Introduction
Race-ready performance that hammers
the competition
On the racing circuit, winners must constantly improve to remain
on top. Kawasaki's KX™250F motocrosser is no exception.
A leading performer in the 250 four-stroke ranks, the KX250F
has successfully defended against challenges to its top spot
for the last three years. However, there's no resting on laurels
in this group, not to mention the primary need of every racer
on the starting line is a machine that can deliver wins yet remain
highly reliable throughout the season.
Kawasaki engineers met the challenge and answered the call with
the new 2009 KX250F. This world-beating racer has been thoroughly
reinvented with a new slimmer look, lighter handling, better
ergonomics and a host of changes that enhance engine performance
and improve durability.
The 2009 KX250F features a cylinder head with a new intake port
design that's smoother, freer flowing, better sealed and holds
new stronger titanium valves with a longer service life. New
factory-level crankshaft balance and a tapered titanium exhaust
pipe add up to smoother and more impressive power delivery from
the 249cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine.
A revised crank web significantly increases the crankshaft balance
factor to a level on par with Kawasaki's factory racers. The
end result is reduced engine vibration, smoother power delivery
and a noticeable improvement in low rpm throttle response. From
the first crack of the throttle, to wide-open at the rev limiter;
this new engine generates controllable, class-leading performance.
The KX250F's engine cooling capacity was increased via a new
water jacket routing for more effective flow and larger radiators
with new louvers for enhanced thermal efficiency. Increased from
three to four blades, the new louvers are smaller with a shallower
angle to flow more air.
Engine oil volume was lowered to 1.3L to reduce weight and mechanical
loss while a new KX450F type crankcase scavenge pump oil filter
was added for easier maintenance. The transmission durability
was boosted with a bigger interval between the gear shafts that
allows the use of stronger gears, and there are new, stronger
clutch and generator covers.
By switching to a new ratchet drive shift mechanism and integrating
the clutch cable holder into the crankcase; Kawasaki's engineers
were able to deliver improved shifting and clutch lever feel
from the new transmission. The lever ratios, spring rates and
shaft locations were also revised.
Part of the KX250F's slimmer feel is its new aluminum perimeter
frame and sub-frame. A blend of forged, extruded and cast parts,
the new frame uses fewer parts and gussets, is 2.2 lbs lighter
than the 2008 model and is designed to provide enhanced stability
with a better rigidity balance and improved drive from the rear
tire. The main frame spars were reshaped and provide a 6mm narrower
overall profile at the rider's knees. A new manufacturing process
and down tube design shed weight, and work in harmony with relocated
engine mounts to improve rigidity balance.
Working in conjunction with the frame revisions is a new aluminum
swingarm now pivoting from a higher position on the frame for
improved traction. It is now a lighter, more tapered design with
a "D" profile and a new cross bracket. A longer rear
suspension stroke, and thus more precise rear suspension tuning,
was achieved by mounting the suspension arm of the Uni-Trak®
rear suspension system below the swingarm.
A new rear Showa shock with a large 50mm piston diameter has
a revised layout and damping characteristics that offer better
response, improved bottoming performance and ride feel. Also
featuring a Kashima Coat on the shock internals, the rear shock
settings should please riders.
With the chassis balance and suspension settings tuned to suit
experienced racers, the KX250F offers a host of new features
for better cornering and handling. Included in the Showa fork
upgrades is a Lites-class first; titanium coated inner tubes.
This dark navy blue coating not only decreases stiction, but
also provides a super-hard surface to help prevent scratches
and damage to the tubes. Further contributing to smooth suspension
action; the inner surface of the outer fork tubes has a friction-reducing
Kashima Coat treatment.
Optimized rigidity balance was achieved by reshaping and stiffening
the upper triple clamp, as well as reshaping and decreasing the
rigidity of the outer fork tubes. A 1mm reduction in fork off-set,
revised suspension settings and enlarged, wrap around tube guards
round out the fork enhancements.
Durability improvements weren't limited to internal components
on the new KX250F. Its larger, resin skid plate and narrower,
longer lasting chain guide - both offering greater protection
without higher weight - are examples of the race-oriented durability
improvements that abound on the new KX250F. Part of the sleek
new bodywork styling, the one-piece, dual injected, two-tone
black and green plastic shrouds and side number plates translate
into less time hassling with backgrounds and graphics and more
time collecting trophies. Plus, the longer lasting finish, with
fewer graphics to wear off, helps stretch racer's dollars that
much further.
