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
KTM RC 390 and Gordon McCall of Quail Motorcycle Gathering
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
Hello and welcome once again to Ultimate Motorcycling’s weekly Podcast—Motos and Friends.
This week’s Podcast is brought to you by Yamaha motorcycles. Discover how the YZF-R7 provides the perfect balance of rider comfort and true supersport performance by checking it out at YamahaMotorsports.com, or see it for yourself at your local dealer.
This week features Senior Editor Nic de Sena’s impressions of the new KTM RC 390. The entry-level KTM has always been an impressive motorcycle that has sold extremely well, however the factory has now taken the bike to another level, with top-spec features that are typically found on flagship machines. Clearly KTM has realized that even smaller engined machines should have high spec suspension, brakes and electronics packages. Nic tells us how well the new RC 390 is equipped, and what he thought of riding the smaller displacement rocket.
In the second segment I chat with automotive and motorcycle industry icon, Gordon McCall. Gordon is the Director of Motorsports at the Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel Valley, California.
This weekend of Saturday May 14th sees the annual Quail Motorcycle Gathering re-start after its Covid-forced hiatus, and having attended every one of the previous Motorcycle Gatherings, personally I’m very happy that the event is back on the schedule. Gordon chats about the event and a little of what’s happening this year. It’s a great event and if you feel like a trip to the gorgeous Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley, you’ll get to meet Gordon, Roland Sands, and of course a large number of stunning motorcycles too.
From all of us at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode!
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.
3. For added high rpm performance, the airbox was revised a features a shorter and tapered intake funnel.
6. Just as the engine’s upgrades, the KX250’s suspension has been majorly overhauled, and features new KYB components.
8. The ERGO-FIT adjustable handlebar and footpeg mounting system return, allowing riders to easily adjust the ergonomics for the most optimal riding position.
2020 Kawasaki KX250 Specs
