Kawasaki 238 Green Streak Scrambler magazine tests
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The Kawasaki 238 Green Streak scrambler was Kawasaki's first foray into providing a "race ready" bike for the general public. Produced from 1968-1970 to then be replaced by the F81M in 1971. The "Green Streak" scrambler was aimed at flat track, TT, and scramble racing as the American motocross scene was still in its infancy. The 238 had a lot going for it, namely price, with the premier European bikes starting over $1,000 the F21M 238 Green Streak would be a bargain at $895. How did it stack up for the testers at CYCLE magazine? Check out the images below for high quality scans of the CYCLE magazine January 1969 issue with the full review of the 1969 Kawasaki 238 Green Streak F21m. Below are the general specs as well as some recommended performance upgrades for the Green Streak. See my Big Horn restoration for the "big bore" scrambler that would follow this bike. Also check out the F9 speed secrets for tips on hopping up that bike. Also check out the F9 Big Horn performance build here.
Kawasaki 238 Green Streak F21M General specifications: Original MSRP $895 Tires (front, rear) 2.75X21 4.00X18 Brakes (front, rear) 5.2 X 1 5/32 5.8 X 1 3/32 Brake swept area 37.06 sq/in Engine Type: rotary valve single BoreXStroke: 70mm X 62mm Displacement: 238cc Compression ratio: 7.7:1 Carburetion: Mikuni VM26SC Ignition: Magneto coil (breaker point) Bhp @ rmp 28 @ 7000 Fuel tank capacity: 1.9gal Wheel base 50.2in Trail: 4.2in Ground clearance 9in Curb weight 220lbs (advertised) Test weight 395lbs (I think this is a typo, but printed in the magazine) |
Suggested performance modifications: (per CYCLE Magazine)
Carburetor change: Amal 32mm Concentric Install a "Typhoon breather" (al la F81M) in the carburetor cover Cut rotary valve 10 degrees earlier opening and 12 degrees later closing Convert expansion chamber from high pipe to low pipe. Instructions: 2 inch pipe 15 inches long curved to a 6 inch radius welded to the front of the expansion chamber. Stinger is lengthened to 12 inches with an ID. of 21mm |
Cycle January 1970 cover
CYCLE Magazine January 1970 cover Kawasaki 238 Green Streak
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Kawasaki 238 Green Streak in action!
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"The Green Streak is ready to fly right now of the crate", but there are upgrades that can be done to make this even more potent.
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"The Kawasaki factory will provide complete modification specifications to anyone who requests them" I wonder if they still do that?
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Kawasaki 238 Green Streak was designed for the smoother scramble tracks
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The Kawasaki rotary valve engine is a staple of the Kawasaki lineup
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With a purchase price of $895 the price for admission is low
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