Kawasaki S information
The S1 250, S2 350 and S3 400 Kawasaki two stroke triples are today the models that collectors want. Why? Simple, they were outrageously fast for their displacement, sounded superb with the unique three-cylinder wail, and used up fuel almost as quickly as the Space Shuttle!
The 250 gave 32bhp, compare this with the 28bhp-29bhp given by its twin cylinder competitors. Similar power advantages were also given by the 40bhp plus of the 350 and 400 versions. The Honda CB400F could only muster up 36bhp, and was hardly any faster than the Kawasaki 250S1!
Whilst they were fast, they were also fragile, regularly becoming ‘twins’ when the centre cylinder overheated and stopped firing. All command premium collector prices today, and spares are scarce, NOS items drying up fast because of enthusiasts hoarding them for possible future use!
The fuel crisis in the middle 1970’s spelt the end of these super fast charismatic ‘strokers’ with the far more civilised KH series of 250 and 400 machines, with power down by 6bhp on the 400 and 4bhp on the 250. This was achieved with less radical porting and much more baffling in the silencers, dialling out the delightful hard edged three cylinder wail, and the front wheel popping performance so loved by enthusiasts of the early ‘Kwacker’ triples.
The end of an era? Definitely!
Kawasaki S photo
Kawasaki S
Kawasaki S owners
Here is a list of machines proudly owned by our community members, that are the same or similar to this machine.
