1982 Kawasaki KX500
Specifications and workshop reference information for the 1982 Kawasaki KX500, including engine, chassis, service data and setup details.
Note: Specs are compiled from factory data, manuals and owner feedback. Bikes vary — if yours is different, jump into the forum and share it.
General Specifications
| Engine Type | 2-stroke, single-cylinder, piston reed valve, air-cooled |
| Displacement | 499 cc |
| Bore × Stroke | 86.0 × 86.0 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 |
| Carburetor | Mikuni VM38SS |
| Fuel Type | Petrol mix (20:1) |
| Lubrication | Premix |
| Starting System | Primary kick |
| Ignition | CDI system |
| Ignition Timing | 13° BTDC @ 6000 rpm (2.8 mm) |
| Spark Plug | NGK B9EG (C) / NGK BR9EG |
Port Timing
| Inlet Open | — |
| Scavenging Open | 62° BBDC |
| Scavenging Close | 62° ABDC |
| Exhaust Open | 92° BBDC |
| Exhaust Close | 92° ABDC |
Transmission
| Transmission Type | 5-speed constant mesh, return shift |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-disc |
| Final Drive Type | Chain drive |
| 1st Gear | 2.000 (32/16) |
| 2nd Gear | 1.454 (32/22) |
| 3rd Gear | 1.181 (26/22) |
| 4th Gear | 0.954 (21/22) |
| 5th Gear | 0.791 (19/24) |
| Primary Reduction | 2.680 (67/25) |
| Final Reduction | 3.071 (43/14) |
| Overall Drive Ratio | 6.516 (Top gear) |
| Transmission Oil Capacity | 0.8 L (0.9 US qt) |
| Transmission Oil Type | SE class SAE 10W30 or 10W40 |
Dimensions
| Overall Length | 2175 mm (85.63 in) |
| Overall Width | 830 mm (32.68 in) |
| Overall Height | 1245 mm (49.02 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1480 mm (58.27 in) |
| Ground Clearance | 340 mm (13.39 in) |
| Dry Weight | 103 kg (227 lb) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 9.0 L (2.4 US gal) |
Chassis
| Frame Type | Tubular, single down tube |
| Steering Angle | 45° |
| Caster | 29° |
| Trail | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Front Tire | 3.00-21 4PR |
| Rear Tire | 5.10-18 4PR |
Suspension
| Front | Telescopic fork (Air fork) |
| Rear | Swing arm (Uni-trak) |
| Front Suspension Travel | 300 mm (11.81 in) |
| Rear Wheel Travel | 305 mm (12.01 in) |
| Fork Oil Type | KYB G-10 or SAE 10 |
| Fork Oil Capacity | 587–595 mL (19.85–20.25 US oz) |
| Fork Oil Level (compressed) | 164–165 mm (6.46–6.50 in) |
Brakes & Wheels
| Front Brake | Disc brake |
| Rear Brake | Internal expansion, leading-trailing |
| Front Disc Diameter | 210 mm (8.27 in) |
| Rear Drum Size | 130 × 28 mm (5.12 × 1.18 in) |
500cc Other Specs
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