance, the engine balances functionality and visual appeal. Engine covers –
including the generator, clutch, and chain components – highlight the bike’s sporty character, while a simplified cooling system efficiently routes coolant through the cylinder and head. A radiator fan cover directs hot air away from the rider in heavy traffic, improving comfort and keeping contact points cooler.
A new O₂ sensor assists with reducing emissions, and the attractively bent exhaust pipes, under-engine muffler, and sleek silencer combine to create a compact, stylish engine that looks as good as it performs.
KAWASAKI TRACTION CONTROL (KTRC):
KTRC on the Z650 S ABS enhances sporty riding performance while giving riders confidence on low-traction surfaces. The system continuously monitors multiple parameters to provide an accurate, real-time picture of wheel and engine behaviour, allowing it to intervene precisely when needed. Two rider-selectable modes offer varying levels of intrusion: Mode 1 is the least intrusive, helping to manage traction during cornering and maximizing rear-wheel drive for spirited exits, while Mode 2 provides earlier intervention, reducing engine output when excessive wheel spin is detected. Mode 2 is especially useful for navigating challenging surfaces.
For riders who prefer full control, the system can also be switched off entirely, giving experienced riders the option to ride without electronic intervention. This flexibility ensures the Z650 S ABS delivers both confidence for everyday riding and responsiveness for spirited, sporty performance.
TFT COLOR INSTRUMENTATION:
The Z650 S ABS features a 4.3” all-digital TFT color display, giving the cockpit a high-tech,
premium appearance while maintaining design continuity with other models in the Z family. Using advanced thin-film transistor (TFT) technology, the high-grade full-color screen delivers excellent visibility under a wide range of lighting conditions. The display’s background color automatically switches from white to black in low-light environments, or riders can manually select their preferred background. Screen brightness is also automatically adjusted based on ambient light, with three rider-selectable levels available for further customization.
The TFT screen offers two display types to suit rider preference. Type 1 presents a bar-style tachometer along the top with key vehicle information displayed below, while Type 2 features a hexagonal tachometer for a distinctive, modern look. The display provides comprehensive functionality, including a digital speedometer and tachometer, gear position indicator, shift lamp, fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, average speed, total time, coolant temperature, clock, battery voltage, KQS, status, service and oil change reminders, as well as smartphone call and mail notifications, giving riders all the information they need at a glance.
SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY:
The Z650 S ABS offers seamless smartphone connectivity through the RIDEOLOGY THE APP
MOTORCYCLE* application, allowing riders to wirelessly link their device to the motorcycle and access a range of features that enhance the riding experience. Riders can view vehicle information such as the fuel gauge, odometer, and maintenance schedule directly on their smartphone, while GPS route data and vehicle running information can be logged and reviewed via the Riding Log. Incoming phone calls and mail notifications are displayed on the instrument panel, keeping riders informed without distraction, and general instrument settings, including the clock, can be adjusted via the app for added
convenience.
For riders seeking advanced functionality, optional Voice Command and Navigation features are available with a purchased license, allowing riders to control the app hands-free and plan routes directly from their smartphone. Navigation functions include searching for destinations, adding waypoints, adjusting route order, and viewing route information. Together, these connected features combine convenience and control, further integrating the Z650 S ABS into the modern, digital riding experience.
Everything built in and around the lightweight chassis of the Z650 S ABS motorcycle is designed to become an extension of the rider. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
CHASSIS:
A key factor behind the Z650 S ABS’ light, nimble character is its high-tensile steel trellis frame, which weighs just 33 lbs. The frame’s components follow the ideal pipeline, with straight sections prioritized and bends kept to the smallest angles possible. This design disperses stress efficiently while maintaining strength, allowing Kawasaki engineers to trim away additional material without
compromising rigidity. Using advanced in-house analysis technology, the pipe diameter, length, and wall thickness were all precisely optimized to deliver the ideal balance of lateral and torsional rigidity.
The engine itself is rigid-mounted and used as a stressed member, while even the footpeg stays contribute to overall rigidity and weight reduction. The result is a frame that is both remarkably strong and exceptionally lightweight, instantly noticeable when lifting the bike off its side stand.
Contributing further to the Z650 S ABS’ agile handling is a lightweight 10.5 lb. swingarm designed with the same analysis technology as the frame. Its straight-line design from pivot to axle enhances rigidity while keeping weight to a minimum, supporting the bike’s light, natural handling. Combined with a steep 24.0º caster angle, short wheelbase, and tight turning radius, the chassis delivers sharp, responsive maneuverability. A twin-tube rear frame contributes to the bike’s low seat height, facilitating the reach to the ground while maintaining excellent comfort and control. Together, these elements create a chassis that is both rider-friendly and performance-focused, ideal for city riding or backroads.
SUSPENSION:
The Z650 S ABS is equipped with a 41mm telescopic front fork that provides smooth, responsive action for confident handling. At the rear, Kawasaki’s Horizontal Back-link suspension delivers a progressive character, striking an ideal balance between sporty performance and everyday ride comfort. This setup offers a more refined suspension feel compared to link-less systems, ensuring riders enjoy stability and feedback whether navigating city streets or leaning into curving roads.
Positioned above the swingarm, the rear shock unit and linkage contribute to the bike’s centralized mass, enhancing agility and overall handling performance. This placement also ensures the suspension components remain isolated from the heat of the exhaust system, preserving consistent operation and long-term durability. Together, the front and rear suspension systems give the Z650 S ABS the versatility to handle spirited riding while maintaining comfort for daily use.
BRAKES & WHEELS:
Braking performance on the Z650 S ABS is both powerful and confidence-inspiring, thanks to new dual 300mm front round discs paired with a 220mm rear round disc. Dual-piston front calipers, along with a responsive master cylinder and high-quality brake pads, provide superb brake touch and precise control. A new Continental ABS unit further enhances rider confidence, offering smooth, natural intervention that preserves braking feel while preventing wheel lock-up in sudden stops or low-traction conditions.
Lightweight, stylish star-pattern 5-spoke wheels not only give the Z650 S ABS a modern, sporty look but also contribute to reduced unsprung weight and improved rigidity. This combination delivers excellent handling feedback and agility, especially when paired with the bike’s hollow-type front axle and lightweight swingarm. Complementing the chassis setup are Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires, chosen for their excellent grip and responsiveness. Together, the lightweight wheels, tires, and advanced braking system enhance the Z650 S ABS’ nimble character, giving riders a perfect balance of control, style, and everyday usability.
New wider and roomier ergonomics add more comfort to agile handling. The rider triangle places you “in” rather than “on top of” the bike for a feeling of confident connected handling. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
ERGONOMICS:
The new Z650 S ABS features an updated ergonomic package designed to deliver both sporty control and everyday comfort. A new flat, fat-type handlebar is positioned 40mm further forward, 10mm higher, and 30mm wider than the previous model, placing the rider in a slightly more forward-leaning, elbows-out position that capitalizes on the bike’s sporty Supernaked character. At the same time, the wider stance creates more room between the arms and body, while rubber-mounted handlebars help reduce vibration transmitted to the grips and mirrors for improved long-distance comfort. Both clutch and brake levers are 5-way adjustable to suit a variety of hand sizes, further enhancing rider comfort and control.
A completely redesigned front seat adds comfort and versatility. Approximately 20mm higher and wider than the previous model, with increased cushioning, the seat creates a more relaxed knee bend while maintaining an easy reach to the ground. Its shape now accommodates a wider range of rider sizes, with a slim front section that facilitates confident footing at stops. The new design also creates a flat seating area, with the front and rear portions at the same height for a natural, relaxed riding position.
A rubber-mounted seat bracket helps minimize vibration transfer, while the narrow frame and engine layout keep the rider’s knees and feet close together, contributing to overall comfort and control. For passengers, the rear seat has been widened by 20mm with an additional 10mm of cushioning in the main seating area, delivering improved comfort on longer rides. Under-seat storage offers room for a U-lock and other small items, adding practical convenience.
The riding triangle has also been carefully refined. The higher seat, combined with repositioned footpegs, creates ample legroom while still supporting a sporty posture. Rider and passenger footpegs feature rubber pads with hollow centers designed to reduce vibration, improving comfort without compromising feel. New muscular shrouds surrounding the fuel tank lend a more powerful appearance, but the tank retains its low placement in the chassis and continues to be easy to grip with the knees.
Together, these updates deliver an ergonomic package that blends performance-focused control with everyday comfort, making the Z650 S ABS as enjoyable in city traffic as it is on open backroads.
Kawasaki Z650 S ABS. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
KAWASAKI GENUINE ACCESSORIES:
A range of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories allows riders to further enhance the Z650 S ABS’ wide, aggressive looks, improve comfort, and increase touring potential. For riders seeking added excitement, the new Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) enables smooth, rapid upshifts for an even more engaging ride.
Comfort and style for passengers can be enhanced with new metal grab bars, while the Style Seat, featuring the same two-tone leather-style finish as the Z900, adds a touch of luxury and reinforces the Z family aesthetic. For riders looking for a lower seating position, the ERGO-FIT Low Seat sits 20mm lower than the standard seat, providing a comfortable reach to the ground, while the pillion seat cover, with its recessed design, complements the tail cowl for a sleek, street-focused look. A USB Type-C outlet located on the inner left side of the front cowl offers convenient, easily accessible charging for devices, and a taller smoked meter cover provides a measure of wind protection while enhancing the sporty appearance.
For touring and everyday convenience, semi-soft panniers (3.6 gallons, 6.6 lbs. each) with brackets allow for overnight or short trips, and a top case (7.9 gallons, 6.6 lbs. max) increases carrying capacity while maintaining a slim profile for city riding. A 1-gallon tank bag with shoulder strap and carry handle provides easy access to small items and portability when removed from the bike. Additional bolt-on accessories include wheel rim tape, helmet lock, radiator screen, frame sliders, tank pad, meter film, and knee pads, giving riders the ability to personalize their Z650 S ABS to suit both their style and riding needs.
All trademarks, registered trademarks, logos, and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
*RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE and all trademarks, registered trademarks, logos, and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Voice command and navigation functions will be available only to users who have purchased a license for those functions. Feature availability may vary to meet individual markets.
2026 Model Variations
Kawasaki Z650 S ABS
Color: Metallic Matte Graphenesteel
Gray/Metallic Flat Spark Black
MSRP: $7,699
Availability: Now
ABOUT KAWASAKI:
Kawasaki started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. is committed to maintaining and furthering these strengths which will surely give birth to new legends.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and JET SKI® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. Kawasaki and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at Kawasaki’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the Good Times Roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.
More from a press release issued by BK8 Gresini Team:
Alex Marquez delivers to Gresini the independent team tittle with a win in Sepang.
Raceday – MalaysianGP
1st – ALEX MARQUEZ #73
NC – FERMIN ALDEGUER #54
World Championship Standings
2nd – ALEX MARQUEZ #73 (413 points)
Runner Up MotoGP 2025
8th – FERMIN ALDEGUER #54 (186 points)
Rookie of the Year 2025
Alex Marquez on the podium after his victory at Sepang. Photo courtesy Gresini Team
Alex Marquez: “Today I changed my approach at the start of the race, as yesterday I got it wrong, as I attaked and did what I aimed to do. We had a great race and achieved the goal of becoming the best independent team from the top of the podium; now we’ll enjoy these last two races.”
Fermin Aldeguer (54) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Gresini Team
Fermin Aldeguer: “It wasn’t the best way to wrap up a weekend where we were really strong and where we felt very competitive. We achieved a goal and in today’s race we learned a lot. I hit hard during the crash, but we’re going back home to recuperate.”
—–
More from a press release issued by Honda HRC Castrol:
Mir masters Malaysian GP for second Honda podium.
Finishing what he started on Saturday, Joan Mir sealed his second podium finish of the flyaway races in fine fashion as he charged through the field. Luca Marini bounced back to secure another top ten finish and gain vital championship points.
Repeating his start to Saturday’s Sprint race, Joan Mir immediately moved himself into contention as he latched onto the back of Fabio Quartararo and spent several laps working to get past the French rider. As the race entered its second half, Mir’s superior pace saw him breeze past and break away to a comfortable fourth. Rapidly closing in on a fading Francesco Bagnaia, Mir had the pace to catch and pass the Ducati rider as he matched the podium trio’s speed, but a technical problem would promote Mir onto the podium.
Third at the line, an emotional Mir entered Parc Fermé for the second time in 2025 as his and Honda HRC’s effort were once again rewarded. The result moves the #36 to 93 points, more than doubling his total points haul from his previous two seasons with Honda. Two races offer two more chances of further success for the double World Champion.
Close to his teammate off the line, Luca Marini made another fantastic start to the Malaysian GP. Unfortunately, a small mistake dropped him back into the chasing group and he became entangled in an almost race long battle with Johann Zarco. Eventually getting the better of him, Marini would easily escape up the road with clean air to end the race in eighth and in turn securing a good haul of points after his first crash of the year. Besting Zarco once more, just six points now split the pair in their battle for top Honda honours.
A week of rest and recovery now awaits before the final pair of back-to-back races rounds out an incredible 2025 MotoGP World Championship. The Portuguese Grand Prix will take place on November 07 – 09 at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve.
Joan Mir on the podium at Sepang. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
Joan Mir:“It was a great race but one of the toughest of my life, the temperature, managing the tyres, controlling the bike – you had to be perfect everywhere and we managed to do it. I am so happy to end these races like this, to show what we could really do after yesterday. We took the maximum out of our package, and this shows the great work that we have done as a team. When you are confident you can do this. I realised that today we could do something, and I just went for it, right on that narrow line between being fast and crashing. I was very careful at Turn 9 today! The progress Honda has made in 12 months is fantastic, I knew what was possible with this project and that’s why I signed for another two years. Thank you to my team and all of Honda’s engineers.”
Luca Marini at Sepang. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
Luca Marini:“A good end to the weekend where again I think we had a lot of pace. The bike is continuing to improve and the top five is always there. I made a really good start and I was up with Mir and Zarco but I made a mistake and dropped back. After that I was in a big group fighting with many riders and it took a lot of laps to pass Zarco. With the medium front I was able to brake really hard but we were missing something in the turning. Maximising our results in Qualifying is the area that we need to improve, both with myself and the bike. Congratulations to Mir on another good podium.”
