Ups
- New model in the 250 four-stroke cross-country bike segment
- Improved low-end power delivery over motocross model via gearing
- Specific suspension setting is off-road ready
- Tied for least expensive motorcycle in its class
Downs
- Six-speed gearbox would be preferable for higher-speed events
- Fuel tank is too small for serious off-road riding
- EFI programmer tool is pricey
- Hand guards would be nice
Verdict
Although it’s missing a six-speed transmission, an appropriately sized fuel tank, and hand guards, the Kawasaki KX250X has a lot going for it as an off-road ready racebike in stock trim.
Overview
Kawasaki has thrown its hat into the ring of off-road competition motorcycles with its KX250X. Sharing many of the same components and attributes as the motocross-oriented KX250, Team Green’s cross-country racer can comfortably traverse the track, but possesses some components that make it more suited to trails and wide-open off-road terrain.
Updates for 2021
The KX250X is a new model in its class and shares the extensive amount of changes the KX250 received for 2021, but features softer suspension spring rates and valving, a one-tooth-larger rear sprocket, skid plate, kickstand, 18-inch rear wheel, and Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires.
Pricing and Variants
A price tag of $8,399 for a 250F cross-country bike is very reasonable. The KX250X shares the title of being the most wallet-friendly bike in the segment with the Honda CRF250RX.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Although it uses the exact same engine as the KX250, the KX250X’s one-tooth-larger rear sprocket gives it a slightly stronger low-end power delivery over the motocrosser, and the black (mellow) coupler it comes standard with helps the bike get traction on slick surfaces as it slows the engine’s rate of rpm acceleration slightly. The KX250X’s five-speed transmission is the same as the KX250′s, but the cross-country racer’s 51-tooth rear sprocket makes the gear ratios seem closer together. We rode the KX250X at the intro and have not run it on our in-house dyno, but we know its nearly identical motocross-focused counterpart of the same displacement made 39.6 hp at 13,200 rpm and 18.4 pound-feet of torque at 9,400 rpm.
Handling
With its KYB 48mm coil-spring fork and KYB shock being spec’d with softer spring rates than the KX250 and being valved specifically for off-road competition, the KX250X is a bit more planted than the motocross version. The KX250X utilizing Kawasaki’s current-generation chassis is a notable benefit as it boasts a very neutral balance between cornering and straight-line stability.
Brakes
The KX250X’s Nissin brakes do a superb job of slowing the bike down and are not too touchy when navigating tight, technical trails. The 270mm front rotor is par for the course in terms of size, and we are glad Team Green spec’d a 240mm rear disc as opposed to the 250mm rear rotor that comes on the KX450 motocrosser as it is way too touchy.
Fuel Economy and Real-world MPG
Miles per gallon is unlisted for the KX250X, but because it uses the same 1.6-gallon gas tank as the motocross model, it would certainly be advisable to carry fuel if on a 30-mile or longer off-road ride.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
Slim bodywork, comfortable ergonomics, and a well-proportioned rider triangle make the KX250X that much more enjoyable to ride on the trails and the track. For an off-road competition bike, we would like to see it come with hand guards, a skid plate that offers more coverage of the undercarriage, and a larger fuel tank.
Electronics
The KX250X shares the same EFI coupler system as the KX450X and Kawasaki’s motocross models. We would like to see all of these machines come with a handlebar-mounted engine map select button for convenience’ sake.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
There is no warranty available for the 2021 Kawasaki KX250X.
Quality
The parts featured on the KX250X are of quality but we would swap out the stock fuel tank for a larger capacity unit, install an aftermarket full-coverage skid plate, and add some hand guards to help it handle the rigors of off-road riding and racing.
2021 Kawasaki KX250X Claimed Specifications
| MSRP: | $8,399 |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 249cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves |
| Bore x Stroke: | 78.0 x 52.2mm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 5-speed/chain |
| Fuel Delivery: | Electronic fuel injection w/ 44mm throttle body |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate; hydraulic actuation |
| Engine Management/Ignition: | Digital DC-CDI |
| Frame: | Aluminum perimeter |
| Front Suspension: | KYB 48mm coil-spring fork, compression and rebound damping adjustable; 12.4 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | KYB shock, spring preload, high-/low-speed compression and rebound damping adjustable; 12.4 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | Nissin 2-piston caliper, 270mm disc |
| Rear Brake: | Nissin 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Spoked wheels; 21 in./18 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | Dunlop Geomax AT81; 80/100-21 / 110/100-18 |
| Rake/Trail: | 27.8°/4.8 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 58.3 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | 13.0 in. |
| Seat Height: | 37.2 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 1.6 gal. |
| Wet Weight: | 240 lb. |
| Contact: | kawasaki.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com