2002 KAWASAKI KX100

Designed to bridge the motocross gap between the KX85 and the 125 motocrosser, the Kawasaki KX100 is the best of both off-road worlds. It's a sizable step up from the diminutive KX85, thanks to larger wheels, minor chassis adjustments and increased displacement.

Yet it may seem more approachable to smaller riders than the large KX125. Like the 85, the KX100 enters 2002 with several styling, engine and chassis refinements.

Because the KX100 is powered by a liquid-cooled, two-stroke engine that's very similar to the one found in the KX85, the larger bike also benefits from a machined finish on the bridges between the intake and exhaust ports to improve engine reliability and resist seizure.

The KX100 motor varies in that it breathes through a 28mm carburetor with a crescent slide to position the needle closer to the intake ports. And a large air intake cutout on the airbox and large-diameter duct to the carburetor improve airflow. Meanwhile, a carbon-fiber intake reed valve aids throttle response.

The smooth-shifting six-speed transmission was also tweaked. Improvements over last year include the addition of a hard-anodized shift fork, a thicker base on the clutch basket housing, and an additional bushing on the input shaft for extra durability.

The KX100's backbone is a high-tensile steel perimeter frame, which supports a specially designed gas tank that lowers the fuel load, and in turn, the center of gravity, for improved handling. This year, the tank has new square inset nuts to better secure the shrouds and seat base, and wears graphics that match the larger-displacement models.

Adjustable long-travel suspension at both ends smoothes the roughest motocross courses. The front brake master cylinder shares the same knocker-type as found on the KX125 and KX250 for better feel, and both brake discs are mounted with shoulder bolts for easier maintenance.

FEATURES:

Liquid-Cooled Engine

• Right-hand engine cover provides a separate clutch cover for quick servicing without removing the water pump
• Assures greater reliability
• Bridges between intake and exhaust ports have machined finish for increased durability

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

28mm Keihin PWK Carburetor

• Crescent slide carburetor p Puts the needle closer to the intake ports for excellent throttle response. Adjustable for various conditions

Clutch

• Clutch hub rides on needle bearings for smooth action
• Large clutch plates are 119mm in diameter for durability and control
• Clutch-release lever ratio provides light clutch lever action
• Base of the clutch basket housing is thicker for improved durability

Six-Speed Transmission

• The fifth and sixth gears on the input shaft now ride on bushings for added reliability
• Positive shifting action and rugged durability, with a gear for every situation
• Allows the engine's full potential to be realized
• Provides oil level window
• Hard-anodized shift fork to resist wear and seizure

High Tensile Steel Perimeter Frame

• Features new metallic-silver handlebars
• Wide footpegs for better control, made of cast steel for strength, and use a 10mm pivot for durability
• Thick footpeg brackets withstand today's rigorous tracks
• Sidestand is detachable like larger KX models

Fuel Tank

• Sits lower in frame to lower center of gravity and improve handling
• Features new graphics to match larger-displacement KX models
• Fitted with new square inset nuts for more securing mounting of shrouds and seat base

UNI-TRAK@ 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 models for easy chain adjustments and swingarm rigidity
• Flanged collars at the bearings to protect the seals from mud
• Fully adjustable shock with compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustments

36mm Inverted Cartridge Fork

• The upper tubes are made of aluminum and are 49.5mm in diameter for excellent control and steering response
• Compression damping is 18-way adjustable

Front and Rear Disc Brakes

• Forged-aluminum rear brake pedal is stronger and lighter and uses two seals at the pivot for smooth operation
• Front master cylinder has knocker-type lever
• Rear hub features two wheel bearings on the drive side of the hub for durability
• Thick spokes are used front and rear for strong wheels requiring less adjustment

SPECIFICATIONS: