1976-77年Kawasaki KL 250

Kawasaki KL 250

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.