.

Kawasaki attacks the highly-competitive 125cc motocross class with a highly-revised KX125 for 1999 that is intended to continue the winning ways established by AMA 125cc Eastern Regional Supercross and 1997 AMA 125cc National Motocross Champion Ricky Carmichael. An all-new chassis makes it more compact, while new porting and a new carburetor with the Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) electronic throttle position sensor boost power output.

Within the liquid-cooled two-stroke engine the intake and exhaust ports were reshaped and the port timing was changed for higher output. The Kawasaki Integrated Powervalve System (KIPS), which automatically varies exhaust port timing according to engine speed for a broader powerband, seals better to the piston and cylinder to increase power across the rev range.

An all-new 36mm "shorty" Keihin Power Jet carburetor is fitted to the ’99 KX125. The new carburetor places the main jet, slide and needle 12mm closer to the engine for improved throttle response, and the all-new K-TRIC sensor provides quick acceleration. The digital capacitor discharge ignition (CDI) unit now alters ignition timing according to engine speed and engine load as indicated by the throttle opening. This produces a three-dimensional timing map to improve acceleration and throttle response, especially from low speed to about 1/3 of full-throttle.

For smooth power during engine over-rev, the carburetor’s power jet system uses an electronic solenoid to close a fuel passage for more accurate fuel delivery to the engine to extend the power peak.

Overall engine weight is reduced by shaving excess mass from the gears in the six-speed transmission. The clutch cover is now made of lightweight magnesium.

The high-tensile steel perimeter frame is now more compact. The steering head was moved back 15mm and the rear sub-frame assembly is now made of box-section aluminum alloy. The main frame spars are tilted downward slightly to lower the fuel tank, centralize mass and provide a longer, flatter seating position.

Although the aluminum rear swingarm looks basically unchanged, it has been lightened by removing excess mass in the front casting and the length has been shortened 10mm to improve overall handling. The UNI-TRAKŪ suspension linkage was lightened but the linkage ratios remain unchanged, and several components on the fully adjustable rear shock, now with low and high speed compression damping adjustments, have been changed to aluminum.

There are also several new aluminum components in the inverted cartridge front fork. The diameter of the outer aluminum fork tubes was reduced 2mm at the triple clamp surface to eliminate weight. Both the outer and inner tubes are strengthened and the overlap between the two tubes is increased for smoother action, especially during "slap-down" jump landings. New rubber dampers reduce harsh bottoming, and new axle clamps on the bottom of the fork legs offer more clamping rigidity on the lighter front axle.

New U-shaped DID rims are utilized for their light weight, high strength and factory appearance, and their rounded shoulders also tend to shed mud in wet conditions to save pounds of possible build-up. The spokes feature lightweight aluminum nipples and the new Dunlop D739 tire, which is nearly a half pound lighter, is fitted to the rear wheel.

All of the changes to the suspension components and wheels reduce unsprung weight for optimum suspension performance.

Rounding out the changes to the KX125 is a new look. With the fuel tank dropped further into the frame, the seat now extends farther forward and is flatter for better rider maneuverability. The rear fender has a smoother shape and the radiator shrouds and side panels are new and distinctly different from last year.

As always, all Kawasaki KX riders can count on the support of Team Green™ at many events across the country. Team Green supplies amateur racers with the support they need to stay in the winner’s circle week after week. A network of regional support vehicles, along with highly-trained technicians, provides technical information and emergency service for anyone who owns a Kawasaki KX motorcycle at more than 100 events each year. Kawasaki also offers a generous contingency plan for amateur and pro racers that place well.

FEATURES AND ADVANTAGES KX125

Liquid Cooled Engine

• Exhaust and scavenging ports port timing and shapes revised for higher output and improved throttle response, particularly in the mid-range and top-end
• Reshaped combustion chamber complements the new porting and has improved efficiency
• Engine weight reduced due to a magnesium clutch outer cover and reshaped transmission, kick-start and primary gears

Kawasaki Integrated Power Valve System

• New KIPS valve provides better sealing
• Revised closed position piston clearance produces quicker throttle response, more low and mid-range torque and improved power throughout the rev range

Keihin Power Jet PWK36 Carburetor with K-TRIC

• New "shorty" design places the mainjet closer to the cylinder for improved throttle response
• Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) uses a sensor and alter ignition timing according to throttle position and engine speed for better throttle response and more power
• Power jet system uses an electronic solenoid to close a fuel passageway at high rpm to extend the power peak and increase top-end power at over-rev

