2021 KX250

9/8/2020 7:41pm
Can’t wait to hear your review ! I am in same boat as you riding a 19 350 right now and wanting to go back to...
Can’t wait to hear your review ! I am in same boat as you riding a 19 350 right now and wanting to go back to a 250 (yzf or kxf 2021) !
I just sold my 18 FC350
Do you know if any 21 YZ250F’s are available yet?
1
A_Wise1
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147
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8/20/2016
Location
SV, AZ, USA
9/8/2020 10:42pm
You all that are getting off of 350s, why? What is making you want to go back to a 250? Why not a 450?
2
9/9/2020 1:24am
A_Wise1 wrote:
You all that are getting off of 350s, why? What is making you want to go back to a 250? Why not a 450?
For my part, i really miss the fun of riding a 250F. It is noticeably lighter around the turns and ruts and i prefer the powerbands in attack mods. I just don't gel with the powerband of the 350 and the handling (Yet i have KYB factory fork and shock).

Last weekend i tried a 250 yzf 2019 (no mods just works suspension) and man i loved it ! The fun factor was back and i felt faster after few laps on the bike. It turns with no effort compared to my 350 and felt light. The only downfall was the over rev that i felt was missing a bit but that's a common fact on the yzf 250.

All in all, we are all different rider with different wishes and riding style. I know people who loves the 350, I have friends who prefer the 450 for the torque and others who hate it because of how heavy it feels. For me, at my level (weekend B rider) i now know i am more of a 250f rider after a year on the 350.

1
mxryan25
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176
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11/27/2018
Location
Dayton, OH, USA
9/9/2020 6:03am Edited Date/Time 9/9/2020 6:34am
A_Wise1 wrote:
You all that are getting off of 350s, why? What is making you want to go back to a 250? Why not a 450?
I liked the 350 a lot. Ultimately the aer forks turned me away from another ktm, buying a 10k bike + having a couple grand tied up in the forks isn’t ideal for me. The engine was amazing in performance and reliability, definitely all the power I need, even felt like too much at times. I had a rmz450 and rode plenty of others and just feel they are too much for what 99% or us need. Same as Baton Rouge said, riding other 250f‘s (20 yzf, 18 sxf) I was surprised how much more nimble and lightweight they felt compared to my 350. A little down on power but felt it was a trade off that Im looking for. Along with suspension that I knew I would be comfortable with Smile Breaking her in after work today ! We’ll see if I made a good decision or not Tongue
6

The Shop

MXer391
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427
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Altoona, PA, USA
9/9/2020 10:15am
mxryan25 wrote:
I liked the 350 a lot. Ultimately the aer forks turned me away from another ktm, buying a 10k bike + having a couple grand tied...
I liked the 350 a lot. Ultimately the aer forks turned me away from another ktm, buying a 10k bike + having a couple grand tied up in the forks isn’t ideal for me. The engine was amazing in performance and reliability, definitely all the power I need, even felt like too much at times. I had a rmz450 and rode plenty of others and just feel they are too much for what 99% or us need. Same as Baton Rouge said, riding other 250f‘s (20 yzf, 18 sxf) I was surprised how much more nimble and lightweight they felt compared to my 350. A little down on power but felt it was a trade off that Im looking for. Along with suspension that I knew I would be comfortable with Smile Breaking her in after work today ! We’ll see if I made a good decision or not Tongue
I'm kinda in the same boat. Have a '19 350 also. I've been considering going back to either a YZ 250F or a KX 250. I like the 350 engine alot but I hate the AER forks. I've had mine revalved and they still aren't great. I don't race much and I'm getting older (37) so I don't need a 450. I'm interested to see how you like your new bike.
mxryan25
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176
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Location
Dayton, OH, USA
9/9/2020 8:38pm
Well, first ride was successful! Last night I threw on a motion pro throttle tube, renthal 1/2 waffle grips, arc lever set, rolled the bars back, and oiled the air filter ( not near as easy as a ktm 😂) Immediately first thing I felt was the ergos/cockpit suit me very well, more comfortable than my 350 and possibly any other bike I’ve owned or rode! Standing, sitting, cornering the bike is very easy to move around on and grip. The engine is a ripper and definitely on par with the yzf/ktm. power delivery more similar to the ktm not a bunch of torque down low like the yzf but takes off like a rocket in the early mid to top end. It has an incredible free revving feel. After gearing up we checked the sag and it was at 106 so we left it. Being a freshly tilled backyard track it wasn’t rough at all so couldn’t get a great feel for the suspension, for what it was it felt great and like it’s sprung within my 175lb weight range. It leans over in turns with ease, not as much front end feel as say a Suzuki or Honda, but right there with the rest. In typical kawi fashion it likes the rear end and tracks very well. The brakes and clutch are good, ktm is obviously a step ahead in that department but everything on the kx feels solid. E start works great. One thing I noticed was I seemed to have to use more of the clutch while rear braking to prevent the bike from stalling but that was an easy fix. That’s about all I got for now, can’t wait to get it out to some proper tracks!




