2021 KX250

1/28/2021 4:20am
Dealers are legally required to perform all recalls and factory directed modifications before delivering the unit to a customer, regardless of the brand. The manufacturers pay...
Dealers are legally required to perform all recalls and factory directed modifications before delivering the unit to a customer, regardless of the brand. The manufacturers pay dealers to perform these services.
Zycki11 wrote:
Not true. Only if it is of safety concern
Well put it this way, if a dealer delivers a unit to a customer without filing a warranty claim for all active recalls or factory directed modifications prior to delivery, they lose all holdback and incentives on the unit, so you can be damn sure that dealers aren’t delivering these bikes without inspecting them first. Besides, failure to correct this issue could lead to catastrophic engine failure, which is definitely a safety issue.
1/28/2021 5:14am Edited Date/Time 1/28/2021 10:06am
nwmx wrote:
I go between 1,4, 6,7. 1 and 6 Hit hard but 4 and 7 mellow it out a bit to make it a little more Honda...
I go between 1,4, 6,7. 1 and 6
Hit hard but 4 and 7 mellow it out a bit to make it a little more Honda ish. The mapping made the idle weird it’s hard to get it consistent.

Put a 51t rear sprocket on it that helps cornering in 3rd a little. Honestly I like my Honda 250 better than this bike 😕
Rut-roh…

Owned a 19’ and then a ’20 CRF250R and absolutely adored the handling and cornering prowess. However, the power left a lot to be desired. Plenty of over rev but down low and the mid range was subpar and the gear spacing I felt exacerbated this issue.

I was looking for a change so I went all in with the new KX250. Haven’t had a chance to ride it yet but most reports seem quite favorable. Obviously bike reviews/opinions are subjective, but I’m curious as to why you feel the CRF is superior or where do you feel the KX is lacking in comparison. Thanks.
4
nwmx
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Location
Corona, CA, USA
1/28/2021 7:49am
nwmx wrote:
I go between 1,4, 6,7. 1 and 6 Hit hard but 4 and 7 mellow it out a bit to make it a little more Honda...
I go between 1,4, 6,7. 1 and 6
Hit hard but 4 and 7 mellow it out a bit to make it a little more Honda ish. The mapping made the idle weird it’s hard to get it consistent.

Put a 51t rear sprocket on it that helps cornering in 3rd a little. Honestly I like my Honda 250 better than this bike 😕
Rut-roh… Owned a 19’ and then a ’20 CRF250R and absolutely adored the handling and cornering prowess. However, the power left a lot to be desired...
Rut-roh…

Owned a 19’ and then a ’20 CRF250R and absolutely adored the handling and cornering prowess. However, the power left a lot to be desired. Plenty of over rev but down low and the mid range was subpar and the gear spacing I felt exacerbated this issue.

I was looking for a change so I went all in with the new KX250. Haven’t had a chance to ride it yet but most reports seem quite favorable. Obviously bike reviews/opinions are subjective, but I’m curious as to why you feel the CRF is superior or where do you feel the KX is lacking in comparison. Thanks.
I did the same thing.. Both bikes I did all the same horsepower mods. Carries 3rd through corners better, power is smooth all the way through and pulls longer, tracks better coming into and out of corners, gets into ruts easier and corners better. I’m hoping with more time I can get some more comfort out of the kx.

