Topic: 1972 Kawasaki S2 350cc Triple....Worth it for $500?

[DarkRider]

I was talking to one of my riding buddies tonight and had mentioned something about sending the Interceptor to the dealer to have the fork seals installed. He mentioned having a 1972 Kawasaki S2 350cc Triple that i could buy for $500. From the sounds of it i just have to deal with some cosmetic damage and its a ridable bike. Now im wondering if its worth it or not.


on a side note i came home to something that infuriated me. Lights on in the garage...ok roomates friends in there smoking pot..big whoop..but what pissed me off was the sight of my K4 laying on its side  with the legs of the centerstand pushed through the wooden floor and 3 stoners going "uh it fell"...

[Gordon]

on a side note i came home to something that infuriated me. Lights on in the garage...ok roomates friends in there smoking pot..big whoop..but what pissed me off was the sight of my K4 laying on its side  with the legs of the centerstand pushed through the wooden floor and 3 stoners going "uh it fell"...

I'm hoping the next part of that story is you grabbing your breaker bar and cracking some skulls?!!

[bryanj]

If its been stood a while the crank bearings can rust and pistons/rings are not cheap, unless it runs  and well with no noises no its not worth it

[DarkRider]

on a side note i came home to something that infuriated me. Lights on in the garage...ok roomates friends in there smoking pot..big whoop..but what pissed me off was the sight of my K4 laying on its side with the legs of the centerstand pushed through the wooden floor and 3 stoners going "uh it fell"...

I'm hoping the next part of that story is you grabbing your breaker bar and cracking some skulls?!!

Believe me i was very tempted...the bandana i had on under my helmet worked very well to hide my anger at the moment...i think they sensed it was a good idea to get the hell out of there the way i left the garage slamming the door behind me. Because less then 5 min later the lights were out and they were gone..

[HondaMan]

I'd have slammed the door first, turned out the lights, then made some noises.
Then let them out......

Skip the S2 350. When they sat for any length of time, the case seals on the crank hardened. In the next 150 miles, they split and the cases must be split to replace them or it will not run evenly, if at all. They were a disposable bike, like the Blue Streak and the 750 triple.

[nickjtc]

A great 'bike, and quite collectible, to some. Cosmetic damage does not sound good, since finding bodywork or tank at reasonable price might be a challenge. And as the others have said, 2 strokes that sit dry out internally with age. Had to rebuild the engine of a RD400 for the same reason.....fun, if you're in to that kind of thing, and can get the seals and sundry parts.

[DarkRider]

The owner has since decided to keep the bike and fix it up for his GF...so my hunt for a second bike continues...im not really sure what i want just yet.

[nickjtc]

The owner has since decided to keep the bike and fix it up for his GF...so my hunt for a second bike continues...im not really sure what i want just yet.

Patience, Grasshopper. Let him fix it up and spend all the money to do so. The GF may not be interested after trying it out; it is an 'old' and possibly (to her) unglamourous 'bike after all. Then you step in and make the sweet deal.

[DarkRider]

Im thinking i may just ask him about here soon again...because i just made a deal on an H2 engine as mentioned in another thread. soo...im thinking the S2 would be a good bike to learn more about the triples on.

[medic09]

Sorry to hear about the stoners dumping your bike!  I'm amazed you didn't commit mass battery or worse.

[DarkRider]

Sorry to hear about the stoners dumping your bike!  I'm amazed you didn't commit mass battery or worse.

Im suprised at myself on that one really...but the CB has since gone on to become a drag bike...hopefully soon i will have pics of it closer to completion..

[dusterdude]

Sorry to hear about the stoners dumping your bike!  I'm amazed you didn't commit mass battery or worse.

Im suprised at myself on that one really...but the CB has since gone on to become a drag bike...hopefully soon i will have pics of it closer to completion..

outlaw,shoot me an email when you get time,i want to talk about your dragbike transformation,thanks

[DarkRider]

Ok idea that has come up with this slightly bashed up S2...I have toyed with the idea of making it into a dual sport  of sorts...I seen an S2 on the triple forum im on that has had a dirt bike front fork and rear swing arm added to it along with a 500 CC Mach III engine. The main thing that caught my eye was the dirt bike suspension parts namely the forks from a KX 85 and the rear  Swing arm from an RM 125. heres a pic of the bike in question...well the open chassis with the KX fork and RM swing arm..it has since evoilved to get a Yamaha Enduro rear swing arm...



I would be keeping it 350 of course but adding dual sport tires

[mgmuellner]

I've had 2 stroke fever for a bit now - just bought a RD350 that I go & pick up tomorrow.  Good thing - the mosquito's around these parts could use a good fogging.