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