Our Gallery continues to plot how it all happened.

2000

GPZ and GPX spirit lives on into the 21st Century!

The GPX250, GPZ500S, 900R and 1100S are still available 'new' - although it's only the 500S that is available in the UK. The GPZ900R and 1100S are available for the Japanese market, whilst there are 2 different versions of the Ninja 250R available for the US and Canadian markets. The US Ninja 250R is essentially a GPX250R (EX250F), whilst the Canadian market 250R is a ZZ-R250 (EX250H), which is also available new in Japan.

Plus, GPZ and GPX derived engines continue to power the ER-5, ZR-7, ZRX1100 and GTR1000.

Kawasaki reclaim the 'Worlds Fastest Production Bike' crown (which was borrowed by Honda's Blackbird and Suzuki's GSXR1300R Huyabusa) with the launch of the awesome 178bhp ZX-12R (ZX1200A). The ZX-6 and 9 R also received further significant updates (ZX600J and ZX900E) to keep them at the head of their respective classes. On both machines the bodywork is restyled - look for a single large Ram Air intake situated below the headlights and dry weight was reduced to 171kg (600) and 183kg (900).

Year 2000 Ninja 250R

GPZ1100


ZX-12R

2001

The GPZ500S continues to be the only Geep 'officially' imported new for the UK market, whilst the venerable Ninja 250R's and GPZ9 continue to roll off the production line for other markets. The monster ZRX1100 is bored-out to 1200 and comes complete with an option of a more substantial top fairing (as opposed to the 1100's bikini style item), whilst the ZR-7 also gets a smart looking top-fairing to become the ZR-7S and is reminiscent of a 21st Century GPz750!

ZRX1200

ZR-7S

2002

The ZZ-R1200 (ZX12-C) is launched. It's 1164cc engine putting out 160bhp and housed in an updated chassis. Revised styling, which it is fair to say caused a little controversy mainly by not looking as aggressive as its predecessor, completes the picture.

The Ninja ZX6 and 9R also receive updates. The ZX-6R is bored out to 636cc to give a healthy boost in mid-range power, whilst the 9R benefits from 130 modifications.

The GPZ500S is available in Silver and Red colour schemes and continues to be the only officially UK imported Geep. Whilst both the Ninja/GPX 250R and ZZ-R250 continue to sell in other markets such as the US, Australia and Europe.

ZZ-R1200

2003

Proved to be a big year for Kawasaki, as not only did they run a full season in Moto-GP with the sharp Ninja ZX-RR, they also released a number of new models…

Such as the fabulous Ninja ZX-636R (B1) and Ninja ZX-6RR (K1) Racing version, both complete with Moto-GP styling. The bikes also feature upside-down forks and radial mounted brake callipers, new ground for the highly competitive Supersport class.

ZX-6RR

The aggressively styled Z1000 (Z1000A1) was also unveiled complete with an eye-catching 4-2-4 exhaust system to finish its radical street-fighter look. Will a smaller cc version follow?

Z1000

The UK spec GPZ500 finally gets twin front discs (which have previously been available on some non UK spec bikes). The rest of the 2003 line up includes: The flagship ZX-12R, revised ZX-9R, half-faired ZRX1200 S & Lawson rep 1200 R, naked ZR-7 & half faired S, ER-5 and the ZZ-R1200 & 600 - both of which are available in a gorgeous Candy Thunder Blue.

2004

Kawasaki continue to overhaul their model range with the introduction of more MOTO-GP inspired, sharp styled machines…

The awesome Ninja ZX-10R grabs the motorcycling media's attention, bristling with new technology. The 998cc engine putting out over 175 bhp (rising to 184 with the ram-air effect) and housed in a super-light 170kg chassis.

ZX-10R

With the Z1000 proving very popular, Kawasaki launch a smaller 750cc sibling. The Z750 has very similar looks to its bigger brother, however to help keep the cost competitive with the likes of the Yamaha Fazer and Honda Hornet it comes with a 4-1 exhaust and conventional front forks. Interestingly the 748cc engine is based on the unit in the Z1000, rather than being a bored-out version of the ZX-636 mill. Claimed power is said to be 110bhp, in a package that weighs in at 195kg. Once again it looks like Kawasaki have created a 'Fun motorcycle for the masses'!

Z750

A much more low key affair is the launch of the KLV1000, the first result of shared research and development between Kawasaki and Suzuki. The KLV is heavily based on the Suzuki DL1000 VSTROM and is important as it is big K's first foray in to the V-Twin, duel-purpose motorcycle sector.

The ZX and ZZ-R series continues, as does the ZRX and the ER-5. However rather sadly the GPZ moniker disappears from European brochures as the 500S takes its final bow. Hopefully if rumours of a new sports-twin being in development are true, the GPZ logo will re-emerge. Only time will tell…

2005

The ZX-6R and its track orientated sibling the ZX-6RR received major updates, which included a new chassis, under seat exhaust system and revised bodywork - all designed to help keep the bikes at the forefront of the highly competitive supersports class.

Perhaps the surprise launch of the year was the futuristically styled ER-6n, which with its wacky, sporty looks and punchy twin cylinder motor looks to carry on where the GPZ500S left off…

The Z750S was launched and has been - somewhat surprisingly for a 750cc Kawasaki - well received by the motorcycling media. The bike being essentially the Z750 with a more substantial half fairing, making it more suited to longer and perhaps faster rides and tours. Squint and the Z750S' has a silhouette reminiscent of the now classic half faired ZX GPz750s.

Z750S

The enduro styled KLE500 made a welcome return, complete with revised Z styled bodywork and a bargain price. The KLE retains its punchy, GPZ derived 500cc twin cylinder engine.

KLE500

2006

The current model year sees yet more changes to the Kawasaki product portfolio…

The quirky ER-6n is joined by the fully-faired ER-6f, which looks a little less radical than its un-faired sibling, but should prove to be a cracking bike.

ER-6f

Kawasaki's big launch for the year is undoubtedly the monster sized ZZR1400. Expect the bike to set new power, quarter mile and top speed records for production based machines.

ZZ-R 1400

The ZX-10R has received a significant update to keep it at the sharp end of the litre sports class.

We say a fond farewell to the ZZ-R 600 and 1200, as well as the adventure sports KLV1000. The end of the KLV also looks to bring the curtain down on Kawasaki's short lived research and development plan with rivals Suzuki.