The manic 10hp 6-speed Kawasaki AR80 weighed little more than the AR50 yet produced 40% more power. A great little machine, but without a market, other than the one or two European countries, Spain being one, that had licensing laws favourable to the 80cc capacity.
Like it’s smaller brother this machine was a reed valve 2-stroke also with a 6-speed gearbox, and was able to perform at least as well, or better than most 125cc machines of that time. The 125's gave less than 12bhp but weighed half as much again as the lightweight AR80.
Many tuning parts were available for these machines in the 1980’s, big bore conversions and even water-cooling!
As with most of Kawasaki’s two-stroke production, quality was high, and classic values for these less common models is going upwards, making profitable restoration a reality.
The Kawasaki AR80 was an 80cc 2-stroke, sports bike manufactured from 1980 through 1981. It was the slightly larger brother of the Kawasaki AR50, and had a mini fairing, uni-trak rear suspension, front disc brake, rear drum brake, and cast wheels.
Technical information;
Manufacturer - Kawasaki
Model - AR80
Engine - 78cc, single, 2-stroke, air-cooled
Transmission - 6-speed gearbox, chain driven.
Top speed - 60.4 mph
Power - 10 bhp @ 8,000 rpm
Spark plugs - BP7ES
Brakes - Front; 210mm disc
- Rear; drum
Wheels - 5 spoke cast-alloy, 18” wheels
Weight - 78 kg
Wheelbase - 1205 mm, 47.4”
Suspension - Front; oil-damped forks
- Rear; single shock with pre-load adjustment