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Difference between revisions of "Kawasaki G31M"
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[[Image:1970-Kawasaki-G31M-Green-2.jpg|right|thumb|250px|1970 Kawasaki G31M Centurion in Lime Green]] | [[Image:1970-Kawasaki-G31M-Green-2.jpg|right|thumb|250px|1970 Kawasaki G31M Centurion in Lime Green]] | ||
The '''Kawasakui G31M (Centurian)''' was a 100cc off-road motorcycle manufactured by [[Kawasaki]] from 1970 through 1971. | The '''Kawasakui G31M (Centurian)''' was a 100cc [[off-road motorcycle]] manufactured by [[Kawasaki]] from 1970 through 1971. | ||
In the early 1970s the highly tuned G31M was a dominate force in [[Flat Track]], [[Tourist Trophy]] and some motocross racing along with its larger brother the 250cc [[Kawasaki F21M]]. This model consistently dominated the 100cc class with its unheard of 18.5 horsepower rated engine. The small tip on the expansion chamber gave the Centurion a distinct sound that is unmistakable to this day. Only 4490 units were made in 1970. | ==History== | ||
In the early 1970s the highly tuned '''G31M''' was a dominate force in [[Flat Track]], [[Tourist Trophy]] and some motocross racing along with its larger brother the 250cc [[Kawasaki F21M]]. This model consistently dominated the 100cc class with its unheard of 18.5 horsepower rated engine. The small tip or "stinger" on the expansion chamber gave the Centurion a distinct sound that is unmistakable to this day. The engine case was slightly different than other Kawasakis with the G31M having a secondary air intake on the carberator | |||
Only 4490 units were made in 1970. | |||
[[Image:1970 Kawasaki McQueen G31M.jpg|right|thumb|250px|1970 Steve McQueen Kawasaki G31M Centurion "Ringadingdoo" in orange]] | [[Image:1970 Kawasaki McQueen G31M.jpg|right|thumb|250px|1970 Steve McQueen Kawasaki G31M Centurion "Ringadingdoo" in orange]] | ||
==Steve McQueen Centurian== | ==Steve McQueen Centurian== | ||
Actor Steve McQueen was given six G31M bikes by Kawasaki for use during the filming of the motion picture, ''Le Mans'' in France with one remaining at Santa Paula airport. When McQueen returned from the filming, he had the Kawasaki green painted over in orange, striped it in gold and gave it the name '''Ringadingdoo''' presumably a reference to the noise made by an un-silenced race-tuned two-stroke. McQueen used the Kawasaki for trips to the coffee shop and visiting | Actor Steve McQueen was given six G31M bikes by Kawasaki for use during the filming of the motion picture, ''Le Mans'' in France with one remaining at Santa Paula airport. When McQueen returned from the filming, he had the Kawasaki green painted over in orange, striped it in gold and gave it the name '''Ringadingdoo''' presumably a reference to the noise made by an un-silenced race-tuned two-stroke. McQueen used the Kawasaki for trips to the coffee shop and visiting friends' hangars. The bike sold at auction for $55,575 in November 2007. | ||