Kawasaki's Neo-Retrobike And Sport-Standard
KAWASAKI'S NEO-RETROBIKE AND SPORT-STANDARD
ROUNDUP
NICHE MARKETING HAS TO be one of the marvels of industrial society, and nowhere is it practiced more diligently than in the Japanese motorcycle market.
And nobody plies this special craft more diligently than Kawasaki, which recently introduced two bikes aimed at inciting the interest of those few who remain unmoved by the symphony of motorcycle types already on sale in styleand fad-cnnsciniis Janan.
For those interested in retro bikes, Kawasaki has intro duced the Estrella, a 249cc throwback styled like a pre war British Single-a BSA Em pire Star, maybe-that has been the recipient of post-war
---1-_~___ American hot-rod and custom touches. Those who see this similarity may be unsurprised to note that the bike's name, Estrella, is Spanish for star.
In any case, the Estrella is powered by an air-cooled, sohc Single that drives through a five-speed transmission. Its chassis features a 55.1-inch wheelbase and a claimed dry weight of 313 pounds.
Stopping power is sup plied by a single 11.8-inch disc up front (You expected maybe a drum brake on a bike this retro?) and a 9inch disc at the rear. Price in Japan, complete with sin gle saddle and separate pillion seat, is the equiva lent of about $3300.
So, okay, your interest isn't set alight by the Es trella's neo-retro styling. How about something in a 400cc sporting standard? That would be the Xanthus, a performance-intensive ma chine that boasts an upright seating position and non faired, standard-style look.
Don't be fooled, though. With its beefy perimeter frame riding on a wheelbase of 54.3 inches, a claimed dry weight of 370 pounds, triple-disc brakes and a six-speed trans mission that puts the motor's 53 horsepower to the ground through fat, grippy radial tires, this bike's sporting intent shines through its standard styling. Price is the equivalent of about S4700.
Sound good? Too bad. Kawasaki spokesmen say nei ther bike is destined for the American market.
Jon F. Thompson
