2004 Kawasaki Motocrossers

Kawasaki has made a truly valiant effort to become a front-runner in the past two years. Last years KX 125 and 250 were an incredible step for Kawasaki they stepped up to the competition with great handling and improved suspension. They also brought their motors up to a competitive level and the 125 had one of the best power plants in its class. This year is no different from the last. They made a long list of changes and improvements, which should make the KX models a serious threat. Kawasaki also came thru with Graphics that don't need to be replaced after your first ride. They also added a gripper seat cover, followed by a long list of added features and changes.KX 125Last years 125 was one of our favorite bikes to ride. We had little to complain about last year but what we did complain about was the low seat height and weak bottom power. This year the first two changes we noticed was a taller seat and better bottom end power and that's not all that got better the 2004 Kawasaki 125 has increased mid range power and tractability. The new motor is really smooth and easy to ride unlike most of the competition the KX 125 motor can be short shifted when needed and their is no need for clutch abuse when you make a mistake or lose your momentum. The suspension is well balanced and has good bottoming resistance. Handling was greatly improved and gives you a feel of confidence at speed especially in flat corners.KX 250The 2004 KX 250 has a big hit on bottom which is followed by a strong mid range pull then falls a little short on overrev. The new motor works best when short shifted. If your riding style is suited for big bottom end power you may want to add the KX 250 to your wish list. Suspension feels as though they may have aimed at lighter riders because it felt bit soft for most and although it does feel balanced, flat hard packed corners are tricky. The KX also bottomed a little easy on big hits. The higher seat and foot peg position makes the rider compartment more comfortable but is still a bit cramped for taller riders. Overall the improvements over last years bike are apparent with big power gains on bottom end power and midrange. With a heavier spring rating at both ends this bike will be in the running.KX 125 FEATURES****Engine- Reshaped combustion chamber
- Higher compression ratio
- Piston ring locating pin moved to rear of piston to evenly distribute ring pressure at front of piston
- Improved KIPS design provides better seal to piston
- Reshaped expansion chamber provides more power and is recessed from rider's leg
- Two-stage reed valve increases low-end flexibility, prevents over-flexing at high rpm
- New carburetor settings
- Straightened air duct and carburetor holder
- Revised ignition
Durability Improvements- Increased clearance between connection rod big-end and nylon crankcase "stuffer", increasing lubrication
- New connecting rod made of stronger steel
- Left crankcase casting is more rigid, clutch cable-to-case now sealed with an O-ring
- Stronger radiator side brackets help prevent deformation
- Engine bolts made of stronger steel
- Stronger exhaust silencer mounting brackets and stronger igniter bracket
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 20mm 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
- 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
- Foot pegs 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
Kawasaki Options (Available Through Kawasaki Dealers)- Flywheel rotors allow riders to alter the amount of engine inertia to suit riding style and track conditions
- 20-inch front wheel for various track requirements
- Different front and rear sprockets
- Solid brake disc for muddy race conditions
- Softer and stiffer fork and shock springsSPECIFICATIONSEngine: Two-stroke single cylinder with KIPS(r)
Displacement: 124cc
Bore x stroke: 54.0 x 54.5mm
Cooling: Liquid
Carburetion: Mikuni TMX38x
Induction: 6-petal carbon fiber crankcase reed valve
Compression ratio: TBA
Ignition: Digital CDI
Transmission: 6-speed
Rake/trail: 27.5 / 3.9 in.
Suspension adjustments, rear: Spring preload, 16-way compression and rebound
Wheel travel, front: 11.8 in.
Wheel travel, rear: 12.2 in.
Tire, front: 80/100-21 51M
Tire, rear: 100/90-19 57M
Brakes, front / rear: Hydraulic disc
Dry weight: 191.2 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 2.2 gal.

Kawasaki KX 250****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.