Two Down America

Tag: travel

  • The Kawasaki Widow Maker

    A Thrilling Experience on Two Wheels-

    What was the Widow Maker?

    The original Kawasaki Widow Maker, also known as the Kawasaki H1 Mach III, has earned a legendary reputation among motorcycle enthusiasts. Introduced in 1969 and through the early 70’s, this powerful machine was designed to push the limits of speed and performance, making it a favorite among thrill-seekers and speed demons.

    At the heart of the Kawasaki Widow Maker is its two-stroke engine.  Two-stroke engines were all the rage during this era, offering a significant power-to-weight ratio advantage over their four-stroke counterparts. The H1 Mach III’s engine was no exception, delivering an impressive 60 horsepower from a relatively small displacement with less than 400 pound curb weight.

    While the Kawasaki Widow Maker excelled in straight-line speed of over 100 MPH in a quarter mile, its handling was another story. The bike’s lightweight frame and powerful engine made it prone to instability, especially at high speeds. The design had an adjustable steering knuckle damper knob on top of the steering knuckle to help prevent the death wobble. A rider would loosen it for riding around town in traffic and tighten it on the highway or racing. Many older bikes from the 40’s also had this design.

    Despite some challenging handling characteristics, the Kawasaki Widow Maker became an icon of motorcycle performance. Its reputation for delivering an adrenaline-pumping ride attracted a dedicated following of riders who sought the ultimate thrill. The bike’s distinctive styling, with its bold graphics and aggressive stance, added to its allure. Kawasaki also later made a 750cc version, wild!

    When my brother bought his Mach III, I had a Honda CB 450. The 450 kept up with traffic well and had reliable performance characteristics, but when he and I went riding, he was always out in front…  No matter how far ahead though, I always knew where he was because the Mach III lay a heavy contrail of blue smoke.

    Put My Wife on the back of the Widow Maker

    I borrowed the bike one day to take my wife to a town not too far away to visit some relatives. We left in time to make the visit by lunchtime. The road was a major Routt, but a two-lane highway.

    On the road, I tightened down the steering damper and we cruised smoothly toward our destination. About 20 miles down the road, we came up behind an army convoy of about 10 large military trucks. There was plenty of room between them to tuck into and the road was mostly straight and level. The bike had a rather narrow power band starting at around 6200 rpm, so I dropped down a couple of gears, revved it up, and when I let out the clutch, we were launched from about 35 mph to well, I’m not really sure. I was watching the road etcetera, not so much the speedometer, hmmm. Anyway, there was plenty of time before any oncoming to tuck in between the two trucks. So, I kept that up one after another. As I pulled out to go around the lead truck, there was no traffic ahead of him and the oncoming was a safe way ahead. No problem, until with focused attention, wide eyes, tense muscles, and racing heart, as I was j even with the front bumper of the truck and moving at least 80+ mph, the truck driver blasted the air horn. Well, it really could have made my wife a widow, or our children orphans, because I nearly jumped off the bike leaving her there alone. My heart rate eventually came down and the rest of the trip went smoothly, but she did always seem a little more reluctant to ride with me after that.

    Conclusion

    Riding the Kawasaki Widow Maker was not for the faint of heart. It was a thrilling, exhilarating, and sometimes terrifying experience that demanded respect and skill. The bike’s combination of lightweight design, powerful engine, and breathtaking acceleration made it a force to be reckoned with. Today, the Kawasaki Widow Maker stands as a testament to the daring spirit of motorcycling and the pursuit of speed. Whether admired from afar or experienced firsthand, the Widow Maker’s legacy continues to captivate and inspire motorcycle enthusiasts around the world.

    Maybe someone out there can tell us more about that, but I am especially excited to learn more about plans for a new tech-forward 500 cc three cylinder two stroker from Kawasaki.

    Two down to you all!

    Don

  • Ready to Ride: Maintaining and Preparing the Bike for Spring.

