Kawasaki W2: history, specs, pictures

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The Kawsasaki W2 is a 650cc, twin cylinder, four stroke, street motorcycle manufactured by Kawasaki from 1968 through 1970.

Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Meguro purchased their motor and transmission assemblies from Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Kawasaki eventually purchased Meguro in the early 1960s and inherited this motorcycle design. Influenced greatly by the BSA A7/A10 series twins, it was extremely well constructed and was one of the first large capacity machines to come out of Japan.

Looking much like a Triumph Bonneville T140 or BSA Thunderbolt, the styling gave way to an updated Kawsasaki line of two stroke motorcycles which sold very well.

1967 W2SS[edit | edit source]

1967 Kawasaki W2SS

1968-1970 W2SS[edit | edit source]

1969 Kawasaki W2SS in Red
1969 Kawasaki W2SS in Red
1969 Kawasaki W2SS in Red
1969 Kawasaki W2SS in Red
1969 Kawasaki W2SS in Red


  • 650 cc
  • Four-stroke, 2 Cylinder
  • Over Head Valve
  • 4-Speed Return Shift
  • Maximum Horsepower: 53 HP @7,000 rpm
  • Spark Plug: NGK B7ES
  • Tire Size
  • Front: 3.25H-18 4PR
  • Rear: 3.50H-18 4PR
  • Color
    • Fuel Tank: Black, Candy Red, Candy Blue
    • Front Fender: Stainless steel
  • Engine No.: W1E-00001-
  • Frame No.: W1F-00001-
  • Parts Catalogue No. : 99995- 1 10
  • Shop Manual No.: 99995-214
  • Remarks: Developed version of the W 1SS. Performance upgraded, and instruments separated from the headlight housing.

1969 W2TT[edit | edit source]

The Kawasaki W2TT used a dual exhaust system which was located on the left side. This gave the W2TT the appearance of a Tourist Trophy bike.

1969 Kawasaki W2TT

  • 650 cc
  • Four-stroke, 2 Cylinder
  • Over Head Valve
  • 4-Speed Return Shift
  • Maximum Horsepower: 53 HP @7,000 rpm
  • Spark Plug: NGK B7ES
  • Tire Size
  • Front: 3.25H-184PR
  • Rear: 3.50H-18 4PR
  • Color
    • Fuel Tank: Candy Red, Candy Blue, Pastel Blue
    • Front Fender: Stainless steel
  • Engine No.: W 1 E-00001-
  • Frame No.: W1F-00001-
  • Parts Catalogue No.: 99995-110
  • Shop Manual No.: 99995-214
  • Remarks: Touring version of the W2TT. Can be identified by the twin mufflers on the left.

References[edit | edit source]


1967 Kawasaki W2SS.jpg
Kawasaki W2
Manufacturer
Production 1965 - 1969
Engine
in-line four, four-stroke
Top Speed 115 mph (185 km/h)
Horsepower 51.9 HP (38.7 KW) @ 7000RPM
Fuel System carburetor. two
Ignition battery
Transmission Gear box: 4-speed
Final Drive: chain
Suspension Front: telescopic
Rear: swingarm
Brakes Front: expanding brake (drum brake)
Rear: expanding brake (drum brake)
Front Tire 3.25-19
Rear Tire 3.50-18
Wheelbase 55.71 inches (1415 mm)
Length 83.7 inches (2126 mm)
Width 34.65 inches (880 mm)
Height 41.73 inches (1060 mm)
Weight
Oil Capacity 0.85 Gallon (3.20 Liters)
Recommended Oil K-tech 10W-40
Fuel Capacity 3.96 Gallon (15.00 Liters)
Manuals Service Manual


The Kawasaki W2 was a in-line four, four-stroke standard produced by Kawasaki between 1965 and 1969. It could reach a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h). Claimed horsepower was 51.9 HP (38.7 KW) @ 7000 RPM.

Engine[edit | edit source]

The engine was a air cooled in-line four, four-stroke. Fuel was supplied via a overhead valves (ohv).

Drive[edit | edit source]

The bike has a 4-speed transmission.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

It came with a 3.25-19 front tire and a 3.50-18 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via expanding brake (drum brake) in the front and a expanding brake (drum brake) in the rear. The front suspension was a telescopic while the rear was equipped with a swingarm. The W2 was fitted with a 3.96 Gallon (15.00 Liters) fuel tank. The wheelbase was 55.71 inches (1415 mm) long.