Back when I was in High School, a buddy of mine that I rode with bought a Kawasaki. I remember it was a 650 but it looked like a BSA twin. Tank, Engine, the whole thing. The only way you could tell it wasn't a BSA was that It said "Kawasaki" all over it. He said it was made someplace south of the Border. Don't remember if it was Mexico or South America. Seems like it was a 1966 or 67 model but not sure.
Any of you guys remember a bike like that?

 

Just did a Google search and answered my own question. It was a 65 W1. Sooo.....never mind.

 

Well you got my attention when you asked for "Ole Scooter Tramps" and I opened the thread to see if I could help (LOL).

 

Ya, sorry bout that. should have either done the search B4 I posted the ? or kept my finding to myself and see if anyone else remembered it.

 

As I remember it was a pretty good bike about like a tramp or bser!!

 

So how old does one have to be to be considered an "old scooter tramp?" I am concerned about whether I fit the definition.

 

Yeah, I came to take a look too. 50's not old is it? Wasn't the last time I looked

 

It was called a W-1. The frame was built just slightly different around the neck, vs a Beezer. It was patterned after the BSA A-10 Road Rocket, which was a pre-unit. (Unit being engine and tranny in SAME case, IE Sportster)
I know, I had one in Hawaii in 1975 and I also own a 1959 BSA A-10, and my brother has a '58 A-10, out in SoDak.
The REAL dead give away, is the Beezers have 3 crossed rifles (BSA stands for Birmingham Small Arms, thus the rifles) on the right timing gear cover, and the Kawi's had a script "K" on that side. Other than that, you could fool anybody.

 

Bragging rights...or deep denial?

 

In Denial , I'm sure ..