In late 1974 or early 1975, Erv Kanemoto—who went on to tune for Freddie Spencer, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Gardner, and others—slid a 750cc Kawasaki H2 three-cylinder two-stroke engine into a Champion frame in an attempt to poke a finger in the eye of Harley-Davidson, whose XR750 was nearly unbeatable in AMA Class C dirt-track racing. Kanemoto built two bikes, one for Don Castro and another for Scott Brelsford.In this photo he’s jetting the carbs on one of the bikes at the San Jose Mile in, I think, 1975—I wasn’t big on labeling photos back then. I was just beginning my career as a motojournalist, and was wandering the pits that day taking photos courtesy of a press pass arranged for me by Cycle Guide magazine, where I would find myself on staff 10 years later.
I’ve read that Erv’s effort spurred Kel Carruthers to have a Champion frame built to accommodate Yamaha’s TZ750...
Jerry Smith
It's such a shame that we can't use two-strokes any more. I mean, we can, but it just doesn't feel right in this day and age. At least to me. I had a 50 cc Kreidler Van Veen crosser when I was 11 and I still miss that ring-a-ding sound. Not to meantion my RD125...
ReplyDeleteI wish someone would invent some sort of device that would cut down on the emissions and smoke from two strokes. A Kwak Mach III street tracker would be wicked. Green tank, nickel plated frame, spoked wheels...
BTW: I love the Swedish Kawasaki two-stroke clubs' motto: "Power without control is .... Interesting."
/D
Hi there...
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked my photo. It was originally posted at my blog, Tread Life (treadlife.blogspot.com) where you can see many other vintage racing shots.
Also, check out my new blog, Cycle Guide Magazine (cycleguidemagazine.blogspot.com).
In future a link back to the appropriate blog would be appreciated.
- sorry about that Jerry, I've now added a live-link on your name.
ReplyDeleteBP