1968 Kawasaki A7 Avenger

Kawasaki got into the motorcycle business relatively late, buying a share in Meguro Motorcycles in 1960 and assuming full control in 1963. Their first model was the W1 which had been copied from the BSA A7 under license by Meguro. Kawasaki’s first ‘own model’ was a two stroke twin called the Samurai in 1966. In 1967 they introduced the A7 Avenger: a very quick two stroke twin.

The heart of the A7 was rotary valve fuel timing which meant more complete burn of the fuel air mixture in the motor. It made the engine slightly wider and heavier than reed valved two strokes but the increase in power more than made up for it. The A7 also integrated Kawasaki’s Injectolube oiling system that not only mixed oil with the fuel but also lubricated the crank and main bearings. The A7 was a bike you could buy from the dealer and ‘do the ton’ on the same day. A 350 CC motorcycle that was capable of over 100 MPH.

The 1968 Kawasaki A7 Avenger used a 338 CC (20.62 CID) air cooled two stroke rotary valve parallel twin motor that made 42 HP. Coupled with a 5 speed transmission, and weight of 350 LBS the A7 had a listed top speed of 106 MPH. Big strong brakes (for the time) and a good chassis design completed the bike.

This particular 1968 Kawasaki A7 Avenger (VIN # A7-00841) is located in Davenport, Iowa and is listed as an absolutely complete 7,055 mile one owner bike. The seller bought the bike from a dealer in Arizona that put it in his personal collection in 1968. The A7 is currently listed at $0.99 with reserve not met