and dried out in the heat of the day,
giving us that typical slick SoCal
hardpack. So, it was time to switch
to the mellow (black) map for these
conditions, and we were pleased with
the controlled delivery that it provides.
Even with the black map, I expected
the bike to break loose or slide in
the slick dry, but I was impressed
by how well it stayed true and held
its line thanks to a smooth transi-
tion from bottom to midrange power.
Bottom line, the couplers aren't just
a gimmick. They are functional; you'll
notice the difference from coupler to
coupler.
The KX250 already had a light-pull
clutch with good feel, as does the
KX's new clutch, but the real ques-
tion here is, will it last? Only time will
tell, but from our experience with
most hydraulic clutches, it should
hold up better and provide a more
consistent feel than the KX's old
cable-actuated coil-spring clutch.
The KYB techs set our sag at
102mm, a bit stiffer than the com-
mon man's 105mm. They assured us
(Above) Brakes and
swingarm come straight
off the 450. (Right) Nissin
makes the new clutch's
hydraulic system. Gold
plugs are a nice touch.
VOLUME 57 ISSUE 41 OCTOBER 13, 2020 P135
