SHOOTOUT I 2023 250cc FOUR-STROKE MOTOCROSS SHOOTOUT
P84
The stiff nature of the Kawi
makes it sharp when it comes
to handling or picking a rut,
but it rides a fine line between
being too harsh later in the day.
It's not that the bike is overly
hard to ride, but it took more
time to find a good spot on the
Kawi than on the two bikes that
beat it. With most of our riders
in the 150/180-pound range,
they added a little more sag and
opened up the fork to find that
improved comfort.
The KX's ergos are among
the best. A nice neutral setup
with adjustable handlebars
and footpeg mounts made it
comfortable and adaptable
for everyone in our group. It
feels like a standard Japanese
motorcycle—wide pegs, thin
radiator shrouds, and that
familiar squared-off seat. The
clutch and brakes worked as
expected, too, but they weren't
anything to write home about.
Last year the Kawi fell a few
spots due to its overall fit and
finish feeling a bit subpar, and
the same thing happens here
when we get to the nitty-gritty.
The engine is on the raspy, loud
side, the levers feel thin and
cheap, and we all know about
the Kawasaki chain guides.
You're likely to replace these
parts anyways, and they're
small things to complain about,
but when it comes to the top
of the class, they must be
mentioned.
