| MODEL | KAWASAKI KX 500 1988 - 1989 |
| Year | 1988 - 1989 |
| Engine Type | Two stroke, single cylinder, reed valve |
| Displacement / Capacity | 499 cc / 30.5 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 86 x 86 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled |
| Max Power | 66 hp / 49.2 kW @ 7000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 65.7 Nm / 48.4 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm |
| Ignition | Electronic CDI |
| Induction | Keihin PWK39 carburetor |
| Start System | Kick |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | Premix |
| Gear Box | 5 speed |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate, cable operated |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | High-tensile steel semi-double cradle with aluminum bolt-on section |
| Front Suspension | 43 mm cartridge fork with 16-way compression damping |
| Rear Suspension | Bottom-Link UNI-TRAK with adjustable preload and 16-way compression and rebound damping |
| Front Brakes | Single 220 mm disc |
| Rear Brakes | Single 190 mm disc |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | 960 mm / 37.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 1514 mm / 59.6 in |
| Ground Clearance | 325 mm / 12.8 in |
| Dry Weight | 100 kg / 220 lbs |
| Wet Weight | — |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 80/100-21 51M |
| Rear Tyre | 110/100-18 64M |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 9 Litres / 2.4 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | — |
The 1988 KX 500 was a major redesign with a new carburetor, a deeper-breathing airbox, a stronger clutch and a bigger exhaust. It had a cartridge fork and adjustable Uni-Trak rear suspension with about 13 inches of travel. The source describes it as the model most riders remember from this series.
