..1998 KAWASAKI DUAL PURPOSE MODELS
Balanced Between The Street & Dirt
Kawasaki's dual-purpose KLR and KE motorcycles represent a balance between
street-going savvy and off-road prowess. These machines are comfortable cruising the city
streets, yet when the pavement ends they allow riders to confidently explore back roads on
the way to remote destinations.
The largest Kawasaki dual purpose model, the KLR650, also adds another dimension to the
dual purpose concept. With its large displacement, specially-padded seat, mini fairing and
handguards, the KLR650 provides long-distance touring comfort and becomes more of a
dual-purpose machine. The KLR250 lies right in the middle of the dual purpose equation,
while the venerable KE100 provides an economical entry-level platform that's long been the
perfect camping and transportation companion.
KLR25O and 650 Share Similar Technology
Although there's a big difference in engine sizes between the two KLRs, they share
much of the same technology. Dual overhead cams operate four valves in each machine's
single-cylinder, four-stroke engine. A compact combustion chamber allows increased
compression ratios for more performance without detonation on today's pump gasolines.
Double engine counterbalancers keep both size engines running smoothly from idle to
redline and an automatic cam chain tensioner keeps engine timing spot-on without
maintenance.
Both KLR engines are liquid cooled to maintain consistent operating temperatures for
fade-free power and increased engine life. The cooling system on both bikes also has an
auxiliary fan that is automatically activated should coolant temperature rise.
Both KLR250 and 650 engines reside in frames made of hi-tech, round section, high-tensile
steel, the same material used in Kawasaki's world-class KX motocross machines. Detachable
aluminum rear sub-frames simplify maintenance by providing access to the airbox,
carburetor and rear shock on each model. Skid plates are mounted at the bottom of the
frames to protect the engines.
The KLRs sit atop more than nine inches of wheel travel that handles the backroads
with ease. Air adjustable front forks and Kawasaki's exclusive
UNI-TRAK® rear suspension system keep the ride smooth. The
single rear shock on each model has preload and rebound damping adjustments.
KLR 250 FEATURES:
· Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single with dual counterbalancers
· Long travel suspension with UNI-TRAK® rear linkage
system
· Detachable aluminum rear sub-frame
· Aluminum skid plate
KLR65O Suited for the Long Haul
What really differentiates the KLR650 from the KLR250 are the amenities for
long-distance touring. With its 651cc electric-start engine producing lots of torque, only
five gears are needed in the transmission to produce great acceleration and relaxed engine
revs at highway speeds.
The specially-padded seat helps keep the rider comfortable when covering the long
distances made possible by the KLR650's large 6.1 gallon fuel tank. A mini fairing with
windshield and handguards help shield the rider from the wind for added comfort. The
KLR650 is also fitted with a rack at the rear of the seat that can accommodate soft
luggage for extended trips. A complete line of luggage and other genuine Kawasaki
accessories is available exclusively through Kawasaki dealers.
KLR 650 FEATURES:
· Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single with dual counterbalancers
· Long travel suspension with UNI-TRAK® rear linkage
system
· Electric starter
· Specially-padded seat, mini fairing and handguards for touring comfort
· 6.1-gallon fuel tank for extended range
KE100 Takes a Different Approach to Dual
Purpose
The Kawasaki KE100 is completely different from the KLR models. As one of Kawasaki's
best selling and enduring models, the KE100 hasn't strayed from its simple mission of
providing basic, enjoyable all-around transportation on the street or dirt.
The KE 100 is powered by a 99cc air-cooled, two-stroke engine with hi-tech features such
as Kawasaki's exclusive Electrofusion cylinder, which consists of hard, porous molybdenum
and steel film that offers efficient heat dissipation and abrasion resistance, and a
maintenance-free capacitor discharge ignition (CDI) system. Kawasaki's Superlube oil
injection system eliminates mixing fuel and oil, a common procedure with many two-stroke
engines, and delivers the precise amount of lubrication to the engine for greater
reliability.
The frame is made of high tensile steel and has a steel engine guard for off-road
protection. A U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrester assures the KE100 access to many
wilderness roads designated for licensed vehicles.
With a 187-pound dry weight, the KE100 is easy to haul around and has made it a favorite
camping companion. Its light weight and nimble handling helps inspire confidence in novice
riders and makes it a good vehicle for negotiating city streets.
When looking for a dual purpose machine to escape from the city to the backroads or from
the campground to the store for supplies, look no further than the Kawasaki KLR and KE
dual purpose motorcycle line-up.
KE 100 FEATURES:
· 2-stroke single with Electrofusion-coated cylinder
· Rotary valve induction
· Superlube oil injection
· U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrester
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