1990 Kawasaki KH125 review from United Kingdom

When I bought the motorcycle, it clearly had not been cleaned for years.

Engine cut out constantly in the wet.

Remedy was to spray WD40 all over the coil and HT lead. End of problem.

When this occurred for the first time, due to inexperience at the age of seventeen, I took the bike back to the dealer where I bought it. I later learned, I was charged for nothing. Don`t let them rip you off!

Gearbox often use to jump out of gear. The fault was either a defective selector claw or stopper lever.

Gearbox used to leak oil via the selector shaft. Renewed the oil seal to no success. Suspect a worn shaft. The shaft was never replaced.

Exhaust started blowing. Renewed the seal at the down pipe to muffler connection. Cost nothing.

Oil change revealed petrol contamination of the oil. This was due to blown "O" ring on the disc valve induction. This affected the top end speed, thus reducing it to 55mph.

Renewed the pads at 17000 miles. Cost £10.

Renewed the rear tyre at 18000 miles. Cost £30 and fitted by an associate free of charge.

Started running erratically. A service revealed a pilot circuit in the carb was blocked, clogged exhaust and bad ignition timing. Remedy was to overhaul and clean the carb, adjust the ignition points, and decoke the muffler. The machine was noticeably faster and easily pulled wheelies. Sounded throaty.

Loss of compression at 21000 miles due to a broken top piston ring. At this stage, I sold the bike to a person of interest, who later informed me that a new piston kit was all that was needed and no rebore.

Robust disc valve two-stroke engine.

The engine is economical and is reliable when in good condition.

My one, although worn, started with the first kick.

The exhaust note is distinctive at low RPM and is music to my ears (a deep burble). After about 6000 RPM, the machine really takes off and sounds loud.

The build quality is excellent and the finish is pleasing.

The engine covers are polished aluminium and look impressive.

The 13.5 litre fuel tank gives good range.

The speedo and tachometer reveals important information at a glance.

The suspension is well damped to give a smooth ride.

The models fitted with six volt electrics would benefit with a twelve volt system.

The point system would be better replaced with CDI ignition, in order to reduce maintenance further more.

At the age of seventeen, this bike was pure freedom and joy. However, I did long for a bigger and better machine (the stupidity of youth).

In hindsight, I wish I had kept this motorcycle. It was fun to ride and looked the part, although not as flash as many sports 125s.