In the mid-1970s, Kawasaki replaced its G5 100 model with the KE100. The little KE was a popular bike that Team Green would keep in production for a quarter-century before finally pulling the plug in 2001. This particular example is not only noteworthy on account of its immaculate cosmetic condition, but also because it has only 22 original miles on its odo.
The KE100 model shared much of its DNA with its predecessor, though there were a number of substantial changes. The KE’s ergonomics had been heavily revised, and it was also given a one-down, four-up transmission, replacing the G5’s N-1-2-3-4-5 setup. The G5’s 11 hp, two-stroke single was replaced by the KE’s power-plant which featured Kawa’s “Superlube” oil-injection system and made a claimed 16 hp at 7,500rpm and 8.9 ft-lbs of torque at 3,500rpm. There were also a number of key difference in the models’ appearances.
During the KE’s 25-year production run, surprisingly few revisions were made. There were minor alterations made to the air-cooled single and transmission, the B4 model got a new tank, and tabs where turn-signals could be mounted but as a whole the 1976 model wasn’t that different from the final models produced in 2001.
The 2000 model year KE’s came from the factory equipped with rotary disc valve systems, Mikuni VM19SC carbs, and electronic CDI ignitions. The chassis was a double-cradle high-tensile steel unit, married to 30mm center-axle hydraulic forks up front and dual hydraulic shocks with five-way preload in back. In total the KE weighed in at 197lbs wet (187lbs dry) and reportedly boasted a top speed of just over 60 mph.
You can find this pristine 2000 Kawasaki KE100 with only 22 miles on it for sale here on Craigslist on Long Island, New York with a price of $2,700.