First Day on the 2013 Kawasaki KX250F

Moshing at Millville

First Day on the 2013 Kawasaki KX250F

Moshing at Millville

By Kris Keefer photo by Adam Booth

It’s that time of year again and the new 2013 bikes are arriving very soon! I got the invite from Kawasaki to come out to Millville, Mn. and ride the All-New 2013 KX 250F. The track is great and we are here for two days taking the new green machine thru its paces. Kawasaki laid out the red carpet for us in unveiling this new ride. The whole experience has been pretty cool and the icing on the cake is getting to rip up a sick track like Millville to test on. I know you all are jealous! I would be too!

The 2013 KX250F in all its glory ready to ride at the National Track in Millville, MN.

This is the first day of the test and once on the track the first thing I noticed was the improvement in the muffler sound. The new KX 250F sounds like a race bike without all the tingy ting ting of last years annoying muffler. It didn’t take long until I was ripping some ruts and hitting some jumps. It has a very friendly, flat, seamless feel to it and it’s very easy to get a long with. It’s a quick hard hitting motor that likes to be short shifted through each gear. Being able to swap out the DFI map selector couplers to get the power where I liked was a huge plus to me. I could swap out a coupler and get the power where I needed it on any given time of day as track conditions changed. On the smaller scale of things the new improved chain guide and chain slider lasted all day today! The previous year bike would have gone thru 2 of them in one day of riding Kudos Kawasaki! We are just getting started on this bike so look for more details of the 2013 KX 250F coming to MOTOCROSS.COM.

Kris Keefer leaping the new and improved KX250F

2013 Kawasaki KX™250F:Features and Benefits

At a Glance…
− Upgraded Showa Separate Function Fork (SFF) provides more progressive damping force and features larger-diameter 48mm inner fork tubes for improved rigidity and less stiction
− Dual injector Digital Fuel Injection system
− More robust high-rpm engine output extends deep into the overrev
− Stronger engine components improve reliability

High-revving, High Performance Engine
− 249cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, four-valve, single-cylinder DOHC engine delivers hard-hitting power across the rpm range
− Nickel plating on the cylinder wall has a high adhesion factor for optimum durability
− Thick-stem connecting rod resists flex and enhances durability
− Thick crank web design features a balance factor on par with the factory racers to help minimize engine vibration, provide smooth power delivery and maximize performance in the mid-high rpm range

The new muffler gives the KX a nice note that is no longer obnoxious.

Digital Fuel Injection (DFI) System
− Revised intake tract provides a straighter shot into the combustion chamber for more direct airflow from the airbox into the combustion chamber
− Seal between air inlet port and throttle position sensor unit on the 43mm throttle body protects TPS sensor from fuel penetration
− Progressive throttle linkage opens more quickly after 3/8 open position
− Simple and efficient system: No battery, fuses or relays
− Sharp and precise engine response across entire rpm range
− Offers easy engine starting
− Helps prevent engine hesitation after landing from jumps and other high-impact situations

− New swingarm uses a longer cast front section, tapered hydroformed spars and forged chain adjusters.

Bridged Box-Bottom Piston
− Revised piston profile helps increase reliability
− Light and strong piston shares same design as the factory racers, and a tin plating to optimize its interface with the nickel plating on the cylinder wall
− Special finish improves surface lubrication and wear resistance
− Short piston pin reduces reciprocating weight

Lightweight and Efficient Top End
− Stronger intake valve seat material offers increased durability
− Ultra-light valves have extremely thin valve stems on par with those found in supersport machines; intake valves feature thick heads for increased strength
− Special casting method leaves the intake port surfaces extremely smooth for optimum intake efficiency across the rev range
− Silicon-coated head gasket provides excellent sealing

Stainless Steel Exhaust System
− New 30mm shorter head pipe improves performance with a resonator chamber to help boost low-rpm torque
− New high-volume muffler assembly is 30mm shorter with a larger cross section keeps noise levels at 94 dB while retaining power production
− Durable stainless steel construction

Efficient Cooling System
− Thick radiators are strong and offer excellent resistance to mud buildup while providing superb cooling performance
− Cylinder head water jacket routes coolant to the front of the cylinder head for even cooling

Transmission and Shifting
− Strong, beefy crankcases feature additional material around the engine mounts to help increase long-term durability
− Clutch cable holder is integrated with the crankcase for accurate feel at the clutch lever
− Scavenge oil filter screen can be accessed without splitting the crankcases, facilitating easier maintenance

Quick-turning Chassis
− The KX250F’s slim and lightweight aluminum perimeter frame is 4mm narrower for improved ergonomics and handling
− Center of gravity and key dimensions such as swingarm pivot, output sprocket and rear axle locations designed to increase forward drive with minimal rear-end squat

The power is very efficient and the available couplers (which alter FI and ignition settings) help tune the performance depending on the track conditions

Upgraded SFF Fork
− Upgraded 48mm Separate Function Fork (SFF) features new 1mm larger inner fork tubes which allow the internal damping components to be larger, for firmer damping response and increased ride comfort
− SFF design separates springing and damping functions for less weight, better performance, less stiction and easier adjustability
− Super-hard titanium coating on the outer surface of the inner fork tubes reduces stiction and improves suspension action while also helping prevent scratches and tube damage
− Friction-reducing Kashima Coat treatment on the inside of the outer fork tubes contributes to smoother suspension action
− Wrap-around fork tube guards provide excellent protection for the inner tubes
− Revised lower triple clamp open at the back for increased rigidity and improved fork action

Uni-Trak® rear suspension
− Rear shock features dual compression adjustability, allowing high-speed and low-speed damping to be tuned separately
− Features Kashima Coat on the inside cylinder wall for reduced friction and smoother suspension action
− New swingarm uses a longer cast front section, tapered hydroformed spars and forged chain adjusters
− Uni-Trak® rear suspension linkage system mounts the suspension arm below the swingarm, allowing more rear suspension stroke and precise tuning
− Linkage ratios for the Uni-Trak rear suspension match rear shock damping settings to achieve maximum rear wheel traction

Roostig the 2013 KX in the deep Millville soil.

Rider Interface
− Bodywork components offer the rider a slim interface, making it easy for racers to feel comfortable and go fast
− Formed using a double-injection molding process, the shrouds offer a slim design
− New smaller side number plates also contribute to the slim package
− Right side panel has an added passageway to help cool the silencer
− Flatter design of the seat and tank offer greater freedom of movement
− Frame is wider at the ankles to offer better grip and narrows near the bend below the seat to allow a slim riding position
− Slim seat features upgraded polyurethane, designed for greater durability
− Seat has a slip-resistant top and side surface for good grip when seated and while standing
− 50mm wide (front-to-rear) footpegs offer superb grip and feel at the pegs
− Clutch cable boot features a large quick adjuster, making it easy for riders to adjust play in the clutch cable while on the fly
− Throttle grip has a one-piece collar that provides additional stability during throttle operation
− Longer hand grips allow the rider to hold the bars closer to the centerline and are made of lower density material for improved rider comfort

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