32
280driver
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9/10/2020 3:45am
Thanks for the write up. Sounds like a great bike. How would you compare the power to your 350?
mxryan25
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176
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11/27/2018
Location
Dayton, OH, USA
9/10/2020 4:49am
280driver wrote:
Thanks for the write up. Sounds like a great bike. How would you compare the power to your 350?
Similar in delivery for sure, at first I mainly noticed less bottom end grunt it definitely won’t pull 3rd gear through some corners as easy as a 350. Once it got into the mid range it flat out rips, I know it’s not putting out as much power but it feels close, the kx seems to build rpm at a faster rate. It’s noticeably more free revving than the 350. im very impressed with how strong this engine feels, it definitely exceeded my expectations
6
9/10/2020 5:14am
Thanks for the feedback ryan ! Let us know when you hit a Mx track with the bike but it seems it is already a sucess Smile
1
9/10/2020 5:34am
Ok so I ride a 18 rmz450 and a 03 cr250 (A/expert). Hadn’t ridden a 250f since my slow 13 rmz250. I would like a new 250 so I can have a competitive race bike for that class I’m sick of riding just the Open and +25. I can get a sweet deal on my brothers Basically new 16 yz250 (2t) but I have already owned one of those and have read all this hype about new 250fs. So this weekend I rode a 2020 yzf250 on a fast rough track with large jumps after riding the CR all day, and honestly I was expecting a lot more. I thought it still had that shitty Yamaha corner feel, felt like it fell right on its face in that mid to top area of the engine. Seemed like it really hated being left in 3rd gear and lugged like my 2t, and the only way I could ride somewhat fast on it was to stay on rev limiter like a 15 year old at Pala on a Tuesday which is not my style at all. My question is do you think I’d feel the same way on the kawi? Thinking about gettin a KX450 next year, but for 250 class it’s either gonna be my brothers ol reliable yz250, or the kawi if I were to ride one and be impressed.
2
walent215
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Ridgecrest, CA, USA
9/10/2020 5:59am
Ok so I ride a 18 rmz450 and a 03 cr250 (A/expert). Hadn’t ridden a 250f since my slow 13 rmz250. I would like a new...
Ok so I ride a 18 rmz450 and a 03 cr250 (A/expert). Hadn’t ridden a 250f since my slow 13 rmz250. I would like a new 250 so I can have a competitive race bike for that class I’m sick of riding just the Open and +25. I can get a sweet deal on my brothers Basically new 16 yz250 (2t) but I have already owned one of those and have read all this hype about new 250fs. So this weekend I rode a 2020 yzf250 on a fast rough track with large jumps after riding the CR all day, and honestly I was expecting a lot more. I thought it still had that shitty Yamaha corner feel, felt like it fell right on its face in that mid to top area of the engine. Seemed like it really hated being left in 3rd gear and lugged like my 2t, and the only way I could ride somewhat fast on it was to stay on rev limiter like a 15 year old at Pala on a Tuesday which is not my style at all. My question is do you think I’d feel the same way on the kawi? Thinking about gettin a KX450 next year, but for 250 class it’s either gonna be my brothers ol reliable yz250, or the kawi if I were to ride one and be impressed.
I haven’t rode a 21 kx250f but have owned/ rode many stock and modded 250fs...i highly doubt this new kawi will be earth shattering enough that its head and shoulders above the 20yz250f you just rode! Even a Star Yamaha or PC Kawi with 50+ HP is still a 250f that has to be ridden a certain way to get the most out of it...
5
mxryan25
Posts
176
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11/27/2018
Location
Dayton, OH, USA
9/10/2020 6:12am
Ok so I ride a 18 rmz450 and a 03 cr250 (A/expert). Hadn’t ridden a 250f since my slow 13 rmz250. I would like a new...
Ok so I ride a 18 rmz450 and a 03 cr250 (A/expert). Hadn’t ridden a 250f since my slow 13 rmz250. I would like a new 250 so I can have a competitive race bike for that class I’m sick of riding just the Open and +25. I can get a sweet deal on my brothers Basically new 16 yz250 (2t) but I have already owned one of those and have read all this hype about new 250fs. So this weekend I rode a 2020 yzf250 on a fast rough track with large jumps after riding the CR all day, and honestly I was expecting a lot more. I thought it still had that shitty Yamaha corner feel, felt like it fell right on its face in that mid to top area of the engine. Seemed like it really hated being left in 3rd gear and lugged like my 2t, and the only way I could ride somewhat fast on it was to stay on rev limiter like a 15 year old at Pala on a Tuesday which is not my style at all. My question is do you think I’d feel the same way on the kawi? Thinking about gettin a KX450 next year, but for 250 class it’s either gonna be my brothers ol reliable yz250, or the kawi if I were to ride one and be impressed.
For me the kx feels way more comfortable between the legs especially when cornering. The Kx power is basically opposite of the yz, where one is flat the other is in the meat of its power. In order to go fast on any 250F or even 350 you have to ride them up in the rpm’s, the yzf is actually the most luggable of them all but still have to ride it aggressively. if your local tracks are mainly clay based I would definitely go 250f, sure they’re not as exciting as a 2t but it will put the power to the ground way better, handle way better , and just be able to ride faster more consistent laps. Having a new kx450 and kx250 in the stable would be one hell of a combo and a seem less transition back and forth. I’m actually planning on picking up a used 2016 YZ250 as well for trail / sand track riding, but for what I usually ride the kx is all around a better machine. I had a 15 YZ250 in the past so I know what they’re about
1
kNewc
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USA
9/10/2020 7:08am
mxryan25 wrote:
Well, first ride was successful! Last night I threw on a motion pro throttle tube, renthal 1/2 waffle grips, arc lever set, rolled the bars back...
Well, first ride was successful! Last night I threw on a motion pro throttle tube, renthal 1/2 waffle grips, arc lever set, rolled the bars back, and oiled the air filter ( not near as easy as a ktm 😂) Immediately first thing I felt was the ergos/cockpit suit me very well, more comfortable than my 350 and possibly any other bike I’ve owned or rode! Standing, sitting, cornering the bike is very easy to move around on and grip. The engine is a ripper and definitely on par with the yzf/ktm. power delivery more similar to the ktm not a bunch of torque down low like the yzf but takes off like a rocket in the early mid to top end. It has an incredible free revving feel. After gearing up we checked the sag and it was at 106 so we left it. Being a freshly tilled backyard track it wasn’t rough at all so couldn’t get a great feel for the suspension, for what it was it felt great and like it’s sprung within my 175lb weight range. It leans over in turns with ease, not as much front end feel as say a Suzuki or Honda, but right there with the rest. In typical kawi fashion it likes the rear end and tracks very well. The brakes and clutch are good, ktm is obviously a step ahead in that department but everything on the kx feels solid. E start works great. One thing I noticed was I seemed to have to use more of the clutch while rear braking to prevent the bike from stalling but that was an easy fix. That’s about all I got for now, can’t wait to get it out to some proper tracks!




