Image: Russell Colvin.

Kawasaki Motors Australia has announced it’s supporting SA Kawasaki BCperformance and Matt Walters’ Kawasaki Connection teams in the 2016 Australasian Superbike Championship.

SA Kawasaki BCperformance recently confirmed Robbie Bugden will race alongside returning rider Ben Burke on board the all-new Ninja ZX-10R, as will Walters in his privateer program.

The BCperformance team will also field Evan Byles on a ZX-10R in Formula Oz, plus Supersport entries Kyle Buckley and Ryan Masri, both who have graduated from the Kawasaki Insurances FX300 Ninja Cup.

Two fulltime Ninja 300 riders will round out the SA Kawasaki BCperformance racing team, including 17-year-old Jimmy Broadbent and 21-year-old Yannis Shaw – the pair returning for a second season in the category.

“The previous Ninja ZX-10R was a championship-winning machine on the world stage and with the updates made to the new model, our superbike riders will be unstoppable,” team manager Kelvin Reilly said.

“Feedback from our riders after testing is very promising to say the least. Brakes and corner exit are unbelievable and the power has increased, especially in mid-range. During initial testing, Bugden said it’s the best production bike he has ever ridden on the track.”

“Racing the new Kawasaki ZX-10R and bringing Robbie on board is a huge boost for our chances at the Australasian Superbike Championship title this year. Kyle Buckley has proven himself in last year’s competition with a race win on his Ninja ZX-6R and Ryan is just oozing with potential.

“Having riders in the 1000cc, 600cc and 300cc class makes for a dynamic team and there is never a dull moment. I’d like to thank Kawasaki Motors Australia, SA Motorcycles and all of our sponsors for their increased support.”

Walters has also been priming his 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R in preparation for this years Australasian Superbike Championship, which he won in its inaugural running to cap off the 2013 season.

“We had a quick shakedown test before Christmas on the new bike and it was a real pleasure to ride,” Walters said. “There are so many components on the bike that bring it to another level but the fork is definitely a standout. The standard bike, as it comes, is such an advanced starting point for developing a superbike, which is handy.

“The brakes are unbelievable and a massive improvement. The first couple of times I used them I thought ‘wow, this thing pulls up’! The handling and chassis are awesome too. I plan on training more and having much more seat time on the bike this year to really maximise my understanding of the new Ninja ZX-10R.

“To really be able to push the bike to its limits and get the most out of the machine, you need to know it like the back of your hand. Last year, the results were always favourable at the rounds where we managed to train at the circuits beforehand so we are aiming to keep this up.

“With the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R I can see myself at least finishing on the podium by the end of the season and fighting for race wins at every round.”