In addition to giving the KX250F a stunning new look; the completely
revised bodywork was designed with rider comfort and ergonomics
in mind. Offering the rider an even slimmer interface with natural
positioning makes it easier for racers to stay relaxed and in
control. Ergonomic enhancements include improved feel from the
wider 50mm foot pegs, a slimmer new seat design with firmer urethane
foam, a non-slip top surface and smooth sides provides good seated
grip and excellent rider mobility.
The rest of the KX250F is equally impressive, with premium-quality
Renthal aluminum handlebars included as standard equipment along
with black triple clamps, number plates, engine covers, hubs
and wheels. Factory-style graphics finish off the package and
compliment the KX250F's stellar on-track performance.
Racers who ride their KX250F at designated events are eligible
to receive support from Team Green™, Kawasaki's amateur
racing support program. Each year, Team Green provides regional
support vehicles and highly trained technicians at more than
100 events, offering technical information and assistance to
those who race Kawasaki products. Kawasaki also offers a comprehensive
contingency program for amateur and professional riders who place
well at designated events.
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Features
All-new Engine higher performing
and more durable
- 249cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, four-valve, DOHC engine
delivers hard-hitting power from mid- to high-rpm
- Engine oil capacity decreased from 1.5L on previous model to
1.3L, reducing overall weight and mechanical losses
New Top End
- New cylinder head has revised intake ports for improved performance
at all rpm, especially in the high-rpm range
- Special coating applied to the intake port cores during the
casting process gives the intake ports extremely smooth surfaces
and increased intake efficiency across the rev range
- Head gasket now silicon coated for improved sealing
- New cam chain tensioner spring reduces mechanical loss by approximately
30 percent
New Intake and Exhaust Valves
- Formed from a new, highly rigid, titanium material, the lightweight
31mm intake and 25mm exhaust valves reduce reciprocating weight
and offer greater high-rpm reliability
- Ultra-strong valves have extremely thin valve stems on par
with those found in supersport machines with the intake valves
featuring 0.25mm thicker heads for increased strength
New Titanium Exhaust Pipe
- Tapered, expanding from approximately 35 to 45mm for better
throttle response and performance at all rpm
- New silencer body shape to meet 99dB AMA noise regulations
New Crankshaft Balance
- A revised crank web significantly increases the crankshaft
balance efficiency; it's now on par with the factory racers
- Results in reduced engine vibration, smoother power delivery
and increased performance in the mid-high rpm range
Better Cooling
- New 6.4mm wider radiators have a 6 percent larger capacity
than previous model
- Very slim, high-capacity Denso radiators feature tightly packed
cores and a fin design deliver superior cooling efficiency for
excellent heat dispersion
- Radiator louvers increased from three to four and decreased
in size and angle for less overlap and higher air flow
- Revised cylinder head water jacket routes coolant via the front
of the cylinder head for a more even cooling performance
Improved Transmission
- Ratchet drive shift mechanism replaces the previous models
gear driven system for improved shift feel and durability
- Improved feel at the clutch lever by integrating the clutch
cable holder with the crankcase
- Increasing the interval between gear shafts 1 mm further allows
stronger gears to be used
- KX450F type crankcase oil filter added
- Relocated scavenge oil filter screen (with new shape) can be
accessed without splitting the crankcases, facilitating easier
maintenance
- New clutch and generator covers for increased rigidity and
better crash survivability
New Aluminum Perimeter Frame
- Frame has a new 6 mm slimmer overall width main spars shape
- narrowing near the bend below the seat for a riding position,
then widening at the ankles to offer better grip
- Newly designed main, lower and gusset pieces around the fuel
tank with revised cross sections
- Rigidity increased by moving upper engine mounts to sides of
the head cover
- New design is 2.2 lbs lighter than previous model
- Weight savings and rigidity balance aided by down tube with
a smaller cast bracket that's now formed via a swaging (squeezing
and hammering) process
- Swingarm pivot is located higher in the frame for improved
rear wheel traction
- Sub-frame is 1.3 pounds lighter via larger diameter tubing
with thinner walls, yet still provides a secure mounting for
