The MEGURO K3 was launched by Kawasaki in February 2021, revealing the next development in the successfully resurrected MEGURO brand! The model that will replace the long-time favorite ESTRELLA appears to be coming back as MEGURO.
Original Source: AUTOBY Monthly Publication June 2021 Issue (April 29, 2021 Release)
CG: Shinji Miyakubo
The 250cc "Junior" that was in MEGURO is back!
MEGURO was a manufacturer that had been selling large engine displacement models since before World War II, and the prestigious MEGURO brand was officially adopted by the motorcycle police that led the torch relay at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. It was later merged into Kawasaki, but Kawasaki revived it in the 2021 era.
It was the MEGURO K3, released in February 2021, and the successor to the Kawasaki 500 MEGURO K2, released in 1964. A similar development may now be seen in the 250.
MEGURO is a brand famous for its large-displacement models, but there is also a famous 250cc model called "Junior". The style of this model, which uses an air-cooled single-cylinder engine, boasts the same beautiful appearance as the larger models. The Junior was also the motif for the ESTRELLA, which debuted in 1992, and is about to make a comeback from the ESTRELLA, returning to MEGURO once again.
MEGURO Junior S9 [KAWASAKI] (CG illustrations were created by the editorial staff). The successor to the MEGURO Junior S8 is the S9!
MEGURO Junior S8 [MEGURO Works, 1964] The final model in the lineage of the Junior J1 (1950), MEGURO's first 250cc model, with a Y-shaped timing case and separate gearbox, similar in construction to the MEGURO K2.
W800 became MEGURO, and so did ESTRELLA?
The MEGURO was able to be revived as a K3 largely because of the timing of the model change of the base W800, which was equipped with an engine and ABS that complied with emission regulations. However, there is no base model for the debut of the 250cc version, which this magazine expects to be the Meguro Junior S9.
ESTRELLA, which was a modern homage to MEGURO Junior, disappeared from the lineup after 2017, and a new platform is needed to revive Junior S9.
The ESTRELLA is still being sold in Asia under the name W250, and the first thing to do is to make it compliant with emission regulations, but it is likely that a new engine will be developed since it is an old design from about 30 years ago. The SR400 is no longer in production, but the Junior S9 will be the one to fill the void when it is released.
ESTRELLA Final Edition [KAWASAKI 2017] The last model of ESTRELLA was released in 1992. The ESTRELLA was said to be a modernized version of the Kawasaki 250 MEGURO SG (1965), the successor to the Junior.
The MEGURO K3 is based on the latest W800, with fully MEGURO specs.
The W800 Street/Cafe, added for 2019, gains a modern ride with front and rear disc brakes and a revised frame with ABS. Based on this model, the W800 with 19-inch front wheels was available for the 2020 model year, and the series was further expanded to the MEGURO K3 for 2021. The K3 has its own tank logo and coloring for a fully MEGURO specification.
●Seat height: 790mm ●Weight: 227kg ●Air-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 4-valve parallel twin cylinder 773cc ●52PS/6500rpm ●6.3kg-m/4800 rpm ●Fuel tank capacity: 15L ●Transmission: 5-speed ●Tire size front: 100/90-19, rear: 130/80-18 ●Price: Approx. 11,126 USD
Is the Kawasaki Classic system moving from W to MEGURO?
Kawasaki has three pillars in its lineup: the Ninja and the Z, plus the neo-classic W series. However, the W is named for a 2-cylinder engine, and this may in no small part limit the company's ability to expand its range of variations.
On the other hand, MEGURO has no image associated with the engine type. It also has all the necessary elements of tradition, prestige, uniqueness, and versatility, and would be the best name to enhance Kawasaki's classic series. The Japanese word is likely to be welcomed by overseas users as well.
W175 [KAWASAKI] In Thailand and Indonesia, the W series of 175cc air-cooled singles exist. Neo-classic variations are rather expanding overseas.
W250 [KAWASAKI] In the same region, ESTRELLA, which was in Japan, survives under the name W250. This will most likely be the next MEGURO.
Original Source: AUTOBY Monthly Publication June 2021 Issue (April 29, 2021 Release)
See KAWASAKI Moto Index Page
See Accessories for KAWASAKI ESTRELLA
See Accessories for KAWASAKI W800
See Accessories for KAWASAKI MEGURO K3