2016 Kawasaki KX65 Specifications

Name: 2016 Kawasaki KX65
Brand: Kawasaki

Cross / motocross • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2016 Kawasaki KX65 Overview

The 2016 Kawasaki KX65 is a cross / motocross motorcycle. Under the tank sits a Single cylinder, two-stroke engine, a compression ratio of 8.4:1. The bore and stroke measures 44.5 x 41.6 mm. From a practical standpoint, the 2016 KX65 tips the scales at 60 kg, carries a 3.79-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 759 mm and spans a 1,120 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 49.8 kg lighter than the average cross / motocross motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2016 Kawasaki KX65 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2016 Kawasaki KX65 compared with other bikes in the Cross / motocross category

Here is how the 2016 Kawasaki KX65 stacks up against other bikes in the Cross / motocross category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 200 models.

Wet weight of 60 kg is lighter than that of 126 of the other 128 bikes in the Cross / motocross category.
Only 18 of the other 199 bikes in the Cross / motocross category have a lower seat height than the 759 mm of the KX65.
Narrowing the field to the 67 models within five model years of it, the wet weight of 60 kg is lighter than that of every one of the other 66.

Versus the 2015 model

The figures we track are unchanged from the 2015 model: wet weight and seat height all match.

2016 KX65 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong front braking: The single disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
Accessible seat height: At 759 mm, the seat height is approachable for a wide range of rider heights and builds confidence in low-speed manoeuvring.

Considerations

Carburetor fuelling: Carbureted engines need occasional jetting attention and can be reluctant in cold weather or at altitude compared to modern fuel-injected alternatives.
Modest fuel capacity: The 3.79-litre tank means more frequent fuel stops on longer rides, which is worth planning around on touring routes.
Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Carburetor maintenance

The KX65 uses carburetion rather than fuel injection, which means jetting is altitude- and temperature-sensitive and benefits from a clean-and-rejet after extended storage or an exhaust change.

Brake disc and pad wear

The single disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the KX65 runs 33mm leading axle conventional fork with four-way rebound damping and Uni-Trak single shock system with four-way rebound damping and fully adjustable spring preload at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Semi-double-cradle, high-tensile steel - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

Low-speed handling

At just 60 kg, the KX65 is light enough to manhandle easily at a standstill - one of the practical advantages of its class.

KX65 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2016 Kawasaki KX65 cross / motocross, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 10 years old, this cross / motocross is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained KX65 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the KX65's single cylinder, two-stroke engine. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. With an 8.4:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Carburetor upkeep

Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the KX65 has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.

2016 Kawasaki KX65 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2016 Kawasaki KX65 have?

The 2016 Kawasaki KX65 is powered by a Single cylinder, two-stroke engine.

How much does the 2016 Kawasaki KX65 weigh?

The 2016 Kawasaki KX65 weighs 60 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2016 Kawasaki KX65?

The 2016 Kawasaki KX65 has a 3.79-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 63-75 km between stops.

Is the 2016 Kawasaki KX65 suitable for shorter riders?

The 2016 Kawasaki KX65 has a seat height of 759 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.

What brakes does the 2016 Kawasaki KX65 have?

The 2016 Kawasaki KX65 uses single disc with hydraulic at the front and single disc at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2016 Kawasaki KX65 use?

The 2016 Kawasaki KX65 runs 60/100-14 front and 80/100-12 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What fuel system does the 2016 Kawasaki KX65 use?

The 2016 Kawasaki KX65 uses Carburettor. Mikuni VM24SS, providing precise fuelling across the rev range and reliable cold-start behaviour.

