2 0 19 C Y C L E N E W S 2 5 0 c c F O U R - S T R O K E M O T O C R O S S S H O O T O U T
SHOOTOUT
P82
hits and hard landings. After fiddling with
the compression and preload adjust-
ments, riders found a more balanced feel-
ing that worked well in all areas.
Standout features on the Kawi? It's
hard to discount the Ergo-Fit system,
which includes adjustable handlebar and
footpeg mounts. The handlebar mounts
can be flipped and the triple clamp offers
two unique positions totaling 35mm of ad-
justable range. The footpegs also feature
two positions—and while all our testers
kept the pegs in the stock trim—taller rid-
ers may find this to be a useful resource.
The handlebar-mounted launch control is
also a standard feature on the Kawasaki.
Where the Kawasaki falls short is, like
the RM-Z, its lack of electric start and
outdated fuel-coupler system. In years
prior, we would overlook these shortcom-
ings, but the current crop of front-runners
are making them a must-have just to
compete in 2019.
Lack of updates or not, the Kawasaki is
still a strong all-around package that's ca-
pable of running at the front of any given
race—it's in the finer details that the 2019
KX 250 comes up short. Considering that
the KX450 received a complete overhaul
this year, we're expecting Team Green will
come out swinging with a more updated
machine next year.
KAWASAKI KX250
NOTABLE FEATURES
•Showa SFF Type 2 Fork
•Plug-In Fueling Couplers
•Multiple Rider Compartment
Adjustability
•Aluminum Perimeter Frame
•Renthal Aluminum Handlebar
•Manual Starting
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Weight: 234 lbs. (wet)
MSRP: $7749
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