2018 250F MOTOCROSS SHOOTOUT
P84
SHOOTOUT
to get it slowed down. Couple this with a track that
has hard downhill braking sections (we're looking at
you, Glen Helen) and the issue becomes even more
of a burden.
The KX250F's suspension package was under
the testing team's microscope, as well, with most of
them agreeing that the system is still not on par with
the frontrunners. This is especially true of the Showa
Separate Function Fork (SFF)-Type 2, which like the
Suzuki's fork, felt overly stiff on the top of the stroke
for small choppy bumps, despite the internal damping
updates for 2018. The same issue led to some slight
headshake for some our test riders. Then again, even
if the suspension has its hiccups, a number of testers
repeated the same saying: "It's still better than the
air fork."
Weighing in at 233 pounds fully fueled—one of
the lightest bikes in the shootout—the Kawasaki is
narrow between the legs and falls into the corner
with ease. It's nimble and tackles side-to-side transi-
tions like it was made for this stuff, but its midcorner
steering struggles in comparison to the other bikes,
making it difficult to tackle tight, inside lines. Metcalfe
summed it up best, explaining, "The Kawasaki loves
to search for berms more than the other bikes, but
with a little extra effort it can still catch the insides,
just not as easily."
Other standout features of the KX250F that had
us tickled over the course of our test? How about
the four-position adjustable handlebars that allow for
35mm of adjustment, or footpegs that can be low-
ered by 5mm and work with the handlebar to help
riders of all sizes custom fit the bike to their desires?
Launch control is an appreciated touch, too.
In the end, it comes as a bit of a surprise to find
the Kawasaki all the way back in fifth place, because
it really is a great all-around performer. Some extra
refinement to the suspension package and added
features—like an electric starter and on-the-fly engine
mapping adjustment—might be all it would take to
catapult the KX250F further up the rankings, but until
then, the competition simply has it covered.
KAWASAKI KX250F
NOTABLE FEATURES
•Showa SFF Type 2 Spring Fork
•Plug-In Fueling Couplers
•Rider Compartment
Adjustability
•Aluminum Perimeter Frame
•Renthal Aluminum Handlebars
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Weight: 233 lbs. (wet)
MSRP: $7749
GEAR ID'd
GEARSET: SHOT RACE GEAR
HELMET: ARAI VX-PRO4
GOGGLES: SCOTT
BOOTS: SIDI CROSSFIRE 3 SR
