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Back to Model List
Kawasaki MC1 MC1M G4TRMy Kawasaki MC1M (90cc)
90 CC
GA1A, GA2A, G3SSA, G1, G1L, G1DL, G1TRL, G2T, G2S G3TR, KM90, MC1, MC1M
J1, J1L, J1T 85cc, rare J1M & G1M (motocross models)
​​
One of the largest categories for Kawasaki and the rotary valve design.  Some models are the genesis of Kawasaki's beginning's in the US motorcycle market starting in 1965.  All the 90cc engines, generally speaking, share a lot of internal and external parts.  Later models that superseded earlier models usually have some subtle changes to either improve performance OR durability.  Some of the 90cc models share parts with the 100cc models as well. However, it is within these subtleties of specifications where certain models can be harder to find specific parts. 
The 85cc models serve as a precursor to the 90cc category.  These were Kawasaki's first rotary valve bikes for the U.S. market.  There is some homage in design language that began with the early "J" bikes that carry through.  That said they share very little in the way of interchangeable parts.  Some of these early bikes required pre-mixing of the oil and gas. Early bikes have rotary shift patterns (N-1-2-3-4-5-N...) while later bikes have a return shift pattern (N-1-2-3-4-5).  See specific detail notes below for each model & year.
All bikes use Kawasaki's  Super-Lube for oiling *except where noted.

Kawasaki 90cc models frame & engine identification (below)

The frame and engine numbers indicate the beginning of the sequence for that model year.  The next model year starts the sequence after the previous model years number. 
*it is common for frame and engine numbers to mis-match within a given year

More Kawasaki service specs
MC1, MC1M Carburetor Settings
Type- VM19SC (19mm)
Main Jet - 75 "R" (round)
Needle Jet - 0-2
Jet Needle - 4EJ 7-3

Pilot Jet - 17.5
Cutaway - 2.0
Air screw - 1-1/2 turns out

J1, J1D, J1L, J1T, J1TL, J1TR, J1TRL Carburetor Settings
Type- VM17SC (17mm)
Main Jet - 110 (hex)
Needle Jet - E-2
Jet Needle - 4L 4-3

Pilot Jet - 20
Cutaway - 1.5
Air screw - 1-1/2 turns out

G1, G1L, G1DL, G1TRL Carburetor Settings
Type- VM17SC (17mm)
Main Jet - 130 (hex)
Needle Jet - E-0
Jet Needle - 4H 7-3

Pilot Jet - 20
Cutaway - 2.5
Air screw - 1-1/2 turns out

​
G1M (motocross) Carburetor Settings
Type- VM22SC (22mm)
Main Jet - 180 (hex)
Needle Jet - E-0
Jet Needle - 4J 6-3

Pilot Jet - 30
Cutaway - 2.0
Air screw - 1-1/4 turns out

GA2, G3TR Carburetor Settings
Type- VM19SC (19mm)
Main Jet - 160 (hex)
Needle Jet - E-4
Jet Needle - 5I 2-3

Pilot Jet - 17.5
Cutaway - 2.0
Air screw - 1-1/2 turns out
Kawasaki MC1 90cc wiring diagram
MC1 Wiring diagram
Kawasaki J1 J1D J1L 1965 1966 1967 1968 identification
1965-1968 J1, J1D, J1L (85cc)
Kawasaki G1L C2SS wiring diagram
G1L & C2SS (120cc) wiring diagram
Kawasaki GA2, G3TR, GA1 wiring diagram
GA2 & G3TR wiring diagram (applies to GA1 4 speed models)
Kawasaki 90cc ignition circuit wiring diagram
MC1M Ignition circuit
Kawasaki 90cc magneto coil identification
Magneto used in some of these models
J1, J1D, J1L 1965-1968 (85cc)
*low pipe models
Engine No.
(J1) J1E00001-
(J1L) LFE0000l-
Frame No.
(J1) 100001-
(J1L) J1L-00001-
Oil system:
J1 & JD (1965-66) require premix. 20:1 They had no oil injection system *these bikes probably had a lot of engine failures
The J1L (1967-68) incorporated (then new) Kawasaki's Super-Lube
Ignition: Contact Breaker Point (can run without battery, see diagram) 
Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm ALL Models
Transmission oil: SAE 10W30 or 30W
​
Kawasaki J1T J1TL 1965 1966 1967 identification
1965-1967 J1T, J1TL (85cc)
J1T, J1TL 1965-1967 (85cc)
*high pipe models
Engine No.
(J1T) 00001-
(J1TL) 00001-
Frame No.
(J1T) JlT000l -
(JITL) JlTL00001 -
Oil system:
J1T (1965-66) require premix. 20:1 They had no oil injection system *these bikes probably had a lot of engine failures
​
The J1TL (1967) incorporated (then new) Kawasaki's Super-Lube
Ignition: Contact Breaker Point (can run without battery, see diagram) 
Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm ALL Models
Transmission oil: SAE 10W30 or 30W
​
Kawasaki J1TR J1TRL 1966 1967 identification
1966-1967 J1TR, J1TRL (85cc)
J1TR, J1TRL 1966-67 (85cc)
*trail version of the J1T
Engine No. (J1TRL) 00001-
Frame No. (J1TRL) J1RL00001-

