The Glemseck 101 is a highly anticipated event in Europe for motorcycle enthusiasts who have a passion for fast, impractical, and imaginative machines. Every year, participants return to the event with cult-like devotion, aiming to outdo each other and themselves. One regular face at the Glemseck 101 is Rolf Reick, an industrial designer based in Heidelberg, Germany.
Rolf, who also runs a design school in Mannheim, has years of experience building custom bikes under the banner of Krautmotors. For this year’s Glemseck 101, Rolf challenged himself to build a drag bike using only recycled parts from his personal stash, only turning to external sources when necessary.
One of the key parts Rolf had on hand was the triple-cylinder two-stroke engine from a Kawasaki H1 Mach III, also known as the ‘Widowmaker.’ This engine had already been upgraded by a Kawasaki specialist with extensive head work, a new crankshaft, and a set of Mikuni carbs.
However, Rolf needed a frame to house this powerful engine. He searched the internet and found a rigid frame built for a Yamaha XS650 engine, which was priced cheaply due to a misaligned steering head. With the help of a friend and a frame jig, Rolf was able to modify the frame to fit his needs.
To complete the build, Rolf used various parts from his stock, including Kawasaki KH500 forks, wheels, bodywork, foot pegs, and more. The only new parts used were the battery and chain. With some meticulous wiring work, the bike was almost race-ready.
For the finishing touch, Rolf decided to give the bike a unique livery. Drawing inspiration from racing Kawasakis of the 70s, he opted for a pink design instead of the traditional green. Pink was a favorite color of Rolf’s in his younger years, and he wanted to pay homage to that with this build.
Unfortunately, Rolf’s Kawasaki H1 sprinter was not completed in time for the Glemseck 101. He had to settle for taking his rigid-framed BMW instead. Despite the disappointment, Rolf looks at it as an opportunity to further optimize the bike for next year’s event.
The story of Rolf’s unfinished pink Kawasaki H1 highlights the dedication and passion of motorcycle enthusiasts who constantly strive to push their limits and create unique machines. It shows that even experienced builders like Rolf face challenges and setbacks, but they always find a way to overcome them.