Team Green's New Iron! KX65

2003 Dirt Bikes From Kawasaki

Feb. 01, 2006 By ORC STAFF
New Offerings And Old Friends
KX65 - MSRP: $2,849.00

The Kawasaki KX65 mini-motocross machine is ideal for experienced young riders interested in racing. Durable and competition-proven, it's also perfect for youngsters who want to improve their off-road skills before advancing to larger-displacement KX models.

A liquid-cooled, high-performance two-stroke engine powers the KX65, which is equipped with a 1.5mm-larger bore than the KX60. A strong, lightweight piston resides in its Electrofusion-coated cylinder, while a CNC-machined finish on the bridge between the exhaust ports contributes to better engine reliability and staves off seizures.

Good for young riders accustomed to smaller, clutchless machines, the KX65 has a quick and smooth-shifting six-speed transmission, whose manual clutch-actuating mechanism and shift drum ride on needle bearings. Quality shift drum bearings reduce oil drainage from the transmission to the side case, and hard-anodized shift fork ends resist wear and keep the KX65 shifting smoothly for years to come. ~The engine itself rests in a semi-double-cradle steel frame with thick-walled tubing on the upper-main and rear-down tubes.

Like its larger-displacement counterparts, the KX65's swing arm uses the bottom-link UNI-TRAK? system, which applies progressively stiffer damping and spring rates to the single rear shock as the suspension is compressed. The shock and fork boast four-way adjustable rebound damping for optimal handling.

Lightweight aluminum rims reduce unsprung weight to help improve suspension action. Both wheels feature hydraulic disc brakes that not only provide great stopping power, but also require little maintenance and easy wheel removal.

The slim tank, seat and side covers contribute to the KX65's sleek, racy appearance and enhance rider maneuverability. The KX65 sports the unmistakable Kawasaki Lime Green plastic, and features the same graphics as the larger KX motorcycles.
 

2003 KX65 FEATURES

Electrofusion Cylinder

  • Advanced exhaust and transfer ports for increased power and performance at higher rpm
  • Bridge between exhaust ports is machined for improved reliability and resistance to seizure
  • Closer piston-to-cylinder clearances create more horsepower
  • Light-weight cylinder liner transfers heat efficiently

Liquid Cooling

  • Large radiator assures more even-running temperatures, keeping the power output consistently strong
  • Assures greater reliability

Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI)

  • Produces the extremely hot spark needed to ignite the air/fuel/oil mixture of a two-stroke racing engine
  • Easy starts and reliability under extreme conditions
  • Requires no adjustment

24mm Mikuni Carburetor

  • Feeds a four-petal reed valve for excellent throttle response
  • Allows the engine to produce more power and torque at all rpm

Six-speed Transmission

  • Positive action and rugged durability, with a gear for every situation
  • Is equipped with anodized shift-fork ends to resist wear
  • Manual clutch mechanism mirrors larger KX models

High-tensile Steel Frame

  • The same strong, light, high-tech material as used on bigger KX bikes
  • Exceptional torsional rigidity for superior handling
  • Reinforced, thick-walled tubing for increased durability

Bottom-link UNI-TRAK? Rear Suspension

  • Features rising-rate action: as the suspension compresses, the spring and damping strength increase progressively for a more controlled ride
  • Ride height adjustable for various-sized riders

Nitrogen-charged Shock

  • Four-way adjustable rebound damping improves handling on rough tracks
  • Rebuildable aluminum body
  • More consistent damping on long rides and hot days

Front Fork

  • Four clicks of rebound-damping adjustment accommodate different riding styles and terrain

Swingarm

  • Rocker arm made from forged aluminum to reduce weight and improve durability
  • Front and Rear Disc Brakes - Light and powerful - Resist fading - Require less lever pressure

Aluminum Rims

  • Reduce unsprung weight for improved suspension action

Detachable Aluminum Silencer

  • Silencer is removable from the exhaust pipe and the packing is replaceable
  • Oval shape mimics the styling of larger-displacement KX models
2003 KX65 SPECIFICATIONS
Engine 2-stroke single
Displacement 64.7cc
Bore x Stroke 44.5 x 41.6mm
Cooling Liquid
Carburetion Mikuni VM24SS
Induction 4-petal reed valve
Compression ratio 8.4:1
Ignition Electronic CDI
Transmission 6-speed
Frame Semi-double-cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake/trail 26.5°/2.4 in.
Suspension type, front 33mm leading axle conventional fork
Suspension type, rear UNI-TRAK? single shock system
Suspension adjustments, rear Preload
Wheel travel, front 8.3 in.
Wheel travel, rear 9.4 in.
Tire, front 60/100x14
Tire, rear 80/100x12
Brakes, front/rear Hydraulic disc
Overall length 62.6 in.
Overall width 29.9 in.
Overall height 37.6 in.
Ground Clearance 12.0 in.
Seat height 29.9 in.
Dry weight 125.7 lbs.
Fuel capacity 1.0 gal.
Wheelbase 44.1 in.
Color Kawasaki Lime Green

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