The Shop

JohnMatrix
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Irvine, CA, USA
1/28/2021 9:51am
nwmx wrote:
I did the same thing.. Both bikes I did all the same horsepower mods. Carries 3rd through corners better, power is smooth all the way through...
I did the same thing.. Both bikes I did all the same horsepower mods. Carries 3rd through corners better, power is smooth all the way through and pulls longer, tracks better coming into and out of corners, gets into ruts easier and corners better. I’m hoping with more time I can get some more comfort out of the kx.
It's hard to beat the cornering of that honda chassis. As I've played with suspension settings on the KX it has continued to improve in the cornering department. I read a lot of guys going stiffer on compression settings but I've had to go in the opposite direction to get the front end under control. I watched Ping's recent video on suspension setup and is in line with what I have been experiencing. I was at 2 clicks out on one fork and 3 clicks out on another from stock for compression and felt like I got quite a bit more frontend traction and settling into ruts better. I'm going to try his suggested setup at 4 clicks out compression from stock, add some rebound dampening, and try his fork height and sag recommendation. I'm happy with the shock so far but will also try his recommended adjustments since they are pretty minor.
nwmx
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225
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Location
Corona, CA, USA
1/28/2021 10:10am
nwmx wrote:
I did the same thing.. Both bikes I did all the same horsepower mods. Carries 3rd through corners better, power is smooth all the way through...
I did the same thing.. Both bikes I did all the same horsepower mods. Carries 3rd through corners better, power is smooth all the way through and pulls longer, tracks better coming into and out of corners, gets into ruts easier and corners better. I’m hoping with more time I can get some more comfort out of the kx.
JohnMatrix wrote:
It's hard to beat the cornering of that honda chassis. As I've played with suspension settings on the KX it has continued to improve in the...
It's hard to beat the cornering of that honda chassis. As I've played with suspension settings on the KX it has continued to improve in the cornering department. I read a lot of guys going stiffer on compression settings but I've had to go in the opposite direction to get the front end under control. I watched Ping's recent video on suspension setup and is in line with what I have been experiencing. I was at 2 clicks out on one fork and 3 clicks out on another from stock for compression and felt like I got quite a bit more frontend traction and settling into ruts better. I'm going to try his suggested setup at 4 clicks out compression from stock, add some rebound dampening, and try his fork height and sag recommendation. I'm happy with the shock so far but will also try his recommended adjustments since they are pretty minor.
I did all pings settings last weekend and then after that did another 2 out on fork compression, another 1/4 out on high speed and one out on shock rebound after talking to the guy who does my suspension. After I made those changes I felt a noticeable difference with cornering. Granted I’m 160 lbs and pings obviously heavier..

I’d like to try out that pro circuit linkage if it’s ever in stock and then go softer on fork spring. The linkage recommends increasing spring rate on rear so just adding linkage should make the Stock spring better for us lighter guys.
1
1/28/2021 10:16am
nwmx wrote:
I did the same thing.. Both bikes I did all the same horsepower mods. Carries 3rd through corners better, power is smooth all the way through...
I did the same thing.. Both bikes I did all the same horsepower mods. Carries 3rd through corners better, power is smooth all the way through and pulls longer, tracks better coming into and out of corners, gets into ruts easier and corners better. I’m hoping with more time I can get some more comfort out of the kx.
JohnMatrix wrote:
It's hard to beat the cornering of that honda chassis. As I've played with suspension settings on the KX it has continued to improve in the...
It's hard to beat the cornering of that honda chassis. As I've played with suspension settings on the KX it has continued to improve in the cornering department. I read a lot of guys going stiffer on compression settings but I've had to go in the opposite direction to get the front end under control. I watched Ping's recent video on suspension setup and is in line with what I have been experiencing. I was at 2 clicks out on one fork and 3 clicks out on another from stock for compression and felt like I got quite a bit more frontend traction and settling into ruts better. I'm going to try his suggested setup at 4 clicks out compression from stock, add some rebound dampening, and try his fork height and sag recommendation. I'm happy with the shock so far but will also try his recommended adjustments since they are pretty minor.
Geez...Guess I’ll have to wait until the weather breaks around here to judge for myself. Appreciate the input fellas.



Apparently the grass isn’t always greener (pun intended).
fourfourone
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86oh, CT, USA
1/28/2021 10:28am
You guys are a huge help in my decision making. I am stuck between the honda and the Kawi. I am coming from a 17 yz450f(big old pig). I hate how the YZs have a short peg to seat height. I felt like the peg to seat height put more stress on my knees when going from sitting to standing during a moto. Also with with my knee braces on I found it took more effort to get my foot back on the peg after a corner( due to having to bend my knee so far). I'm only 5'10" but I didnt have this peg to seat height issue on my 15 kx250f or my KTM 250sx.

