Kawasaki Named 2011 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days Marque of the Year

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) announced that Kawasaki will be celebrated as the 2011 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days Marque of the Year, July 22-24, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. The recognition will include interactive opportunities for attendees to be immersed in the brand's history, as well as providing a chance for licensed riders to demo current Kawasaki motorcycles.

"Kawasaki put the 'Good Times' in motorcycling from the very beginning, and has become a world icon," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "We are really pleased that attendees at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will see firsthand the company and the people that brought us incredible machines like the Samurai and Avenger models, then the Mach III triple and the 900cc Z-1, all the way to today's Ninjas, Concours 1400s and Vulcans."

The company will exhibit many of its groundbreaking models, including the famed 500cc Mach III triple and the 900cc Z-1, recognized as the industry's first true superbike. In addition, the winner of two Kawasakis - a restored, classic Z1 and a new Z1000 - will also be announced at the event.

"This event is one of the industry's best opportunities for a brand to cement its historical relevance with the motorcycling community, and Kawasaki is honored to be able to build a performance bridge between its early days and the present," said Kawasaki's Chris Brull, director of marketing communications.

Kawasaki will also showcase its Team Green amateur racing program, currently in its 30th year of providing support to young racers around the country. Since its inception, it has helped boost numerous eventual off-road national champions into the spotlight.