250cc Models (Mach I)

The 250CC models were made longer than any other triple, but never became as well known as their bigger brothers. In the USA they are practically unheard of, but are fairly common in the United Kingdom, where road laws restricted young riders to smaller bikes. Not quite as fast as it's main competitor, the Yamaha RD-250, it was considerably racier looking, and much better than Suzuki's stodgy GT185/250. The 250/350/400 triples were a family that shared many common parts, and all the 250 triples used a points ignition.

  S1

1972

 Engine:
S1E00001~
Frame:
S1F-00001~		 Painted fender, green/blue stripes, styling very similar to other '72 models. Distributed to all markets except Middle and Near East.  All 250's made 28 HP unless noted.
Pearl Candy Red Pearl White        

 

 S1A

1973

 Engine:
S1E05494~
Frame:
S1F-04691~		 Chrome Fender
Candy Orange Candy Gold Candy Blue      
    S1B

1974

 Engine:
S1E12001~
Frame:
S1F-12001~		 Styling updated same as larger models- pod instrument housing, different grips and switches, no steering damper.
Candy Green          
    S1C

1975

 Engine:
S1E17100~
Frame:
S1F-16300~		 In late 1975 tires were changed from 3.00X18 to 3.25X18 front, and 3.25X18 to 3.50 X18 rear.
Halibut Blue          

    KH250

A5

1976

 Engine:
S1E026600~
Frame:
S1F-24400~		 Model code changed to "KH" series. Locking tank cap, three fuse system, and markings changed to match.   Last US model.
Candy Super Red          
  KH250

B1

1976

 Engine:
S1E028801~
Frame:
KH250B-000001~		 Front disc brake, same frame and chassis as KH400-A1. Distribution stopped to North America, begun to Asia and Middle East. Power restricted for Australia to 26 HP.
Candy Super Red Candy Sky Blue        
  KH250

B2

1977

 Engine:
S1E038401~
Frame:
KH250B-008601~		 Different decals but otherwise much the same.
Candy Orient Blue Candy Wine Red        
 

  KH250

B3

1978

 Engine:
S1E048301~
Frame:
KH250B-018501~		 Different master cylinder and seat.
Candy Lime Green Candy Cobalt Blue        
    KH250

B4

1979

 Engine:
S1E054801~
Frame:
KH250B-025001~		 Block type pattern decal on the tank and tailpiece.  The side panels were  finished in black instead of being painted.
Classic White Candy Lime Green Candy Persimmon Red      
      KH250

B5

1980

 Engine:
S1E058301~
Frame:
KH250B-028701~		 This was the last in the 250 range. Only one color was offered, Kawasaki racing lime green. The black side panels were fitted with badges that only said '250' with the 'KH' logo printed on the side of the seat. Kork Ballington had recently won the 250 and 350 World Championships and Kawasaki wanted to cash in on this, so the B5 was painted in racing colors to attract the dwindling 250 customers.
Lime Green