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Kawasaki KL 250

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Make Model

Kawasaki KL 250

Year

1976 - 77

Engine

Four stroke single cylinder. SOHC, 2 Valve

Capacity

246 cc / 15.0 cu-in
Bore x Stroke 70 х 64 mm
Cooling System Air cooled
Compression Ratio 8.9:1

Induction

Carburetor

Ignition 

 
Starting Kick

Max Power

21 hp / 15.6 kW @ 8500 rpm

Max Torque

2 kgf-m / 14.4 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm

Transmission 

5 Speed 
Final Drive Chain

Front Suspension

Telescopic forks

Rear Suspension

Dual shocks

Front Brakes

Drum

Rear Brakes

Drum

Front Tyre

3.00-21

Rear Tyre

4.00-17

Dry Weight

116 kg / 255.7 lbs

Dry Weight

140 kg / 308 . lbs

Fuel Capacity 

10 Litres / 2.6 US gal

Consumption Average

78 mpg

Standing ¼ Mile  

16.9 sec

Top Speed

119 km/h / 74 mph
Road Test Bike magazine Group Test 1978

Based on the Honda SL/XL250 concept of a dual-purpose lightweight, the KL appeared in the early months of 1978. Like the Honda a 250 four-stroke single, it showed advances commensurate with its later design, chiefly in the matter of less weight and more effective suspension. It was, in fact, Kawasaki's first attempt at producing a dual-purpose bike, though much of its specification was based on machinery that was far from new — principally the KZ200 road single.

Two large valves (36mm for the inlet, 30mm exhaust) were operated by a single camshaft running directly in the light-alloy cylinder head. Barrel and head were retained by long through-bolts into a vertically split crankcase, the latter striking a new note in Japanese engineering, which ordinarily favoured horizontal jointing. The pressed-up crankshaft ran on

roller and ball bearings, with a caged roller bearing for the connecting-rod big-end.

Vibratory but powerful, the KL's engine put out 17.5 bhp at 8,000 rpm, sufficient for 60mph cruising by road and giving plenty of power in not-too-demanding crosscountry work.