Kawasaki W1-650
Kawasaki W1-650 had its "DNA" from the English motorcycle industry's flagship, BSA
Kawasaki's motorcycle production began when Kawasaki Aircraft Company bought into Meguro in 1960. At that time, Meguro had been licensed to produce a motorcycle that was largely a copy of BSA A7. Meguro's knowledge, expertise and production machinery were therefore of interest to Kawasaki precisely to eventually establish our own motorcycle production.
In 1963, the first step was taken to separate a separate company for motorcycles within the Kawasaki group, and the company now bought Meguro, a company that was already established when it came to motorcycle production. In the years up to 1965, there were mainly three models that were produced, Kawasaki 500 Meguro K, Kawasaki 500 Meguro K2, and Kawasaki Meguro X-650. In 1965, Kawasaki showed off the W1-650, and this is considered the first pure Kawasaki, despite the fact that the engine's DNA was largely British.
BSA look-alike
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W1-650 in the shadow of H1-500
The W1-650 went on sale in 1966 and was in production until 1974. However, the model was completely forgotten after 1969. The reason for this is, in short, Kawasaki H1-500. The lightning-fast and elegant newcomer with a 3-cylinder 2-stroke engine was like a paradigm shift. The model hit like a bomb, and it is not without reason that with its 60 explosive horsepower it was nicknamed "The Widowmaker". It was pure death machines in the hands of riders with poor impulse control. Compared to the H1-500, the W1-650 now appeared old-fashioned, and Kawasaki phased out the model in 1974, in favor of a number of lightning-fast twins and triples with 2-stroke engines.
The retro classic W650
The new generation of 2-strokes became Kawasaki's weapon in the battle for customers in a global motorcycle market, and the W1-650 was not up to the task. However, it is worth noting that when Kawasaki jumped on the retro wave towards the end of the 90s, it was not the 2-strokes that were praised, it was the W1-650 with the retro model with almost the same name, the W650. "The old ones are the oldest" they say!
Technical data Kawasaki W1-650, 1966 model:
Engine: 2-cylinder 4-stroke, OHV
Displacement: 624 cc
Power: 50 hp at 6500 rpm.
No. of gears: 4
Front tires: 3.25 x 18
Rear tires: 3.50 x 18
Tank: 15 liters
Weight: 181 kg
Top speed: 174 km/h
