Description
This motorcycle is Lot 355 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 355
1966 Kawasaki 250cc A1 Samurai Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 50005
Engine no. 50047
Rare early Kawasaki sports roadster
Present ownership since 2016
Kept in dry storage
Requires recommissioning
Kawasaki's reputation for producing exciting high-performance motorcycles began with the fire-breathing Mach III 500cc triple, yet before the latter's arrival Kawasaki offered two other class-leading sports models: the 250cc A1 Samurai and 350cc A7 Avenger, a pair of air-cooled two-stroke twins that employed disc valve induction. A five-speed gear cluster was contained within the horizontally-split crankcases and there was 'Injectolube' pumped lubrication, while the generator was mounted behind the cylinders, a position dictated by the side-mounted carburettors. The cycle parts were entirely conventional, consisting of a duplex-loop frame with twin-leading-shoe front brake. The result was an undeniably handsome sportster with a claimed 31bhp maximum and a top speed of 103mph, phenomenal figures for a 250 of the day. The Samurai was built from mid-1966 to the end of 1971, though relatively few were imported into the UK, and today this early classic Kawasaki is highly sought after by collectors.
This 'racerised' Kawasaki A1 has belonged to our vendor since 2016. Some sympathetic restoration has been carried out, the aim being to retain as much as possible of the originality and patina of this very good example. The cylinder heads, carburettors and exhaust pipes were removed to facilitate a visual inspection of the engine, and the vendor describes its condition as 'satisfactory'. Kept in a dry, heated garage, the machine has not been started by the vendor and will require recommissioning before further use. The ignition produces a spark and all five gears engage; however, it should be noted that the clutch plates are stuck. The fairing shows traces of underlying blue paintwork, which may provide a clue to the machine's earlier history. Some spares and a service manual are included in the sale. There are no documents with this Lot, which is sold strictly as viewed.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
