1966 Kawasaki W1
No Reserve

Registration No: VAM 849D
Frame No: 0041
MOT: Exempt

• One of the greatest Japanese bikes of its generation
• A very rare and unusual bike in Britain
• Imported from America in 2018 and in single ownership since

Until the 1960s, most Japanese motorcycles were copies of British and European machines. One make, Meguro of Tokyo, built copies of the BSA A7 500cc twin. When Kawasaki, for many years a producer of components for the shipping, railway, automotive and aeronautical industries, decided to enter the motorcycle business, they took over Meguro from 1960 to 1963, and the first two-wheeled ‘Kwakker’ was an improved version of the K-type Meguro called the Kawasaki K1. The K-series evolved and in 1965 a 624cc prototype appeared which would become the W1 for the 1966 model year. Far sleeker than the K-series and, in fact, the largest-displacement motorcycle then produced by any Japanese manufacturer, it proved to be a serious challenger to the British twins, especially in North America.

This very appealing 1966 W1 was purchased in the USA and imported into Britain in 2018, in which time it has remained with the same owner. Its early history is not known, but a sticker on the rear mudguard suggests it was resident in Pennsylvania in 1981. In the present ownership, it has only seen occasional use but has now spent a few years in storage, so some straightforward recommissioning will be required, and specifically the replacement of the fuel taps. It is to be sold with the current V5C.

For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis
mike.davis@handh.co.uk
07718 584217