KAWASAKI KE100 (1974 - 1998) Review

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.