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/1298200
2021 KAWASAKI KX250 R I D E R E V I E W P136 that the bike's chassis and overall balance were designed around this 102mm sweet spot. They obviously know a thing or two because the bike's comfortable poise is easy to feel from lap one. The KX250 rode like a dream on the Perris track, maintaining agility in the tight inside ruts and stability in the fast sweeping corners. It tracks well in the hairpins and gives riders the confidence to charge rutted turns. We were pleased with the stock suspension settings. We did not feel the immediate need to make a single clicker adjustment to the fork or shock during the day, as braking bumps and chop were hard to come by. We must admit, the Perris track wasn't what we would call rough on this day, so we'll be anxious to get on the KX again on a rougher one to better evaluate the suspension. But for now, so far so good. Even though Kawasaki says the '21 KX250 is heavier this year, even the most sensitive rider will have a hard time noticing that. The e-start is well worth the small increase in weight, especially when you don't even notice it on the track. First Impression So far, it is safe to say that the '21 KX250 is indeed much improved over its predecessor. If all Kawasaki did was give it the new clutch and electric starting, it would already be a better bike, but tack on a higher- revving motor and seemingly im- proved handling, and you certainly have the icing on the cake. Just don't forget to pack your earplugs. CN 2021 KAWASAKI KX250 ($8299) ENGINE 4-stroke, 4-valve, DOHC, single COOLING Liquid DISPLACEMENT 249cc BORE X STROKE 78.0 x 52.2mm COMPRESSION RATIO 14.1:1 FUEL SYSTEM DFI w/44mm Keihin throttle body and dual injectors ENGINE CONTROL 3 DFI couplers IGNITION Digital CDI TRANSMISSION 5-speed CLUTCH Nissin hydraulics, cone-disc springs TRANSMISSION 5-speed FRAME Aluminum perimeter HANDLEBARS Aluminum Renthal Fatbar; 4-way adjustability FOOTPEGS 2-way height adjustability FRONT SUSPENSION KYB, 48mm inverted, coil-spring fork, fully adjustable REAR SUSPENSION KYB, single shock Uni-Trak, fully adjustable FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 12.4 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 12.4 in. FRONT TIRE 80/100-21 in. Dunlop MX33 REAR TIRE 100/90-19 in. Dunlop MX33 FRONT BRAKE Single 270mm floating disc, 2-piston caliper REAR BRAKE Single 240mm disc, 1-piston caliper RAKE 28.0° TRAIL 4.6 in. GROUND CLEARANCE 13.2 in. SEAT HEIGHT 37.4 in. WHEELBASE 58.5 in. WEIGHT (CURB, CLAIMED) 226.4 FUEL CAPACITY 1.64 gal. SPECIFICATIONS