Kawasaki's W2TT: Tip of the Wedge

Image Gallery Despite boasting several improvements over the British bikes that inspired its design, the W2TT never caught on with American buyers. Photos by Roland Brown

Kawasaki W2TT Commander

Years produced: 1968-69
Total production: 639
Claimed power: 53bhp @ 7,000rpm
Top speed: 110mph (est.)
Engine type: Air-cooled, pushrod, two-valve, vertical twin
Weight (dry): 181kg (398.2lb)
Price then: $1,350 (est.)
Price now: $4,200-$7,000
Displacement: 624ccBore x stroke : 74 x 72.6mm
Compression ratio: 9:1Carburetion : Two 28mm Mikunis
Transmission: Four-speed
Electrics: 12v and battery
Frame: Tubular steel cradle
Front suspension: Telescopic, no adjustment
Rear suspension: Twin shock absorbers, adjustable preload
Front brake: 200mm (8in) drum, single-leading shoe
Rear brake: 200mm (8in) drum, single-leading shoeFront tire : 90/90 x 19in (stock)
Rear tire: 90/90 x 19in (stock)
Wheelbase: 1,415mm (56.6in)Seat height : 815mm (32.6in)
Fuel capacity: 15ltr (3.9gal)

“The ultimate in motorcycles — speed, style, comfort, handling and safety for the sports rider,” boasted the first paragraph of Kawasaki’s W2TT Commander sales literature.

“Instant power every time you crack open the throttle. Hour after hour of high speed riding without engine strain. This is a real high speed touring motorcycle.”

The reality of riding Kawasaki’s British-style 650cc didn’t match the hype, but the two-cylinder W2 was still an important bike for Kawasaki. It was with the pushrod vertical twin, launched in 1967 when Kawasaki’s motorcycle operation was still in its infancy, that the Japanese giant paved the way for its fire-breathing two-stroke triples and fearsome Z1 four-cylinder of the early 1970s.

Early efforts

The huge Kawasaki corporation, which built ships, trains and planes, had turned to making motorcycle engines and then complete bikes to keep its aircraft division busy after World War II. After building some small-capacity two-strokes under the name Meihatsu in the 1950s, Kawasaki stepped up its involvement when it took over the ailing Meguro bike firm in 1960.