Special Moriwaki-tuned Kawasaki heads for auction

This French-made 1977 Kawasaki uses a Moriwaki-tuned Z1 engine, and is said to have been “raced in period” by none other than IRTA founder, Mike Trimby. 

The bike will go under the hammer as part of ‘The Iconic Sales at Race Retro’ auction on Sunday, February 22. It is being presented by Iconic Auctioneers, which claims the bike was raced by “British-based American racer, Marty Lunde, Mike Trimby, and later Jim Wells and Asa Moyce.”

Trimby was a mechanic and racer during the 1960s and early 1970s, so we would guess that makes it the same Mike Trimby that was the founder and driving force behind IRTA (International Road Racing Teams Association). Trimby ultimately became one of the most influential figures in the history of MotoGP before passing away in 2023.

Trimby, together with his wife Irene, represented the teams within the Grand Prix paddock for more than 30 years. IRTA was founded in 1986 and very quickly became a fundamental organisation behind the world championship, alongside the FIM, MSMA (Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers’ Association), and Dorna. 

Trimby raced at some of the most prestigious events in the world during his career, including the Isle of Man TT, Macau Grand Prix, Bol d’Or, and the Suzuka 8 Hours. 

This 1977 PEM Kawasaki Endurance competition bike was raced at some of these events, and at Daytona, during the late 1970s and early 1980s. It has had the same owner for the last 19 years, who has fully recommissioned the bike and it has been used at “numerous events”.

The bike is known to feature Keihin CR race carburettors, while its new owner will receive a small history file that includes numerous receipts and a track set-up file.

More information about this lot can be found on the official Iconic Auctioneers website.

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