Features a unique overlay rear sprocket for 2 different final drive gearing. Upswept exhaust, engine skid plate, knobby tires to indicate trail prowess 
​
Oil system:
J1TR (1966) require premix. 20:1 They had no oil injection system *these bikes probably had a lot of engine failures
The J1TRL (1967) incorporated (then new) Kawasaki's Super-Lube
Ignition: Contact Breaker Point (can run without battery, see diagram) 
Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm ALL Models
Transmission oil: SAE 10W30 or 30W
​
Kawasaki J1M 85cc motocross identification
1966 J1M (85cc) "red tank"
J1M 85cc 1966
*very rare motocross version of the J1

​This bike might have been the inspiration for the later 100cc G31M Centurion.  The J1M was a warmed over J1 increasing horsepower from the base 8 to 11.  Through different porting and expansion chamber exhaust. Uses the pressed steel frame of the J1 bikes.
(the 125 B8M big brother is not a rotary valve but notable)
​
Oil system
Premix only-15:1
Kawasaki G1 G1L G1DL G1TRL identification
1967-1969 G1, G1L, G1DL, G1TRL
G1, G1L, G1DL,G1TRL 1967-1969
*evolution of the J1, bored to 90cc
Engine No.
(G1) 100001-
(G1L) 300001-
Frame No.
(G1) 1000001-
(G1L) 1100001-
Oil system
G1 (1967) require premix. 20:1 They had no oil injection system *these bikes probably had a lot of engine failures
G1L, G1DL, G1TRL (1968-69) ​incorporated (then new) Kawasaki's Super-Lube
​
Ignition: Contact Breaker Point (can run without battery, see diagram) 
Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm ALL Models
Transmission oil: SAE 10W30 or 30W
​
Kawasaki G1M motocross identification
1967-1968 G1M (90cc) "red tank"
G1M 1967-1968
*evolution of the J1M, bored to 90cc
Engine No. 400001-
Frame No. G1-400001-

Like the J1M, the G1M is a warmed over 90cc G1 engine featuring an expansion chamber exhaust, larger carburetor and different porting.  This results in a horsepower increase from 8.2 to 16.  This is also a rare bike that not many were produced.  The frame number indicates it used the exact frame off the line of the G1 suggesting a mid 67 year production.
​
Oil System:
Premix only 15:1
​
Kawasaki GA1 1969 1970
1969-1970 GA1
GA1 1969-1970
*evolution of the G1
Engine No. GAE-000001-
Frame No. GA-200001-

The GA1 is a more developed version of the G1. Notable features include more horsepower from 8.2 to 10.5 from revised porting and carburation.  Also improved suspension using nitrogen gas-filled shocks over previous models.  Also the first appearance of a tubular frame over the previous 2 piece pressed steel frames.

​Oil system: Kawasaki's Super-Lube
​

Kawasaki GA1A 1971 1972 1973 1974
1971-1974 GA1A
GA1A 1971-1974
*successive model to the GA1
Engine No. GAE-000000
Frame No. GA-200000

No successive frame or engine number sequence for year over year.

​Oil system: Kawasaki's Super-Lube
Ignition: Contact Breaker Point (can run without battery, see diagram) 
Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm ALL Models
Transmission oil: SAE 10W30 or 30W
Kawasaki GA2 identification 1969 1970
1969-1970 GA2
GA2 1969-1970
*5 speed version of the GA1, GA1A otherwise identical
Engine No. GAE-200001-
Frame No. GA-200001-​

​Oil system: Kawasaki's Super-Lube
​
Ignition: Contact Breaker Point (can run without battery, see diagram) 
Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm ALL Models
Transmission oil: SAE 10W30 or 30W
Kawasaki GA2A 1971-1974 identification
1971-1974 GA2A
GA2A 1971-1974
*successive model of the GA2
Engine No. GAE-200000
Frame No. GA-200000

​Oil system: Kawasaki's Super-Lube
​
Ignition: Contact Breaker Point (can run without battery, see diagram) 
Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm ALL Models
Transmission oil: SAE 10W30 or 30W
Kawasaki GA3 1969 1970
1969-1970 GA3
GA3 1969-1970
*Street scrambler version of the GA2
Engine No. GAE-200000
Frame No. GA-200000

