Segment:
Off-road Motorcycle / Enduro
Key Competitors:
Yamaha YZ250, Honda CR250, Suzuki RM250
Engine Type:
Two-stroke, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder; known for its potent power delivery and lightweight design.
Suspension:
Advanced suspension for its time, offering excellent off-road capability.
Versatility:
Adaptable for various off-road disciplines including trail riding, motocross, and enduro.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for the 2-stroke engine.
Fuel System:
Carburetor removal, cleaning, adjustment, and overhaul; fuel tank, petcock, and fuel lines.
Ignition System:
CDI ignition system, spark plug, ignition coil, stator, and troubleshooting.
Cooling System:
Liquid cooling system, radiator, hoses, water pump, and coolant specifications.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe, silencer, and associated components.
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, inspection, repair, clutch operation, and lubrication.
Drivetrain:
Final drive chain, sprockets, and maintenance.
Suspension Front:
Front fork (conventional or upside-down depending on specific variant) disassembly, seal replacement, oil levels, and damping adjustments.
Suspension Rear:
Monoshock rear suspension system, linkage, shock absorber overhaul, and adjustment.
Brakes Front:
Hydraulic disc brake system, caliper, master cylinder, brake fluid, and pad replacement.
Brakes Rear:
Drum brake system (typical for this era) or hydraulic disc brake system, adjustment, and shoe/pad replacement.
Wheels Tires:
Wheel bearing maintenance, spoke tension adjustment, tire selection, and mounting.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting circuits, charging system (stator/rotor), battery maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Frame Bodywork:
Frame inspection, handlebars, levers, footpegs, seat, fuel tank, fenders, and plastics.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustments, brake inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, electrical faults, starting issues, and performance issues.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair.
Rebuild:
Comprehensive procedures for engine and component rebuilds.
Depth:
Professional Technician Level, with clear explanations for DIY mechanics.
Diagnostics:
Includes detailed diagnostic trees and electrical troubleshooting guides.
Illustrations:
Detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos to guide procedures.
Type:
198cc, Liquid-Cooled, 2-Stroke, Reed Valve, Single-Cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
66.0 x 58.0 mm (Typical for this model, manual will confirm)
Compression Ratio:
7.5:1 (Typical, manual will confirm exact spec)
Induction:
Mikuni VM29SS carburetor (Typical, manual will confirm exact model)
Ignition:
CDI Electronic Ignition
Starting System:
Kick Starter
Horsepower:
Approx. 30-35 HP (Estimate, manual will provide precise figure)
Torque:
Approx. 20-23 lb-ft (Estimate, manual will provide precise figure)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (with 2-stroke oil pre-mix, specified ratio in manual)
Length:
Approx. 85.6 in (2175 mm) (typical, check manual for exact)
Width:
Approx. 32.1 in (815 mm) (typical, check manual for exact)
Height:
Approx. 47.6 in (1210 mm) (typical, check manual for exact)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 56.1 in (1425 mm) (typical, check manual for exact)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 238 lbs (108 kg) (typical, check manual for exact)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 256 lbs (116 kg) (typical, check manual for exact)
Oil Change Engine:
Every 1,000 miles or 6 months (typical for 2-stroke, consult manual for exact)
Spark Plug Check:
Every 500 miles or as needed, check for fouling/wear.
Chain Lubrication:
Every 300 miles or after riding in wet conditions.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 300-500 miles, depending on riding conditions.
Engine Oil:
High-quality 2-stroke motorcycle oil, TCW3 rated or equivalent (specific blend ratio in manual).
Coolant:
Permanent type antifreeze coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water) - specific capacity in manual.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (check manual for specific type).
Power Valve:
The KIPS (Kawasaki Integrated Power-valve System) can be prone to carbon buildup, requiring periodic cleaning for optimal performance.
Carburetor:
Mikuni carburetors can require precise tuning, and jets can become clogged over time, especially with fuel variations.
Suspension Seals:
Front fork and rear shock seals are wear items and may require replacement due to age and usage.
Engine Seals:
Engine crank seals can degrade over time, leading to air leaks and performance issues.