I was wanting to do the exact same graphics, where did you get them? I like the look of the stock graphics and numbers. I'll order tonight! Still haven't gotten the call from my dealer yet but your posts are getting me way excited!
mxryan25
Posts
176
Joined
11/27/2018
Location
Dayton, OH, USA
9/10/2020 7:27am
kNewc wrote:
I was wanting to do the exact same graphics, where did you get them? I like the look of the stock graphics and numbers. I'll order...
I was wanting to do the exact same graphics, where did you get them? I like the look of the stock graphics and numbers. I'll order tonight! Still haven't gotten the call from my dealer yet but your posts are getting me way excited!
I got them from factory effex, just wanted something clean and cheap before I eventually get it all done up Smile I’ll send you a pm
1
Moto520
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3636
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Schaumburg, IL, USA
9/10/2020 12:01pm Edited Date/Time 9/10/2020 12:17pm
That bike is going to be great!!!!!! I have the 450 and i always thought the chassis would be amazing with a 250F motor. I'm very excited about this bike. The YZ250F is great but it definitely falls flat after it's initial hit.
1
mxryan25
Posts
176
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Location
Dayton, OH, USA
9/10/2020 4:15pm
Got er cleaned up, and began tearing it down to get everything greased. Definitely needed it !
14
9/11/2020 6:48am Edited Date/Time 9/11/2020 8:02am
Going to break my wifes in tomorrow at our track at home so should have some feedback then. Last year I came off a 15 yz250 to a 2020 kx450 and it was the best move I ever made.

