The dual carb brother of the W1 (a lineup which Kawasaki would eventually bring back), the Kawasaki W2 650TT was also known as the Commander.
The Commander was introduced in 1968 and received a slight horsepower bump (52 vs 49) versus the W1. Both bikes featured a 624cc twin, though the W2 was capable of 115 miles per hour thanks to the power increase.
As noted in this excellent profile on Motorcycle Classics, Kawasaki’s marketing department may have been a little aggressive with the Commander: “The ultimate in motorcycles — speed, style, comfort, handling and safety for the sports rider…Instant power every time you crack open the throttle. Hour after hour of high speed riding without engine strain. This is a real high speed touring motorcycle.”
Kawasaki offered the W2 as a SS roadster or a TT “Commander”, the latter of which came with a high exhaust. In either flavor, it’s an interesting part of Kawasaki’s history. Just 639 were sold, so Kawasaki only offered it in the US for two years and then moved on, but the reputation developed from this bike helped keep the company alive and quickly led to iconic machines like the H1, H2, and Z1.
This example is VIN: W1F-05991.
During his ownership he has covered “1 or 2” miles on it. The odometer shows 20,194 miles.
The seller is said to be the third owner, he acquired it roughly two years ago from a private party in Rockford, Illinois. He is selling it as he prefers bikes with left side shifters.
Maintenance:
The seller has performed: Oil change and sump screen cleaning, recently installed AGM battery, carburetor cleaning. The seller states “It is a running project, definitely not “turn key”, and sold absolutely as is. It was stored over 30 years until just recently, and still needs work prior to any long rides… A very rare pre-unit transmission Kawasaki.
He notes that the “tires and inner tubes are old.”
Modifications:
“Exhaust and the left side cover are non-original, from SS model. As a result, the kicker lever collides slightly with the right side muffler and sometimes stays down. Also, the side cover retaining knob is not original.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Gold Seal tires that have aged out.
The sale includes one key, service manual, and extra gaskets.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in West Chicago, Illinois, this Kawasaki is offered on a clean Michigan title. Have any W2 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
