Kawasaki KE175

**Seth S** · #1 22 Apr 2002

I may be able to get a hardly used 1978 Kawasaki Ke175 off from one of my neighbors. I am about 6'2" and 180 lbs (81Kg) and I am wondering how well a bike like this might hold up for long distance travel on mostly rough dirt roads, some trails, and pavement.

Seth S

**Grant Johnson** · #2 22 Apr 2002

I guess it depends on how you define long distance travel and reliability.

That bike should be very reliable, given proper maintenance etc. Personally I like the size for off-roading, but on road your top cruising speed is very limited, probably no more than 50-55 mph or so - which may be enough, depending on where you're riding and how much on-road. Too much fast highway work and it won't last well.

At 6'2 you may find it cramped.

Someone else on this board is talking about riding a CT90 around North America, so why not?

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Grant Johnson

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**Grant Johnson** · #3 22 Apr 2002

Just twigged - you're the guy who wants to do it on a CT90 - sorry, too many people to keep track of!

As to which one would I choose - for utter reliability the Honda, for much more fun and reasonable reliability, the Kawasaki. For me it's a no-brainer - the Kaw. Maintenance is easy on them - spare plug(s), a spare piston and rings, a chain ad a few master links, throttle and clutch cables, and that takes care of about everything.

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Grant Johnson

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**shangull** · #4 8 Aug 2006

Hey I have a ke175, a '76 model. I love it. I’m 6'4" and it is more than adequate. But I only way 150lbs so hat might have something to do with it. But comfort wise its fine. I live in Alaska so this bike gets to see its fare share of pot holes and frost heaves in the road plus I like to take it out to the dirt track and do jumps. It’s a great bike and it is easy as hell to work on. Finding parts is a little annoying but its kind of fun to track them down. So in my opinion you should get it, you won’t regret it.

**grimel** · #5 8 Aug 2006

That was my first "big bike". I abused the crap out of it for 5 or 6 years. I think it was a 76, could have been a 78. I put thousands of hours on it. Replaced spark plugs, tires, rear axle (you can jump too high). It ran an honest 70, but, was much happier at 55-60.

I completely abused that bike.

**The Cameraman** · #6 14 Aug 2006

Hi There,

I had one back in 1979 and it was a fabulous bike. OK the chewed up a few parts during it's time but it taught me how to fix 2 stroke machinery. I'd love to get another one now!

Regards

Reggie AKA The Cameraman

**Icon185** · #7 23 Sep 2006

When i was 11 i had a xr80 by the time i was 12 1/2 i was too big for it lol. so i got the kaw 175 as my first big bike. i liked it i sitll have sitting in my garage im now 21. hasnt been ridden in awhile. but i used to ride it across town to school everyday when weather was permittable. i got it up to 73 on freeway and it sounded like she wasa going to give way but she stayed strong. i would like to get here running again i would like to get more power out of her though any suggestions. sry my story is long but if you can get your hands on one definatly do it.