Market Position:
Entry-level motocross competition and recreational off-road riding
Competitive Analysis:
Competes directly with other 65cc class motocross bikes from manufacturers like KTM, Yamaha, and Suzuki.
Key Features:
Compact and lightweight chassis, potent two-stroke engine, adjustable suspension, designed for young riders transitioning into competitive racing.
Target Audience:
Young riders aged 6-12 years old competing in motocross or trail riding.
Coverage Years:
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Manual Type:
Service Repair Manual
Systems Covered:
General Information, Periodic Maintenance, Tune-up Procedures, Engine, Fuel and Lubrication System, Electrical System, Chassis, Servicing Information
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures, including piston, rings, cylinder, crankcase, crankshaft, and cooling system.
Fuel System Service:
Detailed instructions for carburetor cleaning, jetting, float adjustment, and fuel line maintenance.
Lubrication System Service:
Information on transmission oil specifications, capacity, and change intervals.
Electrical System Diagnosis:
Wiring diagrams, ignition system troubleshooting, lighting (if applicable), battery maintenance, and component testing.
Chassis Components:
Front forks (telescopic, cartridge type), rear shock absorber (monoshock), steering system, bearings, and linkages.
Procedures Included:
Maintenance, Servicing, Diagnosis, Repair, Tune-ups, Troubleshooting
Periodic Maintenance Schedule:
Recommended service intervals for various components based on mileage or operating hours.
Tune Up Procedures:
Steps for optimizing engine performance, including spark plug gap, carburetor adjustments, and air filter service.
Troubleshooting Guide:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common operational issues.
Brake System Overhaul:
Front and rear brake caliper service, master cylinder maintenance, bleeding procedures, and pad replacement.
Wheel And Tire Service:
Tire pressure recommendations, wheel bearing inspection, spoke tensioning (if applicable), and rim maintenance.
Technical Depth:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for professional technicians
Diagnostic Codes:
While specific OBD-II style codes are not applicable, the manual provides diagnostic procedures for electrical faults.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners throughout the motorcycle.
Special Tools:
Lists and descriptions of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical system diagrams for easy diagnosis and repair.
Exploded Diagrams:
Detailed exploded views of all major components, illustrating part relationships and assembly order.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, single-cylinder
Displacement:
64 cm³ (3.9 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
44.0 x 41.6 mm (1.73 x 1.64 in)
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Horsepower:
Approximately 15.6 hp @ 12,000 rpm (varies by year and tuning)
Torque:
Approximately 5.5 lb-ft @ 11,000 rpm (varies by year and tuning)
Power Delivery:
Peaky, high-revving powerband characteristic of a competitive 65cc two-stroke engine.
Carburetor:
Mikuni VM20SS
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline with 2-stroke oil premix (typically 50:1 ratio)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
3.5 L (0.92 US gal)
Lubrication Type:
Pre-mix
Oil Change Interval:
Transmission oil inspection and change based on operating hours, as detailed in the manual.
Spark Plug Replacement:
As recommended by the manual, typically based on riding hours or performance degradation.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Frequent cleaning and replacement recommended, especially in dusty conditions.
Top End Rebuild:
Recommended based on operating hours (e.g., 20-40 hours depending on usage and tuning) for optimal performance and longevity.
Transmission Oil Type:
Specific motorcycle transmission oil with appropriate viscosity (e.g., SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher, as specified in the manual).
Coolant Type:
Permanent type antifreeze/coolant (ethylene glycol-based) with distilled water, typically a 50/50 mix.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid recommended for both front and rear hydraulic brakes.
Known Issues:
Typical issues for small displacement two-stroke motocross bikes can include clutch wear, carburetor jetting sensitivity to altitude/temperature, and the need for frequent top-end maintenance. Specific common issues and solutions are detailed within the manual.
Brand Heritage:
Kawasaki has a long and successful history in motorcycle racing, particularly in motocross, with numerous championships and innovative designs.
Model Evolution:
The KX65 has been a staple in the 65cc class for many years, consistently refined for performance and rider usability. Key updates throughout its lifespan focused on suspension, engine tuning, and chassis improvements.
Production Period:
2000 - Present (Manual covers 2000-2011 models)
Manufacturing Location:
Likely manufactured in Japan, though assembly locations may vary by market.