LOT 627 N

1973 Kawasaki W3 Roadster 650 Registration no. not registered Frame no. W3F-00802 Engine no. W1E-68913

Estimate: £8,000 - £12,000

Lot 627^N

1973 Kawasaki W3 Roadster 650
Registration no. not registered Frame no. W3F-00802 Engine no. W1E-68913

The Winter Sale - including The National Motorcycle Museum Reserve Collection - Bicester Heritage|12 December 2020, 10:00 GMT|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

1973 Kawasaki W3 Roadster 650
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. W3F-00802
Engine no. W1E-68913

The first big four-stroke to be badged as a Kawasaki, the 500cc twin-cylinder K2 appeared in March 1965, having previously been built by Meguro as the K1, and was a close copy of the BSA A7. In October of that year it was joined by a '650' version: the W1, which again followed BSA practice apart from the use of needle-roller big-end bearings instead of the British machine's shell type. More powerful W1SS and W2SS street scrambler variants were introduced, followed by the W2TT Commander in 1968, this model's distinguishing feature being twin high-level exhaust pipes on the left side. By this time something of an anachronism, Kawasaki having decided that high-performance two-strokes were the way forward, the W series ran on into the early 1970s, latterly in Japan only as the Roadster 650 (or W3), and was last produced in 1975. Today these early Kawasaki four-strokes are among the most collectible of classic Japanese motorcycles. This restored W3 was purchased by the current vendor in 2016 (bill of sale on file) and currently displays a total of 64,673 kilometres on the odometer. Offered in need of re-commissioning, or possibly more extensive renovation, the machine is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns and the brightwork would respond well to detailing). Accompanying documentation consists of DVLA correspondence and Form V55/5.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

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Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
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9 December 2020, 09:00 - 17:00 GMT
10 December 2020, 09:00 - 17:00 GMT
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Lot symbols

N	NOVA declaration
	If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.