| MODEL | KAWASAKI KX 500 1987 |
| Year | 1987 |
| 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 | 63.5 hp / 46.7 kW @ 7000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 65.7 Nm / 48.4 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Induction | — |
| Start System | Kick |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | Premix |
| Gear Box | 5 speed |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate, cable operated |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Two-section frame with bolt-on aluminum rear section |
| Front Suspension | 43 mm Floating TCV fork, about 1.5 in more travel than before |
| Rear Suspension | Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with piggyback reservoir shock |
| Front Brakes | Single 220 mm disc |
| Rear Brakes | Single 190 mm disc |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | 950 mm / 37.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 1514 mm / 59.6 in |
| Ground Clearance | 325 mm / 12.8 in |
| Dry Weight | 100 kg / 220.5 lbs |
| Wet Weight | — |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 3.00-21 |
| Rear Tyre | 110/100 18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 9 Litres / 2.4 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | — |
The 1987 KX 500 was presented as an improved version of the earlier bike, with a new frame, a bigger airbox with a fresh-air intake and a new exhaust. It also introduced a Floating TCV fork and a Bottom-Link Uni-Trak rear end, and the front brake was revised for more stopping power.
