Kawasaki Celebrates 25th Anniversary of the Ninja
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Kawasaki is proud to announce that 2009 marks the 25th anniversary of the world famous and highly respected Ninja motorcycle. Debuting in 1984, the Ninja has continued for the last 25 years to deliver ground breaking technology and state of the art engineering, delivered in a visually stunning and highly popular package that has endeared itself to the world.
It was imperative that the first Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle was a success if the new model was to experience any sort of longevity in the marketplace. In 1984, the Ninja GPX 900R was introduced to the world and immediately the new model was recognized as something different… something special. The all new Ninja GPX 900R, featuring groundbreaking style and comfort was the fastest production motorcycle available at the time and even won itself a role as Tom Cruise’s motorcycle in the film Top Gun. The Ninja was here to stay!
One year later and Kawasaki introduces the world to an entirely new sports class category. With the release of the Ninja 600R in 1985 (or Ninja GPX 600R in Australia), the 600 sports class category was born.
1990 was to be a historic year for the Kawasaki Ninja. The Ninja ZX-11 (or Ninja ZZR1100 in Australia) is introduced to the world with an exciting new world’s first feature called Ram Air Induction. The Ninja ZX-11 was the first production motorcycle in the world to feature Ram Air Induction and the system has since become standard equipment on sports bikes throughout the world. With the speedometer going all the way up to an eye watering 320 km/h, the Ninja ZX-11 was an extremely exciting and pioneering motorcycle in 1990.
All the newest gadgets and systems however is not enough to cement a model in history unless it achieves results on the race track. The Kawasaki Ninja has accomplished that as well. Piloted by American Scott Russell, the Ninja ZXR-7 proved itself on the world’s best race tracks by winning the World Superbike Championships in 1993.
Fast forward to present day and the Kawasaki Ninja continues its heritage of ground breaking technological advancements and worldwide popularity. Released in 2008, the Ninja 250R was to bring great success to Kawasaki throughout the world. The Ninja 250R is renowned for its stunning full fairing superbike looks wrapped around a small capacity, learner friendly package. Locally the Ninja 250R won the title of the number one selling motorcycle (of any variety) in Australia in early 2009, an achievement that Kawasaki is extremely proud of.
Then in 2009 the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is introduced, featuring the world’s first production use of Showa Big Piston Front Forks (BPF) and is widely praised the world over winning many awards and numerous tests and shootouts.
In a recently distributed letter to Kawasaki Dealerships around Australia, Hiroshi Takata, President of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, remarks on the 25th anniversary of the Ninja.
He says, “2009 marks the 25th anniversary of the birth of the original Ninja – a name synonymous with Kawasaki. From the time Kawasaki began producing motorcycles in earnest to the present day, we have introduced numerous models to the market. Many of these models helped shape the market and some even ushered in new eras in motorcycling history.”
“2009 marks the 25th anniversary of the birth of one such model, the original Ninja. For many, the name Ninja is synonymous with Kawasaki. The strong performance image associated with the name “Ninja” was not created overnight. It was fostered by multitudes of Kawasaki fans like all of you, for whom the Ninja brand holds a special meaning. As a former motorcycle engineer, that the fruit of my labour was able to have an impact on your lives is especially heart-warming for me.”
“Then, having been made President in such an auspicious year, I firmly believe it is my mission to further strengthen the Ninja brand and to introduce more models that exude a unique Kawasaki character.”
“I am sure that all of you have many great memories from your experiences with motorcycles. It is my hope that through new, life-enriching models from Kawasaki we can continue to build great memories together.”
“Kawasaki. Let the good times roll.”
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Ninja model, a new 25th Anniversary Ninja page has been created on the Kawasaki Australia website; http://www.kawasaki.com.au The page can be accessed by a prominent link on the home page and features a comprehensive Ninja image gallery and a downloadable fold out Kawasaki motorcycle history timeline PDF. Any of these images, PDF or any additional images can be supplied on a disc upon request.
Kawasaki invites you to become acquainted with this world famous model and strongly urges all enthusiasts to test ride the current line up of Ninja motorcycles if they haven’t already done so. The Ninja ZX-14, Ninja ZX-10R, Ninja ZX-6R, Ninja 650R and Ninja 250R currently bear the Ninja name in Australia.
Kawasaki is extremely proud of the popularity and praise that has been heaped on the Ninja for the last 25 years and in this historic anniversary year, looks forward with excitement and anticipation to the next 25 years of Ninja motorcycles.
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