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Kawasaki KL 250

Make Model	Kawasaki KL 250
Year	1974 - 75
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	74 mph

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.