2020 kx250 input/reviews

yz133rider
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Avondale, PA, USA
Edited Date/Time 12/31/2019 2:14pm
Got to demo some 2020s today. Took out an rmz250 and 2 different kx250s one on the standard map and one on the aggressive map.

Im on an 18 rmz450 now. So the rmz250 i rode was pretty familiar. It was better in some ways then my 450 was stock. The 250s mapping was like spot on, ran super crisp. Engine was great. Chassis and suspension was definitly stiff. Landing jumps It was harsh and chop coming into corners was also harsh. Definitly could be helped big time with suspension work. Compared to the kx tho the rmz needed to be shifted more. It didnt rev out like the kx so the same jump i could overshoot in 3rd wide open on the kx the rmz needed 4th as it really stopped pulling in 3rd. Still tho the rmz was competitive and definitly pulled nice and ran great just not the top end like the kx.

The 2020 kx250s revved to the friggin moon tho! Holy crap they just rev and rev. The chassis and suspension honestly felt like it was set up for me. Like i must have been the target for that bike that's how it felt for me.

Engine was a little softer off bottom but it ripped up top and was easy to keep it revved and flow with it. I was so agressive on it and it was so easy to make it do whatever you wanted. Cut down early, or sweep wide, it was up for it. I really liked it.

So out of those 2 im sold on the kx as there's basically nothing id even want to touch on it, which is really saying something!!

Anyway wondering if anyone has some hours on them how are they holding up? With how much you have to rev them im wondering if i can get 50 hrs or so on a top end. Intermediate level moto.
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kiwifan
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10/13/2019 7:11pm
the 2020 KX motor is very similar to the CRF, if you see any dyno charts for both bikes you will notice they are almost identical....as you say both a bit soft off the bottom but rev like crazy.
nch209
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10/13/2019 11:37pm
Nothing of substance to add, but pretty cool they were out there demoing bikes. I neglected to spin the 250's around, rather only took the kx450 as its the only bike I really have an interest in purchasing. (Feel weird riding other peoples bikes, even a dealers...) I spun a few laps, and regret not taking him up on the offer of riding it more. Do wish the track got rougher than it did, but Chad has it dialed for lasting all day. Hope more chime in for feedback on your 250f question...
nascarnate326
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Charlotte, MI, USA
10/14/2019 6:13am
The current generation KX250 chassis is just awesome. I had one and got rid of it, missed it to much so I went back!! As a bigger guy I now understand why AC hung his ass off the rear end, just hauls ass!
yz133rider
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10/14/2019 6:43am
nch209 wrote:
Nothing of substance to add, but pretty cool they were out there demoing bikes. I neglected to spin the 250's around, rather only took the kx450...
Nothing of substance to add, but pretty cool they were out there demoing bikes. I neglected to spin the 250's around, rather only took the kx450 as its the only bike I really have an interest in purchasing. (Feel weird riding other peoples bikes, even a dealers...) I spun a few laps, and regret not taking him up on the offer of riding it more. Do wish the track got rougher than it did, but Chad has it dialed for lasting all day. Hope more chime in for feedback on your 250f question...
You really should have rode it more they were totally cool with it.

I didnt try the 450 as i have a 450 now and want to move back to a 250, my buddy rode the kx450 though and loved it also. He was shocked how good it was. Said it was so planted, glued to the track and just so comfortable thru everything.

The Shop

yz133rider
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10/14/2019 6:55pm
Not much action for the 250f i guess!!
T-MAC
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Trabuco Canyon, CA, USA
10/14/2019 7:43pm
I got the opportunity to ride one a couple weeks ago along with all the other 2020's. The KX250f is a good all around package. Granted the stock suspension was a bit stiff for me. Regardless, as you mentioned the chassis still feels really good, and the front/rear balance (even stiff) felt really good. I think I would have much different thoughts about the KX with suspension set up proper for my spec. The motor is strong throughout, and pulls well up top. It pulls better than the Honda down low, but has a similar characteristic. If you like to ride a 250f pretty aggressively (who doesn't) it is a great setup.

