Kawasaki KX 250-F test

Intro: A FIRST FOR KAWA

Although 4-stroke engines are now commonplace in circuit competition, they are also beginning little by little to find their way into cross-country competition too. After Yamaha, Honda and KTM, it’s now Kawasaki’s turn to unveil its first valve bike designed for cross...

Esthetique: HANDSOME

Here we have the KX 250-F, the model that should allow the Akashi Company to company to return to the forefront of the world motocross championship.

The design of the old KX has been completely put to one side, the design is now of great finesse, the manufacturer having got the message that apart from pure performance, if a bike is to sell it must be attractive to look at... and that the finishing also has an important part to play.

Motorization: MODERNITY OBLIGATORY

The engine: it is of course a single cylinder, 4 stroke, with double cam shaft at the head, equipped with valves and a titanium exhaust, electronic ignition and 3D engine mapping that acts on the behaviour of the engine brake. In other words a modern block that is ultra compact and innovative to a great extent.

For its 249 cc, the figures given announce power of 43 horsepower for a total empty weight of 92.5 kilos. When they say lightness, they mean business. The engine plays its part in this with thin-shelled cylinder heads.

On the road: SURPRISING QUALITY

The weight reduction is also to be found in the chassis. True, Kawasaki has not used aluminium, which might seem disappointing, and has remained loyal to its traditional steel perimeter frame. But thanks to a new attachment system for the "unitrack" suspension system, the dimensions of the chassis remain very moderate and this represents a further economy in terms of weight.

The handling should benefit from the suppleness of the engine, the lightness of the bike and the new saddle. Redesigned, it now has a flatter profile, which gives the rider greater mobility on the bike. The fork angle has been reduced to provide greater vivacity and the footrests have been slightly raised.

Unusual power, torque, surprising climbing up the revs, the dynamic qualities are all there.

To minimise the engine brake, which is often a destabilising factor across country, the electronic management of the engine mapping takes into account the gear ratio engaged.

A good point, just as much for beginners as experienced riders.

At the back too, the new uni-track suspension plays its role brilliantly. Perhaps too soft for a competition rider, the suspension will be the joy of any cross lover, even the most experienced.

None of that sort of problem with the KX 250-F. A feature on the exhaust shaft slightly opens one of the valves, which allows for easy starting, even when hot.

A quick look at the brakes while we’re at it and there are no nasty surprises here either. A 250 mm disc equipped with a double piston at the front and another at the back equipped with a single piston form a system that is more than up to the task.

Pretty attractive to look at, well finished and with an explosive engine, the KX 252-F is a good product. While we wait to see what this bike can do in the various championships in which it will be entered, we can already say that it has plenty of positive selling points for cross lovers, to the extent that it may well push its Japanese and Austrian competitors into the shade...