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More from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Duo Take P5 and P13 in Sepang Race.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins pushed in sweltering conditions in today’s Grand Prix of Malaysia Race and both scored points. The duo completed the 20-lap contest in the tropical heat in 5th and 13th place respectively.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins had to strike a balance between pushing and tyre management in the 20-lap Grand Prix of Malaysia Race. They negotiated the Sepang International Circuit in 35°C, engaged in various battles, and ultimately took 5th and 13th place respectively.
Quartararo started from P4 and skilfully defended his position from Fermín Aldeguer on the opening lap. As a gap started to form to the top 3, the Frenchman focused solely on keeping chasing rivals at bay. On lap 6, Joan Mir launched an attack but ran wide. El Diablo anticipated as much and cut back on the inside, reclaiming fourth. A second attempt came on lap 10. This time El Diablo had a small moment and thus had to concede fourth place. Franco Morbidelli roughly pushed past Quartararo on lap 11. The number-20 couldn’t respond as he had started to experience rear tyre drop. But it wasn’t long before Quartararo was back in fifth when Francesco Bagnaia, after experiencing a problem, retired from the race with three laps to go. With sizable gaps to fourth and sixth over the final two laps, the Yamaha man took the chequered flag in P5, 11.556s from first.
Rins commenced from P10 and, after an opening battle with Brad Binder, wrapped up the first lap in 12th place. The Spaniard was keen to preserve his tyres. On lap 5, Pol Espargaró crashed out, but Rins was overtaken by three rivals and circulating in 16th place by lap 9. For the remainder of the race, the number-42 kept trying to find a balance between pushing and nursing his tyres. With Raúl Fernández and Aldeguer crashing out on lap 12 and 17 respectively and Bagnaia suffering an issue on lap 18, Rins moved up to 13th again. Riding a lonely race at that time, he held the position to the finish line, crossing it 23.509s from first.
After today’s results, Quartararo stays in 9th place in the overall standings with 182 points, and Rins holds 19th position with 63 points. Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP are 6th in the team championship with 245 points, and Yamaha remain in 5th position in the constructor championship with 221 points.
MotoGP will be back in action next in two weeks’ time for the Grand Prix of Portugal, held at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve from 7-9 November.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI – Team Director, Monster Energy Yamaha
“Let’s start by giving credit to Fabio, who did extremely well again. He gave it his all in the opening stages once more and then really took care of the soft tyres whilst still riding defensively. Ultimately, this allowed him to take another positive fifth place, which is especially a good result considering the challenging Friday. Álex also had to find a balance between riding at the limit and managing the tyres, but in the mid-pack in these high temperatures this is quite complicated. In the end, he crossed the line in 13th place. We now fly back to Europe. A week off is well deserved for the riders and the team before we start the final two rounds of the season.”
Fabio Quartararo (20) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha
Fabio Quartararo:“It was quite a good race. Every time we start before Moto2, I can be aggressive on the first laps, and today I could push. But, like everyone, I had to save the tyres and try to avoid going over the limit. It’s tricky on the softs, but I think we did a great job. I tried to keep the pace. With Joan, I was riding defensively. I tried to close everything and be as fast as possible. At one moment, Franky overtook me quite aggressively in the last corner – it’s racing, so it’s normal – but after that I had to slow down. Finishing 5th-7th was the goal for today, so I’m quite happy.”
Alex Rins (42) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha
Alex Rins:“We have been struggling since FP1 this weekend, and it looks like when grip levels are low and temperatures are high, it affects us more than the others. So, we were expecting a really tough Race. In the beginning, I could have gone faster than I did. The problem was that I was thinking about the end of the Race. Maybe this smooth riding on the first seven laps, losing positions, allowed me to stay in P13 in the last laps. So, it was a tough weekend, but we need to keep going.”
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More from a press release issued by Red Bull KTM Tech3:
And the overseas tour is a wrap for 2025, as the Grand Prix of Malaysian was our final stop in Asia before the championship heads back to Europe for the two final rounds of the season in Portugal and Valencia. Enea Bastianini delivered another stunning performance in the main race, as he fought his way to the 7th position after starting from P19, another stunning remontada from the Italian. Unfortunately, Pol Espargaro will leave Sepang with a bittersweet feeling, after the Spaniard crashed in lap 5 despite showing solid early pace.
Some of the toughest race conditions of the calendar awaited the MotoGP™ grid with 35° in the air and 55° on the ground, as lights were out at 3pm local time for 20 laps. It was not the ideal start for Pol Espargaro who dropped two positions within the first corners, and he sat in 14th after one lap of racing, but he charged through Alex Rins ahead in the next lap to go up to 13th, right behind teammate Brad Binder who had taken a solid launch from 18th. The number 44 had set himself into a solid early pace, with lap 2 already in 1’59.970, as he could close the gap on Binder. On his side, Enea Bastianini had gained 3 positions within the first two laps to 16th, and lap 3 was all about the battle for 15th against Jack Miller, a battle he eventually won to settle in the point-scoring positions after 3 laps. Meanwhile, the front trio of Alex Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia and Pedro Acosta was producing amazing battles for the lead. Unfortunately, while waiting for his moment to overtake Binder, Espargaro crashed at lap 5 from 12th, a great shame for the Spaniard who had much more today. Sooo, Red Bull KTM Tech3’s hopes were now all on Enea Bastianini, who was producing an encouraging pace with a 2’00.106 on lap 4. Espargaro crashing out meant P14 after 5 laps for the ‘Bestia’, and next he was through Alex Rins to 13th, behind Marco Bezzecchi. At the front, Alex Marquez had come out on top with a 0.8 seconds gap on Bagnaia-Acosta, with next in 4th Fabio Quartararo 1.6 seconds behind. Halfway through the race, Bastianini was still in 13th, but with the gap now completely closed on Bezzecchi, and his better rhythm saw him eventually go through the Aprilia on lap 12. Binder was the next target, and we were up to 11th now. Luca Marini and Johann Zarco were the next victims of Enea’s remontada, as Enea was now up to 9th with just 4 laps remaining. Fermin Aldeguer’s late crash and Francesco Bagnaia’s technical issue meant two more positions were gained, as we saw Enea Bastianini crossed the finish line in 7th! It is another amazing race performance from Bastianini, as he wraps up a tricky weekend in Malaysia on a sweet note.
Coming up next, the Grand Prix of Portugal, on November 7-8-9!
Enea Bastianini (23) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Tech3.
Enea Bastianini: “My life is complicated! Starting on Friday, I was nervous because I had no confidence with the bike. On Saturday, we resolved some problems in the sprint, and we arrived on Sunday prepared, ready to fight for the top 10. Starting from far is tough, I gave it my all, but it is difficult to recover positions on that track, as the front tire is getting hotter and hotter, but anyway, I am happy with the job done today. We are still missing a bit of consistency, especially on time attacks, because every time we put on new tires, all KTM riders improve, and not me, so it is something that we need to understand, and I’m sure we can get better. Last year, I had the same issue, and we resolved it, so I am confident that we will find a way to solve it too with the KTM.”
Pol Espargaro (44) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Tech3.
Pol Espargaro: “It is painful to crash so early in the race, of course, so there is not much to say. However, we need to take the positives, because I think that we had in our hands another top 10. Our speed was decent in the first laps, but it is racing, and a small mistake can change your Sunday. I think that everyone at KTM did a decent job at trying to keep the tires alive, we were working a lot yesterday to prepare for the main race. When I was behind Brad (Binder), I think that I was chilling a little bit too much, as I did not want to make a mistake, so maybe I waited a little bit too long, and I was probably not in the right position in the turn I crashed. It is a pity that I could not finish, but I am really happy that we have 3 KTMs in the top 10 today!”
Nicolas Goyon, Team Manager: “It was a good Sunday for Enea Bastianini in Sepang, as he gained 12 positions in the race to finish in P7, which is a great performance. However, it gives us the same bittersweet feeling as usual, because he would probably have been fighting for the top 5 if he had qualified better. When you see the final position of Pedro Acosta, you really believe it would have been possible. We still have two races left to try improving our main weakness, so let’s work towards that goal, we will give it our all until the end. Pol Espargaro had a really positive weekend once again, qualified directly in Q2, and a finish close to the top 10 in the sprint. Unfortunately, he had a small crash while fighting for the top 10 positions today. Anyway, he delivered another great weekend for us, he has shown that our package can be competitive, and we want to thank him again for these two rounds in Australia and Malaysia. It is time to pack, and head back to Europe to finish the season, but before that, we will all have a well deserved week of rest! See you all in Portugal!”
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More from a press release issued by Aprilia Racing:
Challenging race for Aprilia Racing at Sepang.
The full-distance race at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit proved challenging for Aprilia Racing. Starting back in 14th, Marco Bezzecchi struggled to make up ground in a difficult race. He had to settle for eleventh, but the points were enough to keep him third in the Riders’ standings on 291 points.
Lorenzo Savadori continued his vital development work on the RS-GP25 throughout the race, finishing sixteenth, just outside the points zone.
Rookie Ai Ogura from the Trackhouse MotoGP Team also delivered a strong performance, finishing tenth and helping to bring two Aprilia RS-GP25s into the points.
Marco Bezzecchi (72) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Aprilia Racing
Marco Bezzecchi: “It certainly wasn’t a good day, beginning this morning with the terrible Moto3 accident involving Rueda and Dettwiler. As for my performance, sadly, I struggled. It was quite a tough race, and I couldn’t really overtake anyone. I couldn’t have done any better today, and I’m disappointed, but at least we scored a few points. Now we’ll work even harder for the last two races of the season.”
Lorenzo Savadori (32) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Aprilia Racing
Lorenzo Savadori: “It’s a pity because I lost some time at the start, battling with Chantra – my pace early on was good enough to stay with the group. Then, running in the slipstream, the temperatures rose and the tyre started to drop off. We’ll keep trying new things, and we already have some ideas we’ll test at Jerez in two days during private testing.”
Massimo Rivola – CEO Aprilia Racing:“It was a tough weekend; we knew we were heading to a track that doesn’t particularly suit us. Unfortunately, as has happened before this season with the RS-GP25 —much more competitive than previous bikes— the performance came a bit too late, and missing direct access to Q2 put us on the back foot. The sprint was excellent, with Marco always strong in overtaking, while in the race the choice of the front tyre affected his performance, but that’s easy to say now. We now look ahead to the final two GP’s with our goals clearly in mind and the determination to give our best straight away in Portimão.”
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More from a press release issued by CASTROL Honda LCR:
CASTROL Honda LCR rider Johann Zarco finishes 12th at the Sepang International Circuit.
From 9th on the grid, and after feeling some improvements during Saturday’s Sprint, Johann Zarco was determined to push again for a good result in Sunday’s race.
The French rider made a strong start and was fighting for the top seven positions in the early stages.
However, in the closing laps, extreme tyre consumption caused by the high temperatures prevented him from maintaining the pace of the top 10. Zarco eventually crossed the line in 12th place, securing valuable championship points.
Despite the tough conditions, Zarco showed solid progress throughout the weekend, regaining confidence and demonstrating positive signs as the team heads into the final races of the season.
Johann Zarco (5) at Sepang. Photo courtesy honda LCR.
Johann Zarco:“I was happy with the start of the race and the first laps. I was in a good position and could control my pace for a while, which I wanted to maintain for the whole race, as I wasn’t that far from the group ahead. However, as the laps went by, it became more difficult; I couldn’t manage the tyre drop, and that’s when other riders overtook me. I tried to finish the race as well as possible, and overall, after many struggles, we had a solid weekend. We need to keep making progress.”
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More from a press release issued by Prima Pramac Yamaha:
Tough Malaysian GP for Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP: Miller 14th, Oliveira 19th.
It was a bitter Malaysian GP for the Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP team, which wrapped up the 20th round of the Championship with Jack Miller finishing 14th, while Miguel Oliveira, after remounting following a crash on lap 10, crossed the line in 19th place. The next stop will be in two weeks‘ time at the Portuguese GP in Portimão.
A difficult Sunday closed out an already complicated weekend for the Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP team. At the Sepang International Circuit, the team managed to bring home just a handful of points, two from Jack Miller, who completed the 20-lap race in 14th position. A crash on lap 10 ended Miguel Oliveira‘s hopes early, though the Portuguese rider was able to rejoin the race and finish 19th.
With the two points earned today, Miller‘s season total rises to 68, putting him 18th in the overall standings. Oliveira remains at 36 points in 20th place, while the Prima Pramac Yamaha team sits 11th in the Teams‘ Championship with 107 points.
With the 20th round behind them — closing out the four-race non-European stretch — Prima Pramac Yamaha will return to the track in two weeks‘ time in Portimão, Portugal, for the 21st and penultimate round of the 2025 World Championship.
GINO BORSOI – Team Director, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP
“It was a complicated weekend. The race was very difficult, especially for Miller, who couldn‘t find enough grip to perform well on corner exits, and on the straights, as always when you‘re in a group, we were missing a bit of top speed. In the end, he ran a race that was in line with the targets we had set. As for Oliveira, it‘s a shame. We were struggling from the start of the weekend, and although we managed to improve a few things, recovering from the back is never easy. Now we head to Portimão, and I hope his home race gives him the boost he needs to achieve a good result, because he really deserves it.”
Jack Miller (43) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha
Jack Miller: “I tried to manage the tires as best as I could, being very gentle at the beginning of the race to make sure I could get to the end and hopefully have something left in my pocket. But I had the same issues as the guys around me. Rins was in the same boat as me, nursing most of the race, even though it seemed like he had a little bit more on the corner exits. In the end, I focused on bringing it home rather than ending up in the gravel. I hope we can be more competitive in Portimão.”
Miguel Oliveira (88) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha
Miguel Oliveira:“The same thing as Saturday happened — a small front-end crash with no warning. I thought that today, with the medium front tire, things would be better, but it was hard to manage the grip. I was riding comfortably despite the difficulties we were facing, but there wasn‘t much we could do. The ambitions could have been higher, but today the best we could have managed was to finish alongside the two other Yamahas.”
