CULT OFTHEKWAK Kevin Lemire

I have an eclectic mix of bikes which include BSA, Triumph, Norton, Royal Enfield, Harley, Indian (Polaris), Moto Guzzi, Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha. I own six Kawasaki W2SS and TTs and one NorSaki. Each bike has a story, including my high school bike, a 1969 W2SS that I bought in 1970 and still ride. We have been together 50 years! Many people have no idea this bike exists and I always have interesting conversations when I take them to shows

Thanks for the photos, Kevin. We’re limited for space in print but we’ll pop them on Real-Classic.co.uk where people can admire them full-size! R&F

Of all the retro bikes featured in RC from the likes of Triumph, Royal Enfield, Benelli, etc, I can’t recall one about the Kawasaki W650. They are a 360-degree air-cooled twin, 650cc, with spoked wheels, fork gaiters, rubber knee pads and rodoperated rear drum brakes – so they do seem to meet the criteria for a retro bike. I know that they are in direct competition with the Hinckley Triumphs, but the Kawasakis are lighter, not quite so smooth and probably closer to a 1968 Bonneville than the Hinckley example.

Keep up the wood work and I’ll see you out there when I’m on my W650. Roger Leversuch, member 4821

You’re correct, Roger: we’ve had a W650 story in the pipeline for absolutely ages. The bike we have in mind lives in Bude and was due to be photographed this spring – but then the lockdown happened and the photo sessions didn’t! Once it stops raining, the article will definitely be back on the agenda… R&F