Pure motocross adrenaline in a sinister black wrapper
The 2009 Kawasaki KX™250F is a great looking motorcycle. However, the KX250F Monster Energy® ratchets the visual excitement even higher with its stunning black bodywork and wheels, green hubs and silver frame; highlighted by an aggressive Monster Energy graphics set. For the racer who doesn’t just want to beat the competition, but completely demoralize them, the sinister looking KX250F Monster Energy is the weapon of choice.
Underneath its ultra-cool exterior appearance, this new KX250F is a hard-hitting contender for the 250 four-stroke crown. Every racer lining up on the starting line wants a machine that can deliver wins yet remain highly reliable. Kawasaki engineers met the challenge and answered these desires with the world-beating racer returning for 2009 completely reinvented with a new slimmer look, lighter handling, better ergonomics and a host of changes to crank up the engine performance and durability another notch.
The 2009 KX250F features a cylinder head with a new intake port design that’s smoother, freer flowing, better sealed and utilizes 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. 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 of all levels.
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.
In addition to giving the ’09 KX250F Monster Energy a stunning look, the completely revised bodywork was designed with rider comfort and ergonomics in mind. Part of the sleek bodywork styling, the one-piece plastic shrouds and side number plates offer the rider an even slimmer interface with natural positioning makes it even easier for racers to go fast. Part of the enhanced ergonomics is the improved feel from the wider 50mm foot pegs.
Included in the new design is a slimmer 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, finished with a Renthal aluminum handlebar standard equipment and black plastic covers, triple clamps, number plates, engine covers and wheels, and green hubs.
*Note: Specifications and pricing are subject to change.
