I have a 1987 Kawasaki KX80 that I just recently bought. Its an altogether nice bike so far, but I'm having some trouble getting the bike to reach it's top speed. When I'm riding it, the bike only reaches about 25-30 MPH in the top of sixth. I know the bike can go faster, because when I was riding it for a while a couple weeks ago, the bike went a ton faster, the way I believe it's supposed to. As a teenager who doesn't know a whole lot about motorcycles, I cant find the source of the problem. I think the problem could have something to do with dirt in the carbs. I'd like to be able to fix the problem before winter, so please help!
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
What would be a cause for a 1987 Kawasaki KX80 not being able to reach its top speed?
- Thread starter PJ145
- Start date
guardrailjim
New member
Most common problem would be a worn out top end (cylinder, piston & rings).
The bike is over 20 years old and you just bought it.
You don't know when it was last rebuilt, or if it ever was in the entire life of the bike.
2 stroke engines require rebuilds quite often.
Every 2 years if used all summer.
The bike is over 20 years old and you just bought it.
You don't know when it was last rebuilt, or if it ever was in the entire life of the bike.
2 stroke engines require rebuilds quite often.
Every 2 years if used all summer.
guardrailjim
New member
Most common problem would be a worn out top end (cylinder, piston & rings).
The bike is over 20 years old and you just bought it.
You don't know when it was last rebuilt, or if it ever was in the entire life of the bike.
2 stroke engines require rebuilds quite often.
Every 2 years if used all summer.
The bike is over 20 years old and you just bought it.
You don't know when it was last rebuilt, or if it ever was in the entire life of the bike.
2 stroke engines require rebuilds quite often.
Every 2 years if used all summer.
I would start out by dropping the float bowl and look for any dirt etc in bowl, make sure the float needle is free of varnish etc. so remove the float by carefully tapping the pin holding the flao in place, it wouldnt hurt to use compressed air or a aerosol can of wd etc to blow through the fuel inlet to flush out anything. If the bike sat for a period of time it will run good until the varnish starts breaking down then it will clog the main jet restricting fuel to the engine.
Samuel Paris
New member
check the main transmission oil. In older cycles, the oil can dirty very fast, also check if your air filter is dirty. You can also use carburetor cleaner to clean out any gunk in the inner engine.
I would start out by dropping the float bowl and look for any dirt etc in bowl, make sure the float needle is free of varnish etc. so remove the float by carefully tapping the pin holding the flao in place, it wouldnt hurt to use compressed air or a aerosol can of wd etc to blow through the fuel inlet to flush out anything. If the bike sat for a period of time it will run good until the varnish starts breaking down then it will clog the main jet restricting fuel to the engine.
guardrailjim
New member
Most common problem would be a worn out top end (cylinder, piston & rings).
The bike is over 20 years old and you just bought it.
You don't know when it was last rebuilt, or if it ever was in the entire life of the bike.
2 stroke engines require rebuilds quite often.
Every 2 years if used all summer.
The bike is over 20 years old and you just bought it.
You don't know when it was last rebuilt, or if it ever was in the entire life of the bike.
2 stroke engines require rebuilds quite often.
Every 2 years if used all summer.
I would start out by dropping the float bowl and look for any dirt etc in bowl, make sure the float needle is free of varnish etc. so remove the float by carefully tapping the pin holding the flao in place, it wouldnt hurt to use compressed air or a aerosol can of wd etc to blow through the fuel inlet to flush out anything. If the bike sat for a period of time it will run good until the varnish starts breaking down then it will clog the main jet restricting fuel to the engine.
I would start out by dropping the float bowl and look for any dirt etc in bowl, make sure the float needle is free of varnish etc. so remove the float by carefully tapping the pin holding the flao in place, it wouldnt hurt to use compressed air or a aerosol can of wd etc to blow through the fuel inlet to flush out anything. If the bike sat for a period of time it will run good until the varnish starts breaking down then it will clog the main jet restricting fuel to the engine.
Samuel Paris
New member
check the main transmission oil. In older cycles, the oil can dirty very fast, also check if your air filter is dirty. You can also use carburetor cleaner to clean out any gunk in the inner engine.
Harley Drive
New member
you are probably changing gear too early it will only reach its top speed in fourth, - fifth and sixth are for cruising