Love the fact that this 250 shares the same air filter, oil filter, skid plate, radiator braces etc. The little bit I road it yesterday when we unloaded it was the clutch is effortless. The upgrade they did from the 2020 hydraulic clutch definitely is noticeable. Have a fair amount of small odds and ends to stick on it tonight along with greasing all the bearings and packing the electrical connections with die electric grease. Will report back after breaking it in more.
2
mxryan25
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Dayton, OH, USA
9/11/2020 7:59am
Going to break my wifes in tomorrow at our track at home so should have some feedback then. Last year I came off a 15 yz250...
Going to break my wifes in tomorrow at our track at home so should have some feedback then. Last year I came off a 15 yz250 to a 2020 kx450 and it was the best move I ever made.

Love the fact that this 250 shares the same air filter, oil filter, skid plate, radiator braces etc. The little bit I road it yesterday when we unloaded it was the clutch is effortless. The upgrade they did from the 2020 hydraulic clutch definitely is noticeable. Have a fair amount of small odds and ends to stick on it tonight along with greasing all the bearings and packing the electrical connections with die electric grease. Will report back after breaking it in more.
What kind of skid plate do you have ? I was thinking about buying an expensive carbon one or something along those lines, then saw the 250xc comes with one and thought I may just order that when Oem parts are available
2
9/11/2020 8:03am
I have a works Connection mx version that I have from my 450. Ended up going to a carbon p3. The works connection one leaves alot to be desired as it doesnt cover the bottom of the frame rails which I don't like. I will run that until the p3 comes that I ordered for this bike.
2
nascarnate326
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3008
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Charlotte, MI, USA
9/11/2020 5:55pm
How does the subframe look where the pipe mounts to it?

What kind of fuel are you guys using with it? U4.4 ? I kinda want one but love my 2018.
1
9/11/2020 6:26pm
Picked mine up a couple of days ago and rode for the first time yesterday. Engine very lively if less bottom. Chassis feels narrower than my ‘15 kx250f but everything else feels quite similar. Love the electric start and no complaints with stock suspension first time out. Feels like it corners easier than the ‘15. Who knows - I am not very fast and definitely not a bike reviewer. Happy with my choice though.
22
mxryan25
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Dayton, OH, USA
9/11/2020 7:24pm
How does the subframe look where the pipe mounts to it? What kind of fuel are you guys using with it? U4.4 ? I kinda want...
How does the subframe look where the pipe mounts to it?

What kind of fuel are you guys using with it? U4.4 ? I kinda want one but love my 2018.
Looks to be very solid, from what I gather don’t buy a solid mounted muffler and it will be fine. Ran pump 93
1
pCp 252
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Location
Hampden, MA, USA
9/11/2020 8:37pm
What’s the front axle diameter? Is it 19+ KX450 (22mm) or same diameter as the 250 always has been?
Are the grips still vulcanized onto the throttle and handlebar? Also what # bend is the handlebar ?

