Model Years Covered:
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Segment:
Youth Motocross / Off-Road Competition
Key Competitors:
KTM 85 SX, Yamaha YZ85, Suzuki RM85, Honda CR85R
Kawasaki Kx85 Attributes:
Lightweight chassis, powerful two-stroke engine, adjustable suspension, strong racing heritage
Kawasaki Kx100 Attributes:
Larger displacement for increased power, longer wheelbase for stability, suitable for larger youth riders or smaller adults
Manual Value:
Essential for owners and mechanics to maintain optimal performance, diagnose issues, and perform repairs effectively, saving significant costs on professional labor.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete (disassembly, inspection, reassembly)
Transmission Service:
Complete (gearbox disassembly, clutch service, inspection)
Chassis And Suspension:
Complete (forks, shock absorber, steering, linkages)
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, ignition system, lighting, controls
Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning and disassembly, fuel tank and lines
Brake System:
Hydraulic disc brake maintenance and repair
Cooling System:
Radiator, hoses, water pump (where applicable, though typically air-cooled for these models)
Bodywork And Plastics:
Fairing removal, seat, handlebars, footpegs
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Two-stroke single cylinder, reed valve induction, specific details for 85cc and 100cc variants
Transmission:
6-speed sequential gearbox, clutch system (wet multi-plate)
Suspension Front:
Inverted cartridge fork, adjustable preload, compression, and rebound damping (specifics vary by model year and trim)
Suspension Rear:
Monoshock with adjustable preload, compression, and rebound damping (Uni-Trak system)
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear
Fuel Delivery:
Mikuni VM Series Carburetor (specific sizes for each model/year)
Ignition:
Digital CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Exhaust:
Expansion chamber and silencer assembly
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes (premix ratio), spark plug inspection/replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, chain adjustment, brake checks
Engine Rebuild:
Top-end rebuild (piston, rings, cylinder, head), bottom-end rebuild (crankshaft, bearings, seals), power valve service
Transmission Repair:
Gearbox disassembly, clutch inspection and replacement, transmission bearing replacement
Suspension Overhaul:
Fork seal replacement, oil level/weight specification, shock absorber service, linkage bearing maintenance
Carburetor Tuning:
Jetting recommendations for altitude and conditions, idle speed adjustment, mixture screw settings
Brake Maintenance:
Pad replacement, fluid bleeding, caliper service
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagram interpretation, ignition system diagnosis, component testing
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications and tolerances.
Engine Type Kx85:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, single-cylinder
Bore Stroke Kx85:
48.5 x 45.8 mm
Engine Type Kx100:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, single-cylinder
Bore Stroke Kx100:
52.5 x 45.8 mm
Displacement Kx100:
99 cc
Power Valve System:
Kawasaki Integrated Power Valve System (KIPS)
Horsepower Kx85 Approx:
20-25 HP (peak, varies by year and tuning)
Horsepower Kx100 Approx:
25-30 HP (peak, varies by year and tuning)
Carburetor Model:
Mikuni VM24
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline with 2-stroke oil pre-mix
Premix Ratio:
50:1 (typical, verify in manual)
Safety Standards:
N/A (Competition Off-Road Vehicle)
Braking System:
Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping power
Handlebar Design:
Tapered handlebars with durable grips for control
Footpegs:
Wide, serrated footpegs for secure footing
Infotainment Features:
N/A (Pure Performance Motocross Bike)
Driver Assistance Features:
N/A (Pure Performance Motocross Bike)
Connectivity Features:
N/A (Pure Performance Motocross Bike)
Kips System:
Kawasaki's KIPS (Kawasaki Integrated Power valve System) is crucial for optimizing the two-stroke engine's powerband across a wider RPM range, enhancing low-end torque and top-end power.
Oil Change Premix:
Every ride (mixing with fuel)
Spark Plug Inspection:
Every 10-20 hours of riding
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 5-10 hours of riding (depending on conditions)
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Every 5-10 hours of riding
Top End Rebuild:
Recommended every 40-60 hours of aggressive riding, or as per manual's specific wear limits.
Fork Oil Type Kx85:
Telescopic fork oil (e.g., Showa SS-03, 5W, verify in manual)
Shock Oil Type:
Shock absorber oil (specific viscosity as per manual)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Coolant Type:
Specific coolant for liquid-cooled models (verify in manual, though these are mostly air-cooled, some later models might be liquid-cooled).
Common Kx85 Issues:
Clutch wear, power valve sticking, carburetor jetting sensitivity to altitude/temperature, fork seal leaks, crank bearing wear.
Common Kx100 Issues:
Similar to KX85, with potential for increased stress on components due to higher power output. Carburetor tuning critical for optimal performance.
Kawasaki Legacy:
Kawasaki has a long and successful history in motocross and off-road racing, with the KX line being a dominant force for decades.
Kx Series Development:
The KX80/85 platform has been a cornerstone for junior motocross racing, evolving with technological advancements in engine performance, suspension, and chassis design.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Primary)
Motocross Championships:
The KX85 and its predecessors have been instrumental in numerous amateur and professional motocross championships worldwide, highlighting their competitive prowess.
Industry Reviews:
Consistently praised in industry reviews for its potent engine, capable suspension, and agile handling, making it a top choice for aspiring motocross racers.
Certifications:
N/A (Competition Off-Road Vehicle)
