Known as the "Red Tank" the 1962 B8M was created specifically for the motocross championships in Japan. In 1963, it proved itself a strong performer, sweeping the podium by finishing in 1st through 6th place. The B8M was the first racing motorcycle to be built by Kawasaki and it was the first model to be sold as a production racing machine. Based on the 125cc B8 street bikes; it had an increased 12 horsepower (over the street bike’s eight) and was coupled to a 4-speed gearbox. The success of the B8M began a legacy for Kawasaki racing performance.

Starting on the drawing board and tested by KHI at Kyoto university as first a large air-cooled twin, a V-3 configuration or parallel triple, the H1 as we know it was eventually created as a high performance three cylinder, piston ported two-stroke. Early testing dictated the innovative use of electronic ignition to deter low speed plug fouling and the design goal of 120bhp per litre was achieved. The W1 continued in production for some considerable time and was even produced in later life as a police specification machine complete with front twin disc brakes. The H1 was hailed as the “world’s fastest accelerating street bike” producing 60bhp from 500cc and achieving 13 second standing quarter mile times. As famous for its “interesting” handling as its sheer outright performance, the H1 was gradually refined and finally phased out in 1976 as the KH500 due to stricter noise and exhaust emissions legislation.

Big brother to the H1, the 750cc three cylinder air-cooled, two-stroke first hit the streets in 1972 as the Mach IV. With more torque than the 500 it was, for many, easier to ride - even though the power delivery of early models was still fierce with H2R style cylinder porting. Spawning the H2R racing machine made famous by the likes of Mick Grant, Paul Smart and Yvonne Du Hammel, the street H2 added to Kawasakis reputation for cutting edge style and ground breaking performance. With its disc front brake, electronic ignition and steering damper as standard, the H2 was said to capable of passing anything… except a petrol station

Conceived in an attempt to create a powerful Grand Prix machine with a narrow frontal area, Kawasaki created the KR series of both 250 and 350cc machines with the water-cooled cylinders one behind each other, rather than side by side. Effectively two single cylinder disc-valve engines, the crankshafts of both were joined by gears creating a twin with a characteristic “KR drone” exhaust note. Achieving multiple world championships in the hands primarily of Kork Ballington and later Anton Mang, the KR250 was also raced at Daytona by Eddie Lawson. Still Kawasaki’s most successful tarmac racing type, the KR250 and 350 machines achieved more success over a longer period than most other racing machines.

The mid 1970’s witnessed a world wide craze of off-road motorcycle sport - and not just motocross. Trials also became highly popular. Kawasaki sought to acquire a place in the market which had previously been dominated by first British and then Spanish made machines. Working in partnership with world famous trials ace, Don Smith, Kawasaki created the KT250 machine complete with its twin spark plug cylinder head and quick release rear wheel and hub. An accomplished machine in the hands of Smith and many others, the KT250 also featured a drip feed drive chain oiler with a reservoir in the swinging arm and a lighting kit for road registration purposes.

Swiss rider Alain Genoud, and his French riding partner, Georges Godier, were rebuffed by one Japanese manufacturer before striking a deal with Kawasaki to contest in the World Endurance Championship. Based on road bike engines, the rules allowed special frames and suspension in the most competitive class and the Z1 900 engine proved an ideal Endurance tool. Easy to tune and get high horsepower from, the engine also proved hugely reliable and practically unburstable. With many features common on today’s’ road bikes such as single shock rear suspension and floating brake discs, the Godie/Genoud machines also featured such endurance necessities as easy to remove and replace batteries, quickly detachable wheels and special fast fill petrol tanks. And the rewards for their dedication to Kawasaki? The 1975 world endurance title and a raft of wins under their own steam and with an impressive cast of world famous endurance riders in the years.