Airbox and boot

• New airbox and stiffer connecting boot improve airflow around the shock to improve top-end power

UNI-TRAKŪ Rear Suspension

• The swingarm is now 10mm shorter for quicker turning and better traction
• Cast aluminum section is redesigned for less weight and more rigidity
• Redesigned needle bearings and sleeves reduce unsprung weight and prevent incorrect assembly that can cause them to bind
• The shock now features both low- and high-speed compression damping adjustments
• The shock oil seal head assembly and adjuster cap changed to aluminum and the aluminum shock clevis is now lighter to reduce unsprung weight
• Triple-rate shock spring improves suspension action at full compression

46mm Upside Down Cartridge Fork

• New aluminum upper fork tubes are smaller in diameter at the upper clamping area (54mm to 52mm) for a plusher ride and less weight
• Stronger inner and outer fork tubes have more overlap to improve suspension action, especially on "slap-down" landings
• New rubber bottoming damper and 10mm longer fork bottoming cone reduce bottoming
• New fork leg lowers with two-bolt axle clamps increase front end rigidity
• Several internal components changed to aluminum to reduce unsprung weight

Front and Rear Disc Brakes

• New front brake pads provide increased performance
• New ceramic coating to rear brake pad backing eliminates need for insulation or shims

High Tensile Steel Perimeter Frame

• New frame dimensions move the steering stem back 15mm for compactness and quicker handling
• Upper frame rails lowered slightly to lower fuel tank and provide flatter seating position
• New aluminum rear sub-frame

Detail Changes

• New U-shaped rims have no shoulder that can catch mud in wet conditions
• New Dunlop 739 rear tire is almost ―-pound lighter for reduced unsprung weight
• New graphics and restyled rear fender and radiator shrouds
• Flatter seat allows freer rider movement
• New handgrips offer better feel

1999 KX125 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine:  2-stroke single w/KIPS
Displacement:  124cc
Bore x Stroke:  54.0 x 54.5mm
Cooling:  Liquid
Carburetion:  Keihin PWK36S with Power Jet and K-TRIC
Induction:  Crankcase reed valve
Compression ratio: 9.8:1 (low speed) - 8.2:1 (high speed)
Ignition:  Digital CDI
Transmission:  6-speed
Frame:  High-tensile steel perimeter design with aluminum subframe
Rake/trail: 26°/4.3 in.
Suspension type, front:  Inverted telescopic cartridge fork, 46mm
Suspension adjustments, front:  Preload, 18-way compression and rebound damping
Suspension type, rear: UNI-TRAKŪ single shock system
Suspension adjustments, rear:  Preload, 20-way high and low speed compression and 18-way rebound damping
Wheel travel, front:  12.2 in.
Wheel travel, rear:  13.0 in.
Tire, front:  80/100x21
Tire, rear:  100/90x19
Brakes, front/rear:  Hydraulic disc
Overall length:  83.9 in.
Overall width:  32.1 in.
Overall height:  47.6 in.
Ground Clearance:  15.4 in.
Seat height:  37.2 in.
Dry weight:  191.7 lbs.
Fuel capacity:  2.25 gal.
Wheelbase:  56.5 in.
Suggested retail price: $4,799

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Designed as a stepping stone for riders who are too big for a KX80 but aren’t quite ready for a KX125, the Kawasaki KX100 presents a unique combination of full-sized power in a smaller package. Larger than the traditional 80cc minicycle, the KX100 gets its increased stature with the addition of larger wheels, minor chassis adjustments and increased displacement.

The KX100 is powered by a liquid-cooled two-stroke engine very similar to the one found in the KX80. Displacement is increased from 82cc to 99cc with a 4.5mm larger bore. It is equipped with the Kawasaki Integrated Power Valve System (KIPS) that controls exhaust port timing, according to engine rpm, to produce a broad powerband. At low speeds, exhaust timing is retarded to increase low-end and mid-range torque, but as rpm increases, the exhaust timing advances to produce excellent top-end power. The wide powerband helps make mastering the KX100 much easier for riders of varying skill levels.

Power is transferred to the six-speed transmission through a durable clutch that spins on needle bearings. A separate removable cover on the sidecase allows easy access, while the clutch release lever ratio makes it easy to operate at the handlebar.