Do you guys feel like the Kawi is more roomy then the honda? From what I have gathered both bike have a taller peg to seat height and roomier feeling cockpit.

Not throwing shade at my yz450. Bike was amazing in the straights but really lacked in cornering and cockpit feel.
JohnMatrix
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Location
Irvine, CA, USA
1/28/2021 10:32am
Geez...Guess I’ll have to wait until the weather breaks around here to judge for myself. Appreciate the input fellas. Apparently the grass isn’t always greener (pun...
Geez...Guess I’ll have to wait until the weather breaks around here to judge for myself. Appreciate the input fellas.



Apparently the grass isn’t always greener (pun intended).
Oh don't get me wrong, the KX is incredible. Depending on your weight you mind find the suspension to be a bit stiff out of the box but this is nothing that can't be fixed without some quick adjustments. It is probably my favorite bike I've owned to date. I just get a little picky about finding comfort on any bike but haven't had to throw a penny at the KX to make improvements in that regard. Even the stock bars feel great.
1
JohnMatrix
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Irvine, CA, USA
1/28/2021 12:07pm
You guys are a huge help in my decision making. I am stuck between the honda and the Kawi. I am coming from a 17 yz450f(big...
You guys are a huge help in my decision making. I am stuck between the honda and the Kawi. I am coming from a 17 yz450f(big old pig). I hate how the YZs have a short peg to seat height. I felt like the peg to seat height put more stress on my knees when going from sitting to standing during a moto. Also with with my knee braces on I found it took more effort to get my foot back on the peg after a corner( due to having to bend my knee so far). I'm only 5'10" but I didnt have this peg to seat height issue on my 15 kx250f or my KTM 250sx.

Do you guys feel like the Kawi is more roomy then the honda? From what I have gathered both bike have a taller peg to seat height and roomier feeling cockpit.

