Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA will debut its 2013 line of Ninja motorcycles in New York’s Times Square, Sept. 13. The company will stream a live feed of the reveal of its latest motorcycles during the "Ninja Times Square Takeover" from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Kawasaki is planning a two-block display of motorcycles and a celebration that stretches along Broadway from West 45th to West 47th Street. Highlighting the celebration will be music, giveaways, special celebrity guests and the legendary Kawasaki motorcycles 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 the day’s closing presentation will include the giveaway 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 where Ryan Villopoto 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.