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More from a press release issued by Ducati Lenovo Team:
Francesco Bagnaia and the Ducati Lenovo Team forced to retire at Sepang due to an unexpected setback while battling for the podium. Michele Pirro finishes seventeenth.
The Ducati Lenovo Team wrapped up the twentieth Grand Prix of the 2025 MotoGP season at the Sepang International Circuit. Francesco Bagnaia was forced to retire with three laps to go while running in third place, and Michele Pirro finished seventeenth.
Bagnaia lost the lead on lap two but kept Alex Márquez in close range for more than half the race distance. After defending second place well from Pedro Acosta’s attacks, he dropped to third and began to lose ground. With three laps remaining, Pecco returned to the pits and retired due to a flat rear tyre. Michele Pirro completed the weekend with a seventeenth-place finish.
As the twentieth Grand Prix draws to a close, with Marc Márquez already crowned World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia sits fourth in the standings, five points behind third place. The Triple Crown is completed by the Teams’ title secured by the Ducati Lenovo Team and the Constructors’ title clinched by Ducati.
The Ducati Lenovo Team will return to Europe to tackle the penultimate event of the season at Portimão’s Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, from November 7th to 9th.
Francesco Bagnaia (63) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Ducati
Francesco Bagnaia: “First of all, my thoughts go to Rueda and Dettwiler for what happened to them in the Moto3 race, and I keep my fingers crossed for them. When such things happen, everything else becomes less important. Today we were unlucky, as we had a flat rear tyre. This happened on lap twelve and then, little by little, the pressure kept dropping. I thought I had managed the tyre wear the wrong way, but after analysing the data, the issue was clearly there. Unfortunately, these things can happen. Overall though, it was a positive weekend despite how it ended.”
Michele Pirro (51) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Ducati
Michele Pirro: “We completed this hot weekend at Sepang with good feedback. In the race, while I was tailing another rider, I could feel changes in the bike’s behaviour – something I had never experienced before, as during testing I always ride on my own. The lap times improved as the race progressed, and I further narrowed the gap to the frontrunners. We tried new parts for next year and tested several set-up adjustments, working ahead of time for the future.”
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More from a press release issued by IDEMITSU Honda LCR:
IDEMITSU Honda LCR rider Somkiat Chantra finished 15th in Sunday’s race at the Sepang International Circuit.
Facing once again a comeback race and determined to fight for his goals, Chantra made a solid start from 20th on the grid.
The extreme heat and tyre consumption were the main challenges to manage, but Somkiat rode consistently and avoided mistakes throughout the 20 laps.
In the end, he crossed the line in 15th position, scoring points once again and demonstrating resilience and hard work.
Somkiat Chantra (35) at Sepang. Photo courtesy IDEMITSU Honda LCR
Somkiat Chantra: “I’m happy to get the points again. It wasn’t a bad race, but I struggled with tyre consumption; it was demanding. I had difficulties managing both the front and the rear tyres until the end, so I focused on avoiding mistakes and secured 15th place. In the end, it was a good result!”
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More from a press release issued by Yamaha Factory Racing:
Yamaha V4-Powered Prototype Successfully Completes Second Full-Length MotoGP Race.
The Yamaha Factory Racing Team used the Grand Prix of Malaysia Sunday to collect more valuable dry-track data at the Sepang International Circuit. Wild-card entry Augusto Fernández stuck to his plan of using the 20-lap MotoGP Race to push the V4-Powered Prototype in a full-length MotoGP Race setting and rode it to an 18th place across the finish line.
The Yamaha Factory Racing Team completed their testing programme in today’s MotoGP Race at the Grand Prix of Malaysia. Wild-card entry Augusto Fernández wrapped up the 20-lap contest in 18th place in the Yamaha V4-Powered Prototype’s second full-length MotoGP Race.
Augusto Fernández started from P23 and gained a position early on by overtaking Michele Pirro. The Yamaha test rider had made his plans clear for the Sunday: he was determined to complete all 20 laps and gather dry-track data while pushing in the race. Though he wasn’t able to stay with a rider group, he put his head down. With a competitor taking a fall on lap 5, the number-7 rode steadily in 21st position. Two more riders crashing out and Miguel Oliveira dropping to the back of the pack had Augusto Fernández climb as high as 19th before he started to battle with a charging Pirro with 7 laps to go. Augusto Fernández was pushed down to 20th, but as another two riders failed to make it to the chequered flag, he ultimately crossed the finish line in 18th place, 47.060s from first.
After today’s results, Augusto Fernández still holds joint-24th place in the championship standings with 8 points, and Yamaha is in 5th position in the constructor championship with 221 points.
Augusto Fernandez (7) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Yamaha Factory Racing
Augusto Fernandez:“It was a busy weekend, and we have settled on a clear direction to take for the next test and wild-card race weekend in Valencia to improve further. We have been working on the balance of the bike, and we need to keep working on it and set a base. The process will take a bit of time, so we need to keep working hard.”
Jake Dixon won the shortened FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Petronas Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia. Riding his ELF Marc VDS Racing Boscoscuro on Pirelli control tires, the Brit won the 11-lap race by 2.035-seconds.
David Alonso was the runner-up on his CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team Kalex.
Barry Baltus was third on his Fantic Racing Kalex.
Alonso’s teammate, Daniel Holgado finished fourth.
Diogo Moreira took fifth on his Italtrans Racing Team Kalex.
American Joe Roberts crashed his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Diogo Moreira leads the championship with 256 points, 9 ahead of Manuel Gonzalez who has 247 points. Barry Baltus is third with 221 points.
Dixon victorious as Moreira takes over in title race after Gonzalez crashes. The biggest title twist of 2025 as Gonzalez crashes, Moreira leads the way and Dixon wins to remain in contention.
A dramatic Moto2™ encounter saw Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) claim Moto2™ honours at Sepang in a red-flagged Grand Prix of Malaysia. Dixon managed to hit the front on Lap 3 of the restart and never looked back, finishing ahead of David Alonso (CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team) and his polesitting teammate Daniel Holgado. The pendulum swung again in the title race too, as Manuel Gonzalez (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) fell from a top five place with just a few laps to go; chief title rival Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) finished fifth and thus leads the Championship for the first time in 2025 with his two-point deficit converted into a nine-point advantage.
Holgado got the dream launch in the original start but further back, there was drama for Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team), who fell on the exit of Turn 5. This brought out the red flag and whilst the American was able to walk away, everyone would need to go again in a shortened 11-lap scrap for honours. On the second restart, it was a carbon copy as Holgado again grabbed the holeshot whilst Dixon battled intensely behind with 2020 Moto3 World Champion and arch-rival Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2). By Turn 14, the #96 was through and began hunting down Holgado.
At Turn 4 on Lap 3, the British star made his move into the lead, getting the job done and then setting a relentless pace to break away. The scrap was further behind as Gonzalez had his hands full with Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing), with the Belgian still in title contention and thus not giving an inch to the #18. Behind, Moreira was fighting his way through. Having previously had contact with Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) at Turn 6 whilst fighting for P9, he’d moved up to P6 with just four laps to go, passing a fading Arenas.
With just one place between the two title heavyweights, it all came to a crashing halt for Gonzalez who fell at Turn 15 with just three to go. The long-time Championship leader dropped the ball at the wrong time and with a clear view of it, Moreira knew this was his chance. Inheriting fifth, all he had to do was get to the finish, whilst Gonzalez’s crash had also brought Baltus and Dixon back into mathematical contention.
Across the line, it was a seventh Moto2™ victory and a third of the season for the Brit, who is now 41 behind new Championship leader Moreira with 50 remaining. Alonso took his fourth podium of the season and his second in as many rounds, ahead of Baltus who, like Dixon, remains in mathematical contention and is 35 points from the lead. Holgado strengthened his grasp on finishing 2025 as top rookie with fourth, whilst Moreira leads the way after his P5.
Arenas took the chequered flag in sixth place whilst Daniel Muñoz (Red Bull KTM Ajo) finished seventh. Alex Escrig (KLINT Forward Factory Team) was magnificent in P8 for his first points since Austin, whilst Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Tony Arbolino (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) rounded out the top ten.
A week after racing a Team Hammer Suzuki GSX-R750 with ASRA during his Daytona debut, MotoAmerica Talent Cup race winner Bodie Paige finished 5th on his NSF250 Honda, in Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Race 2 held on Sunday of the MotoGP event weekend in Malaysia, at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit.
Some students riding during a Yamaha Champion Riding School Event. Photo courtesy ChampSchool
LAST CHANCE TO CHANGE YOUR RIDING LIFE (AND SAVE MONEY TOO)
This is it — the final SoCal ChampSchool event of 2025! Join us November 4–5 at Buttonwillow Raceway Park for two incredible days of riding, learning, and improvement with the Yamaha Champions Riding School team. Perfect weather, an epic track, and the same championship-winning curriculum that’s transformed thousands of riders around the world.
Don’t sit out the last ride of the year—and don’t miss the final chance to save money before 2025 wraps up!
CHAMPSCHOOL TWO-DAY
$2,995 → $2,695 with code: EBBWFALL25
Ride your own bike or one of our Yamahas. Learn from national champions, MotoAmerica pros, and industry experts. You’ll master real-world techniques that work on any bike, any road, and any track.
CHAMPSTREET ONE-DAY
$495 → $445 with code: EBBWFALL25
No leathers required. Real-world speeds, real-world skills. Ideal for street riders who want to brake, corner, and control their bikes with precision and confidence.
This is your last opportunity in 2025 to train with the best, improve your riding forever, and save money doing it.
Whether you’re chasing lap times or just want to feel in total control every time you ride—this is your weekend.
Buttonwillow Raceway Park — Nov 4–5, 2025
Turn fear into focus. Ride like a champion — any bike, any road, any pace.
Triumph Motorcycles introduces the model year 2026 Scrambler 900, a significantly enhanced evolution of its iconic modern classic. Reimagining the timeless Triumph design DNA with a fresh and contemporary edge, this latest model blends new cutting-edge technology with engineering excellence, while preserving its authentic Scrambler identity.
The 2026 Scrambler 900 features a more refined chassis, upgraded suspension and braking components, lightweight aluminum wheel rims, and the introduction of lean-sensitive Optimized Cornering ABS and Traction Control. A new modern instrument cluster, updated LED lighting, and improved connectivity further enhance the riding experience, while staying true to the bike’s authentic character.
The chassis has undergone significant upgrades. A redesigned tubular steel frame is now paired with a cast aluminum swingarm that improves rigidity and reduces weight. Suspension has been enhanced with 1.69 in (43 mm) Showa upside-down forks and preload-adjustable twin piggyback rear suspension units, delivering confident handling across a variety of terrain.
Lightweight aluminum wheel rims further reduce unsprung mass, and the bike is fitted with Metzeler Tourance dual-purpose tires. Braking performance has been improved with a larger 12.6 inch (320 mm) front disc and a radial four-piston caliper, offering stronger and more progressive stopping power.
The Scrambler 900 now features lean-sensitive Optimized Cornering ABS and Traction Control, a notable advancement from the previous switchable systems. Ride-by-wire throttle technology supports three riding modes; Road; Rain and Off-road. The Off-road mode disables rear ABS for better control on loose terrain.
The new instrument cluster combines a classic round housing with a modern LCD display and integrated TFT screen, showing speed, rpm, gear position, and riding mode. When paired with the optional Bluetooth module, riders can access phone and music controls, as well as turn-byturn navigation. A USB-C charging port is now included for added convenience, and cruise control is available as a dealer-fit accessory.
Paul Stroud – Chief Commercial Officer, Triumph Motorcycles
“The Scrambler 900 has long been celebrated for its distinctive character and all-around versatility. With this latest evolution, we’ve refined every aspect of the riding experience— focusing on intuitive handling, enhanced ergonomics, and the kind of premium build quality that speaks to Triumph’s commitment to engineering excellence.
With a relaxed and confident riding position, easy handling, and a torquey Bonneville twin that’s full of character, the Scrambler delivers genuine all-terrain capability and undeniable cool factor. This is a motorcycle that feels as good to ride as it looks. It stays true to the authentic Scrambler spirit, while offering the performance, versatility, and timeless style that today’s riders expect. We’re proud of what this bike represents and excited for riders to experience it.”
At the heart of the Scrambler 900 is the 900cc Bonneville twin engine, known for its responsive character and distinctive Scrambler sound. It produces 64.1 HP (65 PS) at 7,250 rpm and delivers peak torque of 59.0 lb-ft (80 Nm) at just 3,250 rpm, offering accessible performance across the rev range. The 270-degree crank ensures a smooth, tractable power delivery that’s engaging on every ride, whether navigating city streets or tackling off-road trails.
The revised brushed stainless steel two-into-one high-level exhaust not only underpins the Scrambler’s iconic silhouette but also maintains its signature exhaust note, while meeting modern emissions standards. A torque-assist clutch with span adjustable lever provides smooth and progressive control, especially useful in urban traffic or off-road maneuvers.
The Scrambler 900’s upright stance and larger front wheel give it a commanding presence that’s unmistakably built for all-road adventure. Minimalist bodywork, wide handlebars, and the signature twin high-level silencers are complemented by a protective sump guard and robust spoked wheels fitted with dual-purpose tires, reinforcing the Scrambler’s tough, go-anywhere attitude.
Its clean, stripped-back aesthetic has been refined for 2026 with tighter lines and modernized details, all while preserving the heritage-inspired appeal that defines the Scrambler DNA.
The 3.17 gal (12 liters) fuel tank now features a more angular profile and a new filler cap, adding both style and practicality. New side panels, brushed aluminum throttle body covers, and redesigned heel guards enhance the bike’s visual impact, while the reworked twin exhaust system and heat shielding maintain its iconic look.
Slimmer mudguards, updated fork protectors, and a retro-style aluminum bracket supporting the new LED headlight add further refinement. At the rear, a compact LED light and reprofiled twopiece seat on a narrower rear subframe complete the clean, purposeful design.
The engine design remains true to its classic Triumph heritage, combining timeless aesthetics with modern engineering precision. Black powder-coated cases, finely machined cooling fins, concealed radiator and discreetly routed cabling contribute to a clean, uncluttered look that reflects thoughtful design and attention to detail. The Scrambler 900 has been designed with premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship, including brushed aluminum and stainless steel, powder-coated finishes, and anodized components.
