🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kawasaki

Model:

KMX125

Model Nickname:

KMX 125

Type:

Dual-Purpose Motorcycle

Engine Type:

Off-road / Dual-Sport

Chassis Codes:

A1, A2

Engine Codes:

KL125AE (may vary slightly by year/region)

👋 Introduction

Category:

Lightweight dual-sport motorcycle, popular for trail riding, off-road use, and light street commuting.

Target Audience:

Young riders, off-road enthusiasts, and those seeking an economical and versatile small-displacement motorcycle.

Competitors:

Honda CR125R (off-road), Yamaha DT125, Suzuki RM125 (off-road variants), and other 125cc dual-purpose/off-road bikes of the era.

Off Road Capability:

Long-travel suspension, knobby tires, high ground clearance, and agile chassis designed for off-road terrain.

Street Legality:

Equipped with lights, horn, and mirrors for street use, making it a true dual-purpose machine.

Engine Character:

Known for its punchy two-stroke powerband, offering exciting performance for its displacement.

Value Proposition:

Essential for owners and mechanics to maintain, diagnose, and repair the KMX125, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990

Region Coverage:

Global (primary focus on typical specifications for these model years)

Total Pages:

199

Type:

Workshop Service Manual

Purpose:

Primary use for mechanical technicians and qualified mechanics

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Full engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, and troubleshooting (including top-end, bottom-end, cooling, lubrication).

Transmission:

Gearbox inspection, disassembly, assembly, clutch service, and adjustment procedures.

Fuel System:

Carburetor (likely Keihin PWK series for this era) disassembly, cleaning, tuning, and fuel tank/petcock maintenance.

Electrical System:

Ignition system (CDI, coil, spark plug), lighting, charging system (alternator, battery), and wiring diagrams.

Cooling System:

Liquid cooling system maintenance, radiator, thermostat, and coolant fluid specifications.

Suspension:

Front fork (telescopic) service, seal replacement, oil levels, and rear shock absorber inspection and adjustment.

Brakes:

Front disc brake and rear drum brake service, hydraulic system bleeding, pad/shoe replacement, and adjustment.

Frame And Bodywork:

Chassis inspection, seat, fenders, fuel tank removal/installation, and general body panel maintenance.

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel bearing service, spoke tensioning, tire replacement, and recommended tire pressures.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, spark plug checks, and carburetor cleaning.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts and procedures for common starting, running, and electrical issues.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, replacement, and reassembly for all major systems.

Tuning And Adjustment:

Carburetor jetting, ignition timing checks (where applicable), suspension setup, and chain/brake adjustments.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive (covering from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and electrical diagnostics).

Diagnostic Capability:

Includes detailed troubleshooting flowcharts and symptom-based problem diagnosis.

Special Tools:

Likely specifies necessary special tools for specific procedures, such as clutch holding tools or specialized pullers.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically PDF manuals are text-searchable, allowing quick access to specific terms.

Quality:

Digital (printable quality is dependent on the source scan/creation, generally high for service manuals).

Binding:

N/A (Digital download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, single-cylinder

Displacement:

124 cc (approximate, often cited as 123.6 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

56.0 x 50.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

7.1:1 (typical for this era, may vary slightly)

Power Output:

Approx. 16-18 hp (at crank, depending on region and tuning)

Torque:

Approx. 1.3 kgf-m / 12.7 Nm (at 7,500 rpm, approximate)

Top Speed:

Approx. 100-115 km/h (62-71 mph), rider and conditions dependent

Carburetor:

Keihin PWK30 (typical, single downdraft carburetor)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (minimum 91 octane recommended)

Fuel Capacity:

9.5 Liters (including reserve)

System:

Kawasaki K-ASE (Kawasaki Automatic Super-lube Engine) oil injection system

Oil Type:

2-stroke engine oil (API TC, JASO FD or higher)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed, constant mesh

Clutch:

Wet, multiple disc

Gear Ratios:

1st: 2.500 (30/12), 2nd: 1.875 (30/16), 3rd: 1.400 (28/20), 4th: 1.136 (25/22), 5th: 0.958 (23/24), 6th: 0.833 (20/24)

Final Drive:

Chain drive

Transmission Oil:

API GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 80W gear oil

Transmission Oil Capacity:

Approx. 0.8 Liters

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2080 mm

Width:

Approx. 815 mm

Height:

Approx. 1160 mm

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1425 mm

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 270 mm

Seat Height:

Approx. 840 mm

Dry Weight:

Approx. 109 kg

Wet Weight:

Approx. 116 kg (fully fueled, ready to ride)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically specified for motorcycles in this class, but rider + cargo limit exists.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

N/A (Motorcycles are not subject to the same crash testing standards as cars).

Braking System:

Front: Disc brake, Rear: Drum brake (basic but effective for its class).

Lighting:

Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals (essential for street legality).

Frame Construction:

Steel double-cradle frame for rigidity and durability.

Ergonomics:

Designed for an upright riding position, aiding rider control off-road.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A (Basic motorcycle, no electronic infotainment systems).

Assistance Systems:

N/A (No electronic driver assistance features).

Connectivity Features:

N/A

Ignition System:

CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) system for reliable spark.

Cooling Type:

Liquid cooling system for improved temperature regulation and consistent performance.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first (transmission oil).

Air Filter Cleaning:

Every 1,000 km or as needed based on conditions.

Spark Plug Check:

Every 1,000 km. Replacement as needed.

Chain Maintenance:

Lubricate and adjust chain tension every 500 km or as needed.

Brake Fluid Check:

Check and top-up as needed. Flush and replace every 2 years.

Engine Oil:

Kawasaki K-ASE 2-stroke oil (or equivalent JASO FD/API TC rated oil).

Transmission Oil:

SAE 80W API GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil.

Coolant:

Permanent type antifreeze (ethylene glycol based) mixed with distilled water at a 50:50 ratio.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Valve Sticking:

Common on high-mileage two-strokes, requiring cleaning and lubrication of the power valve mechanism.

Carburetor Fouling:

Can occur due to improper fuel/oil mixture or infrequent use, requiring thorough cleaning.

Suspension Leaks:

Fork seals and rear shock seals can degrade over time, leading to oil leaks.

Electrical Connections:

Corrosion on electrical connectors can lead to intermittent issues, requiring cleaning and dielectric grease.

Genuine Parts:

May be limited for older models, but many aftermarket parts are available.

📚 Vehicle History

Kawasaki Legacy:

Kawasaki has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for performance and innovation, particularly in the off-road and sportbike segments.

Kmx Lineage:

The KMX series was Kawasaki's entry into the competitive 125cc dual-purpose market, offering a blend of off-road prowess and on-road usability, evolving from earlier models like the KE125 and G5.

Manufacturing Period:

The KMX125 was produced through the late 1980s and early 1990s, with significant updates during its run.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorcycle Awards:

While specific awards for the KMX125 are not widely publicized, it was a well-regarded and popular model in its segment during its production run, known for its spirited performance and versatility.

Owner Satisfaction:

Generally positive among enthusiasts for its fun factor and off-road capability, despite its age.

Emissions Certification:

Met the emissions standards of its time for its respective markets.