Kawasaki KV100

The KV100 A (A7-A13) series and B (B1-B14) series were street legal 99.7cc Kawasaki motorcycles manufactured from 1976 through 1988.

These motorcycles were designed mainly for the agricultural market. The KV100 was a dirt/trail or dirt-road motorcycle powered by a single cylinder, two-stroke, rotary disc valve engine with displacement of 99.7cc producing 11.5hp at 7500 rpm. Turn signals and indicators were optional along with special guards for the headlight, handlebars, engine, and chain. It had a pack rack and an optional holder for a long-handled shovel. The KV100 A7, produced in 1976, had a red fuel tank and chrome fenders, in the front and the back. They were available in various colors (yellow, white, blue, green), indicated around changes in petrol tanks and guards until Kawasaki adopted its well-known green color branding for its trail bikes around 1989. Plastic mudguards were used around 1982.

The KV100 series is known for being made up of parts from G3, G4, and G5 models of the same era, which used the same frame or engine. Those were sold in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. In Australia and New Zealand, those were marketed by stock agents direct to farmers as well as being available through local distributor and retail networks. The KV100 series has also been seen in Thailand and some countries in Africa, such as Zimbabwe.

Some models had a Hi/Low 10-Gear system, which enabled the motorcycle to travel at a walking pace. Low was used by farmers for mustering cattle, riders wanting to travel up steep inclines, or through other terrain needing high revs and constant speed. Tires were usually dual purpose with 3.00 x 18 rims front and back, though full 'knobby' tires were available on later models.

Photos

1982 publicity photo https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:!BnR12B!Bmk%7E$(KGrHqQOKiIEtlNUmFi!BLi1DG)kT!%7E%7E_12.JPG barn find https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:KV100_(year_unknown).JPG restored barn find https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:KV100_(model_not_known.JPG