kawasaki

1984 and 1985 GPZ 750 turbos

Thanks to “Dirty Jay”!

A “Brat” bike I don’t hate…

I’m on the record I think as NOT being a big fan of “Brat” styled bikes. I won’t get in to ALL the reasons (OK just a few – Flavor of the week styling exercise, Corker tires and no seat to speak of? seriously? gotta suck to ride) But I’m giving this one a pass because I think it’s more scrambler than brat and I bet it’d actually be a fairly fun smooth gravel rode ride. The parallel twin Kawi 750’s 400 don’t exactly have a stellar reputation but I do like the look.

Kawasaki GPZ 750 Turbo. Possibly my favorite 80’s superbike.

By special request. The 1981 “ELR” Kawasaki KZ1000 based Superbike S1 Racer (from the backgound on another post).

Here you go Kurt. Be sure to check out the last photo which gives some interesting background on the bike.

A bueatifully restored 1965 Kawasaki W650 SS (or is it a W2?)

Update: Just got a FB comment that this is probably referred to as a W2. Did a little research and this appears to be correct.

I almost missed this one rushing through a recent Riding Into History album. I’ve always really liked the look of these and there is a very interesting history behind these bikes See more pics and info HERE. In a nutshell it’s an improved copy of a copy of a BSA A7 by a company that merged with/was acquired by Kawasaki. I’ve heard good things about them but never ridden one. The “modernized” versions of these which had a brief appearance in the showrooms here are (along with the W800’s) unfortunately no longer available in the US. Shame since Triumph seem to have really made that segment work here with the Bonneville lineup.

Kawasaki KZ550. A dream bike of my youth.

I always loved this bike. Still do. Wish there was a modern equivalent in today’s market. Style to spare, sweet performance and affordable.

The Lossa Engineering 2012 Kawasaki Z1000 For Cafe Racer TV

Hat tip to Bike Exif on their FB page.  Check out more info and great shots at Lossa Engineering

 

kawasaki

The Kawasaki Z1R

The first “real” superbike of my generation.  I must have spent 100 hours at the Kawasaki dealer drooling over these as a teenager.

KZ1000 Riding Into History… the parking lot.

When I pulled in this was parked right behind me.