VOLUME 59 ISSUE 3 JANUARY 19, 2022 P77
SIXTH PLACE
Sixth place? Really?
Technically, the KX250
pulled up the rear on
our list, but it's not
really a "last-place"
bike. All it took were a
few minor annoyances,
like handlebars, grips,
levers and a noisy chain
guide that prevented the
Kawasaki from finishing
higher up on our list.
This just goes to show
you how good all these
bikes are on the track.
>
The Kawasaki KX250
dropped a couple of
notches from last year to
sixth. But before we finish, let's
quiet one misconception—yes,
it might have finished sixth
out six but that doesn't mean
it's a "last-place" bike. It's
an excellent motorcycle but
just didn't wow our testers as
much as the others did.
Let's start with the good.
This is the second year of
this generation KX. It's a vast
improvement from the former
gen, equipped with a new
frame, engine and body styling.
Electric start and a hydraulic
clutch are again highlighted
this year. The KX also offers
their Ergo-Fit system, which
offers different mounting
positions for the handlebars
and footpegs. This can be a
great feature for taller riders
or those growing into the bike.
The KX250's engine can
run with the best of them. It's
another high-revving "hold
onto your hats and glasses''
kind of power that pulls from
the get-go. A quick feather
from the Nissin hydraulic
clutch, and you're off to the
races. The engine in this
generation emphasizes both
top-end rev and bottom-to-mid
pull. It has slightly shorter
shift points than the KTM or
Honda, but overall, it hits the
mark and feels on par with the
others as far as horsepower
is concerned. As with the rest
of the 250s, we preferred
the Kawasaki in the most
aggressive map or, in the KX's
case, coupler.
Interestingly enough,
Kawasaki opts for two
different suspension suppliers
for their 250 and 450 KX
models. The 250 rides on KYB
components, the 450 Showa.
We liked the settings on the
KX250. Its stiff nature offered
a solid, planted feel that could
absorb big hits under power.
The fork and shock are both
KX250
KAWASAKI
