2013 Kawasaki KX450F and KX250F 8

These two machines were the starting point for a whole bunch of major titles last year. What have they changed for 2013?

2013 Kawasaki KX™450F

Highlights for this year's KX450 start with a new 48mm Kayaba Pneumatic Spring Fork (PSF) that replaces the main fork springs with compressed air. You get 1.7 pounds of weight savings, and Kawasaki also claims provide easier and more effective tuning, as well as improve bottoming resistance. The 32mm internal damping cartridge are much larger than last year's, which had 24mm pistons. DLC coating on the fork tubes minimize sticktion, as does the internal Kashima coating. A removable spring pressure adjustment valve is also included.

The engine receives minor updates, with a revised piston crown for a boost in ultra-low to mid power, as well as cam changes for better low rpm response.



Other details include a new front master cylinder with a knocker-style lever-to-piston connection for improved feel, and returning items include the Launch Control introduced last year, as well as the adjustable handlebar and footpeg mounts.



Check the photo gallery for more details.

2013 Kawasaki KX™450F Specifications

Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke single with DOHC and four-valve cylinder head
Displacement: 449cc
Bore x stroke: 96.0 x 62.1mm
Fuel Injection: DFI® with 43mm Keihin throttle body
Compression ratio: 12.5:1
Ignition: Digital DC-CDI
Transmission: Five-speed
Rake / trail: 26.9 degrees / 4.4 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 48mm inverted, Kayaba PSF with DLC coated sliders, 22-position compression and 20-position rebound dampening adjustment / 12.4 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: UNI-TRAK® linkage system and Kayaba shock with 50mm piston, 22-position low-speed and stepless high-speed compression dampening, 33-position rebound dampening and fully adjustable spring preload / 12.4 in.
Front tire: 80/100-21
Rear tire: 120/80-19  
Front brake: Single rigid-mount 250mm petal disc with dual-piston caliper
Rear brake: Single 240mm petal disc with single-piston caliper
Overall length: 85.8 in.
Overall width: 32.3 in.
Overall height: 50.2 in.
Wheelbase: 58.3 in.
Ground clearance: 13.0 in.
Seat height: 37.6 in.
Curb weight: 248.0 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 1.64 gal.
Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $8,699
Wholesale distributor: Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
9950 Jeronimo Road
Irvine, California 92618
949-770-0400
www.kawasaki.com

*Specifications are subject to change.


2013 Kawasaki KX™250F  

The new in the new 2013 KX250F starts with a shorter stainless steel headpipe with resonator chamber for an added low-rpm kick, and a new high volume muffler that's shorter, but with a larger cross-section, designed to keep noise levels at 94 db while maintaining power.


Kawasaki's also using an upgraded 48mm Separate Function Fork (SFF) with new 1mm larger inner fork tubes that allow the internal damping components to be larger, for firmer damping response. There's also a new swingarm that features a longer cast front section, as well as tapered hydroformed spars and forged chain adjusters. The size of the sideplates has been reduced, you can look for a new pushrod style configuration at the front master cylinder, and new brake pad material. New radiator shrouds and the aforementioned smaller side panels make things slimmer than ever.



Revised goodies? The intake tract is straighter than ever, for a more direct flow of airflow; and a revised piston profile for better durability. The lower triple clamp has also been opened at the back for increased rigidity and improved fork action

Check the photo gallery for more details.

2013 Kawasaki KX™250F Specifications

Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke single with DOHC and four-valve cylinder head
Displacement: 249cc
Bore x stroke: 77.0 x 53.6mm
Fuel injection: DFI® with 43mm Keihin throttle body and dual injectors
Compression ratio: 13.8:1
Ignition: Digital CDI
Transmission: Five-speed with wet multi-disc manual clutch
Final drive: Chain
Frame: Aluminum perimeter
Rake / trail: 28.7 degrees / 5.0 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 48mm inverted Showa SFF telescopic fork with 40-way spring preload adjustability and 22 position compression and 20 position rebound damping adjustability/ 12.4 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Uni-Trak® linkage system and Showa shock with 9 position low-speed and stepless high-speed compression damping, 22 position rebound damping and fully adjustable spring preload / 12.2 in.
Front tire: 80/100-21
Rear tire: 100/90-19
Front brake: Single semi-floating 250mm petal disc with dual piston caliper
Rear brake: Single 240mm petal disc with single-piston caliper
Overall length: 85.4 in.
Overall width: 32.3 in.
Overall height: 50.0 in.
Wheelbase: 58.1 in.
Ground clearance: 13.0 in.
Seat height: 37.2 in.
Curb weight: 233.6 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 1.61 gal.
Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $7,599
Wholesale distributor: Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
9950 Jeronimo Road
Irvine, California 92618
949-770-0400
www.kawasaki.com

*Specifications are subject to change.  
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