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by Stanley J. Shenko
The 32nd Tokyo Motorcycle Show was an excellent example of the continuing strong
sales of the so-called "retro" styled motorcycle. Although the thrust in the
American market has been almost exclusively towards a back-to-the-50's Harley/Indian
style, it now appears that the definition of the past is moving up ten years
in time. One could also say its also moving from America to Britain.
The Japan only Kawasaki Estralla-RS is a good example
of this retro phenomenon. A quick glance brings back memories of British thumpers but without the dark stain on the garage floor. A 250cc air cooled 20 hp single, the Estralla brings together the elegance of British design and the reliability the original Brit bike owners could only dream about. Add dealer warranties plus readily available parts and you have an instant collectable; not to mention a bike that looks great and fits right in when parked next to others in your collection. If Kawasaki takes the plunge and introduces the Estralla to the American market all this could be yours for a very resonable fee.
That is one big if, too. However, the strong interest in vintage motorcycles here in the US might convince the Japanese Big Four to test the marketing waters here in the next year or so. There is a significant portion of the motorcycling public who find the plastic encrusted neon crotch rockets a bit gaudy in appearance.
Did we say gaudy? How about lame?
Regardless of the current styling trends, the Estralla is a beautiful bike in its own right. The chrome sausage style exhaust is a particularly excellent touch.
If Kawasaki exports this gem to the US it will be a testament to the vintage bike owners who have kept the dream alive all these years. So remember, if you ever get a chance to buy one donŐt sell it this time!
Author's Note: Kawasaki did enter the market with a retro styled motorcycle
-- the Kawasaki W650. Compare the photo below with the one at the top of the
page to see the styling similarities.
The 2000 Kawasaki W650
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