Kawasaki Bayou 220 Specs
By: Leon Rhodes
The Kawasaki Bayou 220 is an all-terrain vehicle(ATV) manufactured by Kawasaki Industries from 1988 until 2003. It sports a 14 horsepower 4-stroke engine, weighs a touch over 404 lbs (183 kg) and is capable of a 45 mph (72.4 km/h) top speed in stock condition.
The Bayou 220, model number KLF220, remained a best selling quad for 15 years thanks to innovative features like a shaft drive, an automatic clutch, a reverse gear and independent front suspension.
Your Bayou 220 was made in...
| 10th Digit of VIN | Year Made |
|---|---|
| J | 1988 |
| K | 1989 |
| L | 1990 |
| M | 1991 |
| N | 1992 |
| P | 1993 |
| R | 1994 |
| S | 1995 |
| T | 1996 |
| V | 1997 |
| W | 1998 |
| X | 1999 |
| Y | 2000 |
| 1 | 2001 |
| 2 | 2002 |
| 3 | 2003 |
To determine which year your Bayou 220 was manufactured inspect it's VIN number. The 10th digit of every Kawasaki ATV VIN represents the year it was made. I, Q, U and O are never used to represent ATV year information and Z was skipped in 2001.
The Kawasaki Bayou 220 VIN is on the left front frame rail behind the wheel and this year chart should help you decode the year it was made.
Bayou 220 Dimensions (1988-2003)
The Kawasaki Bayou 220 is 174.5 cm (68.7 in) long, 102 cm (40.2 in) wide and 104 cm (40.9 in) in height. It's wheelbase measures 111.5 cm (43.9 in) from front to back and it has a dry weight of 183 Kg (404 lbs)
Bayou 220 Engine Specs (1988-2003)
The Kawasaki Bayou 220 has an air cooled 4-stroke SOHC single cylinder Mikuni engine. The bore and stroke ratio is 67 x 61 mm (2.64 x 2.4 in) and the compression ratio is 9.3 to 1. The Bayou 220 engine has 215 cc of displacement creating just over 14.3 stock horsepower(HP).
More Engine Specs for the Bayou 220
Engine specs and Carburetor details for the popular Kawasaki Bayou 220 ATV. Page includes Carb diagram and part number list for easy reference.Kawasaki Bayou 220 Battery Size
Kawasaki Bayou 220 ATVs use batteries that are roughly 5.2 x 3.5 x 6.5 inches in LWH (132 x 89 x 165 mm). Sealed batteries are recommended to prevent fluid spillage when riding over rough terrain.
Replacement batteries must be 12 volt, 10+ Amp hours(AH) and should be rated for 150+ cold cranking amps(CCA). If you plan to ride when it's cold out use a battery with a higher CCA rating to make starting your quad easier.
Kawasaki Bayou 220 Oil Capacity
Kawasaki Bayou 220 Oil Capacity is 2.2 Quarts(2.5 Liters), according to the owner's manual. Make sure you use the right amount to prevent engine damage.
Bayou 220 engines often have the oil capacity rating stamped on the engine next to the oil fill hole, when in doubt go with that value.
Kawasaki Bayou 220 Carburetor Adjustment
Adjusting the carb on a 220 is relatively simple, it has two adjustment screws. The idle adjustment screw is on the outside of the bowl and the needle on the inside of the bowl, called the air mix valve, adjusts the air/fuel mixture under throttle.
After cleaning or rebuilding a Bayou 220 carb the adjustment screws should be reset to 1.5 turns out prior to fine tuning of the carb. This will allow the engine to run as you dial it in.
Kawasaki Bayou 220 Top Speed
Bayou 220 top speed is a respectable 45 mph (72.4 km/h) in stock condition. While originaly designed by Kawasaki to compete in the utility ATV market the Bayou 220 might actually belong in the entry sport/utility class due to its decent top speed.
Kawasaki Bayou 220 Mud Tires
I've owned my Bayou 220 for over 30 years and I find that mud tires are the best type of tire for this quad. Unless you only drive on pavement a switch to a good mud tire will immediately improve traction, reliability and they are great in the mud(and snow). I highly recommend the following types of mud tires.
- ITP Mud Lite All-Terrain ATV Tires
- Kenda Bear Claw ATV Tires
- Two other ATV tires worth mentioning
ITP Mud Lite tires have a tread depth of roughly 21 mm which is perfect for getting out of a muddy situation. They are 6-ply mud tires with a 340 load capacity rating(per tire) designed for offroad and trail riding. These tires are my favorite for plowing snow.
Kenda Bear Claw ATV tires have slightly better vertical climbing abilities, in my opinion, but the tradeoff is they tend to dig up grass a little more, if you ride on grass. ITP Mudlites and Kenda Bear Claws both have aggresive treads perfect for offroad trail riding.
SunF IIs and Carlisle ATs are two additional options worth considering because both types of ATV tires are durable, have great traction and can carry a load or push an ATV plow. I'm sure there are other great brands available for any budget, these are the tires I've tried and am happy with.
Interesting Kawasaki Bayou 220 Details
The first Green colored Bayou 220 was manufactured in 1989 and sales peaked between 1998 and 2001. It was well made with few recalls, the most notable of which being a 2002 recall for loose rear axle nuts.
Where's the VIN on a Bayou 220?
The vehicle identification number(VIN) on a Kawasaki Bayou 220 ATV is located on the left side of the frame, slightly forward of the foot peg. Because of it's proximity to the ground, and feet, many VIN plates have fallen off over the years.
What's it worth?
A used Kawasaki Bayou 220 ATV in good working condition ranges in value between $600 and $1800. A search of major online marketplaces suggests this ATV is harder to find but still available despite its age. This is likely due to relatively high production numbers and quality manufacturing processes.
Value information is dependent on condition. $600 is the low end value for ATVs needing work but running. $1800 is the high end value for a model in good running condition. ATVs missing parts may sell for less. Bayou 220 value source: official blue book average sales data.
How much can a Bayou 220 pull?
The Kawasaki 220 Bayou has a 450 lb tow rating and can safely pull that much with relative ease, not bad for a 404 lb ATV.
What kind of spark plug does a Bayou 220 use?
The most common type of spark plug used in Kawasaki Bayou 220 engines today is the NGK standard plug(D8EA). Breynet and Champion also manufacture D8EA spark plugs compatible with Bayou 220 engines.
Does the Bayou 220 have a clutch?
YES, the Kawasaki Bayou 220 has an adjustable clutch contrary to what may be reported on some sites.
A Good Bayou 220 clutch adjustment video
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