For the last 27 years, Rick English has been one of the UK’s leading stuntmen, bringing to life some of Hollywood’s most epic action sequences. From high-speed motorcycle chases and spectacular crashes to driving the Batmobile through flames, his career path has seen him work on some of the biggest film franchises in the world.
Throughout all this time, English has collaborated with some of the most leading brands in the sector, the same ones that in turn have been a leading part of those films in which they have appeared. Triumph and Kawasaki are on this list and it is precisely the latter that has recently had the opportunity to chat with him about his work within the filming team, also clarifying which is his favorite mount when he gets into mode. “acrobatic man”.
English has become one of the most sought-after specialists
As English explains, it takes “27 years working as a stunt specialist”. “I actually entered this world through martial arts and motorcycle racing. Back then I was involved in motorcycle racing at club level, and that naturally led me into film and television. Once I joined the British Register of Stunt Specialists, I quickly specialized in motorcycles and stunts on them.”he argues.
In recent years, it has been one of the most requested names in the guild by the film industry: “I’ve been lucky enough to work on some incredible productions over the years. The James Bond movies, Jason Bourne, Mission: Impossible and Kingsman have been real highlights. More recently, I’ve worked on a lot of superhero movies, which means I’ve ridden some pretty unusual motorcycles, including Batman’s Batbike, and collaborated with Jason Momoa on Supergirl.”he adds.
A talent that goes beyond two wheels
During this relaxed chat with the people at Kawasaki UK, English explains: “I also do a lot of car stunts, and getting behind the wheel of the Batmobile was definitely one of the highlights. In the last Batman movie, I was also responsible for one of the big jumps through the flames, which was incredible.”
Continue counting: “But if you ask me what I enjoy the most, it’s still motorcycle accidents. They’re challenging, technical, and there’s a real art to making them look spectacular without putting anyone’s safety at risk. In addition to motorcycle work, I also do a lot of stunts in general, so each project brings something different.”
The ideal stunt bike exists
Or so English says… “I’ve been using Kawasaki stunt bikes for about 20 years, and the Ninja ZX-6R has always been my go-to bike. Last year I upgraded to the latest 2025 model, and it’s been fantastic. The engine is perfect as it comes from the factory, but for stunts I have to make some modifications.” It also refers to the electronic section and how some driving aids “They have to be disabled to be able to do wheelies, burn wheels and perform some of the more technical stunts.”
Other modifications that he has carried out on his motorcycle, as he himself confirms, would be, “additional fall protection, a rear handbrake and a few other special parts, but other than that the bike remains pretty much stock. Kawasaki has done such an excellent job with the chassis and handling that there really isn’t much else to change.”
At this point thank Derby Kawasaki for taking care of the maintenance of their motorcycles: “I started working with Derby Kawasaki during the filming of The Running Man a few years ago, and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. They’ve been very supportive, helping me with the maintenance of my previous stunt bike and also with the purchase of my latest ZX-6R. It’s great to work with people who really understand what I’m using the bike for, and their support has been invaluable.”
