The Kawasaki S1 is rarely found in the US. Which is a pity, because this air-cooled two-stroke triple is reportedly a fun ride. Sometimes known as the ‘Mach 1’, it lived up to its name—road testers managed to wring almost 100 mph out of it in the early 70s. This dark and subtle café racer comes from Twinline Motorcycles of Seattle, who impressed us a couple of years ago with their Project Goldhead Yamaha RD350. According to builder Ian Halcott, ‘We built this bike in our spare time over the winter. I like it when I can just build … No requirements, no expectations.’
There was not an auspicious start to this project, though. ‘A friend bought the bike at top dollar, and three miles down the road the life went out of the motor. When he asked the seller what was up, he shrugged his shoulders and said, “That’s vintage bikes.”’ So Twinline overhauled the engine and stripped the S1 back to the frame before rebuilding it café style. It’s now got clip-ons, an H1 swingarm and rear wheel (for a wider tire), and longer shocks to create a more aggressive stance. Given that triples are inherently asymmetrical, Halcott also moved the taillight off to one side and did the same with the headlight arrangement. ‘Its personality changes as you walk around the bike,’ he says. It’s a dark and moody personality, and I love it. [Images by Todd Blubaugh.]
PS: Deus Ex Machina, the Sydney-based custom motorcycle builder, has been served with a notice to cease its popular motorcycle gatherings in the car park opposite the workshop. This is after a single complaint from a neighbor in what is a busy commercial area. Deus has set up a petition to gather support—if you’re a motorcycle fan, please take a minute to sign it here.
Bike EXIF supplies a daily dose of cafe racers, custom motorcycles and bobbers. Brought to you by the good guys at Ural Motorcycles.
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