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Kawasaki KE100 motorcycle review - Side view

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Kawasaki KE100 (1974-1998)

Detail	Value
Engine size	99cc
Power	10bhp
Top speed	65mph
Insurance group	4

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

If you want basic transport, in a two stroke trail bike package, then the Kawasaki KE100 is arguably the template for the entire class. Starting life as the 100 G4 TR, it evolved into the KM100 and KE100, eventually killed off by looming emissions regulations in 1998. The lKawasaki KE100 has sightly dodgy brakes and electrics, but otherwise a tough, fun-sized trailbike.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Kawasaki KE100's disc valve two stroke single was considered lively back in the mid 1970s, but nowadays it's just an average performer, although the low weight of the Kawasaki KE100 ( just 95kgs wet ) means acceleration is reasonably perky. The Kawasaki KE100 gets vibey above 50mph and a bit noisy too.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

So long as you make allowances for riding a low tech, twin shock trailbike, then the Kawasaki KE100 does OK, either on or off-road. The Kawasaki KE100 rear shocks are renowned for their `bouncy castle' quality. Kawasaki KE100's skinny forks can pop their seals if you try serious off-road malarkey, or wheelies outside the chippy.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Kawasaki KE100 drum brakes are simply a liability on modern roads, they don't work at all well. Ditto the electrics, with the KE/KM100 Kawasakis suffering flat batteries if you insist on regularly using the indicators at night. On the upside, the Kawasaki KE100 's seat is wide, comfy and just big enough for two people to nip down to Thresher for a four pack of Kestrel lager.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The 100cc Kawasaki stroker engines are tough and despite years of owner abuse, they can keep rasping along for decades, if you use some good quality two stroke oil. The Kawasaki KE100 chassis can suffer from rust, as the MX style mudguards allow bike and rider to be caked with crud if you do any wet weather riding.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

For what a Kawasaki KE100 /KM100 would cost used, you get a top fun back lanes hack, or town buzzbox, without worrying too much about resale values, or spares. The Kawasaki KE100 engine was used in five or six different models during the 70s-90s, so there are plenty of bits to be had in breakers yards. Find a Kawasaki KE100 for sale.

Insurance group: 4

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1973: KE125 launched.
1974: 100 G4 TR launched in UK.
1975: KH125 and KM100 appear in UK.
1975: G4 TR is repainted and designated Kawasaki KE100 .
1982: KM100 dropped.
1983: Kawasaki KE100 gets new exhaust, clocks, seat and rear tailpiece.
1988: KE125 dropped.
1990: Kawasaki KE100 has new paint, gets a mirror.
1996: More new colours for Kawasaki KE100 .
1998: Kawasaki KE100 dropped.

KE125, 100 G4 TR, KM100.

Specifications

Top speed	65mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Power	10bhp
Torque	8ftlb
Weight	85kg
Seat height	805mm
Fuel capacity	9 litres
Average fuel consumption	75mpg
Tank range	135 miles
Insurance group	4

Engine size	99cc
Engine specification	2 stroke, single, 5 gears
Frame	Steel cradle
Front suspension adjustment	none
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload
Front brakes	tls drum
Rear brake	Drum
Front tyre size	90/90 x 19 in
Rear tyre size	110/90 x 17 in

Owners' Overall Rating (0 reviews)

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elizawinters says

2-cycle oil

This bike looks great. I have heard a lotof things lately about 2-cycle oil. Is that compatable with this bike? If not, what types of bikes is it used on? I have heard that it is much more economical but I have never used it. Any advice or tips? Thanks for the help.

22 December 2011 19:05