2004 Kawasaki KX 250 - First Test & Review - Dirt Rider

Big Big bottom. The new KX 250 has gone back to the days of big bottom end power. It hits hard on the bottom and pulls strong through the mid range. Similar to the 125, the new 250 received many new features and change's to help improve power, durability and the rider compartment was adjusted to be a bit more comfortable.Engine: Short shifting the new 250 is not just an option. It's a must with top end power that feels weak in comparison to its competition. Just short shift it and you will be happily surprised at how much bottom-end to midrange torque the KX250 cranks out.Suspension and Handling: The KX250 suspension felt balanced and seemed to track well, yet it was just too plush for our testers. Last year's bike was one of the best handling 250s in our shootout but they seem to have a lost some of those superb traits with this year's model. However, the new gripper seat cover was well liked along with the rubber-mounted handlebars, which help cut down on the bad vibes.With graphics that don't peel away in the first few minutes of riding and a gripper seat cover, you begin to see that Kawasaki took some time to redesign their 250 two-stroke. They didn't stop at surface treatment either. Motor durability and overall dependability of the KX 250 was also addressed in the list of improvements.FEATURES****Engine•Reshaped combustion chamber
•Higher compression ratio
•Revised intake ports
•Revised exhaust port timing
•Straighter carburetor air ducts
•Reshaped two-piece KIPS(r) valve and governor ball guide, new KIPS(r) cover breather
•Crankcase "stuffers" mounted to crank webs are changed from aluminum to nylon Durability Improvements
•Piston "streaking" with fine oil-retaining grooves and tin-plating enhances seizure resistance, improving durability
•New engine mounting bolts made of stronger material
•Steel pin pressed into kickstart stopper prevents stopper area from wearing and kickstart lever from angling out excessively
•Stronger radiator side brackets help prevent deformation
•Relocated expansion chamber bracket
•Stronger chain guard uses more durable material
Chassis and Suspension•New UNI-TRAK(r) rear suspension link is anchored on the swingarm, drastically reducing front-to-back movement of the shock, resulting in smoother, more stable action and improving traction at the rear wheel when accelerating
• Forged, one-piece actuating rod for UNI-TRAK replaces two-piece extrusions
•Frame construction is lighter due to suspension loads being absorbed by the new 2mm longer swingarm
•Upper cross tubes and engine mounts are modified to idealize stiffness balance for enhanced cornering performance and improved durability
•New semi-sealed cartridge fork provides better damping and fork action
•Front axle is 9mm shorter and axle collar is shorter and lighter (both are common with the new KX250F)
•More compact front axle brackets feature new clamping method
- Adjustable rubber handlebar mounts help reduce vibration
•Flatter seat improves riding position and raises seat height 8mm
•Textured slip-resistant seat cover helps keep rider in place
•Footpegs raised 3mm to suit the improved riding position
•Rear brake pedal pivot is mounted 11.5mm higher for increased ground clearance
•Fuel tank uses oblong mounting hole for easier maintenance
SPECIFICATIONS•Engine: Two-stroke single with KIPS(r)
•Displacement: 249cc
•Bore x stroke: 66.4 x 72.0mm
•Cooling: Liquid
•Carburetion: Keihin PWK38S with Power Jet
•Induction: Piston reed valve
•Compression ratio: 10.1:1 (low speed), 8.9:1 (high speed)
•Ignition: Twin Spark Digital CDI
•Transmission: Five-speed
•Rake/trail: 27 / 3.8 in.
•Wheel travel, front: 11.8 in.
•Wheel travel rear: 12.2 in.
•Tire, front: 80/100 x 21
•Tire, rear: 110/90 x 19
•Dry weight: 213.8 lbs.
•Wheel base: 58.3 in.
•Fuel capacity: 2.2 gal.