Joerg Teuchert
Related Articles
Kawasaki pays homage to one of the pioneers of Japanese motorcycles, with the Meguro K3. The K3 is a classically styled motorcycle designed to pay homage to the Meguro motorcycle brand founded in 1923 and which led to the creation of Kawasaki motorcycles.
At its peak, Meguro was Japan’s second-largest motorcycle maker, just behind Honda. It was marketed as a premium brand. Unfortunately, its foray into smaller, more affordable models resulted in financial problems. Kawasaki Heavy Industries acquired the company in the 1960s, which led to the creation of its own brand of motorcycles.
Meguro K3
The Kawasaki Meguro K3 is powered by an air-cooled 773cc twin-cylinder EFI engine mated to a 5-speed transmission. Although it may be classic in style, it is equipped with modern features such as disc brakes with anti-lock braking systems (ABS), an LED headlight, a combined digital and analog panel; and an assist and slip clutch.
For now, the Kawasaki Meguro K3 will be available in the Japanese domestic market from February next year. Its top-of-the-line model with a “black mirror” finish will sell for a suggested price of JPY 1,276,000 or around PHP 589,000.
If you think its design resembles Kawasaki’s current W series, it’s because Kawasaki’s first W, the W650 was actually inspired by the Meguro W2. Now, the Meguro brand is finally receiving the recognition it deserves with this dedicated model. In fact, it even sports the original logo before Kawasaki fully acquired it.
Meguro Motorcycles
Meguro Manufacturing Co. is considered by many to be one of the pioneers of the Japanese motorcycle industry. Originally founded in 1924 as the Murato Iron Works, the company invested in Harley-Davidson after the Wall Street crash and developed its own parallel-twin based on the designs and patents of the iconic twin-cylinder engine in V Harley-Davidson supplied as part of the investment agreement. .
Through its investment in American motorcycle technology, it was able to design and manufacture the first motorcycle transmissions for some of the early players in the Japanese motorcycle industry.
During the war, it became one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in Japan, supplying the Japanese government with military and police motorcycles. The company once raced alongside Honda and was at the forefront of the development of motorcycle technology.
The company merged with Kawasaki Heavy Industries in the 1960s after being hit hard financially due to poor sales and a year-long labor strike. It has evolved into the Kawasaki motorcycles we know today.
