2021 KX250

BenC711
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BenC711 10/26/2020 2:47pm
10/26/2020 2:47pm
kNewc wrote:
Sick! Are those the ARC levers for the 2019+ KX450? I'm trying to find which part numbers to order. Also I'm surprised you didn't try the...
Sick! Are those the ARC levers for the 2019+ KX450? I'm trying to find which part numbers to order.

Also I'm surprised you didn't try the stock triple clamps or suspension. Was it just because that suspension is already set for you?
MXBen711 wrote:
Yeah the levers are from the 450, bolted straight up Some of this stuff carried over from my 2020, engine plugs, pegs, gear lever, water pump...
Yeah the levers are from the 450, bolted straight up

Some of this stuff carried over from my 2020, engine plugs, pegs, gear lever, water pump kit

I just bought the forks and really wanted to put them in as they look awesome

I changed some things immediately based on the last few Kawis, mainly lowering the pegs and changing the lower chain roller
kNewc wrote:
I really like the looks of it, the number shrouds turned out awesome! Did you go to a '16 chain roller? I see a lot of...
I really like the looks of it, the number shrouds turned out awesome! Did you go to a '16 chain roller? I see a lot of guys say to replace it.
I just bought a DRC chain roller, they’re £4 I think? 34mm I think it was but I can check if it s helpful to anyone
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LKHill
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LKHill 11/1/2020 4:51pm
11/1/2020 4:51pm
I will mention a couple things that have not been talked about. Comparing it to my 2018 KX250F I ran for 3 years, the first thing that jumped out at me was the more open rider triangle. I noticed it as soon as I sat on the bike. I normally run lowered pegs and the bars in the forward hole turned back. I set it up the same way and am going to try moving it to the back hole/turned forward.

The front suspension is very plush but has plenty of spring for me, 185/vet. I need to try the clicker so it does not waller when I steer it. It is not balanced off the showroom. The handling seems a bit improved.

The power I would compare to a KTM with more everywhere. It may not show on the dyno at WOT but was significant in roll on. There was no lack of low end for me and still pulled a tall gear just fine. Almost as well as my 2018 actually. The '18 may have made just a bit more around 6500 in the lower mid but went flat on top just when you wanted more requiring you to short shift it. This thing just keeps on ripping.
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Indy mxer
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Indy mxer 11/2/2020 4:27am
11/2/2020 4:27am
LKHill wrote:
I will mention a couple things that have not been talked about. Comparing it to my 2018 KX250F I ran for 3 years, the first thing...
I will mention a couple things that have not been talked about. Comparing it to my 2018 KX250F I ran for 3 years, the first thing that jumped out at me was the more open rider triangle. I noticed it as soon as I sat on the bike. I normally run lowered pegs and the bars in the forward hole turned back. I set it up the same way and am going to try moving it to the back hole/turned forward.

The front suspension is very plush but has plenty of spring for me, 185/vet. I need to try the clicker so it does not waller when I steer it. It is not balanced off the showroom. The handling seems a bit improved.

The power I would compare to a KTM with more everywhere. It may not show on the dyno at WOT but was significant in roll on. There was no lack of low end for me and still pulled a tall gear just fine. Almost as well as my 2018 actually. The '18 may have made just a bit more around 6500 in the lower mid but went flat on top just when you wanted more requiring you to short shift it. This thing just keeps on ripping.
I'm a 63 year old vet B, and I would echo your statements on the power. I came off of a 19 KX 450, and I was a bit concerned about low end power. So it was a pleasant surprise how well it pulled down low.

As far as th ergos and suspension, I'm 5'6", 150 so the suspension was too stiff or me and I can't get the proper sag.
But I knew this going in. So as I usually do, I"ll be sending my suspension off to FC soon for lighter springs and a revalve.

Overall I love the feel and the power. Once I get my suspension done I'll be golden.
LKHill
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LKHill 11/17/2020 7:53pm
11/17/2020 7:53pm
Some more feedback.

This thing feels light, really light. More like a 125 than a 250F.

Man will this bike turn.

They have got the CG way low.

The front brake seems improved. Riding back to back with 2 KTM's the brakes where on par or better.

I like the green coupler because of the top end pull. Very 125 2 stroke like but more everywhere. The white coupler made it run like my '18 to me.
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JohnMatrix
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JohnMatrix 11/24/2020 2:45am
11/24/2020 2:45am
I couldn’t resist and picked one up last night. After riding probably over eight different bikes in the last two weeks, it was clear this was the one. Cannot wait to get some time on it.