    Winter Storage and Maintenance-

    For years, I would ride my motorcycles year-round, embracing the thrill of the open road regardless of the season. However, as time went by and as I “matured” (grew older), I began to see the value in winter storage in Colorado. These days, when the colder months descend, I ensure my bike is kept in top condition, starting with a battery maintainer and an oil change. Keeping it out of the harsh weather elements has become a priority, preventing unnecessary wear and tear (more on that in some later post).

    Spring Preparations

    As winter slowly begins to fade and the promise of spring lingers in the air, my thoughts turn to getting the bike ready for the riding season. The first task on my list this year is addressing the rear tire replacement; it has too little tread for safety this season. In the past, I might have tackled this job myself, and I had on smaller bikes. However, my current ride, a Kawasaki Voyager, is nearly 900 pounds dry. This weight presents a unique set of challenges.

    Cost Considerations

    When it comes to replacing the rear tire, shop fees can be quite steep for a touring bike. I have quotes from shops that labor alone can cost around $450, not to mention the couple of hundred dollars for the tire itself. I often order tires online from places like RevZilla or  J&P Cycles , I have done business with them both.  The local shops usually do not have either the size, type or brand I need/want in stock.  Given this expense, I have been seriously contemplating doing the installation myself this time. The equipment needed for the job, most of which I already have, costs less than the labor fees I might be paying, making it an attractive possibility financially. I realize that some folks have more money than available time and others have more time than money.  Raising a family in the past, I have mostly been in the latter group, although mostly, I never had enough time or money…

    Safety Concerns

    However, my chief concern is safety. The Voyager’s heft means that keeping it upright and stable while performing the tire replacement is a significant challenge. I need to weigh the financial benefits against the potential risks involved in handling such a heavy bike on my own. Safety is paramount, and ensuring the bike stays secure during maintenance is crucial to avoid any accidents or damage.

    Exploring the DIY Route

    Given these considerations, I have started exploring the possibility of taking the DIY route. There are many resources available, from detailed manuals to online tutorials, guiding motorcycle enthusiasts through the tire replacement process. Investing in the proper equipment, such as a sturdy motorcycle jack and tire-changing and balancing tools, is essential. I have a great jack now, but I am not sure it is the best one for this purpose. Additionally, enlisting the help of a friend or fellow rider could provide an extra set of hands, making the process safer and more manageable.

    Balancing Cost and Safety

    Ultimately, the decision comes down to balancing cost and safety. On one hand, performing the tire replacement myself would save a considerable amount of money, allowing me to distribute those funds towards other upgrades or maintenance tasks, or more time on the road, and with DIY, a person always learns something. On the other hand, ensuring the job is done correctly and safely is crucial. If I decide to go ahead with the DIY route, I will need to ensure safety both in the garage and later down the road. 

    Maintaining My Ride

    In addition to tire replacement this spring, there are several other maintenance tasks that need addressed as part of spring preparations including:

    • Checking and topping off all fluids, including engine oil (I always put fresh oil in before storage in the fall), brake fluid, and coolant.
    • Inspecting the brakes for wear and tear and replacing brake pads if necessary.
    • Ensuring the chain or belt is properly tensioned and lubricated.
    • Evaluating all lights and electrical components to ensure they are functioning correctly.
    • Cleaning and lubricating the cables to ensure smooth operation.
    • Inspecting the bike for any signs of rust or corrosion and addressing these issues promptly.

    I confess, I have never been as diligent and thorough with those things as I should be.

    Conclusion

    Preparing a motorcycle for spring can be a rewarding process, allowing us to reconnect with our bikes and ensure they are in best condition for the riding season ahead regardless of the type of bike. Whether opting to perform our own maintenance tasks or seeking professional help, the key is to prioritize safety and thoroughness.

    As I stand at this crossroads, contemplating the upcoming tire replacement, I am reminded of the joy and freedom that riding brings. The open road awaits, and with the right preparations, I can look forward to many more miles of adventure and discovery.

    I look forward to your thoughts and comments.

    Two down to you all!

    Don