Kawasaki KV100

The KV100 'A' (A7-A13) series and 'B' (B1-B14) series were 99.7cc Kawasaki^[1] motorcycles made from 1976 through 1988.

They were designed mainly for the 'farm bike' market, a dirt/trail or dirt/road machine powered by a single cylinder, two stroke, rotary disc valve engine with displacement of 99.7cc producing 11.5 hp @ 7500 rpm. It was street legal having headlight, taillight, and license plate bracket. Turn signals/indicators were optional along with special guards for the headlight, handlebars, engine and chain. It had a larger pack rack on the back and an optional holder for a long handled shovel. The KV100 A7 produced in 1976 had a candy super red fuel tank and chrome (metal) fenders front and back. They were available in various colors (yellow, white, blue, green) based around changes in model (petrol tank and guards) until Kawasaki adopted its well known green color branding for its trail bikes around 1989. Plastic front fenders (mudguards) were used around 1982

The KV100 series is known for being made up of parts from other models (G3, G4, G5) of the same era which used the same frame or engine. They were sold in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. In Australia and New Zealand they were marketed by stock agents direct to farmers as well as being available through the local distributor and retail networks. The KV series does not appear to have been marketed in the US (although evidence is scarce) The KV100 series has also been seen in Thailand and some countries in Africa (e.g. Zimbabwe).

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

The KV series is often confused with the more well known (and marketed in the US) G4TR 'Trail Boss' (1970–1975) and KE100 series (1976...)

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

^[2]

References

1. Kawasaki Heavy Industries
2. Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd, Japan; Kawasaki Australia; Kawasaki New Zealand; Kawasaki Model Recognition Manual 1969-1978; Kawasaki Model Recognition Manual 1979-1981; Kawasaki Model Recognition Manual 1982-85; Kawasaki Model Recognition Manual 1986-1988