K2 1983-84

Model Details

Frame No from: KH125K-000001 to 001600, engine No from: KH125DE 007501 to 011500, original colours: Galaxy Silver & Luminous Passion Red. 6v electrical system. Plain side panels without graphics, just KH-125 badges. K1 & K2 virtually identical and share the same frame number and engine number sequences.

There is little difference between the K1 and the K2 first seen in 1983, both have the same colour scheme, 'Galaxy Silver' and 'Luminous Passion Red', both are listed with the same engine and frame number range.

There is a difference in the front braking system with changes to the calliper and the front master cylinder (the K1 version master cylinder is more rectangular compared with the squarer K2 version; both pads on the K1 look similar while the pads on the K2 are of two different shapes). Both versions of the first of the 'K' series had an enclosed chain guard.

Again Kawasaki, in their brochure for the K2 entitled,"KH125 - The Reliable And Cost-Concious Commuter With Style", market the bike to people needing cheap transport to get them to work.. "This popular and reliable commuter has long been a favourite with those who are looking for reliable and economical transportation". While this may be true, the claim that the K2's headlight is 'powerful' is a bit of a lie, as the 6 volt system was poor even when new. 

Not too much marketing bumf on the rear of the K2 brochure compared to the K1, just the usual features are highlighted like the decent instruments, disc valve rotary engine, hydraulic disc brake, 5 way adjustable shocks and a fully enclosed chain guard for the commuter who doesn't want to get dirty or have to maintain the chain too often. Kawasaki seem to have ditched the 'peppy and fun' element found in their 'A series' marketing and have gone wholesale for a cost effective commuter.

Additionally both the K1 & K2 brochure images have silver backgrounds to the Kawasaki badges on the engine case but in the UK they all appear to be black badges like the rest of the K series.

Some of the pictures at the foot of this page were taken from auction listings but that was a long time ago now. While the later versions of the 'K series' are still around to be bought, I've not seen a K1 or K2 in Galaxy Silver or Passion Red for quite sometime which probably means that they are becoming rarer by the year. Definitely a version that's worth hanging on to if you're lucky enough to have one tucked away in a garage or shed.