The GA3 marks the appearance of a "street scrambler" styling.  Upswept exhaust and a universal "trials" tread tire on the front only communicates some intended light off-road use. Retains the turn signals of the GA2 and is identical in the mechanicals to the GA2.
Can be confused with the 1969 G3TR Bush Master.
​Use engine and frame numbers to confirm model
​Oil system: Kawasaki's Super-Lube
​
Ignition: Contact Breaker Point (can run without battery, see diagram) 
Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm ALL Models
Transmission oil: SAE 10W30 or 30W

Kawasaki G2S 1974 identification
1974 G2S
G2S 1974
*one year only model
Engine No. G8E-000000
Frame No. G8-000001-

Mechanically identical to the GA1 with updated styling. An odd offering being sold against the GA2 & GA1. Notable differences are the 4 speed rotary shift, versus a 5 speed return shift.  Also an advertised rated .5 less horsepower at a lower rpm.  Possibly a transition model for coming importation emission standards in the this category. Rare and often mis-identified as a G2T visually.

​​Oil system: Kawasaki's Super-Lube
​
Ignition: Contact Breaker Point (can run without battery, see diagram) 
Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm ALL Models
Transmission oil: SAE 10W30 or 30W

Kawasaki G2T identification
*Remarks misprint 1974-1976 G2T
G2T 1974-1976
*more developed version of the GA2
Engine No. GSE500000
Frame No. G8-500001-

Mechanically identical to the GA2. A successive model to the G2S briefly sold along side for 1974. Also advertised rated .5 less horsepower at a lower rpm. *Only minor stylistic and detail changes from the G2S, but shares more commonality with the 5 speed return shift GA2.
*identification guide has a mis-print in the "Remarks"

​
Oil system: Kawasaki's Super-Lube
​
Ignition: Contact Breaker Point (can run without battery, see diagram) 
Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm ALL Models
Transmission oil: SAE 10W30 or 30W
​
Kawasaki KC90 identification
KC90 was a Euro/Asian spec model. Did not appear in the US
KC90 1977-*1983
*model designation change from the G2T
1977 KC90-A1
Engine No. G8E511601-
Frame No. GF-503901-
*1978 KC90-A2
*1979 KC90-A3
*1980 KC90-C1
*1980 KC90-C2
*1981 KC90-C3

1982 KC90-C4
Engine No. G8E519801-
Frame No. GF-512101-
1983
Engine No. G8E520251-
Frame No. GF-512501-

Mechanically identical to the G2T and later 90cc models.  Stylistic updates each model year.
*missing information Contact me if you have information
​
Kawasaki G3TR bushmaster identification 1969
1969 G3TR (Bushmaster)
G3TR Bush Master 1969
*trail oriented version of the GA2 & GA3
Engine No. G3E00001-
Frame No. GA-200001-

​Can often be confused with the 1969 GA3 as it was sold along side it.  Notable differences are the "Bush Master" moniker, no standard turn signals. It also came with knobby tires both front and rear versus the GA3 only having a "trials" tread on the front and traditional "street" tread on the rear.
Use engine and frame numbers to confirm model
Kawasaki G3TR 1970 identification
1970 G3TR
G3TR 1970
*minor stylistic revision
Engine No. G3E00000
Frame No. GA-20000

Stylistic update in the way of the tank decal and oil tank.  Also this uses a sealed beam headlight versus a bulb like in older models.  Fuel tank styling usually makes the 1970 G3TR less confused with the 1969 GA3
Kawasaki G3SS 1969 1970
1969-1970 G3SS
G3SS 1969-1970
​*low pipe street only model
Engine No. GAE 000000
Frame No. GA-000000

Shares common parts to the GA2 bikes. Stylistically different.  Tank color is different between years Pastel Blue (69) & Candy Blue (70)
​
Oil system: Kawasaki's Super-Lube
​
Ignition: Contact Breaker Point (can run without battery, see diagram) 
Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm ALL Models
Transmission oil: SAE 10W30 or 30W
​
kawasaki g3ssa 1971 identification
1971 G3SSA
G3SSA 1971
*minor styling changes
Engine No. GAE268738-
Frame No. GA-268327-

Updated styling otherwise unchanged

​Oil system: Kawasaki's Super-Lube
​
Ignition: Contact Breaker Point (can run without battery, see diagram) 
Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm ALL Models
Transmission oil: SAE 10W30 or 30W
​
Kawasaki G3SSB 1972 identification
1972 G3SSB
G3SSB 1972
*minor changes
Engine No. GAE280935-
Frame No. GA-306826-

