After months of public speculation, Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., announced it is indeed entering the world of four-stroke motocross with the brand's first-ever four-stroke motocross bike. The all-new Kawasaki KX250F for 2004 extends Kawasaki's prestigious history of building championship-winning racing motorcycles, taking its place next to the entire race-winning KX model line.

With an all-new liquid-cooled four-stroke engine, new Kawasaki perimeter frame and suspension, the KX250F is designed for one purpose: victory in 125-class motocross and Supercross competition.

"The KX250F is designed to be lighter, faster and better handling than the competition," said Steve Fischer, off-road motorcycle product manager for Kawasaki. "Just as important, it's easier to ride, so KX250F racers can look forward to more wins at the track."

The KX250F is powered by a 249cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine featuring double overhead cams and four valves. With an over-square bore and stroke of 77.0 x 53.6mm to help ensure high revs, it features a forged piston, chrome composite plated aluminum cylinder, titanium valves, billet camshafts and alloy steel tappets.

The engine's "semi-dry" oil sump contributes to a low center of gravity. Oil is routed internally through the cylinder's bolt passageways, eliminating the weight and complexity of external oil lines and increasing the engine's durability.

To help keep the KX250F as light as possible, several engine components are made from lightweight materials, including magnesium generator, outer clutch and cylinder head covers, titanium exhaust head-pipe and aluminum silencer.

The KX250F is designed to start easily, whether hot or cold, due to its Kawasaki Automatic Compression Release (KACR) system and hot start circuit. KACR slightly opens one exhaust valve while the engine is being kick started to ease compression. The Keihin FCR37 flat-slide carburetor, which is operated by a push-pull throttle, is also equipped with hot-start circuit. If the KX250F is tipped over or stalled, the rider pulls a small lever that is unitized with the clutch lever, drawing extra air into the carburetor to give it a leaner, faster-burning fuel mixture, making starting easier.

Ignition is provided by a digital AC-CDI system featuring a dual ignition map and rev limiter. When the transmission is in neutral, the ignition allows for a low idling speed. When the transmission is in gear, the second ignition map is used, increasing idle rpm for reduced engine-braking effect.

The new engine is matched to a quick-shifting, five-speed transmission. The transmission uses a ratchet shift mechanism for light shifting action, and clutch components are the same as those used on the KX125.

The KX250F frame has new D-section tubes on the upper frame rails, enabling the slim bodywork to "hug" the frame more tightly. Plus, frame width has been narrowed 40mm at the foot-pegs. Combined with a steeper rake angle and foot pegs that are placed higher and closer together in the frame, the slimmer profile improves rider position on the bike for enhanced cornering performance.

A new Kayaba semi-sealed, 48mm inverted cartridge fork with 11.8 inches of travel handles front suspension duties for the KX250F and features 16-way compression and rebound damping settings. On the rear, a revamped UNI-TRAK® rear suspension provides 12.2 inches of travel with 16-way compression and rebound damping settings.

Unlike previous KX models in which the UNI-TRAK® link was anchored to the frame, the link on the new system is anchored on the swingarm. This drastically reduces front-to-back movement of the Kayaba shock as the suspension is compressed, resulting in smoother suspension action and significantly improved traction, especially while accelerating.

Stopping power is provided by a dual-piston 250mm front disc brake. The brake hose is made of a single layer of Kevlar and is routed directly to the front caliper, improving brake feel and reducing weight. The 240mm rear brake features a more compact caliper to ensure adequate clearance for the muffler when the suspension is fully compressed, and the brake pedal is forged for high strength and light weight.

The KX250F is fitted with lightweight wheels and mounted with 80/100-21 Bridgestone M51 front and 100/90-19 M57 rear tires. A 20-inch front wheel is also available as an option through Kawasaki dealers.

Restyled bodywork distinguishes the KX250F from its two-stroke cousins, including a longer rear fender, side covers that are more oblong in shape and sharply angled radiator shrouds that give the bike an aggressive, "streamlined" stance. Plus, the seat is flatter than on previous KX models and features a textured slip-resistant cover. In addition to redesigned fork guards, the KX250F also features an aluminum skid plate and plastic side guards to protect the engine.

Because the KX250F engine is more fuel efficient, the fuel tank has a 2.0-gallon capacity, providing additional weight savings.

Like all KX motorcycles, the new KX250F comes with the support of Team Green™, Kawasaki's amateur support program. Team Green's regional support vehicles and highly trained technicians provide technical information and assistance for anyone who races a Kawasaki. Team Green also offers a comprehensive contingency program for amateur and professional riders who place well at designated events.

2004 Kawasaki KX250F Specifications