BIG BERTHA

Photographs by Kenn Slater, via Redline.

1981 Kawasaki 1000cc Endurance Racer.
Team Owner/Manager: Chris Waterman.
Bike’s nick name: “Big Bertha”. Spare bike: “Vickey”.
Sponsors: Kawasaki France, Kool, KVAS, Michelin, Elf, raced under EURAC banner.
Riden by: C. Berthod, J. Monnin, R. Cibille.
Victories: 1st Barcelona, 2nd Bol dor, 4th Overall in World Championship.
 
Specifications:
Engine:                         998cc, air-oil-cooled, inline, 4 stroke, 4 cylinder.
Valves:                         DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Bore & Stroke:            69.4 x 66mm.
Compression Ratio:      11.5:1.
Power:                         150bhp at the rear wheel.
Carburettors:                4 x 31mm Keihin smoothbores.
Spark Plugs:                 2 per cylinder.
Transmission:                5 speed, close ratio.
Top Speed:                  298kph clocked at Bol dor.
Ignition:                        Kawasaki factory self-powering digital.
Alternator:                    Belt drive, charging 2 x 12 volt, 10 amp Batteries.
Frame:                         One-off hand made from Renold S31 tubing.
Suspension:                  Rear; Bell Crank, Koni damper.
                                    Front; 40mm, factory 500GP forks, air-over-oil with anti-dive.
Rims:                            Quick release front and rear; Dymag 3.00 x 18 front, Campagnola 4.75 x 18 rear.
Tyres:                           Michelin slicks.
Brakes:                         Full floating Brembo Gold Line calipers front and rear. 300mm front discs from OW31.
Front Lights:                 2 x Marchal 100w.
Fuel Tank:                    Aluminium with quick fillers.
Bodywork:                   Fibre Glass.
Final Drive:                   Chain 530 Regina with aluminium rear sprocket.
Restoration:                  (and now owned) by (Wicked) Wayne Deintjies.