Kawasaki B8S

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The Kawasaki B8 series was initially produced for street use beginning in 1962 by Kawasaki.

B8[edit | edit source]

In mid 1961, Kawasaki Auto Sales was formed, and then in 1962 came the 125 cc B8, a single-cylinder two-stroke. The line of B8 motorcycles was the first to carry the full Kawasaki name.[1] Based on it's predecessor, the Meihatsu B7 which used Kawasaki engines, the B8's were very popular in Japan because of their durability and low cost. The 125cc two stroke engine produced 11 horsepower at 8,000rpm and was designed based on technical knowledge garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines. In fact, the tank badges read "Kawasaki Aircraft".


B8M[edit | edit source]

Known as the "Red Tank Kawasaki" the 1962 specifically for the motorcross championships in Japan. In 1963, it proved itself a strong performer, sweeping the podium by finishing in 1st through 6th place. The B8M was the first racing motorcycle to be built by Kawasaki and it was the first model to be sold as a production racing machine. Based on the 125cc B8 street bikes; it had an increased 12 horsepower and was coupled to a 4-speed gearbox. The success of the B8M began a legacy for Kawasaki racing performers.

1965 photo gallery[edit | edit source]

1965 Kawasaki B8S
1965 Kawasaki B8S
1965 Kawasaki B8S
1965 Kawasaki B8S
1965 Kawasaki B8S
1965 Kawasaki B8S
1966 Kawasaki B8 in Silver
1966 Kawasaki B8 in Silver
1966 Kawasaki B8 in Silver
1966 Kawasaki B8 in Silver


Specifications[edit | edit source]

  • 125cc
  • 2-Stroke, 1 Cylinder
  • Piston Inlet Port
  • 4-Speed Rotary Shift
  • Maximum Horsepower: 12 HP @ 6,500 rpm [2]
  • Spark Plug: NGK B7HS
  • Tire Size
  • Front: 3.00-16 4PR
  • Rear: 3.00-16 4P R
  • Color
    • Fuel Tank: Black, Maroon, Balboa Blue, Red
    • Front Fender: Same as fuel tank
  • Engine No.: BE8S00001-
  • Frame No.: 8F8-00001-
  • Remarks: Bored up version of the 125 cc B8. Very similar in appearance to B8. Can be identified by the engine or frame number prefix. The tank emblem says "Kawasaki Aircraft"

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Mick, Walker (1993). Kawasaki: From the Two-stroke to the ZZ-R1100, an engineer's company. Reed International Books. ISBN 1-85532-675-2. 
  2. B8 horsepower rating Classic Bike dossier, Elizium-online, Mid-sized marvel by Neil Murray, February 2007