Easily my favorite part of running this website is the fact that I get to meet a lot of passionate motorcycle enthusiasts all around the world. As you might expect, plenty of them have accumulated a collection of various bikes that make them happy. But few come close to the dedication shown by loyal reader Jim R. to a narrow focus of bikes. Prepare to be amazed by his passion for (and collection of) classic Kawasaki singles:
Jim has over 26 motorcycles, all of which are Kawasaki’s from the late 60s. He travels all over the country in pursuit of runners and parts bike, and has even done the Moto Giro on an unrestored ’66 Kawasaki F1. Jim was kind enough to reach out to me after he purchased a Kawasaki B8 I featured many months ago, though he acquired it after the listing ended.
In his (slightly paraphrased) words:
‘I love the simplicity of a two stroke, 17 hp, 175 cc motorcycle. Like a herd of angry bees, you get lots of strange looks as you pull away at stop lights. Along with the B8, I had also been collecting various other Kawasaki singles from the Midwest and West. I am always on the lookout for any other early Kawasaki singles (parts or bikes) languishing, unloved, needing to be put back on the road. My goal is to get as many of these back on the road, and to annoy my neighbors with the distinct sound and smell of vintage, two stroke singles.’
If you’re as fascinated as I am with Jim’s dedication to classic Kawi’s and want to reach out to him, drop me a line and I’ll gladly put you in touch. And Jim – keep doing what you’re doing. Absolutely fantastic.