Bikes Weekly News Digest is a feature that brings you all the hot topics announced in the previous week. This time, we will be introducing the news announced from June 2nd to 8th, 2025.
Kawasaki ELIMINATOR…From 858,000 yen
Kawasaki Motors Japan will release the 2026 models of its popular cruiser models, the ELIMINATOR and ELIMINATOR SE, featuring new colors and graphics on July 15, 2025. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is 858,000 yen for the ELIMINATOR and 957,000 yen for the ELIMINATOR SE (tax included).
The ELIMINATOR features a horizontally-oriented design and a low and long form, with the lowest seat height in the Kawasaki mid-class. The 398cc parallel twin-cylinder engine combines ease of handling at low speeds with powerful acceleration at high speeds. With its lightweight body structure and the latest equipment, it is suitable for a wide range of uses, from everyday commuting to touring.
In addition to the new “Pearl Lava Orange,” the existing “Metallic Flat Spark Black” will continue to be available. The top-of-the-line ELIMINATOR SE model comes standard with a front cowl, dash cam, USB Type-C socket, two-tone seat, and more, making it more comfortable and functional. New colors, “Urban City White” and “Metallic Matte Carbon Gray x Flat Ebony,” have been added, enhancing the rider’s individuality from city riding to long touring. Both models come standard with an ETC2.0 kit, making them highly user-friendly.
Kawasaki “ELIMINATOR PLAZA EDITION” to be released on July 15th with new colors and comfort features
Kawasaki Motors Japan will release the Plaza-exclusive model, the “ELIMINATOR PLAZA EDITION,” on July 15, 2025. The new color is “Metallic Imperial Red x Ebony.” While retaining its 398cc parallel twin engine and low seat height, the model comes standard with a GPS-enabled dash cam and USB Type-C power socket, further enhancing convenience and peace of mind. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is 913,000 yen (tax included), and it will only be sold at Kawasaki Plazas nationwide. Its specifications meet the needs of a wide range of riders, from long-distance touring to city riding.
New Honshu touring event “BLUE RIDE” to be held this fall
Gotochi Touring Co., Ltd., the company behind the Lake Biwa Circumnavigation Tour “CBTR,” will be holding a new motorcycle event, “BLUE RIDE,” this fall. This rally event, which travels along the coast and traces the contours of Japan, allows participants to collect digital stamps at designated spots in each area and receive a “Certificate of Completion.” The first event will take place in Shizuoka and Shimane prefectures. Shizuoka is scheduled to open on October 18th, and Shimane from October 26th to December 7th. Entries will open on June 25th. Details will be released on June 12th, and the latest information will be distributed by registering on LINE. The Lake Biwa Circumnavigation Tour “CBTR,” run by the company, is now in its fourth year, with nearly 2,000 participants already registered.
New designs added to “BariBari Densetsu” T-shirts, bringing the passionate 80s motorcycle culture to everyday life
New designs have been added to the graphic t-shirt lineup for the legendary motorcycle manga “BariBari Densetsu.” Officially licensed by Kodansha, these new t-shirts are available on CAMSHOP.JP, bringing back the passion of the ’80s. Made from 5.6 oz. heavyweight 100% cotton, they’re comfortable yet suitable for everyday wear. The prints feature a wealth of memorable scenes from Koma District and his friends, and with variations on the original design, they’re sure to appeal to a wide range of fans, regardless of age or style. A variety of t-shirts perfect for both street wear and art are planned for future releases, making this a piece that lets you experience the origins of motorcycle culture today.
“GRIP EARTH Rear Maintenance Stand L-Type” for easy maintenance without a toolbox, released on June 14th
GRIP EARTH will release a new motorcycle rear maintenance stand, the “L-type,” on June 14, 2025. Its unique design allows you to lift the rear wheel with one touch, without the need for tools. This dramatically simplifies routine maintenance, including chain cleaning, lubrication, and wheel rotation checks. It’s made of high-load-bearing steel pipes, designed to ensure safe maintenance. It can be easily folded and stored after use, saving space. Its stable position ensures stability even when working alone, making it a practical tool suitable for a wide range of riders, from beginners to pros. The fact that it requires no assembly makes it suitable for everyday use. This stand significantly reduces the hurdles to maintenance. It’s likely to become an essential item for riders seeking to reduce maintenance time and improve safety.
Baico’s limited edition women’s jet helmet “NOVIA” is back in stock, with new retro and cute colors.
