Kawasaki KX500

The Kawasaki KX 500 motocross model was first introduced in 1983 to compete in motocross in the class of 2-stroke motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 500 cc.

However, the first versions of the Kawasaki KX 500 were not very successful, and therefore did not bring victories in official competitions. The situation began to change only in 1986, when Donnie Griewe won the National Hare and Hound race using the KX500 motorcycle. In 1989, Kawasaki wins the National MX Championship, repeating this achievement in 1990 and 1992. - until the closure of the official racing series of the 500 cm³ class. After the disappearance of 500cc motorcycles from official motocross programs, many of the then models found themselves in desert racing, and the Kawasaki KX500 again became a triumphant - from 1992 to 1995. he won every Desert Nationals race, and after the championship was renamed the Desert Nationals Championship, he became the permanent winner until 2001.

The first versions of the Kawasaki KX500 were built on the basis of a 1-cylinder 2-stroke air-cooled engine with a volume of 499 cm³, which was subsequently replaced by a liquid engine. From that moment on, the model became close in characteristics to competitors and began to win trophies.

Major generations of the Kawasaki KX 500:

• Kawasaki KX500 (1983-1984) - first generation. The model features an air-cooled engine with a reduced compression ratio.
• Kawasaki KX500 (1985-1986) - second generation. The model gets a completely new liquid-cooled engine and progressive suspensions.
• Kawasaki KX500 (1987) - third generation. Factory designation - Kawasaki KX500C. This year's models have the highest maximum horsepower (65 hp) thanks to a lightweight 86 mm piston, one compression ring and a higher compression ratio (8.5: 1).
• Kawasaki KX500 (1988) - fourth generation. Factory designation - Kawasaki KX500D. The engine reverts to the old twin-ring design with a lower compression ratio (7.1: 1), which improves reliability, smoother power curve and solves parts issues (87 cylinder is not compatible with other generations).
• Kawasaki KX500 (1989-2004) - fifth generation. Factory designation - Kawasaki KX500E . The model gets an inverted fork and a new ignition.

In this review, we will consider the latest generation of the model, since it is it that is of the greatest interest and best corresponds to modern ideas about motocross motorcycles.

The Kawasaki KX500 was produced until 2004, after which it was finally discontinued, giving way to the 4-stroke version - Kawasaki KX450F. The withdrawal from the market of 500cc 2-stroke motocross models was due to the closure of the corresponding open class in motocross and the subsequent decrease in demand for the models.

The main competitors of the Kawasaki KX500:

• Honda CR500

Photos

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Specifications

Specifications Kawasaki KX500 (KX500-E, 1989-2004):

Model	Kawasaki KX500
Motorcycle type	cross
Release year	1983-2004
Frame	steel half-duplex
Engine type	1-cylinder, 2-stroke
Working volume	499 cm³
Bore / Stroke	86.0 x 86.0 mm
Compression ratio	6.8: 1 (high rpm), 7.7: 1 (low rpm)
Cooling	liquid
Number of valves per cylinder
Fuel supply system	Carburetor, 1x Keihin PWK39
Ignition type	CDI
Maximum power	63.5 hp (46.7 kW) at 7000 rpm
Maximum torque	65.7 Nm (6.7 kg * m) at 6000 rpm
Gearbox	5-speed
Drive type	chain
Front tire size	80 / 100-21 51M
Rear tire size	110 / 100-18 64M 110 / 90-19 62M - KX500 (USA) 120 / 100-18 68M - KX500 (Europe)
Front brakes	1 disc, 220 mm, 2-piston caliper
Rear brakes	1 disc, 190 mm, 1-piston caliper
Front suspension	Inverted Pneumatic Fork (Adjustable), 300mm Travel
Rear suspension	Pendulum progressive (Uni-Trak) with monoshock (adjustable), stroke - 330 mm
Motorcycle length	2190 mm
Motorcycle width	815 mm
Motorcycle height	1205 mm
Wheelbase	1490 mm
Saddle height	950 mm
Clearance	370 mm
Acceleration to 100 km / h
Maximum speed
Fuel tank capacity	9.9 l
Motorcycle weight (dry)	100 kg
Motorcycle weight (curb)	106 kg

Documentation

• Kawasaki KX500