Kawasaki S2 350 Gallery

After the success of Honda it was not so easy in the late sixties for a new Japanese marquee to create an image of itself. Kawasaki, however, succeeded brilliantly in establishing a reputation as an exclusive specialist in sporting motorcycles. It hung on to its reputation in racing, even though its range is considerably larger nowadays.

It all began in 1969 when Kawasaki introduced the 500 H1, a three cylinder machine with terrifying acceleration that gave a new dimension to the concept of sporting bikes. Then Kawasaki's French importer, Xavier Maugendre, had the vision to form the Kawa-Godier endurance racing team, which finished first and second in the 1974 Bol d'Or and went one better in 1975 event by coming in 1-2-3.

In 1971, Maugendre, a dyed in the wool racing enthusiast, inaugurated the "Coupe Kawasaki-Moto Revue", a one make formula that would be copied all over Europe. Initially, the Coupe Kawasaki was based on the 350cc Avenger twin but enjoyed its greatest success from 1972 on, when the formula centered on the three cylinder 350 S2. this was derived from the famous 500 H1, probably the most explosive motorcycle of its era, and - though it performed better on a circuit than on the road - the S2 was a little more civilized than the H1.

Bike	Image	Description
1971-72 Kawasaki S2 350		Air cooled, two stroke, transverse three cylinder 45bhp @ 8000rpm 5 speed Drum brakes 149.5kg
1972 Kawasaki S2A
1973 Kawasaki S2 350		Air cooled, two stroke, transverse three cylinder.
1973 Kawasaki S2a 350

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