Honestly I think Klinger put it best in Vital's shootout - it's a great overall package, but it doesn't stand out anywhere specifically other than being a great overall package. And the Yamaha has it beat as the best overall package to me haha. It has a strong motor, but I think the Austrian bikes and the Yamaha have it beat there. It has a great chassis, but I think the Honda and Austrian bikes have it beat there. It has good suspension, but I think the Husky (for me) and Yamaha have it beat there. Yada yada.
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yz133rider
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10/14/2019 9:34pm
T-MAC wrote:
I got the opportunity to ride one a couple weeks ago along with all the other 2020's. The KX250f is a good all around package. Granted...
I got the opportunity to ride one a couple weeks ago along with all the other 2020's. The KX250f is a good all around package. Granted the stock suspension was a bit stiff for me. Regardless, as you mentioned the chassis still feels really good, and the front/rear balance (even stiff) felt really good. I think I would have much different thoughts about the KX with suspension set up proper for my spec. The motor is strong throughout, and pulls well up top. It pulls better than the Honda down low, but has a similar characteristic. If you like to ride a 250f pretty aggressively (who doesn't) it is a great setup.

Honestly I think Klinger put it best in Vital's shootout - it's a great overall package, but it doesn't stand out anywhere specifically other than being a great overall package. And the Yamaha has it beat as the best overall package to me haha. It has a strong motor, but I think the Austrian bikes and the Yamaha have it beat there. It has a great chassis, but I think the Honda and Austrian bikes have it beat there. It has good suspension, but I think the Husky (for me) and Yamaha have it beat there. Yada yada.
Thats some great input i appreciate it!
DL
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10/14/2019 9:56pm
DL
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Menifee, CA, USA
10/14/2019 9:57pm
2020 KX250 is braking valve springs and beating up valve seats. Fix both problems and it’s solid.
NoMuff2Tuff
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La Place, LA, USA
10/15/2019 4:43am
DL wrote:
2020 KX250 is braking valve springs and beating up valve seats. Fix both problems and it’s solid.
Definitely not good! sounds like not enough spring pressure and valve float??
yz133rider
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10/15/2019 7:06am
That's not good news but is why i made the post. First ive read of that.
Jarrod458
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10/15/2019 10:04am
In complete 💚💚💚 with mine!
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jankymike
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Riverside, CA, USA
10/15/2019 10:43am
I went to the intro, its better than the previous model for sure. The suspension is MUCH better, and the engine is stronger. I don't like the new rear brake, it feels very on off.
yz133rider
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10/15/2019 7:56pm
Not many owners in here i guess. Was hoping a few actual owners would chime in! Thanks Jarrod of course and others in here too!
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damcdermott1
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Normangee, TX, USA
11/28/2019 12:30pm
I can verify the valve spring/seat issue. Two brand new KXs less than 10 hrs, both same problem. Broke both in per normal before running them hard, but both with same issue
The positive news is that Factory has stood behind the bikes and paid for parts and repairs. Their factory customer support puts Yamaha to shame
Still, would prefer that my 2 new KXs had not spent more time in the shop than on the track !
yz133rider
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11/28/2019 4:57pm
I can verify the valve spring/seat issue. Two brand new KXs less than 10 hrs, both same problem. Broke both in per normal before running them...
I can verify the valve spring/seat issue. Two brand new KXs less than 10 hrs, both same problem. Broke both in per normal before running them hard, but both with same issue
The positive news is that Factory has stood behind the bikes and paid for parts and repairs. Their factory customer support puts Yamaha to shame
Still, would prefer that my 2 new KXs had not spent more time in the shop than on the track !
What is the repair tho? New oem parts, wont they fail again?
1
Excaliburbmx
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Indianapolis, IN, USA
11/28/2019 6:23pm
I can verify the valve spring/seat issue. Two brand new KXs less than 10 hrs, both same problem. Broke both in per normal before running them...
I can verify the valve spring/seat issue. Two brand new KXs less than 10 hrs, both same problem. Broke both in per normal before running them hard, but both with same issue
The positive news is that Factory has stood behind the bikes and paid for parts and repairs. Their factory customer support puts Yamaha to shame
Still, would prefer that my 2 new KXs had not spent more time in the shop than on the track !
yz133rider wrote:
What is the repair tho? New oem parts, wont they fail again?
I haven’t heard of any failures. Don’t know why they would be regional specific.
burn1986
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bossier city, LA, USA
11/28/2019 8:29pm Edited Date/Time 11/28/2019 8:30pm
These retail bikes are pretty much “platform” bikes anyway. Most people are gonna modify them to their needs and tastes. Their all good, but the Kawi looks the best to me.
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Zycki11
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Edwardsville, IL, USA
11/28/2019 8:36pm
burn1986 wrote:
These retail bikes are pretty much “platform” bikes anyway. Most people are gonna modify them to their needs and tastes. Their all good, but the Kawi...
These retail bikes are pretty much “platform” bikes anyway. Most people are gonna modify them to their needs and tastes. Their all good, but the Kawi looks the best to me.
Bzzzz wrong. 90% don’t do internal mods.
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damcdermott1
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11/29/2019 2:43am
Excalibur, never said they were regional. Talk to the factory, the valve issues are all over the country. Random, yes. Also very real.
damcdermott1
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11/29/2019 2:45am
Yz133, you are correct, for now they are just replacing parts with what I assume are the same stuff that failed. Unless they have quietly made some design upgrades. Guess we'll see how the new stuff holds up...
11/29/2019 6:56am
I have one, i love it. I have a no toil filter cage and a PC T-6, and i use the white coupler currently. Im just waiting for maps from vortex to come available and ill put a Torq Drive but thats all it will need i think