The new styling is complemented by two new premium color options; an adventure-ready Matte Khaki Green with Phantom Black, and a stunning Mineral Grey with Cosmic Yellow.
Triumph offers over 120 genuine accessories for the Scrambler 900, allowing riders to tailor the bike to their preferences. Off-road enhancements include a high front mudguard, handguards, aluminum sump guard, and headlight grill. For a more custom look, riders can choose a brown quilted seat. FOX rear shocks with compression damping are available for performance tuning, while practical options include heated grips, tank pads, a center stand, luggage rack, and rugged panniers.
With two-year unlimited mileage warranty and a class-leading 10,000-mile (16,000 km) service interval, the Scrambler 900 is built for more time on the road and less time in the workshop, giving riders the freedom to enjoy every mile.
Available to order now at authorized Triumph dealerships starting at $12,395 USD / $13,995 CAD and arriving in dealerships beginning February 2026. For more information or to find your local dealer, visit triumphmotorcycles.com.
FIM Yamaha R3 BLU CRU World Cup at Aragon. photo courtesy Dorna
The FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup is the perfect first step on the ladder for those riders with their sights set on reaching the pinnacle of World Championship motorcycle road racing.
The series runs alongside six European rounds of the FIM Superbike World Championship, giving youngsters the chance to showcase their talents in front of the top teams in the world.
Registration for the 2026 FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup remains open until midnight on 31st March 2026. More info HERE
• Performance-enhancing rider-focused technology including lean sensitive Optimized Cornering ABS and Traction Control, Triumph Shift Assist, Bluetooth Connectivity, three Rider Modes and Cruise Control
• Available to order now and in stores by April 2026
MY26 Triumph Trident 800. Photo courtesy Triumph
Triumph Motorcycles has revealed the all-new Trident 800, a brand new naked middleweight roadster designed to deliver exhilarating performance, dynamic urban attitude, and a high-energy riding experience. With its compact, muscular stance and stripped-back styling, the Trident 800 brings a bold new edge to Triumph’s roadster line-up.
With its responsive 798cc triple engine and triple throttle bodies, the Trident 800 offers addictive real-world performance that’s ready to thrill. From the instant throttle response, to the unrelenting mid-range torque and thrilling top-end power, the ride is both visceral and refined, backed by Triumph’s unmistakable triple soundtrack channeled through the upswept sports-style silencer.
Built for serious fun, the Trident 800’s lightweight chassis and high specification adjustable Showa suspension deliver a high-energy riding experience with instinctive agility and confident control. Wide bars, a compact frame and assertive riding position combine to create a bike that reacts immediately to every input, flicks effortlessly through corners and stays composed at speed. Just 198kg fully fueled, with grippy Michelin tires, it’s light on its feet and always ready to deliver the grin factor.
The Trident 800 is equipped with intuitive, rider-focused technology designed to enhance every ride. Three riding modes tailor throttle response and traction control to suit the conditions, while lean-sensitive Optimized Cornering ABS and Optimized Cornering Traction Control deliver confidence and control in every turn. With My Triumph Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and a clean and clear TFT dash, the Trident 800 keeps you dialed in and in the moment.
Blending rebellious energy with refined Triumph roadster DNA, its sculpted tank and trim tail create a lean, modern silhouette, while premium finishes, from brushed aluminum to bold color schemes and contrasting gold-colored wheels, amplify its dynamic presence. Whether parked curbside or carving through city streets, the Trident 800 delivers a compelling blend of attitude, performance and precision.
Steve Sargent, Chief Product Officer, Triumph Motorcycles said: “The incredible popularity of the Trident 660 and the Street Triple 765 RS has shown us just how much riders in this segment value a thrilling, confidence-inspiring ride that’s packed with character and technology. With the launch of the Trident 800, we’ve taken that winning formula and dialed it up, delivering even more road-focused capability and excitement.
“With the Trident 800, we’ve focused on delivering the kind of performance and character that riders want in the real world. The all-new engine with triple throttle bodies provides maximum engagement on everyday roads, and we’ve paired that with a lightweight, high-spec chassis and adjustable Showa suspension.
“We know this customer is looking for rider-focused technology like lean-sensitive Optimized Cornering ABS and Traction Control, Triumph Shift Assist, and cruise control to enhance the riding experience without distracting from it. This bike is for riders who want maximum excitement, anytime, anywhere. This opens the door to a whole new audience of riders looking for a fun, adrenaline-fueled, purposeful ride.”
MY26 Triumph Trident 800. Photo courtesy Triumph
ALL-NEW TRIPLE ENGINE
At the heart of the Trident 800 is Triumph’s all-new 798cc triple, engineered for pulse-pounding excitement. It reacts instantly in any gear, delivering a wave of torque and a howling top end that surges all the way to the 11,500 rpm redline.
Producing 113.4 HP (115PS) at 10,750 rpm, and a peak 61.9 lb-ft (84Nm) of torque at 8,500 rpm, the triple’s addictive mid-range drive is accompanied by a deep induction roar through the triple throttle bodies, amplified by the redesigned airbox and intake trumpet system to optimize airflow and induction sound. The result is a deep, throaty growl under load and the unmistakable Triumph triple howl at high revs. Internally, the engine features a twist-forged crankshaft, unique camshaft and balancer, forged conrods, and high-compression pistons, all designed to maximize performance and durability.
MY26 Triumph Trident 800. Photo courtesy Triumph
EFFORTLESS HANDLING AND AGILITY
Backing up the engine is a chassis built for high-energy riding, with a lightweight frame and adjustable Showa suspension which deliver razor-sharp handling. The split seat is 31.9 in (810 mm) high, with a narrow stand-over, shaped to hold the rider in place. Up front, 1.61 in (41 mm) upside-down Showa forks feature big-piston, separate-function damping, with adjustable compression and rebound. The rear Showa monoshock offers preload and rebound adjustment for a perfectly tuned ride. Braking is handled by twin 4-piston radial calipers gripping 12.2 in (310 mm) discs, fed by braided steel lines for strong, progressive stopping power.
MY26 Triumph Trident 800. Photo courtesy Triumph
RIDER-FOCUSED TECHNOLOGY
The Trident 800 is equipped with smart, rider-focused technology designed to enhance the ride without distraction. At its core are three riding modes, Road, Sport and Rain, which tailor throttle response and traction control to suit the conditions. Whether dialing up performance or prioritizing extra peace of mind in wet weather, the system ensures the rider remains in control and connected to the road.
Advanced lean-sensitive Optimized Cornering ABS and Traction Control provide added confidence through turns, using real-time data to adjust braking and power delivery based on lean angle. Power is delivered through a slick 6-speed gearbox, with Triumph Shift Assist enables clutch-less up and down gear changes for seamless acceleration while cruise control adds convenience on longer journeys.
Connectivity and visibility are equally refined. The My Triumph Bluetooth system allows seamless control of music, calls and turn-by-turn navigation via the left-hand switchcube, with information displayed on a clean, round 3.5-inch color TFT screen. The all-LED lighting system, including a distinctive round headlight, integrated taillight, and self-cancelling indicators, ensures the Trident 800 stands out day or night, combining modern design with everyday practicality.
MY26 Triumph Trident 800. Photo courtesy Triumph
NAKED STYLE WITH ATTITUDE
Visually, the Trident 800 hits hard. Its naked design is all muscle and intent, blending sharp surfaces with smooth curves to create a commanding profile and athletic poise. The wide, chiseled 3.7 gal (14 liter) tank flows seamlessly into the contoured seat and sleek tail unit, while the short upswept silencer and minimal number plate hanger keep the rear lean and purposeful. A color-coded belly pan and flyscreen add aerodynamic edge and visual cohesion, reinforcing the bike’s dynamic roadster stance.
Every detail of the Trident 800 has been crafted to deliver a premium finish. The embossed seat logo adds a subtle touch of refinement, while the lightweight cast aluminum wheels, in a striking gold finish, amplify the bike’s bold, unapologetic style.
The wheel design complements all three color options: Ash Grey with Diablo Red detailing, Carnival Red with Graphite accents, and Jet Black for a dark, moody vibe.
The Trident 800’s styling can be further enhanced with a range of Genuine Triumph Accessories, allowing riders to tailor the bike to their own aesthetic. Options include a sleek Akrapovič silencer, with a titanium wrap and carbon fibre end cap, designed to elevate the bike’s sporty silhouette.
MY26 Triumph Trident 800. Photo courtesy Triumph
On the Road
With two-year unlimited mileage warranty and a class-leading 10,000-mile (16,000 km) service interval, the new Trident 800 is built for more time on the road and less time in the workshop, giving riders the freedom to enjoy every mile.
Available to order now at authorized Triumph dealerships, starting at $9,995 USD / $11,695 CAD and arriving in dealerships beginning April 2026. For more information or to find your local dealer, visit triumphmotorcycles.com.
The new 2026 Kawasaki KLE®500 ABS is built for adventure, transitioning from city streets to dirt roads and beyond. Its rally-inspired styling immediately signals purpose and capability, with a tall windshield, raised short fuel tank, and sweeping side covers that emphasize both functionality and rider freedom. The 21” spoked front wheel and protective
skid plate hint at the bike’s off-road prowess, combining rugged cues with a sleek, cohesive design that balances form and function.
On paved roads, the KLE500 ABS offers smooth, confident performance. The upright riding position and elevated windshield provide excellent visibility and wind protection, while the trellis-style frame delivers an ideal balance of rigidity and low weight. Fully loaded with panniers or a top case, the bike maintains a composed, confidence-inspiring ride. Its compact, parallel-twin engine delivers strong torque and the perfect mix of power and control, whether running errands around town, cruising on the highway, or venturing on longer tours.
Off the pavement, the KLE500 ABS reveals its true capabilities. Long-travel suspension conquers rough terrain, while a slim fuel tank and sleek side covers facilitate natural standing riding positions. Generous ground clearance and smooth, linear power delivery give riders confidence across a variety of terrain. For those seeking an elevated experience, the KLE500 SE ABS model adds a premium package with a taller windshield, reinforced hand guards, larger skid plate, LED lighting, and TFT instrumentation –enhancing both comfort and control. With the KLE500 ABS, Kawasaki invites riders to embrace adventure wherever it leads.
KAWASAKI KLE500 ABS HIGHLIGHTS:
● Fuel-injected 451cc parallel-twin engine
● Lightweight, multi-purpose trellis frame
● LCD instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP*
● Relaxed, upright riding position with KX-inspired ergonomics
● KYB inverted front fork and New Uni-Trak® rear suspension
● Sturdy and light 21” front and 17” rear spoke wheels
● Large 300mm front / 230mm rear disc brakes with selectable ABS
● Rally-inspired styling with tall front cowl
● Adjustable rally-style windscreen
Kawasaki KLE®500 ABS. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
ENGINE:
At the heart of the 2026 KLE500 ABS lies a responsive 451cc parallel twin engine, delivering usable power across the rev range. Whether cruising on the highway or tackling dirt roads, riders will appreciate its low-end torque, quick acceleration at higher rpm, and well-balanced, predictable character. The lightweight flywheel mass ensures sharp throttle response, while ECU settings smooth out power delivery on the road and provide plenty of low-end pull off-road. Combined with a fully machined balancer shaft to reduce vibration, the KLE500 delivers confidence-inspiring, comfortable performance both on and off the pavement.
The engine’s design maximizes efficiency and compactness. Its 70.0 x 58.6mm bore and stroke provide strong, linear power, while the aluminum die-cast, open-deck cylinder offers excellent heat dissipation and reduced weight. Sleeveless plated bores further contribute to lightness and durability, while oil jets cooling the underside of the pistons enable the use of a lightweight piston design. Long-reach spark plugs not only aid performance with advanced timing but also optimize heat transfer by maintaining excellent contact with the cooling jacket, keeping the engine running efficiently under varying conditions.
A downdraft intake system delivers a short, direct path to the cylinders for efficient cylinder filling, particularly at high rpm. Its design also contributes to a slim chassis layout that improves reach to the ground. A large 5.6 L airbox, with rigidity designed into its top structure, enhances intake efficiency while filtering out unwanted noise – allowing riders to hear the satisfying intake note during acceleration. The left and right intake funnels feature different heights, a detail that smooths throttle response by tuning out torque valleys. Injectors placed close to the intake ports further improve combustion efficiency and deliver a natural, linear throttle feel.
Additional innovations reinforce the KLE500’s performance advantage. Lightweight Denso stick-type ignition coils minimize electrical interference, while the silencer’s upswept angle improves off-road ground clearance and allows panniers to be mounted symmetrically for balanced adventure touring. Maximum lean angle is preserved thanks to the thoughtful placement of the exhaust system. Heat management also received careful attention: Kawasaki’s unique radiator fan cover redirects hot air away from the rider and critical contact areas like the frame, tank, and side covers, keeping the rider comfortable even in heavy traffic or during long days on the trail.
The KLE500’s transmission complements its flexible engine performance with a 46/15 final drive ratio chosen for a perfect balance of highway efficiency and smooth off-road torque delivery. Its Assist & Slipper Clutch enhances control with an exceptionally light lever pull and wide engagement range, particularly valuable for new riders or those navigating technical terrain. The assist cam reduces spring load for an easy clutch feel, while the slipper cam prevents rear-wheel hop or skidding during aggressive downshifts by relieving pressure on the clutch plates. This dual-function clutch not only enhances performance but also makes the KLE500 more accessible and confidence inspiring for riders.
INSTRUMENTATION:
The KLE500 ABS features a high-contrast full LCD instrument panel designed for clear visibility and intuitive operation in all riding conditions. Its sophisticated layout includes a prominent bar-style tachometer that arcs over the speedometer and other displayed information, ensuring key data is immediately readable at a glance. The panel presents a comprehensive array of functions, including odometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, dual trip meters, remaining range, current and average fuel consumption, coolant temperature, clock, service indicator, and connected device notifications such as mail and telephone alerts.
