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Difference between revisions of "Kawasaki B8S"
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The '''Kawasaki B8''' series was initially produced for street use beginning in | The '''Kawasaki B8''' series was initially produced for street use beginning in 1962 by [[Kawasaki]]. | ||
==B8== | ==B8== | ||
The line of B8 motorcycles was the first to carry the full Kawasaki name. 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 125[[cc]] [[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". | 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. 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 125[[cc]] [[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== | ==B8M== | ||
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. | 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== | ==1965 photo gallery== | ||
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*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" | *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== | ||
<ref>Walker, Mick. ''Kawasaki: From the Two-stroke to the ZZ-R1100, an engineer's company''. Reed International Books, 1993</ref> | |||
<ref>B8 horsepower rating [http://elizium-online.net/pdfs/Z650.pdf Classic Bike dossier, Elizium-online, Mid-sized marvel by Neil Murray, February 2007]</ref> | |||
{{reflist}} | |||