Segment:
Performance Motocross Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Competitive motocross riders, enthusiasts seeking to maintain and repair their KX250.
Competitors:
Honda CR250R, Yamaha YZ250, Suzuki RM250 of the same era.
Vehicle Focus:
High-performance, lightweight, powerful 2-stroke engine designed for racing.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform dealership-level maintenance and repairs, saving costs and ensuring optimal performance.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed coverage of top-end (cylinder, piston, rings, head), bottom-end (crankshaft, connecting rod, bearings), transmission, clutch, lubrication.
Fuel System:
Carburetor overhaul, jetting, fuel lines, fuel tank inspection and maintenance.
Cooling System:
Radiator, hoses, coolant specifications, flow control (if applicable).
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork (USD) disassembly, assembly, oil levels, damping adjustments; rear shock absorber service, linkage maintenance.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, caliper service, master cylinder, brake fluid types, pad replacement, rotor inspection.
Electrical System:
Ignition system, lighting (if applicable), wiring diagrams, troubleshooting electrical faults.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing service, spoke tensioning, tire pressure recommendations, wheel removal and installation.
Final Drive:
Chain and sprocket inspection, adjustment, lubrication, and replacement procedures.
Steering And Frame:
Steering head bearing service, handlebar maintenance, frame inspection for damage or alignment issues.
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common issues, troubleshooting guides based on symptoms.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for disassembling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling all major components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points.
Tune-Up:
Carburetor tuning, ignition timing checks, general engine adjustments.
Troubleshooting:
Common problems and their solutions, diagnostic flowcharts.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
Detail Level:
Factory-level detail, including torque specifications, clearances, and special tool requirements.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
66.4 x 72.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.1:1 (typical for this era, confirm in manual)
Induction:
Carburetor (e.g., Keihin PWK38S)
Horsepower:
Approx. 45-50 HP (varies by year and specific tuning, manual will provide precise figures)
Torque:
N/A (typically not a primary spec for motocross, but manual may list)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Octane Rating:
91 octane or higher recommended (check manual)
Fuel Mix Ratio:
Pre-mix (e.g., 50:1 or 40:1 with specific 2-stroke oil, check manual for precise ratio and oil type)
Length:
Approx. 2175 mm (85.6 in) (varies slightly by year)
Width:
Approx. 820 mm (32.3 in)
Height:
Approx. 1270 mm (50.0 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1475 mm (58.1 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 335 mm (13.2 in)
Seat Height:
Approx. 965 mm (38.0 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 95 kg (209.4 lbs)
Wet Weight:
N/A (typically not published for motocross, consult manual)
N A:
Motorcycle safety ratings are not applicable in the same way as automobiles. Focus is on rider protection and vehicle stability.
Braking System:
Powerful hydraulic disc brakes front and rear.
Suspension:
High-performance adjustable suspension for optimal control and stability.
Frame Construction:
Strong and lightweight perimeter frame design.
Handlebar:
Durable handlebars with grips designed for control.
Oil Change Transmission:
Every 15-20 hours of riding or annually (refer to manual for precise intervals and conditions).
Air Filter Cleaning:
After every few rides, or more frequently in dusty conditions (detailed cleaning and oiling procedure in manual).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 20-30 hours of riding, or based on inspection of plug condition (manual will specify).
Chain Lubrication:
After every ride or every 2-3 rides, depending on conditions.
Top End Rebuild:
Recommended every 40-60 hours of competitive use, or based on performance degradation (manual will detail wear limits).
Engine Oil:
High-quality 2-stroke synthetic or semi-synthetic racing oil, mixed with fuel at specified ratio (e.g., 40:1 or 50:1). Manual will specify brand recommendations or standards.
Cooling System Coolant:
Mixture of distilled water and permanent antifreeze (ethylene glycol base) with corrosion inhibitors. Specific ratio and type in manual.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (verify exact specification in manual).
Carburetor Tuning:
Can be sensitive to altitude and temperature changes, requiring periodic jetting adjustments.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch plates and springs can wear out with aggressive use; manual provides inspection and replacement procedures.
Suspension Seals:
Fork and shock seals can leak over time, requiring seal replacement and oil service.
Power Valve Operation:
The exhaust power valve mechanism can accumulate carbon and require cleaning for optimal performance. Manual details disassembly and cleaning.
Manufacturer:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Motorcycle & Engine Company
Racing Legacy:
Kawasaki has a strong heritage in motocross and supercross racing, with the KX line being a significant part of that history.
Kx Line Development:
The KX250 has evolved significantly over the years, with the 2005-2008 models representing a mature generation of the liquid-cooled 2-stroke design before the transition to 4-stroke models dominance.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Japan (verify specific assembly location from VIN or manual).