Market Segment:
High-performance off-road motocross motorcycles, designed for competitive racing and recreational riding.
Competitors 2005:
Honda CR125R/CR250R, Yamaha YZ125/YZ250, Suzuki RM125/RM250, KTM 125 SX/250 SX.
Performance Focus:
Lightweight chassis, powerful two-stroke engines, advanced suspension for motocross conditions.
Intended Use:
Motocross racing, off-road riding, track days.
Purpose:
To provide owners with the necessary information for safe and effective operation, routine maintenance, and basic care of their 2005 Kawasaki KX125 and KX250.
Primary Coverage:
Operation, maintenance, and basic care for 2005 Kawasaki KX125 and KX250 motocross motorcycles.
Secondary Coverage:
Safety precautions, rider responsibilities, general information, and basic troubleshooting.
Engine:
Operation, break-in procedures, lubrication, cooling (liquid-cooled), fuel system (carburetor), ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Operation, lubrication, clutch system, gear shifting.
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame, front suspension (telescopic forks), rear suspension (Uni-Trak system), wheels, tires, brakes (front and rear disc).
Electrical System:
Lighting (if applicable for specific regulations), ignition, basic electrical component identification.
Controls:
Handlebar controls, foot controls, throttle operation, clutch lever, brake levers.
Operation:
Pre-ride inspection, starting procedures, riding techniques, stopping procedures, parking.
Maintenance:
Regular checks, cleaning, chain adjustment, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug inspection, coolant level check, brake fluid check, oil checks.
Adjustments:
Carburetor adjustments (idle speed), clutch lever free play, throttle cable free play, brake lever free play, chain tension, suspension sag (basic guidance).
Troubleshooting:
Basic troubleshooting for common starting issues, running problems, and minor operational faults.
Storage:
Short-term and long-term storage recommendations, including fuel stabilization and battery care.
Depth:
Owner-level maintenance and operation. Does not cover detailed engine rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, or advanced chassis tuning.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder
Displacement:
124 cc (7.57 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
54.0 x 54.5 mm (2.13 x 2.15 in)
Compression Ratio:
9.2:1 (Typical)
Carburetion:
Keihin PWK38, single
Lubrication:
Pre-mix, 2-stroke engine oil
Power Output:
Approx. 39-40 HP (at crankshaft, estimated based on era)
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder
Displacement:
249 cc (15.2 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
66.4 x 72.0 mm (2.61 x 2.83 in)
Compression Ratio:
8.9:1 (Typical)
Carburetion:
Keihin PWK39, single
Lubrication:
Pre-mix, 2-stroke engine oil
Power Output:
Approx. 49-50 HP (at crankshaft, estimated based on era)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91.
Fuel Mixture Ratio:
Typically 32:1 or 40:1 (depending on oil type and manufacturer recommendation, consult manual for exact ratio).
Type:
6-speed, constant mesh, return shift
Type:
6-speed, constant mesh, return shift
Clutch:
Wet, multi-disc, manual operation
Length:
Approx. 2165 mm (85.2 in)
Width:
Approx. 815 mm (32.1 in)
Height:
Approx. 1245 mm (49.0 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1465 mm (57.7 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 330 mm (13.0 in)
Length:
Approx. 2170 mm (85.4 in)
Width:
Approx. 815 mm (32.1 in)
Height:
Approx. 1245 mm (49.0 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1470 mm (57.9 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 330 mm (13.0 in)
Dry Weight Kx125:
Approx. 92 kg (202.7 lbs)
Wet Weight Kx125:
Approx. 98 kg (216.0 lbs) (Estimate with fluids)
Dry Weight Kx250:
Approx. 97 kg (213.8 lbs)
Wet Weight Kx250:
Approx. 103 kg (227.1 lbs) (Estimate with fluids)
Cargo Capacity:
N/A (Motocross bike)
Safety Certification:
N/A (Off-road vehicle, not street legal by default)
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear for strong stopping power.
Throttle Control:
Self-closing throttle mechanism for safety.
Frame Construction:
Strong perimeter frame for stability and rider feedback.
Bodywork:
Designed for rider maneuverability and protection in off-road conditions.
Protective Gear:
Manual emphasizes the critical importance of wearing appropriate protective riding gear (helmet, goggles, jersey, pants, boots, gloves).
Infotainment System:
N/A (Motocross specific, no infotainment system).
Driver Assistance Systems:
N/A (Motocross specific, no electronic rider aids like ABS or traction control).
Connectivity Features:
N/A (Motocross specific, no connectivity features).
Kawasaki Integrated Power Valve Kips:
The KX models of this era featured KIPS (Kawasaki Integrated Power Valve System) to optimize power delivery across the RPM range.
Frame Material:
Aluminum perimeter frame.
Suspension Design:
Front: Upside-down cartridge fork. Rear: Uni-Trak with adjustable monoshock.
Service Intervals General
Pre Ride Checks:
Daily/Before Each Ride: Check tire pressure, chain tension, brake operation, fluid levels, controls, loose fasteners.
Air Filter:
Clean after every few rides or as needed, depending on riding conditions.
Chain Lubrication Tension:
Lubricate chain regularly, adjust tension as needed (check manual for specific free play).
Spark Plug:
Inspect and clean/replace at recommended intervals (e.g., every 10-20 hours of use, or as per manual).
Coolant Level:
Check regularly, especially before extended rides.
Engine Oil Type:
High-quality 2-stroke pre-mix oil (specific recommendations in manual, e.g., JASO FD or API TC rated).
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 10W-30 API SG or SH transmission oil (specific recommendations in manual).
Coolant Type:
Permanent type antifreeze coolant mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio recommended).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, piston rings, air filter, chain and sprockets, brake pads, wheel bearings, suspension seals.
Engine Performance Degradation:
Can occur with excessive wear on piston/rings or poor lubrication. Regular maintenance is key.
Suspension Maintenance:
Requires regular fork seal and oil changes for optimal performance.
Kawasaki Motorsports:
Kawasaki has a long and successful history in motorcycle racing, particularly in motocross and supercross.
Kx125 Development:
The KX125 lineage evolved significantly through the late 90s and early 2000s, focusing on chassis dynamics and engine performance improvements.
Kx250 Development:
The KX250 also underwent continuous development, with the 2005 model representing a refined version of a highly competitive platform.
Production Period:
The KX125 and KX250 were produced for many years, with the 2005 model being part of the second generation of the aluminum-frame era (introduced in 2003).