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Kawasaki 238 Green Streak Scrambler magazine tests

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
Kawasaki 238 green streak
Cycle January 1970 cover
CYCLE Magazine January 1970 cover  Kawasaki 238 Green Streak
Kawasaki 238 Green Streak
Page 2
Kawasaki 238 Green Streak in action!
Kawasaki 238 Green Streak
Page 4
"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.
Kawasaki 238 Green Streak
Page 6
"The Kawasaki factory will provide complete modification specifications to anyone who requests them"  I wonder if they still do that?
Kawasaki 238 Green Streak
Page 1
Kawasaki 238 Green Streak was designed for the smoother scramble tracks
Kawasaki 238 Green Streak
Page 3
The Kawasaki rotary valve engine is a staple of the Kawasaki lineup
Kawasaki 238 Green Streak
Page 5
With a purchase price of $895 the price for admission is low
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  • Current Sponsors