Greetings,
Before the new model year brochures are ready, Kawasaki would often send out preliminary images--sometimes they sent pre-lim versions of the brochures--sometimes just photos. Often the brochures for all-new (or highly revised) models were the last to be ready. Also, this was normally in the fall when the bikes themselves are not at the dealer yet either. Honestly, the exact reason/original purpose of these photos is lost to time--for me at least. A quick caption is under each photo. Unfortunately there are just 14 of the 35 1980 models. Photos measure 5" x 7".
Above: 1980 KX250-A6, two-stroke, motocross, first year for Uni-Trak rear suspension.
Above: 1980 KX420-A1, two-stroke, motocross, first of a two-year run for this displacement. Speaking of 420... some smoke sounds pretty good right now--2-stroke smoke that is--it's been too long. In 1983 the KX500 would roll out as the big MXer.
Above: 1980 KDX250-A1, two-stroke, enduro (off-road only), only year for the "A" model, twin shock rear suspension--the following year's "B" model added Uni-Trak.
Above: 1980 KLX250-A2, four-stroke, enduro (off-road only), the second and final year for this model until the much revised varieties of the 1990s.
Above: 1980 KZ750-H1, four-cylinder, rated at 74hp, LTD styling, somewhat unique two-piece seat, a twin-cylinder LTD rated at 55hp was also introduced that year--the KZ750-G1 which lasted one year.
Above: 1980 KZ750-E1, four-cylinder, rated at 74hp, classic UJMC styling, shown in Luminous Dark Red.
Above: 1980 KZ550-C1, four-cylinder, rated at 53hp, LTD styling, shown in Luminous Dark Red.
Above: 1980 KZ440-B1, twin-cylinder, rated at 40hp, "Inexpensive standard" model, spoke 18" wheels, front and rear drum brakes, shown in Firecracker Red. The "B" was offered for one more year before being replaced by the somewhat upgraded KZ440-G1 which had improved styling, front disc brake, and cast wheels.
Above: 1980 KZ440-A1, twin-cylinder, rated at 40hp, LTD styling, front disc brake, cast wheels--19" up front & 16" at the rear, chain drive, shown in Persimmon Red.
Above: 1980 KZ440-D1, twin-cylinder, rated at 40hp, LTD styling, front disc brake, cast wheels--19" up front & 16" at the rear, belt drive.
Above: 1980 KZ250-D1, single cylinder, rated at 19hp, LTD styling, spoke wheels, shown in Luminous Dark Blue. A single year / USA-only model.
Above: 1980 KE125-A7, single cylinder, two-stroke, rated at 13.5hp, dual-purpose (on/off-road), somewhat streamlined/tucked-in exhaust from the previous year, new box-section swing-arm for 1980, shown in Firecracker Red.
Above: 1980 KE175-D2, single cylinder, two-stroke, rated at 16hp, dual-purpose (on/off-road), new CDI ignition system, somewhat streamlined/tucked-in exhaust from the previous year, new box-section swing-arm for 1980, shown in Firecracker Red.
Above: 1980 KL250-A3, single cylinder, four-stroke, rated at 21hp, dual-purpose (on/off-road), new CDI ignition system, somewhat streamlined/tucked-in exhaust from the previous year, new box-section swing-arm for 1980, shown in Firecracker Red.
Ever wonder if all of those Kawasaki model prefixes had meanings? Here's a breakdown copied from the 1965~1991 model list (any added after 1991 not included).
Please ask questions or drop a comment below.
"...And that's all I have to say about that." F.G. (unless there are questions)
Thanks for looking. Gary / kawasaki-yama-zuki
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