Kawasaki Signs Stunter

f1_hurricane · 01-06-2007, 2:48 PM

Kawasaki is taking a step in the wrong direction (

) they have just signed Kane Friesen to the payroll as a factory rider. The only thing is, Kane Friesen is a stunter.

Team Green just gained Pink!

Attn Sportbikers,
2007 is starting off with a change of pace for Kawasaki Motor company. The always edgy image of Team Green has lead to their first ever support of a sportbike street stunt competitor. Instantly recognizable for his trademark Pink colouring World Record holder Kane “Insane” Friesen has signed on to represent Kawasaki in the fast growing world of the street extreme. Kaneone will be riding the legendary Ninja Sportbike on the completely redesigned and all new 2007 Zx6R this year, and will be available to be seen at exhibitions, competitions, and bike nights nation wide all season long with an already packed schedule of events available direct off his website. Let the good times roll as Kawasaki once again pushes the envelope into a new era of sportbiking.

“Kane has been a key factor in bringing the street stunt rider image to such a high level of professionalism, and whether its on the track, in a stunt competition or just riding to a bike-night Kane and Kawasaki are both on the same page when it comes to safety, and proper riding preparation.”
– Reid Nordin
Kawasaki Team Green Manager

“It’s an honor to be given this opportunity as a stunt rider, to show such a large and respected company in motorcycling that we as stunt riders are hardworking, professional, and safe. It’s very exciting to me to see this sport that is my life, finally receiving the attention and credit it deserves from the manufacturers of the bikes I love so much”
-Kane “Insane” Friesen

Below left is Kane Friesen and and Reid Norton Kawasaki Team Green Manager. Below right is what Kane Freisen is known for best.

hurricane249 · 01-06-2007, 3:36 PM

I see a new thread coming, "Who is sick of factory sponsored stunnas?"

f1_hurricane · 01-06-2007, 3:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hurricane249

I see a new thread coming, "Who is sick of factory sponsored stunnas?"

I didnt want to start anything like that. I was hoping that possibly we could keep this on topic for once.

hookedon2wheels · 01-06-2007, 4:05 PM

This kid is insane all right, 137mph stoppie. I really don't care if all the manufacturers sign on some stunnta's, what they might do is make it easier for stunting to be done in controlled conditions. Skate parks open once people were sick of it on the sidewalks, so now lets try to get this onto closed courses, etc.

tdeal28 · 01-06-2007, 4:10 PM

I personally think that it is a great move!

Stunt riding has a negative image due to careless individuals who practice this type of riding on the steet. Its like the old saying "one bad apple ruins it for the rest"

Iam not going to get into a big rave or conversation on this subject as I know how "tabo" this subject is on this forum, but no matter what style of riding you do we are all part of the "Motorcycle Community" and we should be able to support one another.

f1_hurricane · 01-06-2007, 6:05 PM

I'm personally waiting for some of the factory options when purchasing a new bike to be a OEm 12 o'clok bar and crash cage

SpookyjacK · 01-06-2007, 8:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1_hurricane

I'm personally waiting for some of the factory options when purchasing a new bike to be a OEm 12 o'clok bar and crash cage

Won't that be a kick .......

2k929 · 01-06-2007, 10:00 PM

Anyone want to make bets on how long it takes the next manufacturer to sponsor a stunter? Honda, Suzuki??

CBR929RE · 01-06-2007, 10:54 PM

Jason Britten on a Suzuki

2k929 · 01-07-2007, 10:24 AM

Good call. He is definately a good rider. I really enjoy watching stunt riders. I do agree some people ruin the image because they do it on the streets, but other than that, this is how these people are making their living.

sheepofblue · 01-07-2007, 2:13 PM

Now we know why Kawboy69 wants a Kaw

Heavy-Dee · 01-07-2007, 3:04 PM

I think it's a good move. These guys are arguably more sane than the Freestyle MotoX guys.

If it's sanctioned, and legal I'm cool w/ it. This is a step to giving people an outlet for this stuff.

HD

2k929 · 01-07-2007, 3:24 PM

Maybe it will help get rid of some of the bad rep, although there are always people doing stupid stuff that gets associated with everyone else.

Tornado bait · 01-07-2007, 7:30 PM

The sooner stunting is legitimized and organized by sanctioning bodies and respectable sponsorships the sooner it will move away from public displays of recklessness. This is paramount in removing stunting from under John Q's microscope. Any step in ridding stereotypes of squidlyness is a step in the right direction IMO.

Oldschoolcbr · 01-09-2007, 9:45 PM

If I paint my Bikes Fuchsia and put fur on them, do you think Honda might sponser me?

f1_hurricane · 01-09-2007, 10:51 PM

Only if you have one of those adhesive helmet mohawks and have street cred by out running johnny law on one wheel..

*Quick 26* · 01-10-2007, 8:36 AM

this will be interesting to watch and see what comes of it. i am predicting that it will one day be in the x-games

fl-929 · 01-10-2007, 10:02 AM

I think Triumph gives bikes to Kyle Woods?

Kaneone · 02-01-2007, 9:03 PM

Thank you for the support, or lack there of in some cases!
Regardless I am very excited about the growing opportunities this sport has allowed for me in my life, and career. and I am even more stunned at the possibility of continued growth throughout the upcoming years.

in anycase I am sure Kawasaki's newfound interest in the street stunt competition means only good things for the popularity of sportbikes as a whole, and im my eyes, the larger sportbiking becomes the better it is for us all...

with that said. I am not a squid. I am the king squid on calamari hill!

-Kane

Oldschoolcbr · 02-01-2007, 11:02 PM

Congrats King Squid!

Keep us informed on how it's going.

*Quick 26* · 02-02-2007, 7:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaneone

Thank you for the support, or lack there of in some cases!
Regardless I am very excited about the growing opportunities this sport has allowed for me in my life, and career. and I am even more stunned at the possibility of continued growth throughout the upcoming years.

in anycase I am sure Kawasaki's newfound interest in the street stunt competition means only good things for the popularity of sportbikes as a whole, and im my eyes, the larger sportbiking becomes the better it is for us all...

with that said. I am not a squid. I am the king squid on calamari hill!

-Kane

personally, i think you will see it in the X games in a few years. everyone said the free style MX would never make it and now look at it. i say to each his own, if you enjoy stunting go for it, but the thing that is hurting it right now is bad publicity from the king squids doing in on the highway. once they start to get more organized you will see it become accepted by the public much better.

Tornado bait · 02-02-2007, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaneone

Thank you for the support, or lack there of in some cases!
Regardless I am very excited about the growing opportunities this sport has allowed for me in my life, and career. and I am even more stunned at the possibility of continued growth throughout the upcoming years.

in anycase I am sure Kawasaki's newfound interest in the street stunt competition means only good things for the popularity of sportbikes as a whole, and im my eyes, the larger sportbiking becomes the better it is for us all...

with that said. I am not a squid. I am the king squid on calamari hill!

-Kane

Well put. Congrats and good luck!!

ConqSoft · 02-03-2007, 9:55 AM

FWIW, this is really him, or someone that works with/for him, based on the IP and e-mail address used on the account.