The vintage dirtbike influence is growing in the custom scene. Street trackers (like those from Mule Motorcycles) are getting more attention, along with iconic machines from luminaries such as Ron Wood. The vintage motocross scene is booming. And even regular café racers are sporting dirt-track Dunlop K180 rubber to get the vintage look. The mainstream manufacturers are a little behind on this—with the exception of Triumph and its Scrambler—but in Japan, Kawasaki has a success story on its hands with the 250TR. The early 1970s trail bike influence is clear, from the choice of fenders and tires to the crossbar on the handlebars. And it works strangely well, with just the right amount of chrome, and retro-style turn signals and lighting. It’s a simple and lightweight bike, with an air-cooled, fuel-injected thumper and a kicked-up, blacked-out exhaust that could have come straight out of the SuperTrapp catalog. The good news is that the 2011 model 250TR sells for the equivalent of just US$4,400 including taxes, which sounds like a bargain to me. The bad news is that it’s reserved for Japan and the other Asian markets. As a side note, the Japanese have always been more aware of how a rider looks on a bike: check the bottom image in the gallery below. It’s designed to show the stance of the 250TR with a 173cm (5’8”) rider on board. [Via Bike Bros.]
PS: Check the Bike EXIF YouTube channel to see a brand new video of the Falcon Kestrel being tested in the desert.
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19 Comments
I want one.
Wow it looks just like a motorcycle should. No plastic Banana, No stupid high stance, just a nice simple Enduro, like many of us grew up on. This is what the Buell Blast should have been.
Really nice. First thing that went through my head though was this – http://www.supermotojunkie.com/showthread.php?t=49979
Good looking bike, and surprise, surprise: It looks good with a rider on it as well! Personally, I’d like to see pics similar to the last one as a requirement to get on Exif, but that’s wishful thinking.
If only they made a 500cc model for the states, I’d buy one in a heart beet!
Looks a lot like the 1969 Kawasaki 250 Sidewinder. Those were the days!
I think the Royal Enfield Woodsman fills the same niche and for about the same money. Japanese dealer support would be easier to live with though.
I second Hiwatt Scott’s comment on getting more pics with riders.
Nice looking bike. I like the retro influence: it’s hard to find brand new bikes with that sort of style. Though this particular model is just begging for someone to chop off that whale of a rear fender.
@ John Whittet:
I think a lower-profile tail light would probably do the trick and maintain the front/rear symmetry. Just putting my thumb over that huge light really lightens the appearance without detracting from the retro dirtbikeness.
I reckon this old school scrambler would be a joy to ride.. Nice one!
Hello, Dues Ex Machina? i think we may have found a great platform for your next custom!
Wow! Kawa, please please bring them to Germany!
How about the Yamaha XT250, 2008 and 1981 versions? Not close enough?
What a beauty! Never seen such bike in Europe.
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The latest XT250 looks like a regular dual-sport/enduro to my eyes. Great fun, no doubt, but not retro in any way.
Of course you can’t get them here, …that would be too much like the right thing, besides it doesn’t look like Japanese superbike with odd sharp angled plastic panels everywhere and a loud paint job similar to those on jetskis.
Apparently all bikes must meet this description inorder to sell here in US.
SUCKS!!!
Missed this the other day, what potential for a fun small sized bike.
Change to a high enduro style pipe and tidy up the rear lights. Throw on a small rack and you would have a great city commuter bike, sure beats a boring plastic covered scooter!
I love these little bikes – perfect for customising – here’s a couple I found in a Greek bike magazine 2 years back, that are neat as a pin:
http://smallsuncustom.blogspot.com/2009/01/more-trs-cafe-enduro.html