VOLUME 56 ISSUE 49 DECEMBER 10, 2019 P85
ly plush KYB SSS fork, the Kawa-
saki has a firmer, more positive
feel, and for many of our testers
the stock setup was right on the
money. But the Kawi's suspenders
don't cover quite the span of dif-
ferent weights and abilities that the
Yamaha suspension caters to. And
of course, the Austrian duo can
also boast more versatility in this
department with their air-spring
adjustability. Still, the Kawasaki's
suspension is a step forward for
the KX.
In the handling department,
we found the KX plenty compli-
ant through the turns with a nice
planted feel particularly in rutted
corners, but we'd stop short at
naming it the best in class. Still, it
had its share of fans, as one of our
pro testers raved, "This bike loves
ruts. I found myself searching for
every inside line. The flat seat
allowed me to slide up toward the
tank very easily."
So why isn't the Kawi ranked
higher than fourth? Well, two
reasons. First, the top-three are
just that good, hardly giving up
anything to the Kawi in the areas it
performs so well. Second, the KX
still does not have that little magic
e-button we long to see on the
handlebar. We could also dwell on
minor complaints in fit and finish,
such as the thin levers and the
outdated 7/8" handlebar. How
about stepping up to the tapered
aluminum, Kawi?
The lack of an electric start
does have its pluses, however—it
has allowed Kawasaki to keep
both the weight and the price
down on the KX250. It's the light-
est of the Japanese bikes (though
it still gives up a few pounds to
the Austrians) and it also has the
smallest MSRP at $7799.