Thanks!
1
kNewc
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USA
9/12/2020 5:12am
mxryan25 wrote:
Got er cleaned up, and began tearing it down to get everything greased. Definitely needed it ! [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/09/10/448728/s1200_image.jpg[/img]
Got er cleaned up, and began tearing it down to get everything greased. Definitely needed it !
Which throttle tube did you end up getting? I'm not seeing a 21 kawi model yet.
PCP252 I'm pretty sure they are still molded to the throttle, which is why mxryan got one lol. I'm wanting to switch to Renthal Softs right away.
mxryan25
Posts
176
Joined
11/27/2018
Location
Dayton, OH, USA
9/12/2020 6:31am
I think the front axle is different from the 450 but not 100% sure on that. Yes, the grip is welded to the tube. I actually ordered a motion pro titan tube for a ktm, it has the ODI cam system setup I ordered an odi kx cam snapped it on and it works perfectly, but you can get one that’s all one piece made specifically for the kx also. The throttle tube should be the same as the 450, and previous 250 so should have plenty of options. The handlebar is a renthal fatbar 839 same thing that has come on the crf since 2019
2
9/12/2020 8:01am
Going to break my wifes in tomorrow at our track at home so should have some feedback then. Last year I came off a 15 yz250...
Going to break my wifes in tomorrow at our track at home so should have some feedback then. Last year I came off a 15 yz250 to a 2020 kx450 and it was the best move I ever made.

Love the fact that this 250 shares the same air filter, oil filter, skid plate, radiator braces etc. The little bit I road it yesterday when we unloaded it was the clutch is effortless. The upgrade they did from the 2020 hydraulic clutch definitely is noticeable. Have a fair amount of small odds and ends to stick on it tonight along with greasing all the bearings and packing the electrical connections with die electric grease. Will report back after breaking it in more.
mxryan25 wrote:
What kind of skid plate do you have ? I was thinking about buying an expensive carbon one or something along those lines, then saw the...
What kind of skid plate do you have ? I was thinking about buying an expensive carbon one or something along those lines, then saw the 250xc comes with one and thought I may just order that when Oem parts are available
I put a TM Designworks skid plate on my 450. I really like it. Light weight, great coverage, and the high density plastic (same stuff they make their drive components out of) offers even better penetration resistance than aluminum. Hard core side by side guys that are into rock crawling use high density plastic sliders because the slide across obstacles even better than metal.
9/12/2020 8:15am
Going to break my wifes in tomorrow at our track at home so should have some feedback then. Last year I came off a 15 yz250...
Going to break my wifes in tomorrow at our track at home so should have some feedback then. Last year I came off a 15 yz250 to a 2020 kx450 and it was the best move I ever made.

Love the fact that this 250 shares the same air filter, oil filter, skid plate, radiator braces etc. The little bit I road it yesterday when we unloaded it was the clutch is effortless. The upgrade they did from the 2020 hydraulic clutch definitely is noticeable. Have a fair amount of small odds and ends to stick on it tonight along with greasing all the bearings and packing the electrical connections with die electric grease. Will report back after breaking it in more.
mxryan25 wrote:
What kind of skid plate do you have ? I was thinking about buying an expensive carbon one or something along those lines, then saw the...
What kind of skid plate do you have ? I was thinking about buying an expensive carbon one or something along those lines, then saw the 250xc comes with one and thought I may just order that when Oem parts are available
I put a TM Designworks skid plate on my 450. I really like it. Light weight, great coverage, and the high density plastic (same stuff they...
I put a TM Designworks skid plate on my 450. I really like it. Light weight, great coverage, and the high density plastic (same stuff they make their drive components out of) offers even better penetration resistance than aluminum. Hard core side by side guys that are into rock crawling use high density plastic sliders because the slide across obstacles even better than metal.
Forgot to post a photo. Race day at Lincoln Trail today!
mxryan25
Posts
176
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11/27/2018
Location
Dayton, OH, USA
9/13/2020 1:18pm
Hit some big ones today 🚀 can not wait to get this thing on a rough rutted track I think it will be unreal

17
biondo
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3/12/2020
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Escondido, CA, USA
9/13/2020 1:32pm
mxryan25 wrote:
Hit some big ones today 🚀 can not wait to get this thing on a rough rutted track I think it will be unreal [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/09/13/449089/s1200_EEF440E6_F0B7_4B80_ADC1_58CCCBCDCF39.jpg[/img]
Hit some big ones today 🚀 can not wait to get this thing on a rough rutted track I think it will be unreal

Hey do you have any tips for learning how to jump like that? Thanks 😊
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