the new silencer
New Aluminum Swingarm
- New tapered "D" shaped cross section design is 5mm
taller at the front (up from 74 to 79mm) and 2 mm shorter at
the rear (down from 60 to 58mm)
- Features a new cross bracket design
- Provides a 0.9 lbs weight savings over the previous model
- Alloy swingarm uses a cast front section, tapered hydroformed
spars and forged chain adjusters
- Uni-Trak® rear suspension system mounts the suspension
arm below the swingarm, allowing a longer rear suspension stroke
and more precise tuning
- Design improves stability, rigidity and rear wheel traction
New Front Fork
- Showa twin-chamber fork keeps oil and air in separate chambers
for stable damping performance during long motos
- Super-hard titanium coating on the outer surface of the inner
fork tubes reduces stiction and improves suspension action. The
increased surface hardness of the dark navy blue coating also
helps prevent scratches and damage to the tubes
- Friction-reducing Kashima Coat on the inside of the outer fork
tubes contributes to smoother suspension action, especially during
the initial part of the stroke
- Ideal rigidity balance via increased rigidity in the reshaped
upper triple clamp and decreased rigidity of the outer fork tubes
- Offset decreased from 24.5mm to 23.5mm, which combined with
the frame's revised rigidity balance and revised suspension settings,
helps produce lighter handling
- Enlarged, wrap around black fork tube guards provide greater
protection for the inner tubes
- Revised race-oriented suspension settings offer all-around
performance improvement
New Rear Shock
- New Showa rear shock features a revised layout and revised
damping characteristics for improved performance
- Better response and improved feeling, even when fully-bottomed
- Features Kashima Coat on the tank cylinder for reduced friction
and smoother suspension action
- Rear shock features dual compression adjustability, allowing
high-speed and low-speed damping to be tuned separately
- Easier accessibility for tuning
New Skid Plate
- Resin material offers greater protection without a weight increase
New Chain Guide
- More slim and compact, down from 42.7 to 34mm wide, with 2mm
thicker wear pad
- Reduced weight and longer wear
Improved Rider Interface and Styling
- Foot peg width (front to rear) increased from 46mm on previous
model to 50mm for improved feel
- All-new body work and graphics
- New dual injected 2-tone, one-piece plastic shrouds and side
number plates
- Right side panel has an added passageway to aid in cooling
the silencer
- Black plastic covers, triple clamps, number plates, and engine
covers
- Rims are coated in black alumite just like the factory
racers
- New seat design that's slimmer with firmer urethane for improved
ergonomics and feel
- Seat has a slip-resistant top surface for good grip when seated
and smooth sides for excellent rider mobility
Additional Features
- Larger front brake lever boot offers increased protection against
dust
- Clutch cable boot features a large quick adjuster, for easy
clutch cable play adjustment on the fly
- Throttle grip has a one-piece collar that provides additional
stability during throttle operation
- Lightweight short-length grips feature a pattern designed to
provide excellent grip
- Rear caliper guard protects the caliper from damage
- Ribless rear hub and butted spokes reduced unsprung weight
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Technical Specifications
Engine: Four-stroke single with
DOHC and four valves
Displacement: 249cc
Bore x stroke: 77.0 x 53.6mm
Cooling: Liquid
Carburetion: Keihin FCR37 and hot start circuit
Compression ratio: 13.2:1
Ignition: Digital CDI with K-TRIC throttle position sensor
Transmission: Five-speed with wet multi-disc manual clutch
Final drive: Chain
Frame: Aluminum perimeter
Rake / trail: 27.7 degrees / 4.8 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 47mm inverted Showa twin-chamber
telescopic fork with 16-way compression and rebound damping /
12.4 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: UNI-TRAK® linkage system
and Showa shock with 13-way low-speed and stepless high-speed
compression damping, 17-way rebound damping and fully adjustable
spring preload / 12.2 in.
Front tire: 80/100-21
Rear tire: 100/90-19
Front brake: Single semi-floating 250mm petal disc with dual
piston caliper
Rear brake: Single 240mm petal disc with single-piston caliper
Overall length: 85.4 in.
Overall width: 32.3 in.
Overall height: 50.0 in.
Wheelbase: 57.9 in.
Ground clearance: 13.4 in.
Seat height: 37.6 in.
Curb weight: 229.9 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 2.1 gal.
Color: Lime Green
* Price and specifications subject to change
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