DT May 2018

KX 250F: THE BIKE THAT BUILDS CHAMPIONS.
The 2018 Kawasaki KX250F is the second year of the
brand’s newest generation quarter litre motocross bike.
The 2017 model was an all-new machine, so Kawasaki
sought to improve on their newest generation bike by
making refinements to the engine and suspension. The
changes made to the engine were implemented to try and
improve the power and torque throughout the rev range
while the new suspension settings were aimed at better
overall compliance.
The changes made to the engine include a new throttle
body with a less vertical injector mounting angle, a new
fuel pump, a revised intake duct and shorter intake funnel,
a new cylinder head design, a new intake camshaft,
revised ECU settings, and a new header pipe.
The changes to the suspension were made in both the
front and rear of the bike. Up front, the Showa Separate
Function Fork (SFF) has a softer spring and added
preload in the right fork while the left fork receives a new
compression shim setting, a new rebound shim setting,
and a new BCV shim setting. The rear shock changes are
a new rebound shim setting, compression shim setting,
and new plug-bolt setting.
From R83995.00
KX 450F: THE FINAL CHAPTER.
Kawasaki redesigned this bike two years ago with weight
loss and improved handling as the primary goals. The
chassis was changed much more than the motor, which
dates back to a time before anyone thought that electric
start would be a trend in motocross. So, now the KX450F is
one of the two that still has a kickstarter. It’s the lightest of
the Japanese bikes, due in part to its air fork. Kawasaki is
using a Showa SFF fork with three separate air chambers in
the right leg.
Without a doubt, handling is the KX450F’s calling card.
It doesn’t do anything wrong, and it feels much lighter
than any of the Japanese bikes. It is, in fact, around 4
kilogrammes lighter than the Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha.
While the KX’s peak power is less than most of the others,
it has more low-end power than any of them, and that
makes it very easy to ride. The suspension, once you get
the fork dialed in, is excellent, and the bike has very neutral
ergonomics, which can be further customized with the
adjustable foot peg height and handlebar position.
From R89995.00
At a Kawasaki Dealer near you.
28 DIRT & TRAIL MAGAZINE MAY 2018