Hatoya, which operates Baico, an e-commerce site aimed at female riders, has decided to restock the “NOVIA Ivory/Retro Red” helmet, which was released in February 2023. The helmet features retro red lines on an ivory background and is popular for its simple design, which complements the HELLO KITTY-designed Super Cub. The size is a ladies’ free size for head circumferences of 55-57cm, and is suitable for both men and women and children. The helmet is equipped with sponge adjustments to achieve a perfect fit, and is packed with features aimed at women, such as a flip-up retractable shield, washable interior, and UV protection. The helmet is priced at 12,100 yen (tax included), is SG standard compliant, and is compatible with all engine displacements. It is attracting attention from riders who are particular about motorcycle fashion.
“Lady Blue Izu Inatori,” a villa exclusively for female riders, will have its grand opening on July 1st.
“Lady Blue Izu Inatori,” a special accommodation facility for female riders, will have its grand opening on July 1, 2025, in Higashiizu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture. The villa can be rented out entirely, and features rooms where you can relax while admiring your beloved bike, and fire pits for enjoying conversation, providing an extraordinary space for female riders under the concept of “I can be myself.” Reservations are currently being accepted on the official website, and there is also a campaign offering a 30% discount on accommodation fees for the first five groups. In addition, participants in the campaign will receive an original T-shirt as a gift. The pre-opening began on May 10, and the facility is attracting attention ahead of full-scale operation.
Next-generation jump starter “Ignic” that does not require charging and is designed for safety, announced on Makuake on June 9th
Ignic, a new generation jump starter developed by Sankin Shoji, will debut on the crowdfunding site Makuake from 10:00 on June 9, 2025. Equipped with a supercapacitor, it instantly stores power from the vehicle’s remaining battery charge to start the engine without the need for prior charging. Its lithium-battery-free design reduces the risk of fire and offers excellent durability and longevity. Two models are available, compatible with 12V and 24V vehicles, and it is designed for use not only with automobiles but also with motorcycles, agricultural machinery, and ships. Capable of charging and discharging more than 20,000 times even under extreme temperature conditions, it is a product that pursues reliability and reduced environmental impact.
Cheering seat tickets on sale now! The grandstands will be lime green at the 2025 Suzuka 8 Hours!
Kawasaki Motors Japan has begun selling tickets for the Kawasaki cheering section at the 46th Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race, which will be held from August 1st to 3rd, 2025. The cheering section is a V2 designated seat, and purchasers will receive cheering merchandise such as a lime green baseball shirt and cheering flag. In addition to watching the race over three days, the ticket also includes unlimited rides on attractions, use of the pool, and unlimited Coca-Cola on the final day. Prices start from 19,800 yen for adults, and tickets are on sale on the official website. Kawasaki fans are expected to unite and paint the grandstands green with passionate cheering.
Blaze’s special EV moped goes on sale and rental at “VOLT EDGE” in Chiba Prefecture
Blaze has begun selling and renting electric mobility vehicles, the “Smart EV Specified Moped Model” and the “Kick Scooter EV,” at its shop “VOLT EDGE” in Abiko City, Chiba Prefecture. This marks the first time that kick scooter EV rentals have been offered in Chiba Prefecture. The vehicles are classified as specific small motorized bicycles, open to those aged 16 and over, and do not require a license. They are foldable and portable, and are equipped with features such as disc brakes and a removable battery. Through easy test drives of EVs and their use in tourism, the shop will be a place to convey the appeal of next-generation mobility to more people.
SSTR2025 ends with great success, with approximately 12,500 vehicles racing towards Chirihama
The 13th SSTR2025 (Sunrise Sunset Touring Rally), one of Japan’s largest motorcycle events, was held from May 24th to June 1st and was a great success, with approximately 12,500 motorcycles participating. With the theme of supporting the areas affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, riders experienced the current situation in Noto on a route that visited recovery support points. A fundraising campaign was also held, with all proceeds to be donated to support organizations. There was also an opportunity to interact with local children, creating connections across generations. Producer Kazama Shinshi expressed his hopes for further development in the event from next year onwards, and called for the next event to be held, saying, “See you at Chirihama.”
Harley values soar, a great opportunity to sell at a high price with Kachi-X
Interfarm, which operates the online motorcycle buying and selling service “Kachi-X,” announced that as of May 2025, motorcycle purchase prices had reached an all-time high. Popular classic motorcycles such as the Harley-Davidson FXSB Breakout have seen particularly sharp increases in price, with the FXSB seeing a 72% increase in price compared to the previous year, up to approximately ¥980,000. Given the rising market price, it’s recommended to utilize a negotiation agency. For Sportsters and Softails in particular, selling with less than 20,000 km on the odometer is key to achieving a high appraisal. Kachi-X offers comprehensive appraisals from up to 17 companies and no discounts on purchases, making it a popular time for classic motorcycle owners to sell.
