The KD80 was a great first bike for that young rider.
80CC
KD80 1975-1988 model identification guide
The smallest displacement of Kawasaki's rotary valve bikes. These bikes are largely built off of the internals of the 90cc rotary valve class of bikes. See 90cc page for more elaborate details and lineage. The KD80 (rotary valve version) remained virtually unchanged in its basic design, styling and performance in its 13 year run.
In 1988 the KD80-N1, known as the KD80X model, would get a complete re-design. The KD80-N1 would ditch the rotary valve engine configuration in favor of a reed valve design. It would also have smaller wheels, different suspension, expansion chamber exhaust and more modern styling. Overall it would still keep the "playbike" performance and aesthetics while having some (pee-wee class) competition performance.
These bikes however share nothing with the KDX80 & KX80, which are true competition mini bikes. These are styled after the KDX/KX line of motorcycles. They feature Kawasaki's Uni-Trak (single shock linkage) rear suspension and reed valve induction among other advancements for performance.
From a restoration standpoint the KD80 is a great beginner project bike. It is simple in design and operation. It shares a lot of internal parts with other bikes so parts are plentiful. The only downside is it is/was never mean for adults to ride. This could be a perfect vintage bike for a young rider to appreciate newer bikes and innovations as well as teach the basics of motorcycle mechanics.
KD80 1975-1988 model identification guide
The smallest displacement of Kawasaki's rotary valve bikes. These bikes are largely built off of the internals of the 90cc rotary valve class of bikes. See 90cc page for more elaborate details and lineage. The KD80 (rotary valve version) remained virtually unchanged in its basic design, styling and performance in its 13 year run.
In 1988 the KD80-N1, known as the KD80X model, would get a complete re-design. The KD80-N1 would ditch the rotary valve engine configuration in favor of a reed valve design. It would also have smaller wheels, different suspension, expansion chamber exhaust and more modern styling. Overall it would still keep the "playbike" performance and aesthetics while having some (pee-wee class) competition performance.
These bikes however share nothing with the KDX80 & KX80, which are true competition mini bikes. These are styled after the KDX/KX line of motorcycles. They feature Kawasaki's Uni-Trak (single shock linkage) rear suspension and reed valve induction among other advancements for performance.
From a restoration standpoint the KD80 is a great beginner project bike. It is simple in design and operation. It shares a lot of internal parts with other bikes so parts are plentiful. The only downside is it is/was never mean for adults to ride. This could be a perfect vintage bike for a young rider to appreciate newer bikes and innovations as well as teach the basics of motorcycle mechanics.
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KD80 specifications and adjustments
Oiling system: Kawasaki's Super-Lube Transmission Oil: 10-30W or 10-40W Ignition system: Contact breaker point, Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm (see wiring diagram) Carburetor Settings Type- VM19SC (19mm) Main Jet - 80 Needle Jet - 4EJ 7-3 Pilot Jet - 17.5 Cutaway - 2.0 Air screw - 1-1/2 turns out |
KD80 breaker point ignition wiring diagram
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For early 85cc (1965-1968) J-series bikes see 90cc models page
1975 KD80A
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KD80A 1975
*motocross version Engine No. KD080AE000001- Frame No. KD080A-000001- Smaller displacement version of the MC1M. This model was aimed at young or entry level competition riders. Shares a lot with the MC1M and other 90cc models |
1976 KD80A1
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KD80A1 1976
*minor updates Engine No. KD080AE002100- Frame No. KD080A-002100- Tank color and graphics only revision. See MC1M |
KD80A2 1977
*styling changes
First year for the plastic fuel tank.
*1978
*1979
*missing information Contact if you have information
*styling changes
First year for the plastic fuel tank.
*1978
*1979
*missing information Contact if you have information
1980 KD80M1
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KD80-M1 1980
*styling updates Engine No. KD080ME000001- Frame No. KD080M-000001- Swing arm changed from tubular to a box style |
1981 KD80M2
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KD80-M2 1981
*styling updates Engine No. KD080ME005501- Frame No. KD080M-005501- JKAKDWM17BA007554- First year for the new 17 digit VIN number. Different seat |
1982 KD80M3
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KD80-M3 1982
*styling updates Engine No. KD080ME011201- Frame No. JKAKDWM1 CA011201- |
1983 KD80M4
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KD80-M4 1983
*styling updates Engine No. KD080ME016601- Frame No. JKAKDWM1 DA016601- "80m" displayed on the seat. |
1984 KD80M5
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KD80-M5 1984
*styling updates Engine No. KD080ME019901- Frame No. JKAKDWM1 EA019901- |
1985 KD80M6
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KD80-M6 1985
*styling updates Engine No. KD080ME022401- Frame No. JKAKDWM1 FA022401- |
1986 KD80M7
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KD80-M7 1986
*styling updates Engine No. KD080ME023001- Frame No. KD080M-0023001- |
1987 KD80M8
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KD80-M8 1987
*styling updates Engine No. KD080ME025801- Frame No. KD080M-025801 JKAKDWM1HA025801- |
1988 KD80M9
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KD80-M9 1988
*styling updates, last year for this model Engine No. KD080ME028901- Frame No. KD080M-028901- Final model year. |