I also added some PC clamps which fit from previous years, WC clutch perch and some other blingy stuff. Im also using an RJ Wing Seat cover

Suspension wise its just gone to be revalved, i could probably cope with it but i have a bad wrist so wanted it softer on the initial stroke to get through braking bumps. So much better than the 18-19!
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yz133rider
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11/29/2019 7:49am
Was the pc a significant improvement or more along the lines of the screenless filter cage?
lumpy790
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York, SC, USA
11/29/2019 11:24am
Expecting to have the NEW design 2020 KX250 Silicone Radiator Hoses in both standard $99.95 and Y hoses $135 in Green, Blue and Red next week.

Will also have the 2019-2020 Suzuki RMZ250 hoses $99.95 in Blue and Red.

You can Jump on the Black Friday threw Cyber Monday 30% off Deal now with the BLK30 code and they will ship ASAP.

KAWI642
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Danville, VA, USA
11/30/2019 3:45am Edited Date/Time 11/30/2019 3:45am
Bike rips. Did burn a clutch up in 9 hours , though. Put at least Hinson springs in it pronto. Hard to start that is a pain in the ass.
KAWI642
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12/1/2019 4:52am
DL wrote:
2020 KX250 is braking valve springs and beating up valve seats. Fix both problems and it’s solid.
how is the problems "fixed" ? that sounds like a rider/maintenance problem.
1
BenC711
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GB
12/1/2019 12:11pm
yz133rider wrote:
Was the pc a significant improvement or more along the lines of the screenless filter cage?
I noticed a difference with the PC, but not so much with the filter screen. I cut the air box away on the right hand side too so it’s open both sides.
yz133rider
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12/1/2019 12:22pm
I went with the 20 kx. Rode it once, track was super square edged and choppy. Didnt feel comfortable all day, just too stiff. Should have went out more on compression.

Went out 4 clicks and was much better should have tried even more.

Twisted the bars in the clamps and bent them i believe in the first fall.

Ordered new bar mounts and going to use 1 1/8 bars. Stock 7/8 set up is lacking. I havent bent a set of bars in 10+ years.
KAWI642
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Danville, VA, USA
12/1/2019 3:59pm Edited Date/Time 12/1/2019 4:00pm
yz133rider wrote:
I went with the 20 kx. Rode it once, track was super square edged and choppy. Didnt feel comfortable all day, just too stiff. Should have...
I went with the 20 kx. Rode it once, track was super square edged and choppy. Didnt feel comfortable all day, just too stiff. Should have went out more on compression.

Went out 4 clicks and was much better should have tried even more.

Twisted the bars in the clamps and bent them i believe in the first fall.

Ordered new bar mounts and going to use 1 1/8 bars. Stock 7/8 set up is lacking. I havent bent a set of bars in 10+ years.
my kid is a 155 lb B Rider. We went softer springs front and rear. Putting 1 1/8 bars on ours as well. We went with the Windham bend Renthal fat bar. My Kid is 6 FT TALL and has long arms and legs. Pretty close to stock bend bars. We also ended up going to a 51 tooth rear sprocket.
KAWI642
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Danville, VA, USA
12/3/2019 4:04am
DL wrote:
2020 KX250 is braking valve springs and beating up valve seats. Fix both problems and it’s solid.
love how this guy makes an inflammatory comment about a bike then doesn't frame the statement or give any other information. Let me guess - you have the fix ?
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