A standout feature of the instrument panel is Kawasaki’s Economical Riding Indicator, which
constantly provides feedback on favorable fuel consumption. By observing the conditions under which the indicator appears, riders can adjust their riding style to maximize efficiency and extend range. This practical, always-on feature complements the KLE500’s adventure-ready versatility, helping riders balance performance and economy whether navigating city streets or exploring dirt roads.
The journey to off-road adventure is paved with comfort. With a tall, rally-style adjustable windscreen, ample seat cushioning, smartphone connectivity, and more, just getting to your destination is part of the fun. Photo courtesy Kawasaki
SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY:
The KLE500 ABS integrates advanced smartphone connectivity, allowing riders to interact
seamlessly with their motorcycle via the RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE* application. By linking their smartphone wirelessly to the instrument panel, riders can access a wide range of functions that enhance convenience, control, and overall riding experience. Essential vehicle information such as fuel gauge, odometer, and maintenance schedule can be monitored directly through the app, while GPS route and vehicle performance data can be logged and reviewed using the Riding Log function.
Connectivity extends to communication and customization features as well. Incoming phone calls and emails are indicated directly on the instrument display, keeping riders informed without taking their eyes off the road. General instrument display settings, including preferred units, date, and format, can be easily adjusted through the app, providing a personalized riding experience. Navigation capabilities allow riders to plan and modify routes, add waypoints, and search for destinations, helping to make adventure or commuting rides more intuitive and organized.
For added convenience and safety, select markets support a voice command feature, enabling riders to control the app while keeping hands and feet on the controls. Voice command and advanced navigation functions require a separate purchased license within the app, and availability may vary by region. This smartphone integration transforms the KLE500 into a connected, versatile adventure machine, combining modern technology with Kawasaki’s signature riding performance.
CHASSIS:
The KLE500 ABS is built on a high-tensile steel trellis frame, engineered specifically for real-world adventure riding. Rather than adapting motocross geometry, Kawasaki designed the frame for versatility and comfort across diverse conditions – from daily commuting to forest trails. Optimized chassis rigidity balance delivers both stability on the road and surefooted performance on rough terrain. Weighing only 41.8 lbs., the frame incorporates a thick down tube, ideally positioned cross members, and lightened gussets that reinforce key areas without adding unnecessary mass. The combination of lightweight construction and durable reinforcement ensures riders can enjoy both light handling and rugged capability.
To further enhance stability, the engine is mounted as a stressed member with short, rigid brackets, and was rotated forward around the axis of its output shaft – a sportbike-derived technique that lowers the center of gravity. This design provides a confident, lightweight feel whether maneuvering at a stop or picking the bike up off its side stand, while still offering 6.8” of ground clearance for off-road use. The fuel tank was also carefully designed to complement the chassis: slim and narrow to allow forward body movement for better control on dirt but shaped not to extend too far downward so as to preserve clearance. With a 4.2-gallon capacity, it balances riding range with agile handling.
Additional chassis details reinforce the KLE500’s dual-purpose nature. The aluminum lower triple clamp reduces weight, while the handlebar holder’s one-piece rubber-mounted design cuts vibration for added comfort. At the rear, an aluminum diecast swingarm mounting plate secures the swingarm pivot shaft directly to the engine, boosting stability and enhancing handling response. The lightweight square-tube swingarm, reinforced with gussets, reduces unsprung weight for nimble suspension action. A rigid rear frame supports two panniers and a top case simultaneously, catering to touring riders who need cargo options. Meanwhile, a standard aluminum skid plate protects the engine and muffler from trail impacts, while adding to the KLE500’s tough, adventure-ready styling.
From city street commutes to dirt road adventures, the KLE®500 ABS motorcycle offers real-world versatility with its multi-purpose design. With a trellis-style frame, class-leading long-travel suspension, and off-road and rally-inspired features, the KLE500 ABS motorcycle is primed to be your guide for adventure. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
SUSPENSION:
The KLE500 ABS is equipped with suspension designed to deliver confidence and comfort across a wide range of terrain. Up front, a specially designed 43mm cartridge-type inverted fork –technology usually reserved for larger-displacement machines – offers 210mm of wheel travel. Its inverted construction reduces unsprung weight for responsive suspension action while providing greater rigidity than a conventional fork. The result is light, predictable handling on unpaved roads, complemented by fork settings that absorb bumps smoothly for reassuring control. Integrated fork guards in the front fender protect the tubes from rocks and debris, further enhancing durability in off-road conditions.
At the rear, Kawasaki’s New Uni-Trak® suspension provides 200mm of wheel travel, delivering smooth, progressive action in the early stroke while maintaining strong resistance against bottoming. This balance ensures both on-road comfort and stability on rough trails. Stepless adjustable spring preload allows riders to tailor stiffness and ride height to suit their weight, riding style, or the added load of a passenger and luggage. Together, the advanced suspension components give the KLE500 ABS the versatility to explore dirt roads confidently while maintaining comfort and control on everyday rides.
BRAKES & WHEELS:
Braking performance on the KLE500 ABS is designed to inspire rider confidence across both paved and unpaved terrain. A large 300mm steel front disc is paired with a balanced actuation dual-piston caliper using 27mm pistons for strong, controllable stopping power. The single-disc setup reduces unsprung weight, which not only contributes to light handling but also enhances ground-following performance over uneven terrain. A rigid front brake master cylinder further improves controllability by minimizing idle stroke, ensuring precise rider input is translated directly into braking force.
At the rear, a 230mm disc works with a dual-piston caliper fitted with large 27mm pistons, providing ample braking performance and stability. The compact, lightweight Nissin ABS control unit delivers highly accurate braking management, with selectable ABS functionality to match the rider’s preference. Riders can disable ABS via a switch on the left handlebar when off-road riding calls for maximum direct control. For safety, the system automatically resets to its default mode (front and rear ABS enabled) after the bike is switched off and restarted.
The KLE500’s wheels are equally tuned for adventure versatility. A 21” front and 17” rear wheel combination offer excellent stability and bump absorption. Lightweight aluminum rims paired with durable steel spokes strike the ideal balance of strength and reduced unsprung weight, contributing to agile, confidence-inspiring handling. Fitted with IRC GP-410 tires, the KLE500 benefits from a grip-oriented compound for excellent road performance, while the tread design with wide-spaced center blocks enhances traction on dirt roads. These wheels and tires not only deliver performance but also add to the bike’s purposeful, adventure-ready appearance.
Exploring your next adventure will be even more enjoyable with the smooth acceleration and power on-demand delivery of the KLE®500 ABS motorcycle’s parallel-twin engine, confident clutch control, and balanced transmission. Photo courtesy Kawasaki
ERGONOMICS:
The KLE500 ABS offers a relaxed and versatile rider triangle, thoughtfully designed to accommodate a wide variety of rider sizes and situations. An elevated, aluminum fat-type handlebar and slightly foot-forward footpeg placement provide a natural, comfortable position for both seated and standing off-road riding. The wide handlebar allows freedom of movement while minimizing vibration, and the slim fuel tank promotes smooth transitions from sitting to standing, helping riders maintain control and balance in challenging terrain. Smooth bodywork and flat engine, clutch, and sprocket covers further allow riders to shift their weight freely, inspired by Kawasaki’s motocross expertise.
Seat design enhances both comfort and control. The 33.8” seat height balances a relaxed knee bend with reachable footing, while its stepped arrangement provides lumbar support and a higher vantage point for the pillion passenger. Unique hollow cushioning offers long-ride comfort and style, making the KLE500 ideal for adventure touring. The rider’s seat shape also allows easy forward and rearward weight shifting, optimizing bike handling during off-road maneuvers. Adding versatility, the footpegs feature removable rubber inserts, enabling a choice between road-friendly cushioning or spiked, off-road grip without the need for tools.
Rally-inspired features round out the ergonomics package. A tall, adjustable windshield offers three height positions – standard, 27mm higher, and 55mm higher – while maintaining a consistent contour and visual style. Clear panels surrounding the front cowling provide excellent visibility of the terrain and block wind effectively, evoking authentic rally machines. Together, these details combine to create a riding position that balances comfort, control, and style, giving riders confidence on both pavement and dirt.
STYLING:
The 2026 KLE500 ABS showcases distinctive rally-inspired styling that emphasizes versatility and adventure readiness. Its tall, compact front cowling and windshield, combined with a 21” front wheel, convey a condensed rally-raid image, while familiar street bike elements such as the stepped seat, low-positioned front fender, and Kawasaki-family LED headlight design balance approachability with adventure performance. KX motocross-inspired touches – including long, smooth side covers and a slim fuel tank – create a seamless interface for rider movement, enhancing mobility whether seated or standing.
At the front, a compact triple LED headlight arrangement forms the focal point, with two upper low beams and a single lower high beam delivering excellent illumination despite the minimal footprint. Clear panels surrounding the front cowling and a closed inner cowling around the instrument panel give the KLE500 a slim, rider-friendly appearance, while the elevated, angled instrument panel ensures visibility from both seated and standing positions. A convenient multi-purpose bar above the panel adds functional versatility, rounding out the front-end design.
From the side and rear, the KLE500’s styling blends performance cues with practicality. Shrouds and side covers feature large, flat surfaces and sharp graphics, emphasizing mass centralization, long- travel suspension, and adventure capability. The upward-slanting tail cowl and slash-cut muffler cover, complemented by KX-inspired end cap styling, deliver an agile, off-road-ready look. Clear-lens turn signals and a vertically slim LED taillight contribute to a high-quality, compact appearance, while the stepped seat design maintains street-bike familiarity, underscoring the KLE500’s versatility for both urban streets and rugged trails.
Step up to the new KLE®500 SE ABS motorcycle for enhanced comfort on and off-road featuring premium upgrades for wherever adventure takes you. Photo courtesy Kawasaki
SPECIAL EDITION MODEL:
The special edition KLE500 SE ABS elevates the adventure experience with premium features designed for both off-road excursions and on-road comfort. A taller 4.1” windshield enhances wind protection on long journeys, while a larger skid plate extends farther along the front and sides of the engine to provide extra durability and confidence when tackling challenging terrain. Metal-reinforced hand guards offer additional protection from branches and debris off-road, while also shielding the rider from wind and cold during extended rides, combining practicality with comfort.
The SE model also introduces a high-grade 4.3” all-digital TFT color instrument panel, replacing the standard LCD display. The TFT technology ensures exceptional visibility in all lighting conditions, with selectable background colors and auto-adjusting brightness. Riders gain access to a comprehensive suite of information, including a digital speedometer, bar-style tachometer, gear position indicator, shift lamp, fuel gauge, trip meters, remaining range, average and current fuel consumption, average speed, total time, coolant temperature, clock, battery voltage, service reminders, and the Economical Riding Indicator. Completing the premium rally-inspired look, sharp LED turn signals add both style and visibility, underscoring the KLE500 SE ABS’ readiness for any adventure.
KAWASAKI GENUINE ACCESSORIES:
Kawasaki offers a wide range of genuine accessories for the KLE500 ABS, allowing riders to tailor the bike to their adventure and touring needs. Available options include a top case with bracket and passenger grab bars, panniers with mounting brackets, and a rear carrier for additional cargo. Comfort and convenience can be enhanced with a large windshield, hand guards, grip heaters, USB Type-C charging, and an ERGO-FIT pillion seat or low seat option. Protective and performance-oriented accessories such as a large skid plate, engine guard, radiator screen, and center stand are also available, along with LED fog lamps, a GPS bracket, and a relay for additional accessories, ensuring the KLE500 is ready for any journey.
All trademarks, registered trademarks, logos, and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
*RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE and all trademarks, registered trademarks, logos, and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Voice command and navigation functions will be available only to users who have purchased a license for those functions. Feature availability may vary to meet individual markets.
KLE®500 SE ABS Shown. Photo courtesy Kawasaki
2026 Model Variations
Kawasaki KLE500 ABS
Color: Metallic Carbon Gray/Ebony
MSRP: $6,599
Kawasaki KLE500 SE ABS
Color: Pearl Blizzard White, Metallic Bluish Green
MSRP: $7,499
ABOUT KAWASAKI:
Kawasaki started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. is committed to maintaining and furthering these strengths which will surely give birth to new legends.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and JET SKI® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. Kawasaki and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at Kawasaki’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the Good Times Roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.
From left, Chris Carter, Ryan Young, Chad Reed, Colin Edwards, Joe Kopp and Dana Bell at the 2025 AMA Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Photo by Willy Browning.
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association hosted a large group of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers, industry leaders and motorcyclists at its campus from Oct. 23-26 for AMA Hall of Fame Days!
“AMA Hall of Fame Days is a grand celebration of all of the amazing individuals in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame that have helped foster a thriving motorcycle community throughout the United States,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “This week reminds us of how strong motorcyclists are when we work together, and the strides that we have made as a community to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.”
AMA Hall of Fame Days kicked off with the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 23, during which six incredible motorcyclists were welcomed into the Hall of Fame. This year’s Hall of Fame class included Dana Bell, Chris Carter, Colin Edwards, Joe Kopp, Chad Reed and Ryan Young.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was followed by a cocktail reception at the Hall of Fame Museum. The festivities included a Hall of Famer autograph session and a silent auction.
On Friday, Oct. 24, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Heritage Adventure Ride took riders on a scenic journey throughout Southern Ohio, starting from the AMA Campus.
The AMA Adventure X Time Trials opened the full day of activities on Saturday, Oct. 25, and allowed racers to compete on the adventure loop on the AMA’s Campus. Immediately following the AMA Adventure X Time Trials, the AMA Pitbike Moto ran on the motocross track, featuring hours of exciting racing action in a variety of classes. Trials Inc. also hosted a round of Vintage Trials on the AMA’s campus.
Concluding the festivities was the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Bike Night on the evening of Oct. 25. The AMA welcomed vendors, food trucks and motorcyclists to its campus, and held a 50/50 raffle and a screening of Motorcycle Mary — including a seminar by Ruth Belcher, Amanda Knapp and AMA Board Member Maggie McNally regarding the life and legacy of the late AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Mary McGee.
All proceeds from AMA Hall of Fame Days went toward the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that financially supports the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
The new 2026 Kawasaki Z650 S ABS redefines urban agility with an unmistakable presence. Light, nimble, and highly responsive, it cruises city streets with ease while projecting a bold statement: this is my playground. Retaining the compact, balanced ride feel that Z riders have come to expect, the Z650 S now features broader shrouds,
a wider handlebar, and redesigned bodywork that give it a muscular, aggressive edge.
