Market Segment:
High-performance off-road trike (ATV).
Competitors:
Primary competitors would have been other performance-oriented three-wheelers of the era, such as models from Honda (e.g., TRX series), Suzuki (e.g., LT series), and Yamaha (e.g., Tri-Z). The Tecate 3 was known for its potent two-stroke engine and sporty handling.
Vehicle Key Features:
Liquid-cooled two-stroke engine, advanced suspension for its time, sporty chassis design, and a focus on performance for aggressive riding and racing.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential factory-documented information for owners and mechanics to maintain, repair, and optimize the Kawasaki Tecate 3, ensuring longevity and peak performance.
Applicable Years:
1984, 1985, 1986 (also usable for 1987)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Interactivity:
Clickable chapters, searchable text
Printing Restrictions:
No restrictions (printable)
Saving Restrictions:
No restrictions (savable/burnable to disc)
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Electrical System, Fuel System, Cooling System, Bodywork, Wheels, Tires, Drive Train, Steering System
Procedures Included:
Complete teardown and rebuild, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, adjustments, repairs, installation, fluid changes, clutch service, carburetor tuning, suspension setup, brake bleeding, electrical system checks, engine tuning
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostics and repair procedures.
Special Sections:
Includes a section for converting 1984-1985 Tecate 3 models into a Jimmy White replica.
Engine Type:
Two-stroke, piston-reed valve induction
Bore X Stroke:
68.0 x 68.5 mm
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Horsepower:
Approx. 32-35 HP (estimated, varies by specific year and tuning)
Torque:
Refer to manual for specific torque specifications for engine components.
Carburetor:
Mikuni VM34SS (typically, specific model year may vary slightly)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline with two-stroke oil mixture (pre-mix)
Oil Type:
Two-stroke engine oil (refer to manual for specific API/JASO rating and viscosity recommendations, e.g., SAE 10W-30 or SAE 20W-40)
Ignition System:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Compression Ratio:
Refer to manual for specific compression ratio specifications.
Dry Weight:
Approx. 326 lbs (148 kg) - specific weight may vary slightly by model year.
Overall Length:
Refer to manual for exact dimensions.
Overall Width:
Refer to manual for exact dimensions.
Overall Height:
Refer to manual for exact dimensions.
Front Tire Size:
Typically 22 x 7-10 or similar, refer to manual for exact specifications.
Rear Tire Size:
Typically 22 x 10-8 or similar, refer to manual for exact specifications.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
Refer to manual for specific bolt pattern and offset details.
Rollover Protection:
Not applicable (three-wheel design inherently different from four-wheel ATVs or UTVs).
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear.
Suspension Front:
Independent, long-travel, adjustable (type varies by year, e.g., dual A-arms).
Suspension Rear:
Single shock absorber with linkage, adjustable (e.g., Uni-Trak system).
Infotainment System:
Not applicable. This vehicle is a performance-focused off-road machine from the 1980s and lacks modern infotainment features.
Driver Assistance Features:
Not applicable. No electronic driver assistance systems are featured on this model.
Lighting System:
Basic headlight and taillight for visibility and operation where regulations permit. Refer to manual for electrical schematics and bulb specifications.
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual for specific recommendations based on usage. Typically, transmission oil should be changed after initial break-in and then periodically (e.g., every 6-12 months or specific hours of operation).
Spark Plug Maintenance:
Regular inspection and cleaning/replacement as per manual recommendations, especially critical for two-stroke performance.
Air Filter Maintenance:
Frequent cleaning and re-oiling (if applicable) is crucial for engine longevity, especially in dusty off-road conditions.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio recommended). Refer to manual for specific type and capacity.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (confirm specific requirement in manual).
Common Problems:
Carburetor tuning sensitivity, potential for overheating if cooling system is not maintained, wear and tear on suspension components due to off-road use, chain and sprocket wear, electrical component aging.
Carburetor Tuning:
Detailed instructions for adjusting idle speed, main jet, pilot jet, and mixture screw for optimal performance in various conditions.
No Spark Diagnosis:
The manual provides systematic troubleshooting steps for ignition system issues, including checking the stator, CDI unit, coil, and wiring.
Engine Bolt Torques:
Specific torque values for all critical engine fasteners (e.g., cylinder head, cylinder base, crankshaft bolts, clutch components) are detailed in the manual.
Scheduled Maintenance:
The manual provides a comprehensive schedule outlining tasks such as lubrication, filter cleaning/replacement, chain adjustment, brake checks, and engine tune-ups at various mileage or time intervals.
Kawasaki Offroad Heritage:
Kawasaki has a long and successful history in off-road motorcycles and ATVs, known for powerful two-stroke engines and performance-oriented designs.
Tecate Lineage:
The Tecate 3 (KXT250) was Kawasaki's flagship performance three-wheeler, evolving from earlier models and setting benchmarks for its class. It was eventually succeeded by four-wheel ATV models as the market shifted.
Era Significance:
Produced during the peak popularity of three-wheel ATVs, before safety concerns led to a market transition towards four-wheelers.