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nascarnate326
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nascarnate326 11/24/2020 4:46am
11/24/2020 4:46am
JohnMatrix wrote:
I couldn’t resist and picked one up last night. After riding probably over eight different bikes in the last two weeks, it was clear this was...
I couldn’t resist and picked one up last night. After riding probably over eight different bikes in the last two weeks, it was clear this was the one. Cannot wait to get some time on it.




You know someone was going to ask.....supra details? TT car?
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280driver
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280driver 11/24/2020 5:41am
11/24/2020 5:41am
First place in Swaps shootout.
1
JohnMatrix
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JohnMatrix 11/24/2020 6:20am
11/24/2020 6:20am
nascarnate326 wrote:
You know someone was going to ask.....supra details? TT car?
Yes original tt 6 speed. Has a big single on it now, the works.
3
paddyB745
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paddyB745 11/24/2020 6:33am
11/24/2020 6:33am
Just wanted to give a quick ride report for anyone that wants to ride these things in the woods. Over the weekend I raced a hare scramble on mine, all stock besides a pro circuit slip on and forks revalved for moto. This bike is super fun in the trees, the course was 10 miles of tight singletrack, Rocky creeks, and some good whooped out uphills. The motor lugs in 3rd gear pretty well, pulled right up some of the steepest hills no problem. It could use a tooth up in the rear sprocket and it would be perfect for me though. Also, if anyone’s curious, it went 1.5hrs about 20 miles on about a half a tank of gas maybe a little more. So far I’m loving this bike on the track and in the woods.
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Markopolo400
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Markopolo400 11/24/2020 7:21am
11/24/2020 7:21am
JohnMatrix wrote:
Yes original tt 6 speed. Has a big single on it now, the works.
Glad I'm not the only one who saw that thing sitting there...Wow.

Any more pics?...Of the Supra Smile
JohnMatrix
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JohnMatrix 11/24/2020 8:35am
11/24/2020 8:35am
Markopolo400 wrote:
Glad I'm not the only one who saw that thing sitting there...Wow.

Any more pics?...Of the Supra Smile
Sure thing. If you want to geek out on car talk feel free to PM me. I’ve done most of the build and tuning on the car myself over the 16+ years I’ve owned it. I’ve kept the exterior and interior basically stock, but quite a different story under the hood.





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JB479
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JB479 12/3/2020 2:09am
12/3/2020 2:09am
How many hours has everyone got on there bike? How are they holding up? Im considering purchasing one (have a 2020 kx450). I just dont want to have to spend alot dollars on maintenance etc. surely i could 40-50 hours on a top end?
fourfourone
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fourfourone 12/3/2020 6:43am
12/3/2020 6:43am
I loved my 15 kx250. Hoping to pick one up in the spring after seeing all the positive reviews. Coming off a 17 yz450f, this bike should be a dream to ride.
1
JohnMatrix
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JohnMatrix 12/3/2020 4:20pm
12/3/2020 4:20pm
Does anyone have any preferences that they've found for fork and sag height? Will be taking mine out for the first time this weekend, probably to Cahuilla. I had a vortex 8g box hanging around from a previous KTM so just sent that off to twisted today to get loaded with their maps for this bike. They're fairly close by so should have it for next weekend so I'll report back on what my butt dyno feels when the ecu arrives. Weekend cannot come fast enough.
nwmx
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nwmx 12/3/2020 7:16pm
12/3/2020 7:16pm
Anybody gear there’s up yet? Stock gearing is ok and I can corner in third with a little clutch work.. might do a 51 tooth though. Sucks it’s so hard to get parts. No one has exhausts
1
mxryan25
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mxryan25 12/4/2020 12:59pm
12/4/2020 12:59pm Edited Date/Time 12/4/2020 6:24pm
I have about 11 hours on mine so far so good only changed bars, grips, levers, filter, and oil/filter. 40-50 hours should be no problem on a top end I may do one sooner only if I decide to go to a high comp piston. Forks at the bottom of the first groove and about 104-105 sag feels great for me on a regular track, last weekend I rode a tighter track and moved my forks in between the first and 2nd line that helped for the tight track. I’ve playing around with some clickers front and rear but for me personally the stock settings have the best blend of comfort and performance, works good but not incredible thinking of sending it off to Enzo over the winter. Recently I switched from using regular 93 pump fuel to 90 non ethanol mixed 50/50 with 110 turbo blue and I felt quite a big improvement mainly in the bottom end response and mid range pulling power . I think I’ll stick with the stock gearing when the stock stuff gets replaced
5
LKHill
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LKHill 12/4/2020 2:10pm
12/4/2020 2:10pm
They geared it down internally. Feels pretty close stock.