Beneath the sleek, sugomi-inspired styling, the Z650 S ABS houses a 649cc parallel-twin engine that delivers strong low- to mid-range torque and linear power delivery. The superb chassis feedback, combined with its lightweight nature, offers intuitive handling in the city and confidence-inspiring performance on open back roads. Whether leaning into corners or cruising through traffic, the Z650 S ABS delivers rider-friendly manoeuvrability and everyday versatility, making it as practical as it is thrilling.
Technology and connectivity further elevate the riding experience. Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) keeps riders reassured, while the Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), available as an accessory, adds sportier engagement. A full TFT color display with a refreshed layout keeps essential information visible at a glance, while smartphone integration enhances the Z650 S ABS cockpit with real-time convenience and connectivity. With its combination of performance, cutting-edge technology, and aggressive new styling, the Z650 S ABS transforms the street into your personal playground.
KAWASAKI Z650 S ABS HIGHLIGHTS:
● NEW muscular SUGOMI™ styling strengthens the Z family image
● Parallel-twin 649cc engine
● NEW Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC)
● NEW Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), accessory option
● NEW 4.3” full color TFT instrumentation
● NEW Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE*
● NEW forward-leaning riding position
Kawasaki Z650 S ABS. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
STYLING:
The new Z650 S ABS features styling designed for riders who want to make the street their
playground, and its aggressive new design reflects that intent. Bold bodywork combines colored, design-enhancing parts on the upper sections with black, functional lower components, creating a minimalist, dynamic impression that emphasizes the bike’s sugomi presence. Wider, tough-looking shrouds give the rider the impression of a larger, more commanding machine, while shared Z family elements, including metallic accents and LED lighting front and rear, reinforce a high-quality, cohesive look. The overall effect is a muscular, modern aesthetic that perfectly complements the Z650 S ABS’ sporty performance and invites riders to be seen on it.
At the front, styling is sharp and purposeful. A compact headlight cowl with an aggressive slant sits low on the bike, following the lines from the top of the fuel tank. The triple LED headlight setup, with dual upper low beams and a single lower high beam, delivers excellent lighting while sharing design cues with other Z models. Colored panels surrounding the deep-set headlights enhance the bike’s compact appearance, while a sharp, tight meter cover and widened fat-type handlebar reinforce the aggressive Z styling and suggest control and confidence at a glance. Even the front fender, with holes cut into its sides, contributes to the edgy, street-ready image.
Layered shrouds with colored panels create a sense of depth, giving riders the impression of a larger, more commanding machine. The sculpted side profile complements the wider handlebar and evokes a rugged, wild character, while the compact, upswept tail features a layered design and LED taillight shared with other Z models. Aluminum side covers, black resin heel guards, and carefully designed rider footpeg stays create a stylish, mechanical aesthetic, while the hexagonal pattern on the upper side covers under the seat and smooth treatment on the lower rear provide contrast and a contemporary feel. Attention to detail, such as clean welding lines, hidden wiring, and a bolt-free resin fuel cap, adds to the premium quality and reinforces the high standards of the Z family.
Practicality is also integrated seamlessly into the design. Luggage hooks are built into the
passenger footpeg stays, the inner fender incorporates part of the chain guard to keep the underside of the tail clean, and an internal-cut key enhances theft deterrence. Even small details, like the granular-style seat material, contribute to the modern aesthetic while providing comfort and style. Every element of the Z650 S ABS’ styling was designed to enhance both its visual impact and rider experience, making it a striking presence on the street while remaining unmistakably part of the Z family.
A strong, torquey engine and lightweight chassis contribute to the Z650 S ABS motorcycle’s sporty performance and versatility. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
ENGINE:
The 2026 Kawasaki Z650 S ABS is powered by a 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that delivers a quick-revving character and a powerful throttle response. Designed with everyday riding in mind, the engine emphasises strong low- to mid-range torque, offering precise control for subtle throttle adjustments and a gratifying surge of acceleration at lower rpm. Performance is optimized across the mid-range (3,000–6,000 rpm), while power delivery remains smooth below 3,000 rpm and continues seamlessly above 6,000 rpm, ensuring confidence-inspiring responsiveness whether navigating city streets, cornering on twisty roads, or enjoying spirited open-road riding. Slim air intake funnels, 36mm throttle bodies with sub-throttles, and fine-atomizing injectors producing 75 μm droplets ensure the ideal fuel-air mixture, while intake and exhaust cams with short operating angles and overlap push torque to the low- and mid-range, resulting in smooth, step-free power and satisfying corner pick-up.
The engine’s compact design contributes to a nimble, agile chassis. Open-deck aluminium cylinders with plated, liner-less bores allow a narrow cylinder pitch and slim engine width, while a triangular layout of the crankshaft and transmission shafts keeps the engine short front-to-back. Semi-dry sump construction, a low-mounted under-engine muffler, and a 180º crankshaft with balancer shaft centralise mass and lower the bike’s center of gravity, enhancing stability and handling. A cassette style transmission simplifies maintenance without compromising the engine’s compact layout, while the under-engine muffler and 33mm diameter tail pipe combine performance with sleek styling.
The Z650 S ABS is equipped with an advanced Assist & Slipper Clutch, developed using feedback from racing applications. An assist cam reduces clutch lever effort during normal operation, making shifts light and smooth, while a slipper cam manages back-torque during rapid downshifts, helping prevent rear-wheel hop or skidding. This system ensures controlled, predictable power delivery across all riding conditions, enhancing both confidence and rider comfort.
Beyond performance, the engine balances functionality and visual appeal. Engine covers –
including the generator, clutch, and chain components – highlight the bike’s sporty character, while a simplified cooling system efficiently routes coolant through the cylinder and head. A radiator fan cover directs hot air away from the rider in heavy traffic, improving comfort and keeping contact points cooler.
A new O₂ sensor assists with reducing emissions, and the attractively bent exhaust pipes, under-engine muffler, and sleek silencer combine to create a compact, stylish engine that looks as good as it performs.
KAWASAKI TRACTION CONTROL (KTRC):
KTRC on the Z650 S ABS enhances sporty riding performance while giving riders confidence on low-traction surfaces. The system continuously monitors multiple parameters to provide an accurate, real-time picture of wheel and engine behaviour, allowing it to intervene precisely when needed. Two rider-selectable modes offer varying levels of intrusion: Mode 1 is the least intrusive, helping to manage traction during cornering and maximizing rear-wheel drive for spirited exits, while Mode 2 provides earlier intervention, reducing engine output when excessive wheel spin is detected. Mode 2 is especially useful for navigating challenging surfaces.
For riders who prefer full control, the system can also be switched off entirely, giving experienced riders the option to ride without electronic intervention. This flexibility ensures the Z650 S ABS delivers both confidence for everyday riding and responsiveness for spirited, sporty performance.
TFT COLOR INSTRUMENTATION:
The Z650 S ABS features a 4.3” all-digital TFT color display, giving the cockpit a high-tech,
premium appearance while maintaining design continuity with other models in the Z family. Using advanced thin-film transistor (TFT) technology, the high-grade full-color screen delivers excellent visibility under a wide range of lighting conditions. The display’s background color automatically switches from white to black in low-light environments, or riders can manually select their preferred background. Screen brightness is also automatically adjusted based on ambient light, with three rider-selectable levels available for further customization.
The TFT screen offers two display types to suit rider preference. Type 1 presents a bar-style tachometer along the top with key vehicle information displayed below, while Type 2 features a hexagonal tachometer for a distinctive, modern look. The display provides comprehensive functionality, including a digital speedometer and tachometer, gear position indicator, shift lamp, fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, average speed, total time, coolant temperature, clock, battery voltage, KQS, status, service and oil change reminders, as well as smartphone call and mail notifications, giving riders all the information they need at a glance.
SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY:
The Z650 S ABS offers seamless smartphone connectivity through the RIDEOLOGY THE APP
MOTORCYCLE* application, allowing riders to wirelessly link their device to the motorcycle and access a range of features that enhance the riding experience. Riders can view vehicle information such as the fuel gauge, odometer, and maintenance schedule directly on their smartphone, while GPS route data and vehicle running information can be logged and reviewed via the Riding Log. Incoming phone calls and mail notifications are displayed on the instrument panel, keeping riders informed without distraction, and general instrument settings, including the clock, can be adjusted via the app for added
convenience.
For riders seeking advanced functionality, optional Voice Command and Navigation features are available with a purchased license, allowing riders to control the app hands-free and plan routes directly from their smartphone. Navigation functions include searching for destinations, adding waypoints, adjusting route order, and viewing route information. Together, these connected features combine convenience and control, further integrating the Z650 S ABS into the modern, digital riding experience.
Everything built in and around the lightweight chassis of the Z650 S ABS motorcycle is designed to become an extension of the rider. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
CHASSIS:
A key factor behind the Z650 S ABS’ light, nimble character is its high-tensile steel trellis frame, which weighs just 33 lbs. The frame’s components follow the ideal pipeline, with straight sections prioritized and bends kept to the smallest angles possible. This design disperses stress efficiently while maintaining strength, allowing Kawasaki engineers to trim away additional material without
compromising rigidity. Using advanced in-house analysis technology, the pipe diameter, length, and wall thickness were all precisely optimized to deliver the ideal balance of lateral and torsional rigidity.
The engine itself is rigid-mounted and used as a stressed member, while even the footpeg stays contribute to overall rigidity and weight reduction. The result is a frame that is both remarkably strong and exceptionally lightweight, instantly noticeable when lifting the bike off its side stand.
Contributing further to the Z650 S ABS’ agile handling is a lightweight 10.5 lb. swingarm designed with the same analysis technology as the frame. Its straight-line design from pivot to axle enhances rigidity while keeping weight to a minimum, supporting the bike’s light, natural handling. Combined with a steep 24.0º caster angle, short wheelbase, and tight turning radius, the chassis delivers sharp, responsive maneuverability. A twin-tube rear frame contributes to the bike’s low seat height, facilitating the reach to the ground while maintaining excellent comfort and control. Together, these elements create a chassis that is both rider-friendly and performance-focused, ideal for city riding or backroads.
SUSPENSION:
The Z650 S ABS is equipped with a 41mm telescopic front fork that provides smooth, responsive action for confident handling. At the rear, Kawasaki’s Horizontal Back-link suspension delivers a progressive character, striking an ideal balance between sporty performance and everyday ride comfort. This setup offers a more refined suspension feel compared to link-less systems, ensuring riders enjoy stability and feedback whether navigating city streets or leaning into curving roads.
Positioned above the swingarm, the rear shock unit and linkage contribute to the bike’s centralized mass, enhancing agility and overall handling performance. This placement also ensures the suspension components remain isolated from the heat of the exhaust system, preserving consistent operation and long-term durability. Together, the front and rear suspension systems give the Z650 S ABS the versatility to handle spirited riding while maintaining comfort for daily use.
BRAKES & WHEELS:
Braking performance on the Z650 S ABS is both powerful and confidence-inspiring, thanks to new dual 300mm front round discs paired with a 220mm rear round disc. Dual-piston front calipers, along with a responsive master cylinder and high-quality brake pads, provide superb brake touch and precise control. A new Continental ABS unit further enhances rider confidence, offering smooth, natural intervention that preserves braking feel while preventing wheel lock-up in sudden stops or low-traction conditions.
Lightweight, stylish star-pattern 5-spoke wheels not only give the Z650 S ABS a modern, sporty look but also contribute to reduced unsprung weight and improved rigidity. This combination delivers excellent handling feedback and agility, especially when paired with the bike’s hollow-type front axle and lightweight swingarm. Complementing the chassis setup are Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires, chosen for their excellent grip and responsiveness. Together, the lightweight wheels, tires, and advanced braking system enhance the Z650 S ABS’ nimble character, giving riders a perfect balance of control, style, and everyday usability.
New wider and roomier ergonomics add more comfort to agile handling. The rider triangle places you “in” rather than “on top of” the bike for a feeling of confident connected handling. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
ERGONOMICS:
The new Z650 S ABS features an updated ergonomic package designed to deliver both sporty control and everyday comfort. A new flat, fat-type handlebar is positioned 40mm further forward, 10mm higher, and 30mm wider than the previous model, placing the rider in a slightly more forward-leaning, elbows-out position that capitalizes on the bike’s sporty Supernaked character. At the same time, the wider stance creates more room between the arms and body, while rubber-mounted handlebars help reduce vibration transmitted to the grips and mirrors for improved long-distance comfort. Both clutch and brake levers are 5-way adjustable to suit a variety of hand sizes, further enhancing rider comfort and control.
A completely redesigned front seat adds comfort and versatility. Approximately 20mm higher and wider than the previous model, with increased cushioning, the seat creates a more relaxed knee bend while maintaining an easy reach to the ground. Its shape now accommodates a wider range of rider sizes, with a slim front section that facilitates confident footing at stops. The new design also creates a flat seating area, with the front and rear portions at the same height for a natural, relaxed riding position.
A rubber-mounted seat bracket helps minimize vibration transfer, while the narrow frame and engine layout keep the rider’s knees and feet close together, contributing to overall comfort and control. For passengers, the rear seat has been widened by 20mm with an additional 10mm of cushioning in the main seating area, delivering improved comfort on longer rides. Under-seat storage offers room for a U-lock and other small items, adding practical convenience.
The riding triangle has also been carefully refined. The higher seat, combined with repositioned footpegs, creates ample legroom while still supporting a sporty posture. Rider and passenger footpegs feature rubber pads with hollow centers designed to reduce vibration, improving comfort without compromising feel. New muscular shrouds surrounding the fuel tank lend a more powerful appearance, but the tank retains its low placement in the chassis and continues to be easy to grip with the knees.
Together, these updates deliver an ergonomic package that blends performance-focused control with everyday comfort, making the Z650 S ABS as enjoyable in city traffic as it is on open backroads.
Kawasaki Z650 S ABS. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
KAWASAKI GENUINE ACCESSORIES:
A range of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories allows riders to further enhance the Z650 S ABS’ wide, aggressive looks, improve comfort, and increase touring potential. For riders seeking added excitement, the new Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) enables smooth, rapid upshifts for an even more engaging ride.
