Faults:

The carburetor frequently malfunctions and is somewhat difficult to adjust correctly.

As it is a two-stroke (2T) engine, the cylinder and internal components undergo wear over the years and lose service life if high-quality oil was not used.

The front and rear drum brakes provide very little stopping power for the demands of modern traffic.

It's very difficult to find genuine parts in today's local market.

Since it is an old motorcycle, the electrical system is weak. The battery drains easily if the lights or turn signals are used excessively at night.

They are all minor issues typical of an ageing motorcycle; otherwise, it is extremely reliable and mechanically sound.

General Comments:

As long as you bear in mind that it is a dual-sport bike featuring simple technology and twin rear shocks, the Kawasaki KE100 performs well both on-road and off-road. The bike's rear shocks are known for being very soft and compliant.

The somewhat slender forks can blow out if you attempt extreme off-road maneuvers or try to pull wheelies when leaving the local chip shop.

The two-stroke engine was agile for its time, though it might be considered modest today, yet its low weight (just 95 kg in running order) translates into quite spirited acceleration. The KE100 vibrates at speeds above 80 km/h and is also somewhat noisy.

As for the engine's positive aspects, it is robust; despite its age, it can continue running for decades if high-quality two-stroke oil is used.

Chassis is prone to rusting, as the motocross-style fenders allow both the bike and the rider to get covered in dirt when riding in wet conditions.

The bike's drum brakes are a real problem on modern roads; they do not work well at all. The same applies to the electrical system: the battery drains if the turn signals are used frequently at night. On the plus side, the KE100's seat is wide, comfortable, and sufficiently large.

As a first bike, it lives up to expectations, being reliable, affordable, and easy to repair. It might not be perfectly suited to modern traffic conditions, but if well-maintained, it still holds its own.

I have fond memories of it.

Faults:

• Two fried pistons due overheating problems caused by not having the original exhaust muffler.

• Poor lighting due to being 6 volts.

• Hard to change gears.

General Comments:

Despite being my first motorcycle, I wanted to leave my opinion for anyone who needs it. It is a very simple bike from which you can learn basic mechanics, it is light and not very tall, so it is easy to ride.

The suspension is rather hard like the seat; the vibrations are terrible and the brakes are poor (drums), but I am sure that it is normal for a motorcycle that was launched in the 70s and had practically no mechanical changes until the end of its production.

Even if it is a small enduro, I do not recommend using it as such, only for soft dirt roads is it OK. The suspension is too stiff for the potholes. Despite vibrating so much the engine is bulletproof, I traveled 600 km for 13 hours going practically all the way with the throttle wide open and I had no problem.

The fuel economy is around 18-23 km per liter. For a 9 liter fuel tank it's not great, but well, it's a 2 stroke after all.

It is a very good bike if you have never been on one and want to have something different with offroad style.

Faults:

Carb needs some adjustment.

Baffles plugged.

Clunky shifting.

Tail light burnt out.

General Comments:

This bike has old school style combined with new bike reliability. The KE100 was the last of its' kind, being that it was the last two stroke street legal dual sport one could buy. The same basic design had been around since the late sixties and the engine is anvil simple, although the carb location is poor. It is by the rear brake lever under a cover. So don't ride in water that is any higher than the lower frame tubes.

The lighting system is lackluster running at a old school 6 volts. Don't expect to use the lights without a battery and expect to see anything. Riding long distances can be done, but aren't real comfortable.

The KE100 will top out at a little over 65 mph on a level surface with no wind. However even a slight breeze will effect how fast one can cruise. The KE100 is most happy putting down back roads at 40 mph, and it is at this speed it will deliver the best fuel economy. I have gotten as high as 90 mpg just putting around. However don't expect to cruise at 55 mph and get great fuel economy. It isn't going to happen. One can expect to get right around 50 mpg at those speeds.

The bike will travel at 55 mph for long distances, but it is buzzy and vibrates a bit making for sore hands. The acceleration is decent up to around 45 mph. In town it will keep up with traffic well enough to be safe.

I have ridden this bike in a snow storm with temps in the range of 15 below. It starts well even in the cold.

Handling is decent enough, although little wobbly on gravel roads due to the skinny tires.

Brakes are good, even though it uses front and rear drums.

Shifting is clunky, and there is a false neutral between third and forth that crops up every once in a while. Seems to be a problem with these bikes, since others I have rode have had the same troubles.

Out on the trails it performs alright but at slow speeds first gear is really too tall.

The bike has been very reliable, and the design of the whole thing is basically bullet proof. Just don't expect to do any motocross style jumps or interstate touring.

All in all, it is a good little bike to learn on, and it needs very little maintenance.