Not throwing shade at my yz450. Bike was amazing in the straights but really lacked in cornering and cockpit feel.
As far as ergos go, the Honda and Kawi are both really comfortable for me at 6'. Something about the Kawi though, I feel like I'm always able to grip it really well whether standing or sitting. Can't go wrong with either. The KX has a lot of adjustability so you can easily find a setup you like. I found the YZF totally odd an uncomfortable so you're not alone. I had trouble gripping that bike with my legs.
MotoChris
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Vilonia, AR, USA
1/28/2021 12:47pm
I’m good👍
1
1/28/2021 12:51pm
MotoChris wrote:
I’m good👍 [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/01/28/475551/s1200_28E9AE06_ECA0_46D7_87CF_DB921394A5EF.jpg[/img]
I’m good👍
Has anyone had one not check out? I haven't heard of anyone and none of the dealers around have had one not check out. Just curious.
adamw21
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12/14/2020
Location
Martin, TN, USA
1/28/2021 12:55pm
MotoChris wrote:
I’m good👍 [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/01/28/475551/s1200_28E9AE06_ECA0_46D7_87CF_DB921394A5EF.jpg[/img]
I’m good👍
Has anyone had one not check out? I haven't heard of anyone and none of the dealers around have had one not check out. Just curious.
Same here I bet only a few of the first ones had the problem and Kawasaki figured it would just be easier to Check them all
mxryan25
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Dayton, OH, USA
1/28/2021 2:32pm
Gonna be tough to find comfort out of the stock setup for you guys around 150 lb IMO. Likely need atleast lighter fork springs and revalve front and rear.
1
Zycki11
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Edwardsville, IL, USA
1/28/2021 2:37pm
Well put it this way, if a dealer delivers a unit to a customer without filing a warranty claim for all active recalls or factory directed...
Well put it this way, if a dealer delivers a unit to a customer without filing a warranty claim for all active recalls or factory directed modifications prior to delivery, they lose all holdback and incentives on the unit, so you can be damn sure that dealers aren’t delivering these bikes without inspecting them first. Besides, failure to correct this issue could lead to catastrophic engine failure, which is definitely a safety issue.
Fair enough, are you saying this from a dealership standpoint? I can tell you that the dealership wants to perform the recall to gain the extra “free” time from Kawi to their service shop.
1/28/2021 3:52pm
Well put it this way, if a dealer delivers a unit to a customer without filing a warranty claim for all active recalls or factory directed...
Well put it this way, if a dealer delivers a unit to a customer without filing a warranty claim for all active recalls or factory directed modifications prior to delivery, they lose all holdback and incentives on the unit, so you can be damn sure that dealers aren’t delivering these bikes without inspecting them first. Besides, failure to correct this issue could lead to catastrophic engine failure, which is definitely a safety issue.
Zycki11 wrote:
Fair enough, are you saying this from a dealership standpoint? I can tell you that the dealership wants to perform the recall to gain the extra...
Fair enough, are you saying this from a dealership standpoint? I can tell you that the dealership wants to perform the recall to gain the extra “free” time from Kawi to their service shop.
Correct. The dealership gets paid just to check it.
Dirtysmile56
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Bend, OR, USA
2/2/2021 2:02pm
mb60 wrote:
Has it been discussed about OTD pricing for a 2021 ? Trying to sell my 19 450 and the best I have seen is 9k cash...
Has it been discussed about OTD pricing for a 2021 ? Trying to sell my 19 450 and the best I have seen is 9k cash in North Texas.
I just put a deposit on one for $8k OTD with a Pro Circuit slip on included. Picking it up tomorrow.
5
Five2Five
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USA
2/2/2021 4:27pm
mb60 wrote:
Has it been discussed about OTD pricing for a 2021 ? Trying to sell my 19 450 and the best I have seen is 9k cash...
Has it been discussed about OTD pricing for a 2021 ? Trying to sell my 19 450 and the best I have seen is 9k cash in North Texas.
I just put a deposit on one for $8k OTD with a Pro Circuit slip on included. Picking it up tomorrow.
That's a good deal, i got quoted $9,017 for both kx and yzf.
1
Dirtysmile56
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Bend, OR, USA
2/4/2021 10:19am
mb60 wrote:
Has it been discussed about OTD pricing for a 2021 ? Trying to sell my 19 450 and the best I have seen is 9k cash...
Has it been discussed about OTD pricing for a 2021 ? Trying to sell my 19 450 and the best I have seen is 9k cash in North Texas.
I just put a deposit on one for $8k OTD with a Pro Circuit slip on included. Picking it up tomorrow.
Five2Five wrote:
That's a good deal, i got quoted $9,017 for both kx and yzf.
No sales tax in Oregon. I think the Yamaha was $9k at the same dealer.
kNewc
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2/5/2021 9:55am Edited Date/Time 2/5/2021 9:55am
MotoChris wrote:
I’m good👍 [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/01/28/475551/s1200_28E9AE06_ECA0_46D7_87CF_DB921394A5EF.jpg[/img]
