First Look: 2007 Kawasaki KX250F

There are years in any bike's life cycle that are revolutionary (like last year when the KX250F got its aluminum frame), and others that are more evolutionary (like when the changes are as mild as bold new graphics). Fortunately, the 2006 Kawasaki KX250F proved itself a solid performer, taking home titles at the World Championship level (under Christophe Pourcel in the MX2 class), in AMA Supercross Lites (Grant Langston), and in AMA Motocross Lites (with Ryan Villopoto aboard). While this year's changes fall more on the evolutionary side, the list is fairly substantial.

Before we run through Kawasaki's list of changes, be sure to check out the photo gallery, and the video where Kawasaki's Russ Brenan runs through the highlights of what's new, along with some shots of Team Green's Michael Hall putting the bike through its paces on Doc Huss' track.

Bikes should be in the dealer's now, and if you've picked one up, log in and be the first to write up a review in the Product section, so you can let other potential Kawasaki customers know about your experience with the '07. And even if someone beat you to it, write up a review. The more everyone gets together and helps each other out with information, the better it is for the whole community.

Top End  


  • New longer, straighter airbox funnel contributes to increased low-rpm response

  • Revised carb tuning to suit the engine’s modifications

  • New hand polished intake ports. This extremely-smooth surface improves intake flow at every rpm 

  • Ultra-light thin-stem titanium valves are strengthened by thicker skirts and held by longer guides for increased durability

  • Special valve seat material helps prevent wear on the titanium valves 

  • K-TRIC digital microcomputer controlled ignition system with coil on plug “stick” ignition to save weight and improve performance 

  • Revised ignition timing improves top-end and over-rev
  • Revised piston crown contributes to improved power at high-rpm
  • New, looser-fitting piston ring with reduced tensile strength lowers friction



 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Bottom End  


  • Crankshaft is surface-hardened for maximum rigidity
  • Twin oil pumps ensure proper lubrication and oil scavenging for optimum performance
  • Lightweight magnesium clutch, generator and cylinder head covers 





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Cooling  


  • New 20mm taller right-side radiator offers increased cooling capacity
  • High-capacity Denso radiators are designed to offer superior cooling in a slim profile  
  • Radiator features more tightly packed cores and a new fin design to deliver superior cooling efficiency 

     


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Shifting  


  • An all-new 5-speed transmission with thicker gears offers improved shifting and increased durability
  • New shift drum with modifications to the ratchet mechanism for more positive shifting
  • New ball bearing shift shaft improves shifter feel
  • New stiffer clutch springs (up roughly 20%) give a more direct feel at the lever 
  • Teflon lined clutch cable provides smooth action and clutch feel
  • Five-speed transmission dogs are beefier to match the engine’s increased power 
  • Shift drum features new cam for improved shifting feel 

Frame  


  • All-aluminum perimeter frame features composite structure, utilizing forged, extruded and cast components 
  • Revised frame stiffness works with new front fork tuning for lighter steering and quicker response both on the ground and in the air
  • The slim profile of the frame, two-piece radiator shrouds that leave the upper frame spars exposed, and careful design of the remaining bodywork make the KX™250F feel light and narrow beneath the rider 
  • New works-style aluminum skid plate for added protection

     


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 Front Suspension 


  • New sub springs and revised valving for the Showa twin-chamber fork offer a more progressive response and increased bottoming resistance for lighter, quicker handling and superior suspension action
  • Showa twin-chamber fork keeps oil and air in separate chambers for stable damping performance during long motos 

     


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 



Rear Suspension  


  • New shock spring and revised valving for improved suspension action
  • A new rear shock damping adjustment needle allows more precise tuning of the rear suspension
  • Alloy swingarm uses cast front section, tapered hydroformed spars and forged chain pullers; the tapered spars are shaped to match the balance of flex and rigidity required of the aluminum frame
  • New “sprocket-style” chain roller helps smooth engine braking by reducing drive lash 

     


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Brakes 


  • Revised front brake master cylinder hose joint allows more lever position adjustment
  • Front and rear brakes utilize petal discs, helping to reduce overall weight 
  • Petal discs help to clean the brake pads for more efficient braking performance 

     


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Wheels  


  • Stronger rear rim is laced to a rib-less rear hub with new spoke design that helps reduce unsprung weight 

     


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

From the Cockpit  


  • Renthal aluminum handlebar is ultra-strong and reduces overall weight 
  • Short-length grips feature a special pattern to reduce vibration transmitted from the bars to the rider 
  • Particular attention was paid to the body work underneath the seat to improve the rider‘s grip on the chassis when standing


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

New Styling  


  • New bodywork and seat cover have aggressive style

     


2007 Kawasaki KX250F Specifications*

Engine:  Four-stroke single with DOHC and four valves
Displacement:  249cc
Bore x Stroke: 77.0 x 53.6mm
Cooling:  Liquid 
Carburetion:  Keihin FCR37 and hot start circuit
Compression Ratio: 13.5:1
Ignition:  Multi-map digital CDI with K-TRIC throttle position sensor
Transmission:  Five-speed with wet multi-disc manual clutch
Final Drive:  Chain 
Frame:  Aluminum perimeter 
Rake / Trail:  27.7 degrees / 4.7 in. 
Suspension, Front / Wheel Travel: 47mm inverted twin-chamber telescopic fork with 16-way compression and rebound damping / 12.4 in.
Suspension, Rear / Wheel Travel:  UNI-TRAK® linkage system with 13-way low-speed and 2-turn high-speed compression damping, 17-way rebound damping and fully adjustable spring preload / 12.2 in. 
Tire, Front:  80/100-21 51M
Tire, Rear:  100/90-19 57M
Brake, Front:  Single semi-floating 250mm petal disc with dual piston caliper
Brake, Rear:  Single 240mm petal disc with single-piston caliper
Overall Length:  85.0 in. 
Overall Width:  32.3 in. 
Overall Height:  50.0 in. 
Wheelbase:  57.8 in. 
Ground Clearance:  14.6 in. 
Seat Height:  37.8 in. 
Dry Weight:  204 lbs. 
Fuel Capacity:  1.9 gal. 
Color:  Kawasaki Lime Green / Black  
MSRP: $5,999 
Wholesale Distributor:  Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
9950 Jeronimo Road 
Irvine, California 92618
(949) 770-0400 
www.kawasaki.com

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