Kawasaki KX100

The Kawasaki KX100 is a two-stroke motorcycle made by Kawasaki, positioned between the 85 cc and the 125 cc classes, with 19 inch front and 16 inch rear wheels, compared to 17-inch/14-inch typical of the 85 cc motocross bikes. Longer travel suspension and larger bore size main differences between these bikes which otherwise are the same.

Originally launched as the "KX80 Bigwheel" in 1988, the KX100 can draw it origins to this model. It had conventional damper rod forks, an 80cc motor and of course big wheels (19 inch front and 16 inch rear wheels). In 1996, the KX100 was introduced with a 100cc motor, inverted forks, the rest the same (non-powervalve motor). The powervalve KX100 was released in 2000 - motor got updated with a new cylinder and modifications to the cases to accept a pv governor. It also got a new, larger carb otherwise as above. The Fourth & current version (2006?) has the same basic motor, frame and suspension as previous, but more modern looking, symmetrical bodywork that at first glance might appear to have two radiators just like the big bikes.

Of the bikes with the inverted forks, performance is very similar - powervalve models have a bit more peak power with similar low-mid. The current body style is a bit more comfortable, especially for a taller rider.

In some ways, the pre-powervalve KX100's make better woods bikes as their motors feel a tad bit more torquey and don't hit as hard. Also, the powervalves are a bit trouble prone and seem to have no real performance benefit as implemented. Also, the non-powervalve cylinders will accept an overbore to 107cc which with some port work can give very good low-mid power. The KX100 can be raced in dedicated 100cc motocross classes, or open minicycle classes, such as Supermini in Canada, which allows up to 150cc 4-strokes and 85cc-112cc 2-strokes as of 2007. The KX100 can sometimes be raced in the 125cc class however, 100cc bikes are not very common.

Specifications

 * Engine: 2-stroke, liquid-cooled
 * Displacement: 99cc
 * Bore x Stroke: 52.5 x 45.8 mm
 * Compression Ratio: 9.6:1
 * Induction: Keihin PWK28 carburetor
 * Transmission: 6-speed, return shift
 * Final Drive: Chain
 * Top Speed: 60-70 mph
 * Front Suspension: 36 mm inverted telescopic
 * Rear Suspension: Uni-Trak® linkage system
 * Front Brake: Hydraulic disc, 220 mm
 * Rear Brake: Hydraulic disc, 184 mm
 * Rear Tire: 90/100-16
 * Length: 1,900 mm
 * Width: 820 mm
 * Height: 1,165 mm
 * Wheelbase:1,290 mm
 * Ground Clearance: 330 mm
 * Seat Height: 870 mm
 * Fuel Capacity: 5.8 L
 * Curb Weight: 77 kg
 * Color Options: Lime Green