Greatest Motocross Bike fifth Place—2023 Kawasaki KX250

Kawasaki has loved numerous success in Filth Rider’s 450 Motocross Shootout, having gained the comparability in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Workforce Inexperienced hasn’t loved related ends in the 250 four-stroke motocross division, nonetheless. Lately, its KX250 has been hindered by less-than-stellar engine efficiency at low rpm and too agency of a suspension setting. Regardless of updates to deal with stated criticisms, the inexperienced machine nonetheless leaves one thing to be desired in these areas, and finishes fifth within the 2023 250F Motocross Shootout.

“The KX250 has a enjoyable engine character, light-feeling chassis, and sharp dealing with, but it surely wants extra consolation and energy to win.” <i>—Allan Brown</i> (Jeff Allen/)

2023 Kawasaki KX250 Engine

The Kawasaki engine produces 40.9 hp and 18.9 lb.-ft. of torque on the Filth Rider dyno. With these figures, it sits third in peak horsepower and fourth in most torque. The KX250 works nice for individuals who prefer to rev, however the meat of its energy is simply too excessive within the rpm vary for beginner- and novice-level riders. Reaching that considerable top-end takes a while as properly as a result of it has the softest bottom-end within the class.

Associated: 2023 Kawasaki KX250 Technical Data

Kawasaki is one in all three producers to present its 250 four-stroke motocross bike mechanical updates in 2023. (Jeff Allen/)

The Kawasaki’s powerband is essentially the most 125cc two-stroke-like, rewarding those that flip the throttle to the cease and preserve it there, but it surely takes a while to construct rpm after errors are made or the mistaken gear is chosen. Feathering the Nissin hydraulic clutch is straightforward because of its easy pull.

Kawasaki can declare it has the highest-revving 250 four-stroke motocross bike available on the market. It’s the one one to transcend 14,000 rpm on the <i>Filth Rider</i> dyno. (Robert Martin/)

2023 Kawasaki KX250 Suspension

Workforce Inexperienced specs its quarter-liter four-stroke motocrosser with a KYB 48mm coil-spring fork and KYB shock, which have the potential to be the perfect suspension within the class. Nevertheless, they’re arrange too stiff for many in inventory trim. Riders who weigh 175 kilos or extra will admire the holdup, however those that weigh lower than that can possible want softer springs or a revalve.

Associated: 2023 Kawasaki KX250 First Experience Assessment

“The KX250 is slightly more durable to get into the powerband than the opposite bikes.” <i>—Ty Cullins</i> (Jeff Allen/)

The performance-oriented setting soaks up massive, high-speed hits properly, however lacks consolation in small chop. The KX250′s suspension works all proper on tighter, jumpier programs, however on a tough monitor like Glen Helen, it turns into all too obvious that Kawasaki missed the mark on setup.

“I really like the simplicity of the KYB 48mm coil-spring fork design and need it got here on the KX450 as properly, identical settings and every part.” <i>—Casey Casper</i> (Jeff Allen/)

2023 Kawasaki KX250 Chassis/Dealing with

The KX250 is heaviest within the class, hitting our automotive scales at 239 kilos moist. Regardless of that, it feels mild and nimble on the monitor. Dealing with is usually impartial, however an inadequate quantity of weight on the entrance finish hinders cornering functionality. Ergonomics are excellent with slim bodywork and a flat seat. The Renthal Fatbar 839-bend handlebar being a contact excessive throws off the rider triangle simply barely, but it surely’s nearly excellent in any other case.

Associated: 2022 Kawasaki KX250 Challenge Bike Driving Impression

Hitting our automotive scales at 239 kilos moist, Workforce Inexperienced’s quarter-liter four-stroke motocrosser is heaviest within the phase. (Jeff Allen/)

Why the 2023 Kawasaki KX250 Ought to Have Received

It boasts the highest-revving engine, a nimble chassis, and wonderful ergonomics.

“The KX250 could be very flickable within the air, which I’m certain youthful and sooner riders would admire.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Why the 2023 Kawasaki KX250 Didn’t Win

Having the weakest low-end energy, a very stiff suspension setting, and being heaviest within the class maintain the KX250 again. Additionally, its EFI coupler system is changing into dated.

“The KX250’s ergonomics and stiff suspension labored properly for me, however I’m certain most 250F riders would admire softer settings.” <i>—Casey Casper</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Gearbox

Helmet: Arai VX-Pro4

Goggle: Scott Prospect

Jersey: Fly Racing Kinetic

Gloves: Fly Racing Kinetic

Pants: Fly Racing Kinetic

Boots: Alpinestars Tech 10

Quantity Plate Backgrounds: DeCal Works preprinted

2023 Kawasaki KX250 Specs

MSRP:	$8,499
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement:	249cc
Bore x Stroke:	78.0 x 52.2mm
Compression Ratio:	14.1:1
Transmission/Closing Drive:	5-speed/chain
Filth Rider Measured Horsepower:	40.9 hp @ 13,400 rpm
Filth Rider Measured Torque:	18.9 lb.-ft. @ 8,600 rpm
Gasoline System:	EFI w/ 44mm throttle physique
Clutch:	Moist, multiplate; hydraulic actuation
Body:	Aluminum perimeter
Entrance Suspension:	KYB 48mm coil-spring fork, compression damping and rebound damping adjustable; 12.4 in. journey
Rear Suspension:	KYB shock, spring preload, excessive/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.4 in. journey
Entrance Brake:	Nissin 2-piston caliper, 270mm semi-floating disc
Rear Brake:	Nissin 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Tires, Entrance/Rear:	Dunlop Geomax MX33; 80/100-21 / 110/90-19
Rake/Path:	28.0°/4.6 in.
Wheelbase:	58.5 in.
Floor Clearance:	13.6 in.
Filth Rider Measured Seat Peak:	37.4 in.
Gasoline Capability:	1.6 gal.
Filth Rider Measured Moist Weight:	239 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	kawasaki.com