The Kwaka 9 was the first really clever Japanese big bike.
The Honda, despite claims of its technical superiority over its British and Continental rivals, had a major flaw.
At least our primary chains are (relatively) easy to change.
Honda put their primary chain (Hyvo toothed type) between cylinders 2 & 3, meaning the entire engine needs to be disassembled to change a primary chain. Really, Mr Honda?
Now you know why so many of those SOHC Hondas have that familiar "chunka-chunka-chunka" at idle. Someone's trying to avoid the chain change-out.
The Kwaka was the first to have the transfer of power from the crank to the gearbox via gears - problem fixed. Suzuki, Yamaha and eventually Honda followed suit.
Hats off to Kawasaki!