It is always difficult to build a trail
bike that reaches a suitable compro-
mise between the ruggedness of a dirt
machine and the smooth reliability of
a street bike used for daily transpor-
tation. If your riding requirements fall
in both of these categories take a good
look at the Kawasaki 125 Enduro.
As a trail bike the 125E is durable
and it is manageable in all but the
most demanding dirt riding situations.
Out on the street the Kawasaki is
perky enough to stay ahead of
most four wheeled traffic and it comes
with a full complement of lights and
instruments to make street riding safe
and convenient.
Remember, the machine is a com-
promise. It is not a highway burner
nor does it handle like a motocrosser
in the dirt. However, its forte is ver-
satility and it is functional in both
applications.
Not only is the Enduro functional
but its tasteful low-key styling is quite
attractive. The gas tank, fenders and
oil tank are finished in a burnt orange
color with spiffy stick-on color panels <
and pin stripes. Chrome glistens on the
fork sliders and the whole front end ;
tmmnrvfic U/rvDl F» / r>-1 m-r.
looks very tidy with twin instrument
faces and a compact headlight shell.
Detracting from the clean appearance
is the maze of cables and wires that
are strung from various control levers
and instruments.
Although it is intended for only one
person, the seat is well rounded, cush-
ioned on the sides, comfortable and eye
pleasing as well. No passenger foot pegs
are provided but there are mounting
lugs for them on the swing arm and
two skinny friends could pack double.
Behind the seat a sturdy chrome lug-
lage rack is mounted to the frame. For
camping gear or school books the rack’s
many bars and tie-downs are as handy
as an extra hand and, somehow, Kawa-
saki has managed to make it look good
too.
Following the example of some suc-
cessful racing machines, the frame uses
twin down tubes to cradle the engine
and two more tubes under the tank
to brace the frame head. The swing arm
pivot is rigidly braced between gussets
on the frame cradle tubes behind the
engine. Although probably a bit heavy,
the frame appears to be as strong as
a bridge. All the welds are skillfully...