Description
Here is a very rare item. 1968 Kawasaki W1 650 vertical (parallel) twin. 7, 349 miles.
HISTORY OF THE BIKE ACCORDING PREVIOUS OWNER 2010
When I acquired this bike, it had sat for years, since 1975 (license plate that was still on it). I believe I was the 3rd owner.
A fellow named Richard Pl…, in Dalton, Georgia was the 2nd (I'm pretty sure he never rode the bike as it had been sitting for years when he got it).
Under the accumulated dust I could see that it was basically quite nice, with one main exception: All the chrome was in pretty bad shape. The chrome on these bikes wasn't great, when new and the southern humidity and time hadn't helped it any. (Georgia)
So here is a list of what has been done to resurrect the bike to current condition:
NEW: gas tank, knee pads, petcocks, fork boots, passenger peg rubbers, clutch cable, front brake cable, throttle cable, clutch friction discs, Buchanan's stainless spokes front/ rear, battery, brake shoes front/ rear, misc. hardware
RE-CHROMED:
rims front/ rear, rear fender, chain guard, rear grab rail/ handle, exhaust collars, kick lever assy., shifter,
fork lowers, headlight ears, both rear brake levers.
Chrome bill alone was $2, 000+.
N. O. S. (New from Old Stock):
Complete exhaust system (head pipes and mufflers), air filter, front fender brace, headlight assy..
Bike has the original tool kit, owner's manual, and repair manual. This is even the original seat!
HISTORY OF THE BIKE SINCE IMPORTED IN FRANCE 2015
Epoxy paint on frame
Converted into W2 SS / Head Cylinder, carbs, & filters bought in japan (i let the W1 head cylinder + carbs to next owner of course)
HAGON shocks.
Overlay changed in kms
I have only cranked the bike for about 800 kms with no issues.
That said, it IS almost 50 years old and has sat for most of that time and might need some tinkering and just to be ridden.
The bike is not a museum piece (though it isn't too far from it), but it is a VERY nice example of a VERY rare vintage bike with just enough "patina" to still be ridden and enjoyed.
Motor and frame numbers do NOT match. ALL these bikes came from the factory with non-matching numbers.
