Category:
Motocross/Off-road Motorcycle
Segment:
2-stroke competition bike, popular in its era
Competitors:
Yamaha YZ250, Honda CR250R, Suzuki RM250
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on lightweight design, powerful 2-stroke engine, and responsive handling for competition
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining peak performance and extending the lifespan of a classic competition machine
Engine:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair procedures for the 2-stroke engine
Cooling System:
Liquid cooling system maintenance, component checks, and troubleshooting
Fuel System:
Carburetor inspection, cleaning, adjustment, and component replacement; fuel tank and petcock service
Ignition System:
CDI, ignition coil, spark plug specifications, testing, and troubleshooting
Exhaust System:
Expansion chamber, silencer maintenance and inspection
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, assembly, inspection, lubrication, and shift mechanism service
Clutch:
Clutch operation, adjustment, friction plate inspection, and replacement
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, sub-frame, body panel removal/installation, seat, tank, and fender service
Suspension Front:
Front fork disassembly, assembly, oil change, seal replacement, and internal component service
Suspension Rear:
Rear shock absorber service, linkage disassembly, bearing inspection, and greasing
Brakes Front:
Hydraulic brake system service, caliper disassembly, piston inspection, brake pad replacement, and bleeding procedures
Brakes Rear:
Hydraulic brake system service, caliper disassembly, piston inspection, brake pad replacement, and bleeding procedures
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing inspection and replacement, rim and spoke checks, tire pressure recommendations
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, kill switch, stator and rotor checks, battery maintenance (if applicable, though typically kick-start only)
Controls:
Throttle control, clutch lever, brake lever, shifter, and kick-starter mechanism service
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems and their solutions
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, lubrication points, filter changes, and adjustments
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for complete component and system disassembly and reassembly
Repair:
Detailed instructions for repairing worn or damaged components
Inspection Checks:
Procedures for inspecting various components for wear, damage, or out-of-spec conditions
Adjustment:
Specific procedures for adjusting clutch, throttle, brakes, and carburetor
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical measurements
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical system schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and suspension rebuilds
Detail Level:
Includes detailed exploded views, part illustrations, and step-by-step instructions
Type:
2-stroke, single-cylinder
Displacement:
249cc (249 cm³)
Bore X Stroke:
66.4 mm x 72 mm
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 8.5:1 (subject to specific tuning and market variations)
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Intake:
Reed valve induction
Exhaust:
Kawasaki Integrated Power-valve System (KIPS)
Horsepower:
Approximately 48-50 HP (at crankshaft, stock tune)
Torque:
Approximately 28-30 lb-ft (at crankshaft, stock tune)
Carburetor:
Keihin PWK38 (38mm) flat-slide carburetor
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91 (AKI)
Oil Mixture:
Pre-mix 2-stroke engine oil (typically 40:1 ratio, consult manual for specifics)
Length:
Approximately 2170 mm (85.4 in)
Width:
Approximately 820 mm (32.3 in)
Height:
Approximately 1275 mm (50.2 in)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 1475 mm (58.1 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 345 mm (13.6 in)
Seat Height:
Approximately 965 mm (38.0 in)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 93 kg (205 lbs)
Curb Weight:
Not typically published for competition bikes, but heavier than dry weight
Fuel Tank Capacity:
8.0 Liters (2.1 US gal)
Oil Change Transmission:
Every 10-15 hours of riding or annually (consult manual for precise intervals)
Air Filter Cleaning:
After every few rides or as needed based on conditions
Spark Plug Inspection:
Every 10-20 hours of riding
Piston Ring Replacement:
Every 30-50 hours of riding (depending on usage and maintenance)
Top End Rebuild:
Every 50-100 hours of riding (piston, rings, cylinder inspection/reconditioning)
Engine Oil Premix:
Kawasaki KPS 2-Stroke Oil or equivalent JASO FD certified oil (40:1 ratio recommended, always confirm in manual)
Transmission Oil:
SAE 10W-30 API GL-4 (e.g., Kawasaki Genuine Gear Oil)
Coolant:
Permanent type antifreeze (ethylene glycol based) with distilled water (50/50 mix)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Clutch Wear:
Clutch plates can wear rapidly under aggressive use; proper adjustment is key.
Carburetor Jetting:
Requires careful jetting based on altitude, temperature, and modifications for optimal performance and longevity.
Kips System:
KIPS exhaust power valve system can become sticky or carboned up if not maintained, affecting engine performance. Regular cleaning is advised.
Suspension Seals:
Fork seal leaks are common due to hard riding; regular inspection and maintenance are necessary.