The KX100 has a high tensile steel perimeter frame, just like larger-displacement KX bikes, as well as long-travel suspension to smooth out the roughest motocross courses. Kawasaki’s UNI-TRAKŪ linkage rear suspension system features a box-section aluminum swingarm that applies progressive forces to the adjustable single rear shock as the suspension is compressed. The front end is suspended by a 36mm inverted cartridge fork.

Hydraulic disc brakes are fitted both front and rear and the twin-piston front caliper provides excellent stopping power. Both wheels have large spokes for durability and the rear hub has two bearings on the drive chain sprocket side to handle the power churned out by the engine.

All Kawasaki KX riders can count on the backing of Team Green™ at many major events across the country. Team Green supplies amateur racers with the support they need to stay in the winner’s circle weekend after weekend. A network of regional support vehicles, along with highly-trained technicians, provide technical information and emergency service for anyone who owns a Kawasaki KX motorcycle at more than 100 events each year. Kawasaki also offers a comprehensive contingency plan for amateur and pro racers.

For those looking to make a gradual transition from a minicycle to the KX125, Kawasaki’s KX100 offers the perfect platform.

FEATURES AND ADVANTAGES KX100

Liquid Cooled Engine

• Cylinder head combustion volume chamber and shape are changed for better efficiency and more performance
• Right hand engine cover provides a separate clutch cover for quick servicing without removing the water pump

Kawasaki Integrated Power Valve System

• KIPS system controls exhaust port height for increased horsepower and torque
• Produces a broad powerband with more low-end torque and mid-range, while retaining excellent top-end power

Clutch

• Clutch hub rides on needle bearings for smoother action
• Clutch plates are 119mm in diameter for more durability and control
• Clutch release lever ratio provides light clutch lever action
• Clutch lever and perch is borrowed from the KX125 / KX250

Air Cleaner

• The air box cover is fastened with machine screws instead of self tapping screws for better durability

High Tensile Steel Perimeter Frame

• Wide footpegs for better control, made of cast steel for strength, and use a 10mm pivot for durability
• Thicker footpeg brackets better withstand today’s rigorous tracks
• The sidestand and mounting tab have been removed from the frame for less weight and more race worthiness

UNI-TRAKŪ Rear Suspension

• The swingarm uses large cross section beams for more rigidity and control
• The swingarm incorporates cast aluminum drive chain adjuster sections like the big KX’s for easy chain adjustments and swingarm rigidity
• Flanged collars are used at the bearings to protect the seals from mud

36mm Inverted Cartridge Fork

• The upper tubes are made of aluminum and are 495mm in diameter for even more control and steering response
• Compression damping is 18-way adjustable

Front and Rear Disc Brakes

• Forged aluminum rear brake pedal is stronger and lighter It uses two seals at the pivot for smooth operation
• Front brake hose designed for more positive braking

Front and Rear Wheels

• Rear hub features two wheel bearings on the drive side of the hub for increased durability
• Thick spokes are used front and rear for stronger wheels requiring less adjustment
• Large rear axle diameter for more rigidity

Details

• Kickstart lever is easily removed by a bolt threaded into the kickstart shaft instead of a pinch bolt in the spline area
• The seat cover features Kevlar reinforcement in the front area to help resist damage

1999 KX100 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 2-stroke single w/KIPS
Displacement: 99cc
Bore x Stroke: 52.5 x 45.8mm
Cooling: Liquid
Carburetion: Keihin PE26
Induction: Crankcase reed valve
Compression ratio: 9.6:1 (low speed) - 8.8:1 (high speed)
Ignition: Digital CDI
Transmission: 6-speed
Frame: High-tensile steel perimeter design with subframe member
Rake/trail: 27°/4.1 in.
Suspension type, front: Inverted telescopic cartridge fork, 36mm
Suspension adjustments, front: 18-way compression damping
Suspension type, rear: UNI-TRAKŪ single shock system
Suspension adjustments, rear: Preload, 4-way compression and 18-way rebound damping
Wheel travel, front: 10.8 in.
Wheel travel, rear: 10.8 in.
Tire, front: 70/100x19
Tire, rear: 90/100x16
Brakes, front/rear: Hydraulic disc
Overall length: 75.2 in.
Overall width: 28.9 in.
Overall height: 43.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 15.0 in.
Seat height: 34.3 in.
Dry weight: 149.9 lbs
Fuel capacity: 1.5 gal.
Wheelbase: 50.8 in.
Suggested retail price: $3,299

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