POINTER

250 Twin PA-T -1957

From Kamikazes to motorbikes

Pointer was a trademark used by Kirin, a member of the important Shin Meiwa Kogyo industrial group, which also owned Kawanishi Aircraft, builders of the Shiden ("George")

high-speed fighter - and feared Kamikaze airplane - of WWII.

Upside-Down Beginning

Like other aircraft firms, Shin Meiwa entered the motorcycle industry after WWII. Pointer's history began in 1947 with the "Ace-Pointer" - an odd little 56cc engine, mounted head downwards in a bicycle frame. The following year, it progressed to a 150cc side-valve fourstroke. An ohv version appeared in 1950. The firm's first 250 came in 1952- it was an ohv single (68x68mm) with a separate gearbox and right-hand selector pedal. It developed 11.7 hp at 5500 rpm, weighed 331lb and could reach 53 mph. Its ultimate 1958 version had an Earles fork, claimed 12 hp and 60 mph.

Two-Stroke Twin

But the time of the two-stroke nvin had come, and half-a-dozen Japanese marques launched similar 250s, starting in 1956 with Suzuki Colleda and Martin. Pointer followed their lead in 1957, along with Yamaha, DNB and IMC. As with the 125, the inspiration came from Germany. The Suzuki TP, Yamaha YD1 and Pointer (all copies of the Adler) even shared the same engine dimensions, though Pointer didn't copy Adler's left-hand kick-start on the selector shaft. Sadly, Pointer didn't enjoy the good fortune of Yamaha and Suzuki and closed down in 1959. The classic lines of the PA-T Pointer were based on a frame built up from tubes and pressed-steel.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 247cc (54x54mm) air-cooled twin cylinder; compression ratio 65:1

Power Rating: 15 hp @ 6000 rpm

Valves: two-stroke

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: 4-speed, chain final drive

Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm with twin spring/dampers (rear)

Brakes: drum (front & rear)

Wheels: 3.00x18 inch (front & rear)

Weight: 364lb

Maximum Speed: 68 mph

Unable to make its mind up over front suspension, Pointer compromised by fitting aluminum cowlings over the mudguard stays to give the impression of an Earles fork!