Kawasaki W650
"Clubman"
This fantastic Kawasaki W650 based Café Racer depicts the Rock ‘n’ Roll era of the 50’s and 60’s to a ‘T’.
It was built by Tony at MCW in Bolney West Sussex.
The fuel tank for the bike was sourced from Germany. Paintwork on the tank, along with the side panels and seat hump is by MCW.
You will see on the photos that the tank has been signed by Grand Prix rider Freddie Spencer at the Silverstone Classic earlier this year, and also given the ‘thumbs up’ by GP legend Phil Read.
Bullet indicators are fitted. Rear-sets are by Raask. The drilled aluminium heel guards were manufactured in-house as was the cover for the bevel drive tube giving it a more robust look.
Reverse cone megaphone silencers and the exhaust wrapping on the down pipes give a great sound and look. – It even has the Goldstar ‘twitter’!
The original Kawasaki base for the seat was used but modified to fit the seat hump and then beautifully trimmed in vinyl and topped with alcantara by Lincoln Scott the Aston Martin interior restoration and trimming company in East Sussex.
Behind the seat is a period style rear light fitting.
Fitting clip-ons and retaining the original headlamp mounted on polished aluminium brackets along with raising the angle of the clocks give the bike a real ‘rock ‘n’ roll look.
The top yoke has been machined down and polished to a high shine.
Riding this fabulous machine is like taking a trip back in time. It’s very reminiscent of a BSA Rocket Gold star. The riding position, the sound. all so very familiar to those of us who have had the privilege to own or ride these British marvels.
Out on the open road, both the Kawasaki and RGS have a claimed top speed of around 110mph. The similarities, however, end as you approach a junction or roundabout…because the brakes are so effective by comparison!
And of course starting is so easy as the electric start has been retained.