Current leader of the 250 European motocross championship, Mathis Valin will join the Kawasaki Racing Team next season to compete in the FIM MX2 World Championship. The French youngster, who is enjoying an impressive first season on a KX250 with Bud Racing Kawasaki, will lead the factory effort in this class.

After a successful career in the 125 class, in which he won the Junior World Championship and collected a silver medal in the European Championship last year, Mathis, who celebrated his eighteenth birthday recently, started his rookie season in the 250cc class with Bud Racing Kawasaki by racing to victory in the Junior category of the famous Enduropale du Touquet; since then he has added the French Elite title and is leading the European EMX250 Championship after seven rounds. 

Trained by Thierry Van den Bosch, a former Supermoto World Champion, Mathis has already won two rounds and five motos on a variety of different surfaces such as hardpack at Madrid, the mud of Saint Jean d’Angely and the deep sand of Lommel. 

For his official entry to the MX2 World Championship next season with factory KX250 machinery, the Kawasaki Racing Team has reached an agreement with Team Bud Racing to allow the young prospect to enter his new challenge in the best conditions. Mathis will move to Belgium at the end of the season to start working with the KRT staff and to prepare his first attempt in the highly-competitive MX2 GP class. 

Mathis Valin:

“It's a dream came true! If anyone had told me earlier this year that I would be joining the Kawasaki Racing Team at the end of the season I wouldn’t have believed them. I’m happy and proud to join the team; I think that my results helped me to earn this position and now the goal will be to carry on working hard to continue getting good results. It’s a big change for me but already this season I have left my parental home so moving to Belgium, in a team where there are already some French guys, will be OK. When I was offered this opportunity to join KRT there was no hesitation; initially the plan was for me to stay two years with Bud in the European Championship, but, as I’m currently leading the series, it’s already time to move up to the MX2 World Championship next year and I will do my best to end this current season with some more successes.” 

Shigemi Tanaka (General Manager, Marketing & Sales Division, Kawasaki Motors, Ltd):
“In Mathis we have a great example of the Team Green principle of nurturing talent and developing it within a structured and sympathetic environment. We are super excited to be re-entering the MX2 class with a factory team in 2025 and all the parts of a complex jig-saw are gradually falling into place. Mathis is a crucial part of this emerging team structure, and we hope that Kawasaki fans and young riders across the globe will both follow his progress on the new KX250 complete with the very latest engine and chassis technology identifying with him while he demonstrates the core values of our Team Green philosophy.” 

Antti Pyrhonen (KRT Team Manager):
“We are very excited about this new opportunity with Kawasaki to enter the MX2 class and for sure it will be a different challenge. We will work next year with a young rider; it’s always interesting to educate them in training, riding and race tactics as well as everything else outside of racing; we need to support them with their living situation, travelling and so on. We are really excited about that, we have the experience to do it plus it’s a great compliment that Kawasaki give us the opportunity to enter the MX2 category because this way we can build the Team Green spirit from a young age all the way through to the premier MXGP class. 

Mathis has impressed us; if you watched his career in recent years he already showed incredible speed in the 125 class, was successful in that class and immediately won races in the EMX250. He’s a young rider but he has already the winning mentality and that opens even greater opportunities to continue in the future. And it's nice that he’s coming from the Kawasaki family; it’s been a great effort from everyone and I want to thank not only the Kawasaki factory in Japan for this opportunity but also Steve Guttridge at KME and Stephane Dassé from Bud Racing for their big efforts behind the scenes to make this possible.” 

Steve Guttridge (Race Planning Manager, Kawasaki Motors Europe):
“Bud Racing does a  fantastic job of bringing up the young pilots and has a famous history of developing French talent through to their professional career. So to join up all the dots and bring Mathis through into KRT at the first opportunity as we establish an MX2 seat within the factory team is perfect. All the young riders can now see that there is a ladder into a factory team with Kawasaki when they achieve their targets. Mathis gets on very well with the KX250 and is leading the EMX. He likes the base bike so there is one less thing for him to get used to as he moves to a different team set-up.” 

