Messages

1

Wanted / KLX 250 silencer

« on: June 19, 2023, 03:49:30 am »

Hi All

I'm searching for a stock silencer for a 1979 KLX 250. Can anyone help?

Thanks!

2

Kawasaki / Re: KLX 250 plug cap resistance

« on: October 23, 2022, 12:34:56 am »

Thanks for the response Guys. Here are some further comments:

<snip>...Do you think maybe the spark is brighter from the lead because it's jumping a bigger gap, compared to the .7mm of the plug?

The spark on the (very used) KLX plug, was less that I observed at the end of the plug lead (which I expected chance what plug cap was in place). However the spark at the plug was better when I used a non-resistor plug cap in place of the resistor plug cap.

The resistor cap is a bit of a misnomer and means its sealed against electrical interference and possible shorting from whatever.  its just better sealed than a conventional plug cap with no difference in electrical resistance.... <snip>

Not so in my case:  The "5K Ohm" resistor cap measured a resistance of 4.7 k Ohm . The non-resistor cap measured a resistance of zero Ohm.

The KLX uses a non-resistor plug.

3

Kawasaki / KLX 250 plug cap resistance

« on: October 22, 2022, 09:19:05 am »

Hi All
I've just replaced the ignition HT coil on the 1979 KLX. I get a big fat spark off the end of the plug wire, but a much smaller one off the plug, in a NGK cap with a 5k? resistance. If I substitute the cap for a NGK non-resistor type, I get a much bigger spark on the plug.

I know the plug/plug cap resistance choice was a big thing with old Motoplat ignitions, where a resistor type plug would cause hard starting. Is this still the case with more modern (Jap) ignitions?

I don't really have hard starting on the KLX, but conventional wisdom tells me to leave the non-resistor plug cap on the bike.

Any advice from the KLX experts?

TIA

David

4

General Discussion / Re: Firko not well.

« on: July 04, 2021, 04:40:23 am »

RIP Mark. Godspeed. 

5

General Discussion / Firko not well.

« on: June 27, 2021, 08:29:02 am »

Hi All

I saw on FB that Firko (Mark Firkin) is not well. He suffered a stroke some weeks ago and has been in ICU but he's recovering slowly.

Keep him in you thoughts and prayers and if you know him I'm sure he'd appreciate get well wishes on a mail or text or a post on FB

Thanks
David

6

Kawasaki / Preston Petty plastics in Kawasaki Green

« on: February 03, 2020, 08:02:14 am »

Hi All
FYI, Some PP Plastics may be available in Kawasaki green, depending on demand. See here:

https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=preston%20petty%20products&epa=SEARCH_BOX

Regards
David

7

Kawasaki / KLX 250 L/H Main bearing (Again!)

« on: February 03, 2020, 07:48:36 am »

Hi All
Around 2010/2011,  KLX 250 replacement bearings were discussed on the forum:

https://forum.ozvmx.com/index.php?topic=12384.msg193843#msg193843

It looks like Cloggy found a replacement for the unobtanium L/H OEM Main bearing somewhere. Was the bearing reference number and picture ever posted?

Thanks in advance
David

8

Kawasaki / Re: KLX 250 Lighting coil - Is there a way to upgrade it?

« on: April 01, 2018, 07:00:39 am »

Thanks for the link!

9

Kawasaki / Re: KLX 250 Lighting coil - Is there a way to upgrade it?

« on: March 30, 2018, 07:07:46 pm »

Thanks for more useful links. You are right: I don't need the bulk and hassle of a battery and the KLX isn't fitted with one.
 
Currently, I am running lights on the stock single AC lighting coil which is now doing a much better job, since a 12V regulator has been fitted. 

The next phases of the project could be:
1) Add a second winding to the AC coil, to deal with the brake light, without a battery.
2) Re-wire the AC coil onto a bridge rectifier, using DC/LED lights thereafter, without a battery. (with capacitors if required).

Regards
David

10

Kawasaki / Re: KLX 250 Lighting coil - Is there a way to upgrade it?

« on: March 30, 2018, 09:52:22 am »

You have to read this as well:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0BD_MkiU7JpUmxGcWZOZUVIeVU/view
So there would be no real benefit to me adding this to the KLX.

11

Kawasaki / Re: KLX 250 Lighting coil - Is there a way to upgrade it?

« on: March 29, 2018, 12:23:18 am »

Here's a new LED development from the re-formed Preston Petty Products. Sorry, it's a FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/prestonpettyproduct/posts/1501791529966380

Regards
David

12

Kawasaki / Re: KLX 250 Lighting coil - Is there a way to upgrade it?

« on: March 28, 2018, 01:16:46 am »

Correct, the LED option appears to be the way to go. However, they need DC or must be wired up with capacitors and diodes for AC. That is the next phase of the project.

Right now, A 12V AC regulator, 25W/25W headlight and 5/21W tail light gives great results. Voltage at idle is 9.5V, rising to a maximum of 12 with increased revs.

Regards
David

13

Kawasaki / Re: KLX 250 Lighting coil - Is there a way to upgrade it?

« on: March 27, 2018, 08:59:12 am »

A lot of the specific bike interest forums have migrated to FB. I posted the same query on the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club (UK) page and with a bit of work, actually got the KLX lights to work better, with simply a 12V AC regulator and 12V bulbs. check it out here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/vjmcuk/permalink/952333461585615/

Regards
David

The kit (78 57 999 00) for the KL250 (1981) is listed as 'No longer available'. Has been for a while.
Shame, as that would have solved every ones problem.

14

Kawasaki / Re: KLX 250 Lighting coil - Is there a way to upgrade it?

« on: September 03, 2017, 06:52:11 am »

I looked at a pic of the 1979/1980 KL 250 coil and it has 2 windings which is much better, even with 6V. That would mean if it fitted, I could use one winding for the brake light only and forget about a battery.

However, that KL coil looks a lot fatter than the KLX one. Grouty, can you confirm that it's a straight bolt-in swop?

Regards
David

15

Kawasaki / KLX 250 Lighting coil - Is there a way to upgrade it?

« on: August 25, 2017, 02:39:46 am »

There is only one 6V lighting coil on the '79 KLX. Is there a way to uprate the coil to a higher wattage or introduce a 2nd winding on the same coil?
Thanks
David