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Kawasaki 250 1976
After the successful launching of its two-stroke,
three-cylinder 500-cc. model, Kawasaki turned with greater interest to speed
racing. In 1969 the company built a racing version of its Vis -liter production
model. The following year it turned to the 250 class and built a two-stroke
two-cylinder with rotating-disk distribution. This motorcycle was first shown at
the 1970 Amsterdam Salon.
For the 250 model, with flanked cylinders facing forward,
Kawasaki declared a power of 45 h.p. at 9,800 ,r.p.m. and a top speed of over
135 m.p.h. The engine was mounted on the chassis of a production model of the
three-cylinder 500, while the front brake was that of the racing 500.
The Kawasaki 250 was not subsequently developed, because the company preferred
to concentrate on the tougher but more profitable 750 class and the Formula
Daytona. It was only in early 1974 that word came of another 250 in the works.
In 1975 the Kawasaki 250 finally appeared on European tracks.
Its best placing was fifth at the Dutch Grand Prix, with Canadian Yvon Du Hamel
in the saddle. The engine was still two-cylinder, this time longitudinal and
parallel. The Kawasaki 250 had six-speed transmission.
Kawasaki announced that it would compete again during the 1976 racing season,
but it made only sporadic appearances on the track.
Motorcycle: Kawasaki 250 Manufacturer: Kawasaki Industries,
Tokyo Type: Racing Year: 1976
Engine: Kawasaki two-cylinder in-line, longitudinal, with distribution through
two rotating disks. Displacement 249.1 cc. (54 mm. x 54.4 mm.)
Cooling: Water
Transmission: Six-speed block
Power: About 60 h.p. at 12,500 r.p.m.
Maximum speed: About 150 m.p.h.
Chassis: Double cradle, continuous, tubular. Front and rear, telescopic
suspension
Brakes: Front and rear, hydraulic disk
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