Stephane Dasse (Bud Racing Team Manager):
“For sure it’s a great opportunity for Mathis to move to KRT next season, even if our plan was to keep him with us for another year. He adapted so well to the 250 that he immediately achieved top results, and Kawasaki will now give him the chance to move to the MX2 World Championship so we let him move on! For sure it’s great to see that our work with him is paying off, and to see that there’s a strong connection between Bud, KRT and Kawasaki.”

For 50 years (and counting), Kawasaki’s KX motocrossers have been built to dominate the racetrack and push racers toward the top step of the podium.

The next step in that progression is the new 2025 KX250, which receives upgrades in a number of key areas for better racetrack performance while equipping it for its factory KRT MX2 Championship debut in the coming season.

In terms of the radically updated spec, the engine power feeling at low speeds and throttle control when exiting corners are both improved for 2025 as a result of a symmetrically aligned intake and exhaust and optimised downdraft intake.

Already known for being a nimble, well-handling machine, the KX250 is now even more agile with updates to the frame and suspension, many of which are similar to those that the KX250’s older sibling, the flagship KX450, received for 2024. These updates – combined with new features such as ODI Lock-On grips and smoother new bodywork – allow the rider to move around on the bike more easily and are destined to translate into faster lap times.

Racers will be delighted with the new tech features, including Power Modes and Kawasaki Traction Control, which are easily selectable from a new switch box located on the left handlebar. Additionally, smartphone connectivity allows riders to connect with their machine to adjust engine mapping directly from their smartphones using Kawasaki’s unique Rideology App tuned specifically for the KX.

Of course, an “attention getter” is the new engine configuration. Finger-follower valve actuation stays, as does a downdraft-style intake, and dual injectors but these are now joined by a new design of piston plus a revised intake and exhaust layout (with the silencer moved further forward for better mass centralisation) and a single-shaft primary balancer for an all-around stronger package with enhanced control and greater low to mid-range urge.

The symmetrically aligned intake and exhaust deliver a strong over-run and smooth low-rpm torque characteristics.  A redesigned intake offers a much straighter route for air-fuel mix to enter the cylinder, while a centrally positioned exhaust port lines up with the intake for high airflow efficiency; both contributing to increased performance.  The optimised downdraft intake also adds to low-end performance while a single-shaft primary engine balancer contributes to smoother power delivery and reduced vibration.

There is even a completely redesigned airbox to maximise the potential of the KX250’s dual injectors and match the new downdraft intake.  Complementing the significantly increased low-end torque and the smoother power delivery, throttle response is more linear.

In terms of gear changing, a hydraulic clutch offers more direct feel and lighter lever action plus less play as the clutch heats up during heavy use. The single-shaft primary engine balancer contributes to the smooth power delivery and reduced vibration, which improves throttle control, especially when exiting slower-speed corners.

Chassis-wise, the KX250’s new frame is based on that of the 2024 KX450, and updates for 2025 to suit the new intake and exhaust layout help to deliver improved handling.  The smooth bodywork is designed to facilitate rider movement and control plus fine-tuned suspension and brake components further contribute to the KX250’s light, agile handling thanks to its optimised rigidity balance.

High-performance Showa ø48 mm inverted coil-spring forks and New Uni Trak rear suspension offer race-ready suspension performance while the Ergo-fit choice of four handlebar positions and two footpeg positions allows riders to tailor their riding position to suit body size and ergonomic preference.

Kawasaki is as focused as ever to create and provide the most rider friendly, race winning package possible. It was a tough call to make the best better but we are confident that the 2025 KX250 moves the class to the next level allowing aspiring and time served riders the unique ability to fulfil their ambition to “Be Next”.  

The KX250 will be available late summer with pricing TBC. 

Following in the silent wheel tracks of the original Elektrode, the latest and larger model in the expanding family will be available in Europe for the 2025 sales season.

