KAWASAKI KH125 (1975 - 1998) Review

I have a 25 year old KH 125 and although I haven't been riding long so don't have much exerience of other bikes I have to say my experience of this bike is pretty good. First thing my brother said is you shouldn't have bought a 2 stroke (after I bought it) but apart from a bit of soldering it hasn't really been any problem it starts in all weathers and for a 25 year old bike it goes quite well. It returns between 80 and 100 to the gallon and although intended as a round town commuter it did the 140 mile journey from North Suffolk to Kent quite happily. Can't really comment on handeling as I have nothing to compare it to but it seems pretty good for what it is. All in all personnally I think for what it is it's not a bad little bike and would I recommend it? yes.

Had one of these in the mid eighties as a commuter. I hated the 6 volt electrics and lack of electronic ignition. Top end speed was very poor and the engine cases needed lots of solvol plus elbow grease. It got replaced with a TZR125F which blew it away in every aspect. I like Kawasakis lots but this one is best forgotton

I never owned one but one of my friends at 6th Form had one of the early ones (15HP Round Headlight). It was a pretty bike, styled in the manner of the KH250s which had just become obsolete (slow compared to the RD250F and X7s) but which had a certain charm all of their own. Whilst the top speed wasn't amazing its pickup & mid range were very strong (up to about 50mph). We rode it two up around town a few times and it managed quite well despite my friend being heavy. Performance wise it didn't seem to mind too much but the handling was pretty poor. One day I gunned it across a busy rode from a standing start and was suprised when it lifted the front wheel for quite a distance - my friend used to lean back on his topbox so it wasn't as hard as it might seem... Even in those days it wasn't outright fast compared to some of the alternatives (e.g. RD125s, CB125T2s) but it did seem to have a real gutsy character all of its own.

In my opinion, this is a good first 125, ideal for the daily commute or as a learner bike. It copes with the daily boredom of commuting but still does not fail to thrill when you put your head and open the taps. Its lightweight makes it easy and fun to throw into corners and its suspension and chassis (despite being vary basic) cope with all conditions with ease. It just inspires confidence in all conditions and when you are being a total spanner on it, there is a little bit of understeer to frighten you into easing off. The motor is fairly gutsy for an old 125, developing 12bhp and an easy top end of 75mph on the dual carriageway, so you will be able to hold your own in traffic. Reliability can be an issue if certain areas are neglected (it eats spark plugs like theres no tomorrow) and you can find your self stuck at a set of lights after the motor cuts out. However, take regular care of this bike (this bike is not for the rider who is not confident in basic motorbike mechanics), treat it with the same love and affection you would treat your dog and it will reward you with a long, happy life, full of surprises.