Kawasaki

Debut of 2013 sportbikes to highlight daylong celebration of motorcycling activities along Broadway from 45th to 47th Street.

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. is going big with its global debut of its 2013 line of iconic Ninja^® motorcycles in New York's Times Square, Sept. 13.  The company will stream a live feed of the reveal of their latest motorcycles during the "Ninja Times Square Takeover" from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Kawasaki is planning a two-block display of motorcycles and a celebration that stretches along Broadway from West 45^th to West 47^th Street.  Highlighting the celebration will be music, giveaways, special celebrity guests and the legendary Kawasakimotorcycles that have helped pioneer the modern sportbike since the introduction of the original Ninja more than 25 years ago.

According to Kawasaki's marketing director, Chris Brull, the new models will be joined by a selection of significant, older models. They will include the original 1984 Ninja as well as the legendary 1973 Z1, hailed as the world's first "superbike" and the motorcycle that set the stage for an entirely new segment over the next few decades.

He said part of the day's closing presentation will include the give-away of two new Ninja motorcycles.

Among the scheduled activities—many of which will be shown on a huge screen above the street—are various staged presentations, unique stunt riding exhibitions by former SPEED TV host, Jason Britton, motorcycle drag race instruction from multi-time national champion, Rickey Gadson, and a collection of free activities for individuals and families.

Kawasaki will also park the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing transporter on Broadway and Ryan Villopoto, the most decorated professional racer of the past few years will be there to sign posters for onlookers.  Prior to suffering an injury early this season, he had captured several championships in 2011, including two of the most prestigious on the racing circuit, the FIM World Supercross Championship, and the AMA Motocross Championship.

Brull said this unique model introduction "brings the brand's core authenticity to a broader audience that will be able to interact with our people, our products and the sport that appeals to more men and women each year."

The marketing director said the concept of the "Ninja Times Square Takeover" grew from internal discussions seeking different ways to bring the company's "Let the good times roll^™" philosophy to a broader audience.  

"Times Square is recognized as the 'crossroads of the world,' and we're thrilled to be able to share our brand of motorcycle enthusiasm with such a large, diverse group of New York residents and visitors," said Brull.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, Side x Sides, and personal watercraft through a network of more than 1,200 independent retailers, with an additional 7,400 retailers specializing inKawasaki power products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with 300 of them located at KMC's Irvine, California headquarters.

Kawasaki's tagline, "Let the good times roll.^™", is recognized worldwide. For five decades, the Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki's complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

SOURCE Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.