Kawasaki UK reveals its 2026 road racing plans

David Johnson will once again race for Kawasaki UK’s factory-backed Platinum Club Racing team in 2026.

14 Feb 2026

Kawasaki UK has confirmed that Platinum Club Racing will continue as its factory-backed team for the 2026 road racing campaign, with David Johnson also staying with the team.

For 2026, Kawasaki's highly-successful ZX-10RR has received a radical new aero package, which includes new winglets that are said to increase downforce by around 25 per cent.

And it's this bike that ‘Davo’ Johnson will ride, as he looks to build on a strong performance at the TT in 2025. Johnson and the Platinum Club Racing team finished fifth in the Superbike TT race, a result they will no doubt be hoping to turn into a podium this time around.

As well as racing the new ZX-10RR at the TT, the Australian rider will also contest the North West 200 with the team.

The ZX-10RR features the same liquid-cooled inline-four-cylinder engine as before, which produces a maximum power output of 204 bhp at 13,200rpm and 81 Ib-ft of torque at 11,400rpm.

Speaking ahead of the new campaign, Johnson said:

“I’m absolutely delighted to be back with Platinum Club Racing and Kawasaki UK. The support from Lee Hardy and the team has been incredible, and I feel we’ve really gelled with them. Last year showed what we are capable of together, and with the new ZX-10RR for 2026, I genuinely believe we can fight for podiums.”

Lee Hardy, Team Principal of Platinum Club Racing, also spoke about the announcement, saying:

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Kawasaki for 2026. We’ve built something special over the past decade, and Davo’s progress last season proves the potential is there. The new ZX-10RR gives us everything we need to push for podiums and deliver the results we know are achievable.”