Oil system: Kawasaki's Super-Lube
​
Ignition: Contact Breaker Point (can run without battery, see diagram) 
Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm ALL Models
Transmission oil: SAE 10W30 or 30W
​
kawasaki g3ssd 1974 identification
1973 G3SSC
G3SSC 1973
​*minor updates
Engine No. GAE292961-
Frame No. GA-329103-
​
Oil system: Kawasaki's Super-Lube
​
Ignition: Contact Breaker Point (can run without battery, see diagram) 
Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm ALL Models
Transmission oil: SAE 10W30 or 30W
​
kawasaki G3ssd 1974
1974 G3SSD
G3SSD 1974
*minor updates
Engine No. G8E507550-
Frame No. GA-355001-

​Oil system: Kawasaki's Super-Lube
​
Ignition: Contact Breaker Point (can run without battery, see diagram) 
Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm ALL Models
Transmission oil: SAE 10W30 or 30W
​
G3SSE 1975​ *displacement increased to 100cc (see next tab)
Kawasaki MC1 1973 identification
1973 MC1
MC1 1973
*replacement of the "street scrambler" with "enduro" styling features
Engine No. MCE000001-
Frame No. MC-000001-

First year for the 90cc class to feature "enduro" styling and features.  Communicating on and off road performance. Shares some mechanical parts with the G1/2/3-series however engine internal specs differ slightly.  Rated horsepower is down from 10 to 6.6 rated at a lower rpm. Possibly to increase torque and reliability.

Oil system: Kawasaki's Super-Lube
​
Ignition: Contact Breaker Point (can run without battery, see diagram) 
Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm ALL Models
Transmission oil: SAE 10W30 or 30W

Kawasaki MC1A 1974 identification
1974 MC1A
MC1A 1974
*minor revisions
Engine No. MCE006966-
Frame No. MC-006946-

Casting change to the left side (ignition) engine cover, however it will fit 1973.  Differently shaped seat.
​
Oil system: Kawasaki's Super-Lube
​
Ignition: Contact Breaker Point (can run without battery, see diagram) 
Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm ALL Models
Transmission oil: SAE 10W30 or 30W

Kawasaki MC1B 1975 identification
1975 MC1B
Kawasaki KM90 1976
1976 KM90
Kawasaki KM90 1977
1977 KM90
Kawasaki KM90 1978
1978 KM90
kawasaki 1979 1980 KM90
1979-1980 KM90 (final year)
MC1B 1975
*minor revisions
Engine No. MCE018500-
Frame No. MC-018500-

Rear tire width size increased from 2.75 to 3.00.  Diameter remains unchanged.

​Oil system: Kawasaki's Super-Lube
​
Ignition: Contact Breaker Point (can run without battery, see diagram) 
Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm ALL Models
Transmission oil: SAE 10W30 or 30W
​
1976 KM90 A4
*model designation change
Engine No. MCE032001-
Frame No. MC-032001-

Model designation change from MC1 to KM90.  Graphics and stylistic changes only.  This model was not available in the US.







1977 KM90 A5
*stylistic changes
​Engine No. MCE037301-
Frame No. MC-037301-


*Stylistic changes.  Like other bikes in this year the rotary valve disc was changed from fiber to steel for durability. This model was not available in the US.






​
1978 KM90 A6
*Stylistic updates
Engine No. MCE041801-
Frame No. MC-041801-

Stylistic updates.  Shift pattered updated from N-1-2-3... to the now more conventional 1-N-2-3....








​
KM90 A6 1979-1980
*final year, stylistic changes
​Engine No. MCE041801-
Frame No. MC-041801-

Styling changes only.  Final model year.









Picture
1974 MC1M First entry level motocross offering aimed at young riders
MC1M 1974
*motocross version of the MC1 "enduro"
Engine No. MCE500001-
Frame No.  MC-500001-

The MC1M is a MC1 stripped of lights and charging system.  Plastic fenders and number plates added for competition and to reduce weight. Engine & suspension are identical to the MC1 "enduro" and so is performance.  This model was designed for young entry level competition unlike previous 85/90cc (J1M/G1M) motocross models which were aimed towards adults.  See my MC1M restoration here
Kawasaki MC1MA 1975
1975 MC1MA entry level motocross model
MC1MA 1975
*stylistic update, final year
Engine No. MCE509500-
Frame No. MC-508500-

This model was only offered for 2 years then upgraded to the KD100 "M" in the 100cc class.  

Identical to the 1974 model with only a stylistic update
​Oil system: Kawasaki's Super-Lube
​
Ignition: Contact Breaker Point (can run without battery, see diagram) 
Points gap: 0.3mm~0.4mm ALL Models
Transmission oil: SAE 10W30 or 30W
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