Market Segment:
Off-road / Dirt Bike (Enduro/Trail)
Competitors:
Competed against models from Yamaha (e.g., YZ80, BW80), Honda (e.g., XR80/100), Suzuki (e.g., RM80), and other small-displacement dirt bikes of the era.
Target Audience:
Young riders, beginners, trail riders, and recreational off-road enthusiasts.
Vehicle Type:
Lightweight, air-cooled, two-stroke powered off-road motorcycle.
Engine:
Detailed coverage of engine systems, including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair.
Transmission:
Coverage of transmission components, operation, maintenance, and repair procedures.
Fuel System:
Includes carburetor adjustments, cleaning, and repair, along with fuel tank and line servicing.
Ignition System:
Details on ignition timing, spark plug specifications, and component testing.
Cooling System:
Information regarding the liquid cooling system, including radiator, hoses, and coolant specifications.
Exhaust System:
Procedures for servicing the exhaust components.
Suspension:
Detailed instructions for front fork and rear shock absorber maintenance, adjustment, and rebuild.
Brakes:
Coverage of brake system operation, maintenance, including pad replacement and fluid servicing for both front and rear brakes.
Wheels And Tires:
Information on tire pressure, wheel removal, and spoke tensioning.
Electrical System:
Includes wiring diagrams, lighting system maintenance, battery servicing, and troubleshooting for electrical components.
Frame And Bodywork:
Procedures for frame inspection, fairing removal/installation, and seat servicing.
Controls:
Details on throttle, clutch, and brake lever adjustments, as well as pedal operation.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures, service intervals, and checks.
Troubleshooting:
Extensive troubleshooting guides for common issues and diagnostic procedures.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle components.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Detailed procedures for dismantling and reassembling all vehicle systems and components.
Adjustments:
Specific instructions for making adjustments to various systems, including carburetor, brakes, and controls.
Installation And Removal:
Guidance on removing and installing parts and components.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
Detail Level:
Step-by-step procedures with pictorial diagrams, exploded views, and detailed explanations.
Special Tools:
References and illustrations for special service tools required for specific operations.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 2-stroke, single-cylinder
Displacement:
79cc (exact specification may vary slightly)
Bore X Stroke:
Typically around 48.0 x 44.0 mm (confirmation required in manual)
Compression Ratio:
Specifications would be detailed in the manual, likely in the 7.0:1 to 7.5:1 range.
Horsepower:
Estimated around 9-10 HP at peak RPM (specific figure in manual).
Torque:
Torque figures would be provided in the manual, crucial for low-end grunt.
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (likely a Mikuni VM series, specific model in manual)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline with appropriate two-stroke oil mix.
Oil Mixture Ratio:
Likely 20:1 or 32:1 (confirm with manual for specific oil type and ratio).
Engine Oil Type:
Specific two-stroke oil recommended in the manual.
Spark Plug Type:
Details to be found in the manual (e.g., NGK BR8ES or similar).
Ignition Timing:
Static and dynamic timing specifications provided in the manual.
Length:
Approx. 1750 mm (68.9 in) (exact in manual)
Width:
Approx. 760 mm (29.9 in) (exact in manual)
Height:
Approx. 1030 mm (40.6 in) (exact in manual)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1210 mm (47.6 in) (exact in manual)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 75 kg (165 lbs) (exact in manual)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not typically specified for this class of dirt bike, but implied by chassis strength.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 5.0 Liters (1.3 US gal) (exact in manual)
Safety Ratings:
Not applicable for this type of vehicle in standard automotive safety rating systems. Safety depends on rider skill and adherence to manual procedures.
Active Safety Features:
Effective braking systems, responsive steering, and appropriate suspension setup for off-road conditions.
Passive Safety Features:
Sturdy frame construction, protective bodywork (limited), and emphasis on proper maintenance for reliable operation.
Oil Change Interval:
Detailed schedule in manual; typically after initial break-in period and periodically thereafter for gear oil and pre-mix.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Regular cleaning recommended, frequency dependent on riding conditions (details in manual).
Spark Plug Maintenance:
Inspection and potential replacement intervals specified in manual.
Chain Lubrication And Adjustment:
Regular lubrication and tension adjustment are critical for longevity and performance (procedures in manual).
Transmission Oil Type:
Specific API GL-4 gear oil or equivalent (exact specification in manual).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (specific type and capacity in manual).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (confirm specific requirement in manual).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake pads, sprockets, chain, fork seals, and piston rings are common wear items on off-road motorcycles of this age.
Carburetor Issues:
Can experience gumming or clogging if fuel is left in the system for extended periods; regular cleaning and proper fuel storage are key.
Engine Performance:
Two-stroke engines require proper maintenance of the power valve (if equipped) and exhaust for optimal performance. Overheating can be an issue if cooling system is neglected.
Kawasaki Heritage:
Kawasaki has a long and successful history in motorcycle manufacturing, particularly in off-road and performance segments.
Kdx Series Evolution:
The KDX series has a lineage of successful off-road motorcycles, known for their performance and durability. The KDX80 was a popular entry-level model in this line.
Production Period:
The KDX80 was produced for several years, with the 1988-1990 models being covered by this manual. Production likely extended beyond these years.
Manufacturing Location:
Kawasaki motorcycles are primarily manufactured in Japan, with potential for other global production facilities.
