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Sometimes cars can get expensive. There is lot to go wrong. Sheet-metal, upholstery, trim, the list just goes on and on. We love them, but sometimes we just want something cheap and simple to wrench on. That is when motorcycles like this 1973 Kawasaki G5 start to look appealing. It is only packing 100cc, but that’s enough to hit 70mph. This one has been owned by the same owner since 1973 and has only covered 6k miles. It has not been ridden since 1991 so it will need some work, but should make for a fun project. Find it here on craigslist for $525 in Bloomfield, Missouri. Thanks goes to Will M. for the tip!
I just looked at a 1975 one of these not too long ago. :)
this bike has a gearshift that is N 1 2 3 4 5 , i think. yes that is neutral on the bottom, which kawasaki did back in the day. no way not to mess up and get neutral when you needed 1st and 1st when you needed neutral. i think the better bike would be the ke100 with 1 N 2 3 4 5 which has neutral right where it is on most bikes. if you search the net under ke100 the transmission information is out there.
Jim, I have one of the ke100s and they are indeed great, reliable little bikes
That’s my bike! Just sold it this afternoon. Went to a good home I think. Yep, 5 gears straight up, easy to learn on.
Good for you. Do you know if the buyer found it here on Barn Finds?
$525 in 2013 or now for the pictured bike in that condition is just plain ‘give away’. 1971 was the very first model year for G5 (1971-75). Then the exact same bike except for imperceptible changes 1976-now KE100. They’re still making them because they were and are ‘bullet proof’ when properly maintained.
The 3rd year $525 bike, just from one picture I estimate it’s true value at $1200-1500 due to it’s great condition and ease of restoring.
I have several G5’s, KE100’s and G4TR ten speed 100’s.