Kawasaki KX65 Spec Evolution

The Kawasaki KX65 was produced across 21 model years (2002-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2002	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Dry Weight	57 kg / 125.7 lbs	57 kg / 125.7 lbs	57 kg / 125.6 lbs	57 kg / 125.6 lbs	57 kg / 125.6 lbs	57 kg / 125.6 lbs	-	-	-	275 kg / 606.3 lbs	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Engine Detail	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	90 degree V-twin	-	Reed valve.	Four-petal reed valve	Reed valve	Reed valve	Reed valve	Reed valve	Reed valve	Reed valve	Reed valve	Reed valve
Engine Type	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke
Fuel Capacity	-	-	3.78 litres / 1.00 gallons	3.78 litres / 1.00 gallons	3.78 litres / 1.00 gallons	3.78 litres / 1.00 gallons	3.78 litres / 1.00 gallons	3.78 litres / 1.00 gallons	3.79 litres / 1.00 gallons	3.79 litres / 1.00 gallons	3.79 litres / 1.00 gallons	3.79 litres / 1.00 gallons	3.79 litres / 1.00 gallons	3.79 litres / 1.00 gallons	3.79 litres / 1.00 gallons	3.79 litres / 1.00 gallons	3.79 litres / 1.00 US gallons	3.79 litres / 1.00 US gallons	3.79 litres / 1.00 US gallons	3.79 litres / 1.00 US gallons	3.79 litres / 1.00 US gallons
Displacement (cc)	64.00 cc	64.00 cc	64.70 cc	64.70 cc	64.70 cc	64.70 cc	64.70 cc	64.70 cc	64.00 cc	64.00 cc	64.70 cc	64.70 cc	-	-	64.70 cc	-	64.7 cc	64.7 cc	64.7 cc	64.7 cc	64.7 cc
Displacement (ci)	3.91 cubic inches	3.91 cubic inches	3.95 cubic inches	3.95 cubic inches	3.95 cubic inches	3.95 cubic inches	3.95 cubic inches	3.95 cubic inches	3.91 cubic inches	3.91 cubic inches	3.95 cubic inches	3.95 cubic inches	-	-	3.95 cubic inches	-	3.95 cubic inches	3.95 cubic inches	3.95 cubic inches	3.95 cubic inches	3.95 cubic inches
Ground Clearance (in.)	-	-	0.5 inches	12.0 inches	12.0 inches	12.0 inches	12.0 inches	12.0 inches	12.0 inches	12.0 inches	12.0 inches	12.0 inches	12.0 inches	12.0 inches	12.0 inches	12.0 inches	12.0 inches	12.0 inches	12.0 inches	12.0 inches	12.0 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)	-	-	12 mm	305 mm	305 mm	305 mm	305 mm	305 mm	305 mm	305 mm	305 mm	305 mm	305 mm	305 mm	305 mm	305 mm	305 mm	305 mm	305 mm	305 mm	305 mm

Key Specifications

Engine

Single cylinder, two-stroke

Power

Not recorded

Torque

Not recorded

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

60.0 kg / 132.2 lbs

Fuel Capacity

3.79 litres / 1.00 gallons

Full 2016 Kawasaki KX65 Specifications

Colours Lime Green

Ground Clearance (in.) 12.0 inches

Ground Clearance (mm) 305 mm

Seat Height 759 mm / 29.9 in.

Wheelbase 1,120 mm / 44.1 in.

Height 955 mm / 37.6 in.

Length 1,590 mm / 62.6 in.

Width 759 mm / 29.9 in.

Fuel Capacity 3.79 litres / 1.00 gallons

Wet Weight 60.0 kg / 132.2 lbs

Bore x Stroke (in,) 1.8 x 1.6 inches

Bore x Stroke (mm) 44.5 x 41.6 mm

Engine Type Single cylinder, two-stroke

Engine Detail Reed valve

Fuel System Carburettor. Mikuni VM24SS

Compression Ratio 8.4:1

Ignition CDI w/digital advance

Starter Kick

Final Drive Chain

Gearbox 6-speed

Frame Type Semi-double-cradle, high-tensile steel

Suspension - Front 33mm leading axle conventional fork with four-way rebound damping / 8.3 in.

Suspension - Rear Uni-Trak single shock system with four-way rebound damping and fully adjustable spring preload / 9.4 in.

Rake 27.0°

Trail 61 mm / 2.4 in.

Brakes - Front Single disc. Hydraulic.

Brakes - Rear Single disc

Tyres - Front 60/100-14

Tyres - Rear 80/100-12

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.