Right, so about that Kawasaki 250s. It wasn’t exactly planned, you know? Things were a bit tight money-wise after I switched jobs, left that whole corporate mess behind me. Needed wheels, something cheap to run, maybe something to tinker with to keep my mind off things. Found this old Kawa 250s, looked like it had seen better decades, not just years. Guy practically gave it away.
Getting Started
First thing, dragged it into my garage. Just looking at it, you could tell it needed work. Lots of work. Didn’t even try to start it. Knew it would be pointless. So, I just started taking things apart. That’s always the best way to get to know a machine, right? Pulling off the plastics, seat, tank. Everything was coated in this layer of grime and maybe old oil. Spent a whole weekend just cleaning parts. Used up nearly a whole can of degreaser.
The engine looked okay from the outside, but who knows what’s happening inside? Decided to check the basics first.
- Pulled the spark plug. Looked fouled. Ordered a new one.
- Checked the oil. Dark and sludgy. Drained that muck out.
- Air filter? Crumbling in my hands. Added that to the shopping list.
- Battery was completely dead. No surprise there.
The Annoying Bits
Man, some bolts were just seized solid. Spent hours wrestling with one on the exhaust. Tried heat, penetrating oil, everything. Finally had to drill the sucker out. Always happens, doesn’t it? The simplest things turn into the biggest headaches. Then there was the carb. Took it off, opened it up, and it was just gummed up something awful. Looked like someone had left old gas in there for years. Had to soak the jets overnight and meticulously clean every tiny passage with a wire. Fiddly work, makes your eyes go funny.
Waiting for parts was another thing. You order something online, think it’ll be here in two days, ends up taking a week. Stuck waiting for a simple gasket or a cable. Frustrating when you’re itching to get on with it.
Putting It Back Together
Once the new bits arrived, things started moving faster. New oil, new plug, clean carb back on, fresh gas in the tank (after rinsing it out). Hooked up a new battery. Stood back and looked at it. Still looked rough around the edges, but felt like progress. Huge progress, actually.
Moment of truth time. Turned the key, hit the starter. It cranked… and cranked… nothing. Checked the fuel line, checked the spark again. Gave it another go. A splutter! Then another. Fiddled with the choke, gave it a tiny bit of throttle, and VROOM! It actually fired up! Smoked a bit, sounded rough as guts, but it was running. That sound, after all that work, was just brilliant. Let it warm up, adjusted the idle screw a bit. Sounded happier.
First Ride
Didn’t go far. Just up and down my street. Brakes felt a bit spongy, suspension was soft, but it pulled okay. Felt good, you know? Bringing something back to life with your own hands. It’s not a show bike, never will be. Still needs tyres, probably chain and sprockets soon. But it runs. It gets me around. And it didn’t cost the earth.
It’s funny, I got this bike because I needed something cheap, but working on it, figuring things out, getting my hands dirty… it actually helped clear my head more than anything. Sometimes a simple, honest machine is all you need.
