2021 KAWASAKI KX250
R I D E R E V I E W
P130
(Above) New tapered handlebars feature a
new bend. The ultra-slim KX is comfy.
But the bad news is more weight. Kawasaki
admits that the new electric starting system,
which includes the addition of a battery, comes
at a price, an additional 4.5 pounds.
Deep inside the motor, a reshaped crank-
shaft, a longer connecting rod and a new piston
add up to a higher-revving engine package.
Revs have been bumped up to 14,500 rpm.
But it wasn't all about more revs. Kawasaki also
focused on giving the '21 more bottom-end
power, something the KX lost in 2020. The
new motor also features reshaped intake and
exhaust ports and revised exhaust cam timing.
Finishing visual touches to the motor include
a new gold-colored oil cap and generator cover
plug, which compliment this year's green, gold
and black graphics.
The motor rests in an all-new aluminum
perimeter frame that comes straight from the
KX450. If it wasn't for a couple of modified en-
gine mounts, the 250 and 450's frames would
Kawasaki essentially
stuffed the 250cc
engine inside the
KX450's frame.
