This summer saw Kawasaki supporting the famous Tour de France cycle race once again, with the Japanese firm supplying its bikes for camera, support, medical and organisational duties.
An estimated 12 million fans watched the 2000-mile race live from the roadside, with millions more worldwide following the action on TV and online, with Kawasaki’s bikes a constant presence. Versys 1100 adventure tourers were the standard support bikes, but Kawasaki also fielded some Z7 and Ninja 7 Hybrid machines to enhance its ecological credentials. It even brought its prototype hydrogen-powered H2 for the final ride up the Champs-Élysées on the last stage, complete with its massive side-mounted hydrogen tanks.
This year saw Kawasaki officially support the TdF for the first time since 1976, and Team Green will continue to support the event for another two years.