I discovered one of the reasons for the increased brake performance is what seems to be some sort of braided front line.

Kawasaki claims 46 HP, 6 more than my 2018.

I guess I am just the opposite. I had to change every clicker including a half click. In the front I went stiffer on compressing and rebound. Out back softer on the compression and more rebound. No huge changes, just fine tuning.

The shifting on this thing is absolutely amazing.
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DB505
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DB505 12/5/2020 4:10pm
12/5/2020 4:10pm
steelworker77 wrote:
Hoping someone can chime in on this on our 21. Picked up some springs from factory connection since they are nearby. The bike is my wifes...
Hoping someone can chime in on this on our 21.

Picked up some springs from factory connection since they are nearby. The bike is my wifes and she races the women's class and is 155lbs 5'9. They recommended 4.4kg fork springs and a 5.3 kg rear. Havent had a chance to ride yet but I can't get close at all between my static and race sag.

Was always told 30-40mm is what your looking for for static sag when your race sag is set. At 103mm in gear I am sitting right at 48mm. Stock rear spring i was at 90 and 40.

When I called them to question about it they told me high static sag numbers are no big deal as long as there is preload on the spring? This seems off from what all suspension guys have told me. With that high of a static number wouldn't the shock already be riding down in the stroke to much?

Thinking I need to go down to a 4.9 kg?
Race tech, told me the same thing about static sag!

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Yeti831
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Yeti831 12/5/2020 10:51pm
12/5/2020 10:51pm
I’ll hopefully be getting one in January or February so I’m loving these ride reviews.

Thanks, gents. Keep it going 🤘
1
JohnMatrix
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JohnMatrix 12/5/2020 11:25pm
12/5/2020 11:25pm
I put in about 1.5 hours on the bike today at Cahuilla. It is a ton of fun. By my second moto I was feeling right at home on the bike. I’m 6’ and about 185 pounds. Running the bars in the rear mounts at forward position is comfortable. I have the foot pegs in the lower position and have to say it’s one of the best fitting bikes I’ve owned. My sag is at 104 and early in the day the front end was feeling a bit washy, not very planted. I went out to 12 clicks on fork compression and it improved. Then went out to 13 and it felt more planted but a bit too soft in other areas. I’ll have to spend more time on fork settings especially as suspension settles in over time. Overall completely stoked on this bike and happy with my decision.
quadzrulebro 12/6/2020 6:12am
12/6/2020 6:12am
steelworker77 wrote:
Hoping someone can chime in on this on our 21. Picked up some springs from factory connection since they are nearby. The bike is my wifes...
Hoping someone can chime in on this on our 21.

Picked up some springs from factory connection since they are nearby. The bike is my wifes and she races the women's class and is 155lbs 5'9. They recommended 4.4kg fork springs and a 5.3 kg rear. Havent had a chance to ride yet but I can't get close at all between my static and race sag.

Was always told 30-40mm is what your looking for for static sag when your race sag is set. At 103mm in gear I am sitting right at 48mm. Stock rear spring i was at 90 and 40.

When I called them to question about it they told me high static sag numbers are no big deal as long as there is preload on the spring? This seems off from what all suspension guys have told me. With that high of a static number wouldn't the shock already be riding down in the stroke to much?

Thinking I need to go down to a 4.9 kg?
DB505 wrote:
Race tech, told me the same thing about static sag!
If it makes you feel better, Factory Connection told me the same thing as well. Things change over the years. I remember when 95-100mm of race sag was the norm.
2
LKHill
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LKHill 12/6/2020 7:10am
12/6/2020 7:10am
JohnMatrix wrote:
I put in about 1.5 hours on the bike today at Cahuilla. It is a ton of fun. By my second moto I was feeling right...
I put in about 1.5 hours on the bike today at Cahuilla. It is a ton of fun. By my second moto I was feeling right at home on the bike. I’m 6’ and about 185 pounds. Running the bars in the rear mounts at forward position is comfortable. I have the foot pegs in the lower position and have to say it’s one of the best fitting bikes I’ve owned. My sag is at 104 and early in the day the front end was feeling a bit washy, not very planted. I went out to 12 clicks on fork compression and it improved. Then went out to 13 and it felt more planted but a bit too soft in other areas. I’ll have to spend more time on fork settings especially as suspension settles in over time. Overall completely stoked on this bike and happy with my decision.
The forks move just a bit much for my taste. I do enjoy the comfort and front wheel traction. Bottom resistance is fa nominal. I had to add rebound to slow down the movement a bit.