I’m good👍
Has anyone had one not check out? I haven't heard of anyone and none of the dealers around have had one not check out. Just curious.
Just got mine back yesterday and it was fine. He said he didn't have any bad ones out of the 3, 21 kx250's he's received (Northern Indiana). At least I know the oil is super fresh, being changed 2 times in the last 2 engine hours lol.
Indy mxer
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The Villages, FL, USA
2/5/2021 4:47pm
MotoChris wrote:
I’m good👍 [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/01/28/475551/s1200_28E9AE06_ECA0_46D7_87CF_DB921394A5EF.jpg[/img]
I’m good👍
Has anyone had one not check out? I haven't heard of anyone and none of the dealers around have had one not check out. Just curious.
kNewc wrote:
Just got mine back yesterday and it was fine. He said he didn't have any bad ones out of the 3, 21 kx250's he's received (Northern...
Just got mine back yesterday and it was fine. He said he didn't have any bad ones out of the 3, 21 kx250's he's received (Northern Indiana). At least I know the oil is super fresh, being changed 2 times in the last 2 engine hours lol.
Nice!
Taking mine in tomorrow to my dealer. He's sold about 4 of them. Mine was one of the early ones so I'm thinking I may need the repair.
1
dancolvin633
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Plumas Lake, CA, USA
2/5/2021 5:48pm
I just put a deposit on one for $8k OTD with a Pro Circuit slip on included. Picking it up tomorrow.
Five2Five wrote:
That's a good deal, i got quoted $9,017 for both kx and yzf.
No sales tax in Oregon. I think the Yamaha was $9k at the same dealer.
Power?
1
Dirtysmile56
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Bend, OR, USA
2/5/2021 10:01pm
Five2Five wrote:
That's a good deal, i got quoted $9,017 for both kx and yzf.
No sales tax in Oregon. I think the Yamaha was $9k at the same dealer.
Power?
Yes! The best shop I've dealt with in all my years of riding. Dave Sibley and Matt Williams great guys that also rip too. That shop is insane!!!
1
dancolvin633
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685
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Location
Plumas Lake, CA, USA
2/6/2021 9:27am
No sales tax in Oregon. I think the Yamaha was $9k at the same dealer.
Power?
Yes! The best shop I've dealt with in all my years of riding. Dave Sibley and Matt Williams great guys that also rip too. That shop...
Yes! The best shop I've dealt with in all my years of riding. Dave Sibley and Matt Williams great guys that also rip too. That shop is insane!!!
If bought a few bikes from them and went and picked them up.... I’m in the market for a 250 so o may give them a call!
1
Dirtysmile56
Posts
2217
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Bend, OR, USA
2/6/2021 9:38am
Power?
Yes! The best shop I've dealt with in all my years of riding. Dave Sibley and Matt Williams great guys that also rip too. That shop...
Yes! The best shop I've dealt with in all my years of riding. Dave Sibley and Matt Williams great guys that also rip too. That shop is insane!!!
If bought a few bikes from them and went and picked them up.... I’m in the market for a 250 so o may give them a...
If bought a few bikes from them and went and picked them up.... I’m in the market for a 250 so o may give them a call!
I just picked up my new KX250 yesterday. I get my cast off Monday, hoping to ride her soon!!!
4
mikejb50
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30
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10/30/2020
Location
Freehold, NJ, USA
2/6/2021 4:29pm
Rode today with the FMF exhaust system today .I had the pro circuit and I can tell you the FMF is so much better.Bike has more power everywhere
.It is louder.I also had Tokyo mods remap also awhile ago.
5
mxryan25
Posts
176
Joined
11/27/2018
Location
Dayton, OH, USA
2/6/2021 5:50pm
mikejb50 wrote:
Rode today with the FMF exhaust system today .I had the pro circuit and I can tell you the FMF is so much better.Bike has more...
Rode today with the FMF exhaust system today .I had the pro circuit and I can tell you the FMF is so much better.Bike has more power everywhere
.It is louder.I also had Tokyo mods remap also awhile ago.
Nice to hear 👍🏼 I’ve got a full stainless system arriving soon
mxryan25
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176
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Location
Dayton, OH, USA
2/10/2021 4:43am
Looking much better 😍
10
Indy mxer
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The Villages, FL, USA
2/10/2021 5:15am Edited Date/Time 2/10/2021 5:16am
mxryan25 wrote:
Looking much better 😍[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/02/10/477805/s1200_25B1FBCE_B81F_4D23_BB55_A501B536FDF4.jpg[/img]
Looking much better 😍
Looks awesome!
I'm waiting on one of those for mine. FMF is out of stock and my dealer can't get any from their distributors right now.

But I can't ride here anyway. lol
kNewc
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USA
2/10/2021 7:16am
mxryan25 wrote:
Looking much better 😍[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/02/10/477805/s1200_25B1FBCE_B81F_4D23_BB55_A501B536FDF4.jpg[/img]
Looking much better 😍
I'm thinking I want the same pipe and ARC levers and I'll be set. Looks sick!

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