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lauNcH REPoRT – 2010 KawaSaKi KX250F
claimed to increase fuel flow by
at least 20 per cent over its previous
injector design which is featured on the
current model KX450F.
A nice touch which is available as
an option on the KX250F is the KX FI
calibration kit. It is an aftermarket plug
in kit that enables the rider or mechanic
to log onto the DFI system and make
modifications to both fuel and ignition
settings. The pack comes pre-set with
seven optimised fuel and ignition
curves which were developed by the
Kawasaki engineers. You can also play
and fiddle as you like and create your
own fuel and ignition settings using the
software provided with the kit.
suspension
In 2011 the Kawasaki engineers have
introduced their revolutionary new
Showa Separate Function front Fork
system (SFF). The new front suspension
system is vastly different from any
other 250cc four stroke on today’s
market. In years gone by both damping
and springs were housed together in
the same fork. Not any more, the left
hand fork now houses the damping
assembly only and the right hand fork
takes control of the spring assembly.
This allows for dramatically reduced
friction and a much smoother, more
predictable ride. Kawasaki’s new fork
design also saves significant weight
over the previous system, the SFF setup
sheds the kilos by dropping parts
which were previously needed twice.
Now there is only one fork spring and
damping system instead of two. It was
also evident that after watching the
Kawasaki technicians, the new Separate
Function front Fork system is quite
easy to adjust and simple to work on.
All the normal clickers that we are
used to seeing were still there, however
there is now an added clicker adjuster
on the top right hand fork to increase
or decrease the amount of preload the
rider/mechanic would like on the front
fork spring. The Uni-Track rear shock
and linkage setup remains relatively
unchanged from 2010. The Showa
shock gets revised damping settings to
match the new fork setup and keep the
green machine under control.
The rest
The moment you hop on the KX250F
you feel comfortable and ready to go.
the cockpit are
Renthal 7/8” handlebars,
we know they aren’t the
oversize ’bars some riders
expect but it’s pretty
tough to bend a set of 7/8”
Renthals. The bend is very
comfortable and is actually
the same handlebar that
comes on one of its close
competitors, the CRF250R.
The standard footpegs
get the job done, however
with the latest trend going
towards platform widestyle
footpegs it would be
nice to see the KX with a
big chunky set of ’pegs.
Kawasaki has opted to
fit out the new KX with
Bridgestone tyres; the 403
front and 404 rear have an
excellent reputation, they
offer excellent grip in most
conditions and don’t wear
out too fast. The black
wheels also make the KX
look pretty trick.
The overall look of the
bike hasn’t changed from
2010 with the exception of
the Bold New Graphics.
Considering the KX has a
slick and modern new look,
SpecificationS:
2011 KAWASAKI KX250F
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled single
Capacity: 249cc
Transmission: Five speed/chain drive
Fuel Capacity: 7.2 Litres
Frame Type: Alloy
Seat Height: 945mm
Wet Weight: 105.7kg
Front Suspension: 47mm USD SFF.
Rear Suspension: Uni-Trak
Brakes: Twin-piston caliper front,
single-piston rear.
Tyres: 80/100-21, 100/90-19
Price (RRP): $10,999
www.kawasaki.com.au
and that most 250F riders
are going to kit their bikes
out with new graphics and
stickers anyway, having
a similar look to last year
can’t be a bad thing.
on the track
So what does all of the
above mean on the track?
It means the 2011 bike is
considerably improved
over the 2010 bike. When
you first kick over the little
green Kawie you notice
the DFI has cleaned up
the annoying splattering
that you get under warm
up on a carburettered four
stroke. DFI also loses the
fuel on/off switch as the
need is gone, however there
is still a choke knob for
those cold early morning
race-day starts. Once the KX
is all warmed up and you
take to the track the feel at
the throttle is much more
predictable and gone is any
evidence of a miss or flutter.
We took it easy to begin
with and got used to the
set-up of the new fork and
shock as well as the DFI.
The Showa SFF suspension
does an excellent job of
soaking up the bumps and
feels nice and plush at the
top of the stroke. Once we
began to tackle some of
the bigger jumps the SFF
forks and Uni-Track shock
held up very well as we
took on the big hits with
confidence. The motor was
very punchy and lively for
a small bore thumper. The
little green machine pulls
very strong off the bottom
and doesn’t let off through
the mid and top end. Once
you spin a few laps on the
KX250F it’s quite easy to see
why this is a class leading
engine.
verdict
There is no doubt the
2011 KX250F is going to
be a winner, especially at
$10,999. Straight off the
showroom floor this thing
is in race-shape. With over
30 improvements to the
2011 model, Kawasaki has
proved it isn’t resting and
has taken its new machine
to the next level. n
SFF stands for Single Function Forks.
We like good suspenders…
… and short skirts.
Simple to use, half the adjustments.
Kwaka’s 250cc KX engine surely
punches above its weight.
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