Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/127146
00 00 0') 1""""4 The KX125. 250 (abov e) and 500 were originally going to come with upside down f ork s. but they w ill come with bigger 46mm standard forks inst ead. traditional electronic digital analogue type - it's now a mechanical odometer/trip meter. None of the KXs are as radically changed as the KDX200, but they do feature enough refinements to keep things interesting. Starting with the tiddler of the family, Kawasaki is again offering the small-bore KX80 in two versions - the standard size KX80 (L2) a nd the " big wheel" KX80 (N2). Besides the differe nt size wheels, the two models are otherwise the same an d featu r e th e same . changes. The cylinder porting on the KX80 has been reworked, and the watercooling system has been redesigned to accept more water capacity. This has been achieved by adding an extra radiator core and increasing the ra diator width by 12.5mm. And to top things off, an aluminum die casting is used in the rubber reed valve holder to avoid distortion due to engine heat. The clutch has been beefed up by installing judder springs, similar to those used in the KX125. They have been added to eliminate abnormal clutch noise in quick starts. The rest of the changes to the KX80 have been minor, such as adding an extra mounting spring to the aluminum muffler; a "window" in the airbox; strengthening of the main transmission bearing, .a nd modifying the outer fork tu be and main spring of t he fork to prevent bottoming. The KX125 doesn 't feature any earth-shattering new developments, but it does boast a ยท19-inch (rather than 18 inch) rear wheel, as does the 250 and 500. . Motor-wise, the 125 features modifications that Kawasaki says improve power throughout the .. complete range of the powerband. These modifications include changes to the exhaust port and valves of the KIPS; a revised cylinder head with reduced compression; a redesigned expansion chamber and improved air flow to the carburetor. The only noteworthy changes to the KX's frame include going to an aluminum steering stem and redesigned front and rear hubs. The 250 and 500 feature the same changes. Up front in the suspension department, Kawasaki was going to mount upside down forks on the KXl25, 250 and 500, but in a last-minute decision, Kawasaski felt it was best to stick with the standard telescopic fork design, and increase the fork's rigidity by switching from 43mm sliders to 46mm sliders. Kawasaki felt the upside down fork needed more work and-dialing.before going into production. However, this decision only affects Kawasakis imported into the U.S. and Canada. All the rest will . sport the upside down forks. The 250 and 500, like the 125, will come with 46mm forks" The front disc brakes on the KX125, 250 and 500 will now feature dual-piston arrangements with 3mm-thicker stainless steel discs and thicker brake pads. O ther changes to the 125 include stronger clutch springs and a denser and more durable foam rubber seat padding, as does the 250 and 500. . Modifications to the KX250's motor were 'aimed towards gaining better low-end and mid-range performa nce out of the water-cooled engine. Changes to the motor include KIPS refinements, lowering of the main exhaust port height, a redesigned exhaust pipe and a new digital ignition. The gas tan k is slimmer, and, like the 125 and 500, theseat has denser padding. T he most no teab le change to the KX500 is the addition of the KIPS, while continuing to incorporate the decompression release. To help reduce vibration, the crank has been relocated for better balance. Other changes to the 500 include stronger transmission shafts and a longer silencer. . The KXs and the KDX should be released in the fall. - Kawasaki will offer the KX80 (left) in two versions. The KDX200 (rig ht) reverted to a mechanical analogue odometer/tripmeter. 25