KAWASAKI

TR250 - 1970

Off-road pioneer

Kawasaki's first cautious step into the world of two-stroke, off-road singles was taken in 1968 with the launch of the 175 F3 and 250 F4. It was derived from the 250 F2IM motocross bike, which had made its debut the previous year. But it was not until 1970 that the full range – TR 125, 175, 250 and 350 – became available. Except for the rotary-disc intake valves, these machines were refreshingly original in design.

Not So Little Big Horn

The "Big Horn" engines of the 250 and 350 were completely new. While the engine of the first 250 F4 was dramatically oversquare at 70x62mm, its successor had identical (68x68mm) bore and stroke. The 350 was cheaply derived from it by boring the cylinder out to 80.4mm. These two models stayed in production until 1974, retaining their power outputs of 23.5 and 33 hp, only evolving their always striking color schemes plus a revised front end for the 250. In 1972 it acquired a conventional front fork and 21 inch wheel.

More for Track than Field

Intended more for track racing than for real off-road riding, the TR 250/350 had a catalogue dry weight of 271 lb, but that rose to 295 lb. Moreover, the 8 inch ground clearance was desperately inadequate. To overcome this handicap, Kawasaki adopted variable-geometric front forks whose tubes could be lowered by 2 inches. These featured adjustable spring tension and adjustable spindle mounts that gave a choice of three different caster angles.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 247cc (68x68mm) air-cooled single-cylinder; flywheel magneto

Power Rating: 23.5 hp @ 6800 rpm

Valves: two-stroke; rotary-disc intake valve

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: 5-speed, chain final drive

Suspension: telescopic forks with variable rake and height (front); swing arm with twin spring/dampers (rear)

Brakes: drum (front & rear)

Wheels: 3.00x21 inch (front); 4.00x18 inch (rear)

Weight: 271 lb

Maximum Speed: 80 mph

The TR series of 1970 marked Kawasaki's first serious entry into the trail bike category.