Kawasaki history

Getting there.
You figure motorcycle license can be obtained at age of 16 in Japan. I missed the change by a year in 1975.
But you know what, when I ride my KZ, I still feel the same as when i was 16-17. Just little more thoughtful and careful.

I also spent my very early years in Japan, having lived in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Chitose (Hokkaido)...last time I was back was in 1993 when I visited Okinawa...don't know if I'll get back, but one never knows

I think I might have posted this before, but here is a thread on the BTK forum to which I contributed a lot about from the perspective of a motorcycle enthusiast in Japan in the 70's and 80's. Unfortunately it kind of deteriorated into a Bikes 101 type of deal, but until then if you're interested in the Japanese motorcycle culture, I think its a good read.

Tybolt99: please let me know what you think. Great to get a different perspective.

Anyway, here's the link to the thread:

www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum/main-lo...search-question.html

Bill,

I think you got it covered pretty good there. like you, I was also not in one of those Bousouzoku. It was big social problem. Their link to Yakuza was often leading to drug, violence problem. Their bike's modification were pure ugly. They wasted lots of nice Z2.
The only thing was 250cc and below were not required inspection and anything above 250 cc were. I had 250 at one point and didn't have to get inspection.

tybolt99 wrote:

Bill,

The only thing was 250cc and below were not required inspection and anything above 250 cc were. I had 250 at one point and didn't have to get inspection.

Oh yeah , good point. Explains why each of the big 4 fields a 250cc 4cylinder 4 stroke. Here's a pic of my friend's Kawasaki Balius, a 250cc four cyl: