Difference between revisions of "Kawasaki KS125"
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Having long concentrated only on the US, [[Kawasaki]] realized in 1974 that the trail bike market had really taken off in Europe(and in particular, France, where each year tens of thousands of 125cc trail bikes were sold) The unchallenged champion in this fast-growing sector was the [[Yamaha DT125]]; to make its mark, Kawasaki had to roll up its sleeves, | |||
==Excellent Beginner's Machine== | |||
The [[Kawasaki F6|F6]] derived KS125 was the perfect answer, for it combined a fiery temperament with first-class cycle components, Its new engine incorporated the classic induction system by rotary-valve, long typical of lightweight Kawasakis, and thus developed 13 hp at 6500 rpm, More highly-tuned than its rival, the KS was unhappy during low-speed maneuvers, off-road or in town, and was less of an all purpose machine, On the other hand, it was an excellent beginner's machine for [[enduro]] and was class-leader when it came to covering rutted stages rapidly, | |||
==More Comfortable and Refined== | |||
Redesignated the "[[Kawasaki KE125A|KE125A]]" for 1976, the 125 Kawasaki trail bike became more comfortable and refined (but lost 2.5 hp in the process), A stylistic freshening kept it going into 1979, but it gave way in 1980 to the new KE125-A7, which was more powerful (13.5hp) and more sporty and took its layout from the marque's [[motocross machines]] -it had greater suspension travel. | |||
==1974 KS125== | ==1974 KS125== | ||
[[Image:1974-kawasaki-ks125.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Kawasaki KS125]] | [[Image:1974-kawasaki-ks125.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Kawasaki KS125]] | ||
Revision as of 16:12, 21 January 2007
Having long concentrated only on the US, Kawasaki realized in 1974 that the trail bike market had really taken off in Europe(and in particular, France, where each year tens of thousands of 125cc trail bikes were sold) The unchallenged champion in this fast-growing sector was the Yamaha DT125; to make its mark, Kawasaki had to roll up its sleeves,
Excellent Beginner's Machine
The F6 derived KS125 was the perfect answer, for it combined a fiery temperament with first-class cycle components, Its new engine incorporated the classic induction system by rotary-valve, long typical of lightweight Kawasakis, and thus developed 13 hp at 6500 rpm, More highly-tuned than its rival, the KS was unhappy during low-speed maneuvers, off-road or in town, and was less of an all purpose machine, On the other hand, it was an excellent beginner's machine for enduro and was class-leader when it came to covering rutted stages rapidly,
More Comfortable and Refined
Redesignated the "KE125A" for 1976, the 125 Kawasaki trail bike became more comfortable and refined (but lost 2.5 hp in the process), A stylistic freshening kept it going into 1979, but it gave way in 1980 to the new KE125-A7, which was more powerful (13.5hp) and more sporty and took its layout from the marque's motocross machines -it had greater suspension travel.
1974 KS125
- 125 cc
- 2-Stroke, 1 Cylinder
- Rotary Disc Valve
- 6-Speed Return Shift
- Maximum Horsepower:
- 13 HP @6,500 rpm
- Spark Plug: NGK B8HS
- Tire Size
- Front: 2.75-21 4PR
- Rear: 3.50-1 8 4PR
- Color
- Fuel Tank: Candy Lime
- Front Fender: Metallic Silver
- Engine No.: K1E000001-
- Frame No.: K1-000001-
- Parts Catalogue No.: 99997-631, (E) 99997-631-01s
- Owner's Manual No.: 99997-817, (F) 99983-037
- Shop Manual No.: 99997-709
- Remarks: On and off-road model with six gears. Successor to the Kawasaki F6. Has brake lining wear indicator and skid plate.
1975 KS125A
- Color
- Fuel Tank: Candy Lime, Candy Yellow
- Front Fender: Metallic Silver
- Engine No.: K1E048961-
- Frame No.: K1-018862-
- Parts Catalogue No. : 99997-631-50s
- Owner's Manual No.: 99997-838
- Shop Manual No.: 99997-709
- Major Changes: Marking. Two colors are available.