KAWASAKI
650 W1 - 1968
Japanese giant with an English accent
Up to the 1960s, Japan relied
on copying the leading foreign marques. Kawasaki built its first motorcycle in
1951 and, ironically for a marque which became famous for its two-strokes, was
the sole Japanese maker with serious four-stroke know-how. It had absorbed
Meguro, which had specialized in this field since the 1930s. The first
Kawasakis were simply rebadged Meguros with a very British 650 twin.
Japan's Biggest Bike
Meguro's first twin had been
the 650 T1 of 1955, a sort of patchwork of various British designs of the
period, though its engine dimensions of 72x80mm were less
"long-stroke" than was normal in England. It developed 23.5 hp @ 5200
rpm, could reach over 80 mph, weighed 503 lb and was for a long time the
biggest Japanese bike along with the Cabton 600 twin and Rikuo 750.
A Dominant Design
In 1960, Meguro launched its
500 Tl, with the same engine dimensions (66x72mm) as the Norton Dominator; it
was more potent than the 650, with 33 hp @ 6000 rpm and was good for 90 mph. In
1956 the 650 gained a new engine inspired by the BSA A10. After the 650
appeared for the last time as a Meguro, the Kawasaki W1 launched a new look; it
scarcely changed until 1968. It was offered in three versions, including a
scrambler with a high-level exhaust. In 1971 these models were fitted with a
cross-shaft to move the gear selector to the left and, from 1973, with a disc
front brake.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 624cc (74x72.6mm)
air-cooled twin-cylinder four-stroke
Power Rating: 53 hp @ 7000 rpm
Valves: overhead
Fuel System: two carburetors
Transmission: 4-speed, chain
final drive
Suspension: telescopic forks
(front); swinging fork (rear)
Brakes: two-leading-shoe drum
(front); drum (rear)
Wheels: wire; 3.25x19 inch (front);
4.00x18 inch (rear)
Weight: 440 lb
Maximumum Speed: 115 mph
Original Kawasaki W1s are highly sought after; the current vogue for
nostalgia has recently persuaded the company to issue a replica!
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