The Elektrode 20 is a variant of Kawasaki's first electric balance bike, the Elektrode 16, following the development concept of “My First Fun to Ride”.  Now with 20-inch wheels, the target age range has also increased to include adults allowing more riders to experience the off-road fun that powered two wheelers can bring while delivering Kawasaki's 'Fun to Ride' spirit.

Targeted at those is not yet ready to ride an off-road motorcycle or do not have the environment locally to ride one in, the Elektrode 20 is ideal for use at suitable off-road parks or campgrounds with the necessary facilities and permissions.

In its striking characteristic Kawasaki lime green and black livery, the Elektrode 20 is powered by a combination of a 48 V/10.2 Ah (489.6 Wh) battery linked to an in-wheel motor rated at 750w; a substantial increase over the Elektrode 16’s motor which is rated at 250w.  With the facility to charge – via the charger and charging lead plugged into the battery housed on the frame diagonal tube – zero to full charge in four hours with 90% of charge delivered in just three hours.

Offering three selectable speed modes riders can “tune” the performance to suit their skill and requirement from Low, Mid and High with the comfort of long riding sessions. A full hour of riding is possible in High mode and longer periods at the lower speed ratings are possible according to rider weight, terrain and usage.

The large MTB type tube frame accommodates a telescopic front fork, manual cable type front and rear brakes (operated by left and right handlebar levers) and 20 inch (50.8cm) front and rear tyres. And, in order to accommodate as many rider heights as possible, the seat offers a generous 143mm of height adjustability. It even has a front KX style “number board” to further reinforce its off-road looks and personality!

Thanks to its KX off-road inspired design – coupled with the use of the evocative Kawasaki lime green colourway – the Elektrode 20 is sure to set the pulses racing of not only those who are ready to leave the smaller Elektrode behind but also parents and family members who won’t be able to resist the ease of operation, performance, endurance and fun offered by Kawasaki’s latest all electric off-road offering.

2025 model year colour: Lime Green

The Kawasaki Racing Team will extend its remit in 2025 by entering the MX2 category as well as competing in the MXGP Championship.

Based at its impressive workshop near the Lommel track in Belgium, the new enterprise will come under the responsibility of existing KRT Manager, Antti Pyrhönen, while team staffing will evolve and expand according to the extra demands of an additional championship.

Initially utilising the direct relationship that the team has with the KMC factory engineers in Japan – including their wealth of design knowledge and engineering insight relating to the production KX250 machine – the KRT MX2 team will be working on an all new specification across the coming months gearing towards a fully developed race machine for 2025 season.

With no decision at this time being made on who may ride for the team, KRT are targeting those with both podium potential allied to the skill to provide accurate feedback during the important pre-season testing phase. 

The best way to lead is by example, so the establishment of this factory attack on MX2 honours within the highly professional and proven race-winning structure of the Kawasaki Racing Team will provide a stable base for rider and championship success. We hope youth riders will see this as something to aspire to and, in turn, to graduate from MX2 experience and success towards MXGP, the very pinnacle of motocross.”      

As riders grow and progress in their riding ambitions, their bike – and its size – is of great importance. Kawasaki can now offer a new capacity option for young riders with the introduction of the KX112.

A classic two-stroke, water-cooled single cylinder machine with a 19inch front and 16inch rear wheel combination, the KX112 is destined to make a great practice or track day bike for younger riders getting to grips with precise machine control and practicing their race craft.

Thanks to a sturdy six speed transmission, allied to tried and trusted Kawasaki KX engineering, the KX112 enjoys factory inspired styling and Dunlop MX33 tyres.  Additionally, unique Kawasaki “Ergofit” functionality delivers an adjustable handlebar mounting system allowing riders to tailor fit their riding style and size by selecting from six different possible handlebar positions.

With an 870mm seat height and weighing in at just 77kg, the new KX112 will for sure be an exciting new practice and track day option for discerning young riders in 2024.

