Model:
KX125, KX250, KX500
Model Variant:
Motocross Competition Off-Road Motorcycles
Years Covered:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Manual Code:
Not specified, presumed aftermarket or OEM reproduction
Category:
High-performance off-road competition motorcycles.
Target Audience:
Motocross racers, off-road enthusiasts, and mechanics specializing in vintage/modern dirt bikes.
Rivals:
Yamaha YZ series, Honda CR series, Suzuki RM series.
Kx125 Focus:
Agile handling, strong low-to-mid range power, competitive in 125cc class.
Kx250 Focus:
Potent powerband, renowned chassis, versatility in 250cc class.
Kx500 Focus:
Legendary torque and raw power, dominant in open class and desert racing, known for durability.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Workshop Service and Repair for KX125, KX250, and KX500 models.
Secondary Coverage:
Includes routine maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, component overhaul, and specifications.
Estimated Pages:
Estimated 300-500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era).
Type:
Workshop Repair Manual / Service Manual
Format:
Likely digital (PDF) for sale; original may have been printed.
Engine:
Engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, tuning, carburetor adjustment, cooling system, lubrication.
Transmission:
Clutch system, gearbox (transmission) overhaul, shift drum and forks, lubrication.
Chassis:
Frame, sub-frame, swingarm, linkages, footpegs, mounts.
Suspension:
Front forks (upside-down and conventional depending on year/model), rear shock absorber, suspension linkage maintenance and seal replacement.
Brakes:
Front and rear hydraulic disc brake systems, caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, bleeding procedures.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, petcock, carburetor(s) (e.g., Keihin PWK or VM series), jetting specifications.
Electrical System:
Ignition system (CDI, stator, coil), lighting, wiring diagrams, battery maintenance (if applicable).
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe and silencer maintenance, packing replacement (for silencers).
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing service, spoke tightening, tire replacement, rim lock installation.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug checks, chain adjustment, air filter service.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, symptom-based fault finding.
Engine Rebuild:
Top-end rebuild (piston, rings, cylinder, head), bottom-end overhaul (crankshaft, bearings, seals).
Suspension Rebuild:
Fork seal replacement, fork oil changes, rear shock service.
Carburetor Rebuild:
Complete carburetor disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly with new seals and jets.
Brake System Service:
Brake pad replacement, caliper service, master cylinder rebuild, brake fluid flushing.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive wiring schematics for electrical troubleshooting.
Depth:
In-depth, comprehensive coverage suitable for professional mechanics and skilled DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications for all major systems.
Special Tools:
Lists and descriptions of special tools required for specific repair procedures.
Quality:
High-resolution scans or digitally created, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams. Searchable text is a common feature in modern digital versions.
Print Readability:
Designed for clear printing, with legible text and well-defined technical illustrations.
Binding:
N/A (if digital). Original printed manuals typically had spiral or perfect binding for lay-flat operation.
Paper Quality:
N/A (if digital). Original printed manuals often used durable, coated paper for workshop environments.
Kx125 Displacement:
124 cc
Kx125 Configuration:
1-cylinder, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, reed valve induction.
Kx250 Displacement:
249 cc
Kx250 Configuration:
1-cylinder, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, reed valve induction.
Kx500 Displacement:
499 cc
Kx500 Configuration:
1-cylinder, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, reed valve induction (early models may have had air-cooling, but manual covers liquid-cooled).
Kx125 Power:
Approx. 35-40 HP (varies by year and tuning).
Kx250 Power:
Approx. 45-50 HP (varies by year and tuning).
Kx500 Power:
Approx. 50-60+ HP (varies by year and tuning).
Carburetor Type:
Typically Keihin PWK or similar flat-slide carburetors (e.g., 35mm for 125/250, larger for 500).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline with 2-stroke oil pre-mix (specific ratio in manual, typically 32:1 or 40:1).
Type:
6-speed constant mesh sequential manual transmission.
Availability:
No optional transmissions; all models featured a 6-speed manual.
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated multi-plate wet clutch.
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios for each model and year are detailed within the manual.
Transmission Oil:
Specific gear oil type and capacity detailed in the manual (e.g., SAE 80 or 90 hypoid gear oil).
Engine Top End:
Piston/ring inspection and replacement typically every 20-50 hours of aggressive riding, depending on model and usage.
Oil Change:
Transmission oil change recommended every 10-15 hours of riding or annually.
Air Filter:
Cleaning and re-oiling of air filter required after every few rides, or more frequently in dusty conditions.
Coolant:
Mixture of distilled water and ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (specific mixture ratio and type in manual).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Kx125/250 Powerbands:
Can be finicky to set up; critical to maintain optimal jetting and a clean exhaust port.
Kx500 Vibration:
Significant vibration from the large single-cylinder engine can be a factor; engine mounts and balancing are key.
Common Wear Items:
Piston rings, clutch plates, brake pads, wheel bearings, suspension seals, kickstarter gears (especially on older KX500s).
Kawasaki Legacy:
Kawasaki has a long and successful history in motocross and off-road racing, consistently producing competitive machinery.
Kx Lineage:
The KX line has seen significant evolution from the mid-80s through the early 2000s, with major updates to suspension (USD forks becoming standard), engine performance, chassis geometry, and braking systems.
Kx500 Transition:
The KX500 was a dominant force, known for its brute power, but was eventually phased out in favor of 4-stroke technology.
Manufacturing:
Primarily manufactured in Japan by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
Motocross Wins:
The KX series, particularly the KX250 and KX500, has a storied history of wins in professional motocross and supercross championships across various eras.
Magazine Reviews:
Consistently received high marks from motorcycle publications for performance, handling, and competitiveness during their production years.
Emissions:
N/A (competition off-road motorcycles often exempt from strict emissions standards of street-legal vehicles).