Manufacturer Kawasaki Predecessor Kawasaki A1 Samurai Class Standard | Production 1972-1975 Successor Kawasaki KH250 | |
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Parent company Kawasaki Heavy Industries | ||
The Kawasaki Mach I (model designation S1) was a 250 cc (15 cu in) Kawasaki motorcycle made 1972 through 1975.
History
The Mach I was a direct result of the widespread success of the Kawasaki H1 Mach III 500 cc introduced in 1969. The Mach I's engine was a three-cylinder two-stroke with an engine displacement of 249 cc (15.1 cubic inches) which produced 32 bhp @ 8000 rpm, a power-to-weight ratio of 1 hp (0.75 kW) to every 11.8 pounds. The S1 Mach I replaced the twin Kawasaki A1 Samurai 250 with its twin-cylinder, Kawasaki rotary disc valve engine which produced 31 hp (23 kW) @ 8000 rpm.
The S1 Mach I emerged nearly one year after its bigger brother, the S2 Mach II 350, and from the development success of the Kawasaki H1 Mach III. It was essentially the same motorcycle as its larger brother with less displacement. It had a separate handlebar holder and steering friction damper. Its successor, the KH250, was essentially the same bike with a different name, was marketed from 1976 to 1981.