Smells like teen spirit: Kawasaki revive Superteen youth racing championship for incoming four-cylinder ZX-4RR

The racing talent of tomorrow can compete in the resurrected British Superteen series for 2024, with riders aged between 15 and 20 competing on specially modified Kawasaki ZX-4RR four-cylinder screamers alongside the British Superbike championship.

“It is 32 years since the British circuit promoters launched the first ‘Superteen’ Championship, and within the entry list was James Haydon, David Jefferies, John McGuinness, and Michael Rutter,” BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs said.

“We are tremendously excited to bring the Superteen name back to British Championship status. Together with our partner Kawasaki UK we are re-calibrating this most important entry level class with a new motorcycle that will benefit team and rider development, and importantly be contained to tight budget and regulations parameters.”

Based on the incoming 399cc DOHC four-cylinder sportsbike, set to arrive in UK dealers in September, the race-ready machines are being produced in partnership with MSS Performance and will cost less than £12,000 plus VAT.

“We are excited to be able to offer a competitively priced and exciting race package to young riders looking to develop their racing careers,” Head of Marketing and Racing Department at Kawasaki UK, Ross Burridge said. “The Team Green ethos has always been about supporting young talent and offering opportunities on track, so we cannot wait to take this one step further.”

For those wanting to take part, the Colchester-based MSS will take a standard road bike and convert it into a racer. There are a number of mandatory additions required for each machine, with further packages available to those with a larger budget.

Starting with the must-haves, the Euro5 compliant single exit exhaust system has been replaced with a full stainless exhaust system and titanium link pipe from Italian firm Spark – saving weight and unlocking more of that high-pitched soundtrack.

Closer to home, the standard preload-adjustable forks, and fully adjustable shock have been swapped for British-built K-Tech components all round. There’s a fully adjustable DDS Lite rear shock, plus new fork cartridges, springs, oil, and travel indicator up front.

There’s also protection from GB Racing, an ECU flash from Woolich Racing, Lightech rear sets and more. For the full breakdown contact MSS Performance and to register a competitive interest, email the Superteen championship.

Kawasaki ZX-4RR Superteen in detail

• Winners are grinners: To help the series winner take the next step, the inaugural champion will win a new Kawasaki ZX-6R – a bike being revived in Europe for 2024
• Full calendar: The young guns will compete at Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Knockhill, Oulton Park, Snetterton, and Thruxton – including an appearance at the British World Superbike round
• Racing looks: Providing the sporting stance is a set of CRC fairings, with on track grip supplied by treaded Pirelli Supercorsa rubber
• Adding extras: On top of the standard MSS kit, owners can also opt for additions including MSS clip-ons, front and rear sprockets, fairing brackets and more
• Start them young: The series will replace the Junior Supersport championship for 2024, with riders aged between 15 and 20 allowed to compete