Adding high speed will settle the front if you can tolerate it.
1
DB505
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DB505 12/6/2020 9:55am
12/6/2020 9:55am
steelworker77 wrote:
Hoping someone can chime in on this on our 21. Picked up some springs from factory connection since they are nearby. The bike is my wifes...
Hoping someone can chime in on this on our 21.

Picked up some springs from factory connection since they are nearby. The bike is my wifes and she races the women's class and is 155lbs 5'9. They recommended 4.4kg fork springs and a 5.3 kg rear. Havent had a chance to ride yet but I can't get close at all between my static and race sag.

Was always told 30-40mm is what your looking for for static sag when your race sag is set. At 103mm in gear I am sitting right at 48mm. Stock rear spring i was at 90 and 40.

When I called them to question about it they told me high static sag numbers are no big deal as long as there is preload on the spring? This seems off from what all suspension guys have told me. With that high of a static number wouldn't the shock already be riding down in the stroke to much?

Thinking I need to go down to a 4.9 kg?
DB505 wrote:
Race tech, told me the same thing about static sag!
quadzrulebro wrote:
If it makes you feel better, Factory Connection told me the same thing as well. Things change over the years. I remember when 95-100mm of race...
If it makes you feel better, Factory Connection told me the same thing as well. Things change over the years. I remember when 95-100mm of race sag was the norm.
It seems odd to me that a bike with 12 in travel, we use 4’’ of that setting sag! But it is what it is!
js451
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js451 12/14/2020 12:59am
12/14/2020 12:59am
I took my 2020 KX250 into the dealer today for a service, ended up trading it in and signing finance for a 2021 KX250 🤦‍♂️ Couldn’t help myself I want the e start.

Does anyone know if a 2020 pro circuit exhaust will bolt onto the 2021? I know it’s a different frame so I’m not sure
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nascarnate326
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nascarnate326 12/14/2020 4:44am
12/14/2020 4:44am
js451 wrote:
I took my 2020 KX250 into the dealer today for a service, ended up trading it in and signing finance for a 2021 KX250 🤦‍♂️ Couldn’t...
I took my 2020 KX250 into the dealer today for a service, ended up trading it in and signing finance for a 2021 KX250 🤦‍♂️ Couldn’t help myself I want the e start.

Does anyone know if a 2020 pro circuit exhaust will bolt onto the 2021? I know it’s a different frame so I’m not sure
I would think that it is different for this generation. Congrats on the new bike. Doing everything I can to resist getting one for myself!!
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mxryan25
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mxryan25 12/14/2020 5:13am
12/14/2020 5:13am
I’ve heard the 2020 systems bolt right Up , however they are making pipes specifically for the 2021
1
adamw21
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adamw21 12/14/2020 6:24am
12/14/2020 6:24am
mxryan25 wrote:
I’ve heard the 2020 systems bolt right Up , however they are making pipes specifically for the 2021
I wondered the same thing pc has parts numbers for both with a one number difference. Would be cool to know what swaps over seems as if for the 21 only thing available is a ss t6
adamw21
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adamw21 12/14/2020 6:30am
12/14/2020 6:30am Edited Date/Time 12/14/2020 6:31am
came from a 18 rmz450 that had every band aid thrown at it wanted a 250 and although the kx was the last choice ( partially because I didn’t know much about the 21 ) I picked one up after two hours of ride time I’m stoked with it. The motor is good on these things and 180 pounds the suspension feels awesome !!!!
Of course I have already been tinkering

3
adamw21
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adamw21 12/14/2020 6:32am
12/14/2020 6:32am

JohnMatrix
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JohnMatrix 12/14/2020 9:35am
12/14/2020 9:35am
LKHill wrote:
The forks move just a bit much for my taste. I do enjoy the comfort and front wheel traction. Bottom resistance is fa nominal. I had...
The forks move just a bit much for my taste. I do enjoy the comfort and front wheel traction. Bottom resistance is fa nominal. I had to add rebound to slow down the movement a bit.

Adding high speed will settle the front if you can tolerate it.
I went back to Cahuilla yesterday. So far I've find that running the forks on the soft side helps best with front end traction on that type of track. I'm 2 1/2 clicks out on compression in the front and went 2 out on the shock. It does feel soft but has a lot of comfort and cornering is much improved for me. I haven't touched rebound yet. I think I'm going to try slowing down rebound in the front next time and might be able to add a bit more compression back into the forks. Even though I have the forks set a bit soft, you're right, bottoming resistance is incredible and the forks feel nice and progressive. After the holidays I'll have my buddy Ride JBI make some minor adjustments to the valving to get that comfort of the softer setting with a little better hold up. I can see how the suspension is near perfect for guys on the faster/heavier side. For me I need just a hair softer setting for them to be perfect.
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