1969 Kawasaki 250cc A1 Samurai
Registration no. to be advised
Frame no. A1 12728
Engine no. A1E 14277

Most enthusiasts will tell you that Kawasaki's reputation for producing exciting high-performance motorcycles began with the fire-breathing Mach III 500cc triple, yet before the latter's arrival Kawasaki offered two other class-leading sports motorcycles: the 250cc A1 Samurai and 350cc A7 Avenger. Introduced first, in May 1966, the former was an air-cooled two-stroke twin which, somewhat unusually for the type, employed disc valve induction. A five-speed gear cluster was contained with the horizontally split crankcases and there was 'Injectolube' pumped lubrication, while the generator was mounted behind the cylinders, a position dictated by the side-mounted carburettors. The cycle parts though, were entirely conventional, consisting of a duplex-loop frame with twin-leading-shoe front brake. The result was an undeniably handsome sports roadster with a claimed 31bhp maximum and a top speed of 103mph, phenomenal figures for a 250 of the day. Apart from an increase in bore size, and commensurate increase in maximum power (to 42bhp), the 350cc Avenger was virtually identical. The Samurai was built from 1966 to 1971, though relatively few were imported into the UK, and today this early classic Kawasaki is highly sought after by collectors. Sold new in the USA, this Samurai is described by the vendor as a good original example that will require re-commissioning. Its mechanical condition unknown, the machine comes with duties paid; a VJMC dating certificate; and a V5C document.