Amazing original and unmolested condition - a true Time Warp Classic machine. Definitely an up and coming collectable classic bike. Fantastic original and unmolested condition with some lovely patina. Real Time Warp machine, hard to believe that it's now 60 years old ! Built in Japan in 1966 the W1 was inspired by the BSA A65 range and boasted a claimed 50 Bhp and a top speed of 115 mph making it both the largest capacity and the fastest production bike from Japan at that time. Kawasaki had hoped to capture the American market with the W1-650 but unfortunately this was not to be. The W1 was based on the MEGURO K series 500 twins, which were already a licensed copy of the more famous BSA A7 twins. The American public in the mid-sixties were not desirous of a mere copy of something they already had, they wanted something totally different. That difference would eventually prove to be the Z1 but not for some years later. The W1 was powerful enough with a claimed top speed of 115 mph but it was quite heavy weighing in at 398 pounds and it could not really compete with the British bikes of the time that were lighter and accelerated harder. 1965/1966 W1-650 Starting frame number: W1-00001 The original W1 was available in Candy Red metallic or Blue with chrome panels on each side of the tank. It was a 624 cc (74x72.6) four-stroke 360 degree parallel twin with overhead valves and a one piece pressed assembly crankshaft with roller and ball bearings, using a dry sump system with the oil being housed in the right hand panel. The original W1 used a single 31mm bore carburettor and the gearbox was a four speed separate unit, very British! A decent twin leading front drum brake was used with a single drum unit at the rear. The instruments were a one-piece affair placed on top of the headlamp shell like the 250 Samurai. The indicator flashers were an optional extra - which this machine has ! This model was sold up until 1968 with only a handful coming to the UK. This bike starts and runs, We have the Dating letter, log book, 2 Keys, and 3 magazines that this bike has been featured in. The odometer reads a genuine 89,003 kms which is 55,304 miles Fantastic original, unmolested condition and a testament to the Japanese developed engine, that featured many revisions to the original BSA motor that it's based upon . Try to find Any equivalent British twin of the same age and mileage as mechanically sound and original... This machine is being sold as a collector’s item, part of a stunning private collection of Vintage and Classic machines that have all been dry stored for several of years and will require light recommissioning prior to use. Please note that historical classic vehicles are sold as an investment opportunity and are not supplied under the same terms and conditions as a modern day running motorcycle. For more information regarding this machine please contact either Moto GB's Classic Specialist, Rod Geskell on 07 55 77 99 715 or H&H's Motorcycle Specialist Ian Cunningham on 07415 871 189 or ian.cunningham@handh.co.uk This machine and other classic bikes from the late Keith Mason's private collection are being sold by H and H Classic Auctions