Comfort and style for passengers can be enhanced with new metal grab bars, while the Style Seat, featuring the same two-tone leather-style finish as the Z900, adds a touch of luxury and reinforces the Z family aesthetic. For riders looking for a lower seating position, the ERGO-FIT Low Seat sits 20mm lower than the standard seat, providing a comfortable reach to the ground, while the pillion seat cover, with its recessed design, complements the tail cowl for a sleek, street-focused look. A USB Type-C outlet located on the inner left side of the front cowl offers convenient, easily accessible charging for devices, and a taller smoked meter cover provides a measure of wind protection while enhancing the sporty appearance.
For touring and everyday convenience, semi-soft panniers (3.6 gallons, 6.6 lbs. each) with brackets allow for overnight or short trips, and a top case (7.9 gallons, 6.6 lbs. max) increases carrying capacity while maintaining a slim profile for city riding. A 1-gallon tank bag with shoulder strap and carry handle provides easy access to small items and portability when removed from the bike. Additional bolt-on accessories include wheel rim tape, helmet lock, radiator screen, frame sliders, tank pad, meter film, and knee pads, giving riders the ability to personalize their Z650 S ABS to suit both their style and riding needs.
All trademarks, registered trademarks, logos, and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
*RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE and all trademarks, registered trademarks, logos, and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Voice command and navigation functions will be available only to users who have purchased a license for those functions. Feature availability may vary to meet individual markets.
2026 Model Variations
Kawasaki Z650 S ABS
Color: Metallic Matte Graphenesteel
Gray/Metallic Flat Spark Black
MSRP: $7,699
Availability: Now
ABOUT KAWASAKI:
Kawasaki started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. is committed to maintaining and furthering these strengths which will surely give birth to new legends.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and JET SKI® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. Kawasaki and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at Kawasaki’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the Good Times Roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.
Alex Marquez (73), Francesco Bagnaia (63) and Pedro Acosta (37) during the MotoGP race at Sepang. Photo courtesy courtesy Dorna.
More from a press release issued by BK8 Gresini Team:
Alex Marquez delivers to Gresini the independent team tittle with a win in Sepang.
Raceday – MalaysianGP
1st – ALEX MARQUEZ #73
NC – FERMIN ALDEGUER #54
World Championship Standings
2nd – ALEX MARQUEZ #73 (413 points)
Runner Up MotoGP 2025
8th – FERMIN ALDEGUER #54 (186 points)
Rookie of the Year 2025
Alex Marquez on the podium after his victory at Sepang. Photo courtesy Gresini Team
Alex Marquez: “Today I changed my approach at the start of the race, as yesterday I got it wrong, as I attaked and did what I aimed to do. We had a great race and achieved the goal of becoming the best independent team from the top of the podium; now we’ll enjoy these last two races.”
Fermin Aldeguer (54) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Gresini Team
Fermin Aldeguer: “It wasn’t the best way to wrap up a weekend where we were really strong and where we felt very competitive. We achieved a goal and in today’s race we learned a lot. I hit hard during the crash, but we’re going back home to recuperate.”
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More from a press release issued by Honda HRC Castrol:
Mir masters Malaysian GP for second Honda podium.
Finishing what he started on Saturday, Joan Mir sealed his second podium finish of the flyaway races in fine fashion as he charged through the field. Luca Marini bounced back to secure another top ten finish and gain vital championship points.
Repeating his start to Saturday’s Sprint race, Joan Mir immediately moved himself into contention as he latched onto the back of Fabio Quartararo and spent several laps working to get past the French rider. As the race entered its second half, Mir’s superior pace saw him breeze past and break away to a comfortable fourth. Rapidly closing in on a fading Francesco Bagnaia, Mir had the pace to catch and pass the Ducati rider as he matched the podium trio’s speed, but a technical problem would promote Mir onto the podium.
Third at the line, an emotional Mir entered Parc Fermé for the second time in 2025 as his and Honda HRC’s effort were once again rewarded. The result moves the #36 to 93 points, more than doubling his total points haul from his previous two seasons with Honda. Two races offer two more chances of further success for the double World Champion.
Close to his teammate off the line, Luca Marini made another fantastic start to the Malaysian GP. Unfortunately, a small mistake dropped him back into the chasing group and he became entangled in an almost race long battle with Johann Zarco. Eventually getting the better of him, Marini would easily escape up the road with clean air to end the race in eighth and in turn securing a good haul of points after his first crash of the year. Besting Zarco once more, just six points now split the pair in their battle for top Honda honours.
A week of rest and recovery now awaits before the final pair of back-to-back races rounds out an incredible 2025 MotoGP World Championship. The Portuguese Grand Prix will take place on November 07 – 09 at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve.
Joan Mir on the podium at Sepang. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
Joan Mir:“It was a great race but one of the toughest of my life, the temperature, managing the tyres, controlling the bike – you had to be perfect everywhere and we managed to do it. I am so happy to end these races like this, to show what we could really do after yesterday. We took the maximum out of our package, and this shows the great work that we have done as a team. When you are confident you can do this. I realised that today we could do something, and I just went for it, right on that narrow line between being fast and crashing. I was very careful at Turn 9 today! The progress Honda has made in 12 months is fantastic, I knew what was possible with this project and that’s why I signed for another two years. Thank you to my team and all of Honda’s engineers.”
Luca Marini at Sepang. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
Luca Marini:“A good end to the weekend where again I think we had a lot of pace. The bike is continuing to improve and the top five is always there. I made a really good start and I was up with Mir and Zarco but I made a mistake and dropped back. After that I was in a big group fighting with many riders and it took a lot of laps to pass Zarco. With the medium front I was able to brake really hard but we were missing something in the turning. Maximising our results in Qualifying is the area that we need to improve, both with myself and the bike. Congratulations to Mir on another good podium.”
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More from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Duo Take P5 and P13 in Sepang Race.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins pushed in sweltering conditions in today’s Grand Prix of Malaysia Race and both scored points. The duo completed the 20-lap contest in the tropical heat in 5th and 13th place respectively.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins had to strike a balance between pushing and tyre management in the 20-lap Grand Prix of Malaysia Race. They negotiated the Sepang International Circuit in 35°C, engaged in various battles, and ultimately took 5th and 13th place respectively.
Quartararo started from P4 and skilfully defended his position from Fermín Aldeguer on the opening lap. As a gap started to form to the top 3, the Frenchman focused solely on keeping chasing rivals at bay. On lap 6, Joan Mir launched an attack but ran wide. El Diablo anticipated as much and cut back on the inside, reclaiming fourth. A second attempt came on lap 10. This time El Diablo had a small moment and thus had to concede fourth place. Franco Morbidelli roughly pushed past Quartararo on lap 11. The number-20 couldn’t respond as he had started to experience rear tyre drop. But it wasn’t long before Quartararo was back in fifth when Francesco Bagnaia, after experiencing a problem, retired from the race with three laps to go. With sizable gaps to fourth and sixth over the final two laps, the Yamaha man took the chequered flag in P5, 11.556s from first.
Rins commenced from P10 and, after an opening battle with Brad Binder, wrapped up the first lap in 12th place. The Spaniard was keen to preserve his tyres. On lap 5, Pol Espargaró crashed out, but Rins was overtaken by three rivals and circulating in 16th place by lap 9. For the remainder of the race, the number-42 kept trying to find a balance between pushing and nursing his tyres. With Raúl Fernández and Aldeguer crashing out on lap 12 and 17 respectively and Bagnaia suffering an issue on lap 18, Rins moved up to 13th again. Riding a lonely race at that time, he held the position to the finish line, crossing it 23.509s from first.
After today’s results, Quartararo stays in 9th place in the overall standings with 182 points, and Rins holds 19th position with 63 points. Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP are 6th in the team championship with 245 points, and Yamaha remain in 5th position in the constructor championship with 221 points.
MotoGP will be back in action next in two weeks’ time for the Grand Prix of Portugal, held at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve from 7-9 November.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI – Team Director, Monster Energy Yamaha
“Let’s start by giving credit to Fabio, who did extremely well again. He gave it his all in the opening stages once more and then really took care of the soft tyres whilst still riding defensively. Ultimately, this allowed him to take another positive fifth place, which is especially a good result considering the challenging Friday. Álex also had to find a balance between riding at the limit and managing the tyres, but in the mid-pack in these high temperatures this is quite complicated. In the end, he crossed the line in 13th place. We now fly back to Europe. A week off is well deserved for the riders and the team before we start the final two rounds of the season.”
Fabio Quartararo (20) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha
Fabio Quartararo:“It was quite a good race. Every time we start before Moto2, I can be aggressive on the first laps, and today I could push. But, like everyone, I had to save the tyres and try to avoid going over the limit. It’s tricky on the softs, but I think we did a great job. I tried to keep the pace. With Joan, I was riding defensively. I tried to close everything and be as fast as possible. At one moment, Franky overtook me quite aggressively in the last corner – it’s racing, so it’s normal – but after that I had to slow down. Finishing 5th-7th was the goal for today, so I’m quite happy.”
Alex Rins (42) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha
Alex Rins:“We have been struggling since FP1 this weekend, and it looks like when grip levels are low and temperatures are high, it affects us more than the others. So, we were expecting a really tough Race. In the beginning, I could have gone faster than I did. The problem was that I was thinking about the end of the Race. Maybe this smooth riding on the first seven laps, losing positions, allowed me to stay in P13 in the last laps. So, it was a tough weekend, but we need to keep going.”
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More from a press release issued by Red Bull KTM Tech3:
And the overseas tour is a wrap for 2025, as the Grand Prix of Malaysian was our final stop in Asia before the championship heads back to Europe for the two final rounds of the season in Portugal and Valencia. Enea Bastianini delivered another stunning performance in the main race, as he fought his way to the 7th position after starting from P19, another stunning remontada from the Italian. Unfortunately, Pol Espargaro will leave Sepang with a bittersweet feeling, after the Spaniard crashed in lap 5 despite showing solid early pace.
Some of the toughest race conditions of the calendar awaited the MotoGP™ grid with 35° in the air and 55° on the ground, as lights were out at 3pm local time for 20 laps. It was not the ideal start for Pol Espargaro who dropped two positions within the first corners, and he sat in 14th after one lap of racing, but he charged through Alex Rins ahead in the next lap to go up to 13th, right behind teammate Brad Binder who had taken a solid launch from 18th. The number 44 had set himself into a solid early pace, with lap 2 already in 1’59.970, as he could close the gap on Binder. On his side, Enea Bastianini had gained 3 positions within the first two laps to 16th, and lap 3 was all about the battle for 15th against Jack Miller, a battle he eventually won to settle in the point-scoring positions after 3 laps. Meanwhile, the front trio of Alex Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia and Pedro Acosta was producing amazing battles for the lead. Unfortunately, while waiting for his moment to overtake Binder, Espargaro crashed at lap 5 from 12th, a great shame for the Spaniard who had much more today. Sooo, Red Bull KTM Tech3’s hopes were now all on Enea Bastianini, who was producing an encouraging pace with a 2’00.106 on lap 4. Espargaro crashing out meant P14 after 5 laps for the ‘Bestia’, and next he was through Alex Rins to 13th, behind Marco Bezzecchi. At the front, Alex Marquez had come out on top with a 0.8 seconds gap on Bagnaia-Acosta, with next in 4th Fabio Quartararo 1.6 seconds behind. Halfway through the race, Bastianini was still in 13th, but with the gap now completely closed on Bezzecchi, and his better rhythm saw him eventually go through the Aprilia on lap 12. Binder was the next target, and we were up to 11th now. Luca Marini and Johann Zarco were the next victims of Enea’s remontada, as Enea was now up to 9th with just 4 laps remaining. Fermin Aldeguer’s late crash and Francesco Bagnaia’s technical issue meant two more positions were gained, as we saw Enea Bastianini crossed the finish line in 7th! It is another amazing race performance from Bastianini, as he wraps up a tricky weekend in Malaysia on a sweet note.
Coming up next, the Grand Prix of Portugal, on November 7-8-9!
Enea Bastianini (23) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Tech3.
Enea Bastianini: “My life is complicated! Starting on Friday, I was nervous because I had no confidence with the bike. On Saturday, we resolved some problems in the sprint, and we arrived on Sunday prepared, ready to fight for the top 10. Starting from far is tough, I gave it my all, but it is difficult to recover positions on that track, as the front tire is getting hotter and hotter, but anyway, I am happy with the job done today. We are still missing a bit of consistency, especially on time attacks, because every time we put on new tires, all KTM riders improve, and not me, so it is something that we need to understand, and I’m sure we can get better. Last year, I had the same issue, and we resolved it, so I am confident that we will find a way to solve it too with the KTM.”
Pol Espargaro (44) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Tech3.
Pol Espargaro: “It is painful to crash so early in the race, of course, so there is not much to say. However, we need to take the positives, because I think that we had in our hands another top 10. Our speed was decent in the first laps, but it is racing, and a small mistake can change your Sunday. I think that everyone at KTM did a decent job at trying to keep the tires alive, we were working a lot yesterday to prepare for the main race. When I was behind Brad (Binder), I think that I was chilling a little bit too much, as I did not want to make a mistake, so maybe I waited a little bit too long, and I was probably not in the right position in the turn I crashed. It is a pity that I could not finish, but I am really happy that we have 3 KTMs in the top 10 today!”
Nicolas Goyon, Team Manager: “It was a good Sunday for Enea Bastianini in Sepang, as he gained 12 positions in the race to finish in P7, which is a great performance. However, it gives us the same bittersweet feeling as usual, because he would probably have been fighting for the top 5 if he had qualified better. When you see the final position of Pedro Acosta, you really believe it would have been possible. We still have two races left to try improving our main weakness, so let’s work towards that goal, we will give it our all until the end. Pol Espargaro had a really positive weekend once again, qualified directly in Q2, and a finish close to the top 10 in the sprint. Unfortunately, he had a small crash while fighting for the top 10 positions today. Anyway, he delivered another great weekend for us, he has shown that our package can be competitive, and we want to thank him again for these two rounds in Australia and Malaysia. It is time to pack, and head back to Europe to finish the season, but before that, we will all have a well deserved week of rest! See you all in Portugal!”
