Segment:
Performance Motocross Motorcycles
Target Use:
Competitive motocross racing and off-road recreational riding.
Competitors Era:
Suzuki RM series, Yamaha YZ series, Honda CR series (2-stroke).
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, single-cylinder
Suspension:
Advanced cartridge front forks and monoshock rear suspension for superior handling.
Performance Focus:
Designed for aggressive riding and competition, emphasizing power delivery and agility.
Cost Effectiveness:
Inexpensive way to keep the vehicle working properly, saving on professional labor costs.
Engine:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, troubleshooting, and specifications for both 125cc and 250cc variants.
Transmission:
Gearbox, clutch, and shifting mechanism maintenance, repair, and specifications.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front forks (including USD forks common in this era), rear shock absorber, linkage, frame, swingarm, and related components.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system service, including hydraulic components, caliper overhaul, and disc maintenance.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, ignition system, lighting, charging system, and troubleshooting for electrical faults.
Fuel System:
Carburetor disassembly, cleaning, adjustment, fuel tank, and fuel lines.
Cooling System:
Radiator, hoses, and coolant specifications (likely air-cooled, but verification with manual is key).
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe, silencer, and mounting.
Bodywork:
Plastics, seat, fenders, handlebars, and controls.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common performance issues, starting problems, and component failures.
Rebuilds:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete engine and component overhauls.
Adjustments:
Carburetor tuning, clutch adjustment, suspension settings.
Inspections:
Pre-ride inspections, periodic checks of critical components.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic adjustments to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
Target Audience:
Do-it-yourself enthusiasts and experienced professional mechanics.
Kx125 Displacement:
124 cc (approx.)
Kx250 Displacement:
249 cc (approx.)
Engine Configuration:
Single-cylinder, 2-stroke
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Induction System:
Reed valve, Carburetor (specific model/size likely detailed in manual)
Ignition System:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (e.g., Keihin PWK)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (likely with 2-stroke oil premix, or separate oil injection)
Features:
N/A (Motocross specific, no infotainment or connectivity features).
Features:
N/A (Motocross specific, no driver assistance features).
Engine Technology:
Power Valve System (KIPS on some models, though this manual covers both potentially).
Suspension Technology:
Upside-down (USD) front forks, fully adjustable rear shock absorbers, and linkage systems for advanced damping and adjustability.
Oil Change:
Refer to manual for specific intervals based on riding conditions (e.g., every 10-15 hours of hard use for transmission oil).
Air Filter:
Clean/inspect after every few rides, replace as needed.
Spark Plug:
Inspect and clean periodically, replace based on wear.
Chain Adjustment:
Check and adjust slack before every ride or as per manual recommendations.
Transmission Oil:
Kawasaki specifically recommends transmission oil (e.g., SAE 10W-40 API SE or SF). Manual will specify exact type and quantity.
Coolant:
High-quality ethylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water). Manual will specify type and capacity.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (verify with manual).
Carburetor Tuning:
Proper jetting and adjustment are critical for optimal performance and can be sensitive to altitude and temperature changes.
Suspension Seals:
Wear on fork and shock seals can lead to oil leaks and performance degradation over time, requiring periodic replacement.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch plates can wear with hard use, requiring adjustment or replacement.
Engine Top End:
Piston and rings wear are normal maintenance items for 2-stroke engines and require periodic replacement based on hours of use.
Kawasaki Motorsports:
Kawasaki has a long and storied history in motocross racing, with the KX line consistently being a competitive force.
Kx Line 1990S:
The early 1990s represented a significant period of development for Kawasaki's KX motocross bikes, with advancements in suspension and engine technology.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (typically for this era)