Afteran incredible 2023 season that saw him win every race he finished, Billy Askewwill remain with Kawasaki for next year, joining fellow new recruit Bobby Bruceand Jack Chambers in the Dixon Racing Team. The signing completes an excitinglineup for Team Green in the UK for 2024 that includes Tommy Searle, MelPocock, Joel Rizzi, Carlton Husband and Charlie Cole.

The established squad has enjoyed fantastic success over the years, most notably winning the MX Nationals MX2 series and claiming runner-up spot in the ACU British MX2 Championship in the 2022 season. Now, the experienced team is making the switch to Team Green, running the Kawasaki KX250 and all-new KX450 machines. 

The team will be fielding a three-rider attack in the British Championship as well as competing in the highly competitive Arenacross Tour. The full lineup will be announced in due course, but the team and Kawasaki are very excited to unveil this news and preparing for what we collectively hope will be a successful 2024 season! 

Kawasaki UK is excited to confirm that it will be attending the exciting new AX Fest celebration on September 15-17. Run by the team behind the highly successful Arenacross events, the three-day festival will be a celebration of music and motorbikes, while it will also feature as the opening round of the 2024 Arenacross series.  

Over the past 50 years, Kawasaki KX motorcycles have dominated at the pinnacle of off-road racing, collecting multiple World MX and WMX titles, plus in the U.S. boosting an industry-leading 63 combined AMA motocross and supercross championships as well as 720 victories in AMA professional racing.  Kawasaki’s impressive list of Champions includes all-time greats such as Stefan Everts, Sebastian Tortelli, Mickael Maschio, Christophe Pourcel, and Courtney Duncan for WMX as well as Jeff Ward, Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, Ryan Villopoto and Eli Tomac.

The development of the revolutionary technology for the KX lineup has remained constant throughout the years in Kawasaki’s pursuit of victory. These technological advancements include the Uni-Trak rear suspension in 1979, disc brakes in 1980, and the perimeter frame in 1989. Recent innovations include the DFI system with dual injectors and launch control mode in 2012, but in 2019, Kawasaki engineers took the KX brand a step further by introducing both electric start and a hydraulic clutch to an already impressive list of features found on its flagship KX450. Today, the KX250 and KX450 remain poised to continue their industry-leading charge and have adopted FIM World Superbike-derived technology from the Kawasaki Racing Team efforts such as the finger follower valve train, ensuring KX riders have the power needed to get to the checkered flag first.

Throughout the world, Lime Green continues to be recognized as the colour of Kawasaki, and for over 50 years, KX machines have proudly worn this colour that has served as the colour of victory.

To celebrate this milestone, Kawasaki will be sharing historical content throughout this year featuring some of the greatest technological innovations, racing moments and other memories from the past 50 years.

Leading the 450 cm3 class charge is the awesome KX450 enjoying its first full-model change in five years. The 2024 KX450 benefits from a new frame and bodywork plus increased engine performance thanks to a symmetrically aligned intake and exhaust.

Handling performance is also improved, with greater front-end feel contributing to improved cornering performance to complement the KX450’s acclaimed light, nimble handling and legendary straight-line ability. Aggressive new green bodywork offers improved ergonomics due to a slim, and smoother rider interface while upgrades for the coming season include premium Brembo brake components and ODI Lock-on grips (both firsts on a KX model).

In terms of tech highlights, the 2024 KX450 features for the very first time Power Modes and Kawasaki Traction Control, both easily selectable from switches at the left handlebar.

Riders can quickly select from two levels (Weak, Strong) of traction control to suit conditions and preference. Riders may also elect to turn the system off. Using the Mode (M) button on the left handlebar, it is also possible to switch between two engine maps (Normal, Mild response) provided in the ECU.

Additionally, smartphone connectivity allows riders to connect with their machine to adjust engine mapping directly from their smartphones using the application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX” to adjust engine maps including fuel and ignition timing while maintenance logs are also available.
Adding new features, plus carefully selected electronic rider aids, has taken the KX450 to the next level and Kawasaki hopes that 2024 season riders will accelerate ahead of the chasing pack towards well deserved podium results.

The KX450 will be available from November, with pricing to be confirmed shortly.