2020 Kawasaki KX250 First Look Preview
The Kawasaki KX250 is no slouch. Since 2004, the bike has won more than 160 motocross/supercross wins and 17 AMA titles. Kawasaki has totally revised the new KX250 for more power and sharper handling.
Following are the fast facts about the 2020 Kawasaki KX250.
1. This is the most powerful KX250 engine to date, thanks to a revised design that includes a bridged-box piston and a valvetrain created by Kawasaki’s World Superbike engineers.
The 249cc four-stroke engine has a new bore and stroke of 78 x 52.2mm. The wider bore allows for larger intake and exhaust valves for higher rpm performance and a higher rev limit.
2. The 2020 KX250’s revised engine is highlighted by the following updates:
- New finger-follower valve actuation (as used on the KX450)
- New larger-diameter intake and exhaust valves
- New larger-bore high-performance piston
- New low-friction crankshaft pin plain bearings
- New stronger cam chain and relocated cam chain tensioner
- New shorter intake funnel
- New larger throttle body
- New shorter exhaust system design
3. For added high rpm performance, the airbox was revised a features a shorter and tapered intake funnel.
4. The KX250 returns with launch control.
The push-button activation retards the ignition timing in first and second gear, allowing the most power to be utilized for a quick start. Once the bike shifts into third gear, the original ignition mapping resumes, and the KX returns to full power.
5. The 2020 KX250 returns with a slim aluminum perimeter frame, which was updated with new lower front engine mounts.
These lower mounts have changed from a through bolt to a stud bolt, increasing frame rigidity so the bike can absorb bumps better.
6. Just as the engine’s upgrades, the KX250’s suspension has been majorly overhauled, and features new KYB components.
The bike features:
- New 48 mm KYB coil-spring fork
- New KYB shock unit complements front fork
- New Uni-Trak rear suspension link
- New stiffer front and rear spring rates
7. Petal front discs return, but the braking system of the 2020 KX250 was slightly massaged for more powerful stopping.
The Kawasaki features:
- New revised front brake pad material
- New larger-diameter 250mm rear disc
- New rear brake master cylinder
8. The ERGO-FIT adjustable handlebar and footpeg mounting system return, allowing riders to easily adjust the ergonomics for the most optimal riding position.
The handlebars have 35mm of adjustability, and the footpegs 5 mm.
9. The KX250 was also updated with a new factory-inspired green bodywork.
For 2020, the KX250 was also updated with new green parts: oil cap, generator, cover plugs, alumite suspension adjusters. The bike also returns with black alumite rims.
10. The 2020 Kawasaki KX250 is available in one color – Lime Green – and the MSRP is $7799.
2020 Kawasaki KX250 Specs
Engine
- Type: 4-stroke single
- Displacement: 249cc
- Bore x Stroke: 78.0 x 52.2mm
- Compression ratio: 14.2:1
- Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 valves
- Fuel System: EFI w/ 44mm Keihin throttle body and dual injectors
- Starting: Kick
- Transmission: 5-speed
- Final Drive: Chain
Chassis
- Frame: Twin-spar aluminum
- Front suspension/travel: Fully adjustable KYB 48mm inverted fork/12.4 inches
- Rear suspension/travel: Linkage-assisted fully adjustable KYB shock/12.2 inches
- Front tire: 80/100 x 21
- Rear tire: 100/90 x 19
- Front brake: 270mm semi-floating petal disc wi/ dual-piston caliper
- Rear brake: 250mm petal disc w/h single-piston caliper
Dimensions and Capacities
- Wheelbase: 58.3 inches
- Rake: 28.6 degrees
- Trail: 5.1 inches
- Seat height: 37.3 inches
- Ground clearance: 13.1 inches
- Curb Weight: 231 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 1.7 gallons
- Color: Lime Green
- 2020 Kawasaki KX250 Price: $7799 MSRP