You are here
Home > TESTED: BIKES & KIT > Tested: Bikes > Tested: 2020 Kawasaki KX250

Tested: 2020 Kawasaki KX250

Kawasaki KX250 100.9kg 37.60bhp

After the all-new KX450 came out a year ago, here is a whole new KX250. The engine has been redone with a whole new valve train, a larger 44mm throttle body and reposition twin fuel injectors. Power is up by 3.3bhp.

Kawasaki also updated the chassis, with a KYB suspension package instead of the older-spec Showa, and modified brakes to make it stop even better.

Unlike the KX450, the new Kawasaki KX250 has KYB AOS 48mm forks with Kashima coating to improve smoothness and a new rear shock.

Just as on the older bike, the suspension and chassis work well together as a package. None of our testers wanted to change any settings, which shows how the bike has a perfectly balanced set-up. For many riders who don’t understand how to get the best out of their suspension, that’s a big plus.

Maintenance

Motor oil: 1.0 litre
Oil and filter replacement: after break-in then every 15 hours or 6 races
Air filter cleaning: after 2.5 hours use or every race
Piston Replacement: every 15 hours or 6 races
Valves: Check every 15 hours or 6 races
Starter motor: N/A
Tyres
Front: Dunlop Geomax MX3SF 80 / 100-21
Rear: Dunlop Geomax MX3S 100 / 90-19

What the testers said:

Morgan Lesiardo:

I really liked this new KX. The engine is very much improved, it is the closest in performance to the Austrian bikes. But major advantages is the Kawasaki suspension. The rear shock in particular is well sorted, but the forks are fantastic too.

The clutch isn’t as good as the Austrian bikes, but is still the best of the Japanese bikes and a little better than the Suzuki. I also like the brakes a lot. On the KX the Nissins are even more positive and stronger than the Austrian Brembos.

Stefano Dani:

The Kawasaki and Suzuki are the only ones with the double injectors, but the delivery is completely different. The RM-Z is faster at low end but the KX has a more linear delivery that stretches out so it lets you change gear later. The strengths of the engine are the mid-high power and the over rev.

But it’s not the most nimble of bikes and you have to physically work harder to get it around some of the corners, especially at speed. It’s stable on fast straights but a little flawed in nimble handling.

Verdict

The new 2020 Kawasaki KX250 is a strong bike and one of the best 250Fs of the year, approaching the performance of the KTM 250F. It has virtually no weaknesses. The engine is now the best among the Japanese for useable power, response and over-rev.

The frame is slim and stiff, even if the handling is not its forte. But the frame manages to bring out the best from the Showa suspension package, which works perfectly on the KX250. It has perfect ergonomics and a very good clutch and brakes. It’s heartily recommended.

Top