Kawasaki S2 350

What a howling loon of a motorcycle, incapable of keeping the front wheel on the deck, this gets grannies waving umbrellas and grumpy old men mouthing obscenities. Its markedly quicker than the 250, and feels fiercer than the 400, the s series engines are smooth, revvy and just plain lovely to ride, begging to be wound up to 5500 where they fly like a startled deer. Its thirsty but I never had any problems with centre pot overheating, handling i consider better than the suzy GTs, better than the earlier RDs too, they really benefit from modern rubber. The bikes look great too, with the tail in the air stance that gave them such a distinctive look they still turn heads. The straight cut primary gear whines when the bike is revved, giving that distinctive whining growl that is so evocative. I love these bikes, they are quick, quirky and full of Joie de vie. Ride one and you just cant help grinning...keep it tuned and fettled and it will reward you with a manageable nice bike that'll turn into mr Hyde when wound up. If you like strokers this bike is a ball. When they were introduced they would give bikes twice the size a nasty shock. But watch the prices because they are climbing...expect to pay 3K up to 5K for concourse.

Thoroughly recommended

wanted one since 1972,now recently aquired a low mileage model (less than 2000miles)just fired her up,she sounds just like the one i admired in 72.will shortly be registering and launching(can hardly wait).styling is like no other,with a reputation rivaling the mighty H2.

I've had a lot of bike and I gotta say that this thing was a rocket! Quicker than anything I've ridden before or since I'd pay top dollar to have her back! Well recommend Kawasaki S2 350.

I love her! Legendary bike. Very pleasant design. Hellfire sound.

The Kawasaki S2 is fast as lightning. I routinely beat 500-750 cc bikes in 1/4 mile. Unusual purring sound of the 2 stroke triples.

I miss mine

In some ways, the Kawasaki S2 350 series is the '57 Chevy of the motorcycle world. If you care for your bike, it should appreciate in value, somewhat like a carefully-chosen vintage care.

The press for the S3 was very complimentary when these bikes were released, and those articles are online.

If you want a bike that you can drive without tinkering, one with an electric start, and one with a low seat and a low Center of Gravity, this isn't for you, much like a vintage car isn't an everyday driver.

If you want a sweet vintage bike that causes conversations among middle-aged men, including a cop that pulled me over just to look at the bike (no kidding!), this bike is for you.

3 cyl 2 stroke with claimed output of 45bhp. The Kawasaki S2 350 produces no-where near this of course, but still has more power than any other production 350 until the LC Yamaha.

Does handle OK, doesn't get out of shape too badly in the power-band if the road is lumpy, unlike it's bigger brothers. Drum brake needs constant adjustment to keep it working averagely, fades like buggery at speed - just about acceptable around town.

Fuel consumption is terrible, add that to synthetic 2t oil and it's the most expensive ever 350 to fuel up. It's dirty, thirsty, noisey and non PC and I love it.