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More from a press release issued by Aprilia Racing:
Challenging race for Aprilia Racing at Sepang.
The full-distance race at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit proved challenging for Aprilia Racing. Starting back in 14th, Marco Bezzecchi struggled to make up ground in a difficult race. He had to settle for eleventh, but the points were enough to keep him third in the Riders’ standings on 291 points.
Lorenzo Savadori continued his vital development work on the RS-GP25 throughout the race, finishing sixteenth, just outside the points zone.
Rookie Ai Ogura from the Trackhouse MotoGP Team also delivered a strong performance, finishing tenth and helping to bring two Aprilia RS-GP25s into the points.
Marco Bezzecchi (72) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Aprilia Racing
Marco Bezzecchi: “It certainly wasn’t a good day, beginning this morning with the terrible Moto3 accident involving Rueda and Dettwiler. As for my performance, sadly, I struggled. It was quite a tough race, and I couldn’t really overtake anyone. I couldn’t have done any better today, and I’m disappointed, but at least we scored a few points. Now we’ll work even harder for the last two races of the season.”
Lorenzo Savadori (32) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Aprilia Racing
Lorenzo Savadori: “It’s a pity because I lost some time at the start, battling with Chantra – my pace early on was good enough to stay with the group. Then, running in the slipstream, the temperatures rose and the tyre started to drop off. We’ll keep trying new things, and we already have some ideas we’ll test at Jerez in two days during private testing.”
Massimo Rivola – CEO Aprilia Racing:“It was a tough weekend; we knew we were heading to a track that doesn’t particularly suit us. Unfortunately, as has happened before this season with the RS-GP25 —much more competitive than previous bikes— the performance came a bit too late, and missing direct access to Q2 put us on the back foot. The sprint was excellent, with Marco always strong in overtaking, while in the race the choice of the front tyre affected his performance, but that’s easy to say now. We now look ahead to the final two GP’s with our goals clearly in mind and the determination to give our best straight away in Portimão.”
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More from a press release issued by CASTROL Honda LCR:
CASTROL Honda LCR rider Johann Zarco finishes 12th at the Sepang International Circuit.
From 9th on the grid, and after feeling some improvements during Saturday’s Sprint, Johann Zarco was determined to push again for a good result in Sunday’s race.
The French rider made a strong start and was fighting for the top seven positions in the early stages.
However, in the closing laps, extreme tyre consumption caused by the high temperatures prevented him from maintaining the pace of the top 10. Zarco eventually crossed the line in 12th place, securing valuable championship points.
Despite the tough conditions, Zarco showed solid progress throughout the weekend, regaining confidence and demonstrating positive signs as the team heads into the final races of the season.
Johann Zarco (5) at Sepang. Photo courtesy honda LCR.
Johann Zarco:“I was happy with the start of the race and the first laps. I was in a good position and could control my pace for a while, which I wanted to maintain for the whole race, as I wasn’t that far from the group ahead. However, as the laps went by, it became more difficult; I couldn’t manage the tyre drop, and that’s when other riders overtook me. I tried to finish the race as well as possible, and overall, after many struggles, we had a solid weekend. We need to keep making progress.”
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More from a press release issued by Prima Pramac Yamaha:
Tough Malaysian GP for Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP: Miller 14th, Oliveira 19th.
It was a bitter Malaysian GP for the Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP team, which wrapped up the 20th round of the Championship with Jack Miller finishing 14th, while Miguel Oliveira, after remounting following a crash on lap 10, crossed the line in 19th place. The next stop will be in two weeks‘ time at the Portuguese GP in Portimão.
A difficult Sunday closed out an already complicated weekend for the Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP team. At the Sepang International Circuit, the team managed to bring home just a handful of points, two from Jack Miller, who completed the 20-lap race in 14th position. A crash on lap 10 ended Miguel Oliveira‘s hopes early, though the Portuguese rider was able to rejoin the race and finish 19th.
With the two points earned today, Miller‘s season total rises to 68, putting him 18th in the overall standings. Oliveira remains at 36 points in 20th place, while the Prima Pramac Yamaha team sits 11th in the Teams‘ Championship with 107 points.
With the 20th round behind them — closing out the four-race non-European stretch — Prima Pramac Yamaha will return to the track in two weeks‘ time in Portimão, Portugal, for the 21st and penultimate round of the 2025 World Championship.
GINO BORSOI – Team Director, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP
“It was a complicated weekend. The race was very difficult, especially for Miller, who couldn‘t find enough grip to perform well on corner exits, and on the straights, as always when you‘re in a group, we were missing a bit of top speed. In the end, he ran a race that was in line with the targets we had set. As for Oliveira, it‘s a shame. We were struggling from the start of the weekend, and although we managed to improve a few things, recovering from the back is never easy. Now we head to Portimão, and I hope his home race gives him the boost he needs to achieve a good result, because he really deserves it.”
Jack Miller (43) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha
Jack Miller: “I tried to manage the tires as best as I could, being very gentle at the beginning of the race to make sure I could get to the end and hopefully have something left in my pocket. But I had the same issues as the guys around me. Rins was in the same boat as me, nursing most of the race, even though it seemed like he had a little bit more on the corner exits. In the end, I focused on bringing it home rather than ending up in the gravel. I hope we can be more competitive in Portimão.”
Miguel Oliveira (88) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha
Miguel Oliveira:“The same thing as Saturday happened — a small front-end crash with no warning. I thought that today, with the medium front tire, things would be better, but it was hard to manage the grip. I was riding comfortably despite the difficulties we were facing, but there wasn‘t much we could do. The ambitions could have been higher, but today the best we could have managed was to finish alongside the two other Yamahas.”
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More from a press release issued by Ducati Lenovo Team:
Francesco Bagnaia and the Ducati Lenovo Team forced to retire at Sepang due to an unexpected setback while battling for the podium. Michele Pirro finishes seventeenth.
The Ducati Lenovo Team wrapped up the twentieth Grand Prix of the 2025 MotoGP season at the Sepang International Circuit. Francesco Bagnaia was forced to retire with three laps to go while running in third place, and Michele Pirro finished seventeenth.
Bagnaia lost the lead on lap two but kept Alex Márquez in close range for more than half the race distance. After defending second place well from Pedro Acosta’s attacks, he dropped to third and began to lose ground. With three laps remaining, Pecco returned to the pits and retired due to a flat rear tyre. Michele Pirro completed the weekend with a seventeenth-place finish.
As the twentieth Grand Prix draws to a close, with Marc Márquez already crowned World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia sits fourth in the standings, five points behind third place. The Triple Crown is completed by the Teams’ title secured by the Ducati Lenovo Team and the Constructors’ title clinched by Ducati.
The Ducati Lenovo Team will return to Europe to tackle the penultimate event of the season at Portimão’s Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, from November 7th to 9th.
Francesco Bagnaia (63) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Ducati
Francesco Bagnaia: “First of all, my thoughts go to Rueda and Dettwiler for what happened to them in the Moto3 race, and I keep my fingers crossed for them. When such things happen, everything else becomes less important. Today we were unlucky, as we had a flat rear tyre. This happened on lap twelve and then, little by little, the pressure kept dropping. I thought I had managed the tyre wear the wrong way, but after analysing the data, the issue was clearly there. Unfortunately, these things can happen. Overall though, it was a positive weekend despite how it ended.”
Michele Pirro (51) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Ducati
Michele Pirro: “We completed this hot weekend at Sepang with good feedback. In the race, while I was tailing another rider, I could feel changes in the bike’s behaviour – something I had never experienced before, as during testing I always ride on my own. The lap times improved as the race progressed, and I further narrowed the gap to the frontrunners. We tried new parts for next year and tested several set-up adjustments, working ahead of time for the future.”
—–
More from a press release issued by IDEMITSU Honda LCR:
IDEMITSU Honda LCR rider Somkiat Chantra finished 15th in Sunday’s race at the Sepang International Circuit.
Facing once again a comeback race and determined to fight for his goals, Chantra made a solid start from 20th on the grid.
The extreme heat and tyre consumption were the main challenges to manage, but Somkiat rode consistently and avoided mistakes throughout the 20 laps.
In the end, he crossed the line in 15th position, scoring points once again and demonstrating resilience and hard work.
Somkiat Chantra (35) at Sepang. Photo courtesy IDEMITSU Honda LCR
Somkiat Chantra: “I’m happy to get the points again. It wasn’t a bad race, but I struggled with tyre consumption; it was demanding. I had difficulties managing both the front and the rear tyres until the end, so I focused on avoiding mistakes and secured 15th place. In the end, it was a good result!”
—–
More from a press release issued by Yamaha Factory Racing:
Yamaha V4-Powered Prototype Successfully Completes Second Full-Length MotoGP Race.
The Yamaha Factory Racing Team used the Grand Prix of Malaysia Sunday to collect more valuable dry-track data at the Sepang International Circuit. Wild-card entry Augusto Fernández stuck to his plan of using the 20-lap MotoGP Race to push the V4-Powered Prototype in a full-length MotoGP Race setting and rode it to an 18th place across the finish line.
The Yamaha Factory Racing Team completed their testing programme in today’s MotoGP Race at the Grand Prix of Malaysia. Wild-card entry Augusto Fernández wrapped up the 20-lap contest in 18th place in the Yamaha V4-Powered Prototype’s second full-length MotoGP Race.
Augusto Fernández started from P23 and gained a position early on by overtaking Michele Pirro. The Yamaha test rider had made his plans clear for the Sunday: he was determined to complete all 20 laps and gather dry-track data while pushing in the race. Though he wasn’t able to stay with a rider group, he put his head down. With a competitor taking a fall on lap 5, the number-7 rode steadily in 21st position. Two more riders crashing out and Miguel Oliveira dropping to the back of the pack had Augusto Fernández climb as high as 19th before he started to battle with a charging Pirro with 7 laps to go. Augusto Fernández was pushed down to 20th, but as another two riders failed to make it to the chequered flag, he ultimately crossed the finish line in 18th place, 47.060s from first.
After today’s results, Augusto Fernández still holds joint-24th place in the championship standings with 8 points, and Yamaha is in 5th position in the constructor championship with 221 points.
Augusto Fernandez (7) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Yamaha Factory Racing
Augusto Fernandez:“It was a busy weekend, and we have settled on a clear direction to take for the next test and wild-card race weekend in Valencia to improve further. We have been working on the balance of the bike, and we need to keep working on it and set a base. The process will take a bit of time, so we need to keep working hard.”
Jake Dixon won the shortened FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Petronas Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia. Riding his ELF Marc VDS Racing Boscoscuro on Pirelli control tires, the Brit won the 11-lap race by 2.035-seconds.
David Alonso was the runner-up on his CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team Kalex.
Barry Baltus was third on his Fantic Racing Kalex.
Alonso’s teammate, Daniel Holgado finished fourth.
Diogo Moreira took fifth on his Italtrans Racing Team Kalex.
American Joe Roberts crashed his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Diogo Moreira leads the championship with 256 points, 9 ahead of Manuel Gonzalez who has 247 points. Barry Baltus is third with 221 points.
Dixon victorious as Moreira takes over in title race after Gonzalez crashes. The biggest title twist of 2025 as Gonzalez crashes, Moreira leads the way and Dixon wins to remain in contention.
A dramatic Moto2™ encounter saw Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) claim Moto2™ honours at Sepang in a red-flagged Grand Prix of Malaysia. Dixon managed to hit the front on Lap 3 of the restart and never looked back, finishing ahead of David Alonso (CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team) and his polesitting teammate Daniel Holgado. The pendulum swung again in the title race too, as Manuel Gonzalez (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) fell from a top five place with just a few laps to go; chief title rival Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) finished fifth and thus leads the Championship for the first time in 2025 with his two-point deficit converted into a nine-point advantage.
Holgado got the dream launch in the original start but further back, there was drama for Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team), who fell on the exit of Turn 5. This brought out the red flag and whilst the American was able to walk away, everyone would need to go again in a shortened 11-lap scrap for honours. On the second restart, it was a carbon copy as Holgado again grabbed the holeshot whilst Dixon battled intensely behind with 2020 Moto3 World Champion and arch-rival Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2). By Turn 14, the #96 was through and began hunting down Holgado.
At Turn 4 on Lap 3, the British star made his move into the lead, getting the job done and then setting a relentless pace to break away. The scrap was further behind as Gonzalez had his hands full with Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing), with the Belgian still in title contention and thus not giving an inch to the #18. Behind, Moreira was fighting his way through. Having previously had contact with Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) at Turn 6 whilst fighting for P9, he’d moved up to P6 with just four laps to go, passing a fading Arenas.
With just one place between the two title heavyweights, it all came to a crashing halt for Gonzalez who fell at Turn 15 with just three to go. The long-time Championship leader dropped the ball at the wrong time and with a clear view of it, Moreira knew this was his chance. Inheriting fifth, all he had to do was get to the finish, whilst Gonzalez’s crash had also brought Baltus and Dixon back into mathematical contention.
Across the line, it was a seventh Moto2™ victory and a third of the season for the Brit, who is now 41 behind new Championship leader Moreira with 50 remaining. Alonso took his fourth podium of the season and his second in as many rounds, ahead of Baltus who, like Dixon, remains in mathematical contention and is 35 points from the lead. Holgado strengthened his grasp on finishing 2025 as top rookie with fourth, whilst Moreira leads the way after his P5.
Arenas took the chequered flag in sixth place whilst Daniel Muñoz (Red Bull KTM Ajo) finished seventh. Alex Escrig (KLINT Forward Factory Team) was magnificent in P8 for his first points since Austin, whilst Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Tony Arbolino (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) rounded out the top ten.
Bodie Paige (26) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup.
A week after racing a Team Hammer Suzuki GSX-R750 with ASRA during his Daytona debut, MotoAmerica Talent Cup race winner Bodie Paige finished 5th on his NSF250 Honda, in Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Race 2 held on Sunday of the MotoGP event weekend in Malaysia, at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit.
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MASSIMO MEREGALLI – Team Director, Monster Energy Yamaha
GINO BORSOI – Team Director, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP
