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Kawasaki KMX125 motorcycle review - Riding

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Kawasaki KMX125 (1986-2002)

Detail	Value
Engine size	124cc
Power	12bhp
Top speed	71mph
Insurance group	5

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

MCN overall verdict

That the Kawasaki KMX125 is one of the most stolen motorcycles in Britain should tell you all there is to know about it. The Kawasaki KMX125 is tough, cheap to run and cheap to fix and very capable off-road (handy when doing a runner from the law). Spares are plentiful and de-restricted versions can twist a dyno to a heady 23bhp.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

As bog stock the Kawasaki KMX125's two-stroke SOHC motor makes just 12bhp, though the KIPS induction valves means that the power is evenly spread and not tightly jammed at the top end. It’s important to keep these valves clean, but thankfully it’s a simple job (just remove the exhaust and cylinder head, dig out the valves and clean them with a wire brush). De-restricting the Kawasaki KMX125's motor involves removing a welded-in washer in the exhaust pipe and using a softer spring to let the KIPS actuator open fully.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

By now even pampered Kawasaki KMX125s will feel tired. And no-one pampers a Kawasaki KMX125. Head races will be squared, fork oil thin and the shock out of damping. Fortunately none of that’s too dear to sort. Once fettled the Kawasaki KMX125 can well handle on and off-road action (with the right tyres). If the brakes feel poor they probably just need a bleed and fresh pads, but if you're buying a Kawasaki KMX125 check the hoses for bulges and the discs for wear.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Kawasaki KMX125's clocks are good (tacho, speedo and a fuel gauge) and there’s a luggage rack. Basic but good, that's the Kawasaki KMX125 .

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Kawasaki KMX125 isn’t fussy about which stroker oil you use, so long as you keep it topped up. New pistons and rings for the Kawasaki KMX125 are cheap (£25-30) and the motor’s good for going on for 50,000 miles, though de-restricted ones can be very unreliable.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Kawasaki KMX125 is a blinding wee bike. Never pay more than a grand, though and be very careful to check the legal status of any Kawasaki KMX125 with a call to MCN’s Bikecheck hotline: 01722 435555. Checks cost £35.95. Find a Kawasaki KMX125 for sale.

Insurance group: 5

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1986: Kawasaki KMX125 introduced.
2003: Kawasaki KMX125 discontinued.

None.

Specifications

Top speed	71mph
1/4-mile acceleration	18.4 secs
Power	12bhp
Torque	9ftlb
Weight	110kg
Seat height	865mm
Fuel capacity	9 litres
Average fuel consumption	55mpg
Tank range	110 miles
Insurance group	5

Engine size	124cc
Engine specification	4v single, 6 gears
Frame	Tubular steel cradle
Front suspension adjustment	None
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload
Front brakes	Single 230mm disc
Rear brake	210mm disc
Front tyre size	2.75 x 21
Rear tyre size	4.10 x 18

Owners' Overall Rating (2 reviews)

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kawasaki kmx 125r 2002

jakesouth07989

Average rating

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Ride and Handling
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hi MCN readers. i have had my kmx 125 for 6 mounts. this bike is grate and i really enjoy riding it every day. not sure why MCN rates the handling as tired. its good on the potted roads of Britain and smooth off road to. it even has a preload adjustment setting on the monoshock for your custom wight. also im sure 2 stoke bikes done have valves. only a reed valve. not to pick but you don't get a fuel gauge on this bike i use the trip meter under the mile o meter every time i fill up around 60 miles and retest. this is a fast 125 and wont lag on acceleration. capable of motorway speeds or more if de restricted. i would spend over £1000. or it wont be in good condition. but i do recommend a HPI check as these are deadhead magnets. overall i recon this is a smashing motorcycle! i hope this was helpful.

21 April 2012
First ever

staffsknot

Average rating

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This was my first bike and I look back on it with nostalgia, as a first 125 it takes some beating if you like a spot of green laning. It did have its little moments, but most of these could be sorted out in seconds. A really cheap, rugged and mostly reliable hack.

06 July 2008

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Overall
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Equipment
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adriangrandmaster says

2 stroke

i have one of these, great 125 but it definetly doest have 4 valves or a sohc poorly written article

09 December 2011 12:24

kitspartansays

KMX 125

One of these bikes came into my workshop for some recommissioning work this Saturday. After some work is goes like a rocket. It's a 1988 model and it pretty good condition for it's age. Just to correct your error it is a 2 stroke with a the KIPS powervalve system not a Single over head camshaft 4 valve which would make it a 4 stroke! A great little bike that will soon be back on the road.

09 October 2011 00:30