What is the difference between various KX100's?

S

sdmules

Member

May 5, 2002

14

0

• Aug 20, 2002

• #1

I'm looking for a KX100 that is 2000 year or newer. I haven't ruled out a new one yet but was wondering what is the difference between the 2000,01, 02, and 03 models? I think they put the 28mm carb on in 01. Any info is appreciated.

 

0

'00kx250spode

Member

Oct 21, 2000

197

0

• Aug 20, 2002

• #2

Kawasaki started using inverted forks on the 2001's (I think it was). Perhaps someone can detail the internal differences between the older conventional forks and the new inverted ones.

 

nikki

Moto Junkie

Apr 21, 2000

5,802

1

• Aug 20, 2002

• #3

I'm pretty sure the '01 bike is when Kawi made the switch to 2 radiators on the KX 80/100 too.

 

L

LocoCD

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Mar 22, 2000

352

0

• Aug 20, 2002

• #4

Only 1 radiator on the '02 Nikki, I think they only changed the shrouds. The '02 also had some internal engine changes. Nothing major, just refinements (exhaust port bridge). The 01/02/03 bikes are very similar.

 

0

'00kx250spode

Member

Oct 21, 2000

197

0

• Aug 21, 2002

• #5

Like LocoCD says, there were about 15 changes made to the '02. Little stuff, but I assume Kawasaki was addressing problem areas. There were no changes made to the '03.

I'd like to hear anyone's comment on how much better the inverted forks are over the conventional ones - and why. Anyone?

 

9

94ruck

Member

Sep 14, 2001

318

0

• Aug 22, 2002

• #6

The action on the inverted forks are plusher. Also fork flex is lessened due to the big tube being in the clamp which is stiffer than the small tube. This reduces the tendency of the fork to flex towards the motor in heavy whoop sections or jumps. It was 98 or 99 when kX minis switched to upside forks. The upside downs are quality units and the seals lasts forever.

 

M

motometal

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Sep 3, 2001

2,680

3

• Aug 12, 2003

• #7

speaking of that- I tried (and failed) to make the forks on a '99 kx100 stiff enough for me to do big jumps.  I added fork oil to the point where the forks would lock up (from the internal pressure) before they would mechanically bottom out, and the seals still never blew or leaked.  I suspect the seals on my Showas on the CR250 wouldn't take such abuse.

Yes, the forks on the KX100 were too soft for me (145 lbs at the time) but they were probably the plushest forks i've ever had (including big bikes i've owned).

 

D

dirtfreak

Member

Feb 16, 2003

54

0

• Aug 14, 2003

• #8

My dad and I both have KX100s, his is a '95, mine is a '99. Both of them have inverted forks, the only difference is that the 95 has chromed steel outer fork tubes, whereas the 99 has gold anodized aluminum outer fork tubes. The 99's outer fork tubes are bigger to make them as ridged as the older steel ones, but I suspect they also weigh less even though they are bigger. I'm not sure about the years between 95 and 99, but I do know that Kawasaki put UPSD forks on the 95's. Hope this helped.