My 04 kx125 is the only brand new bike I've had so far have a bad engine failure. 10 hrs in the one bearing the upper transmission shaft end the Bearing it rides on exploded. Taking out the left center case and a couple trans gears.
I had to fix it on my own after I fixed it. It was good wasn't a problem again.
My last Kawi was a 2018, so newer models may be different…that said…
-chain guide/rollers: crap, replace with TM Designworks
-OE chain: crap, replace with your preferred brand.
-OE grips: I always just bought new bars and a new (alloy) throttle tube, and put the OE stuff back on to sell the bike. Removing the vulcanized grips is a PITA.
-Other: cases and other castings seem to stain worse than Honda or KTM (only bikes I have experience with). Many bolts seem like no consideration was given to excess length (ie weight). Fastener quality is terrible. Plastic quality has gotten better, but is still questionable. Many OE parts were ridiculously priced in my opinion. That said, engine reliability was never an issue for me, nor did I suffer any other major issues. When I hear a couple people here and there say that certain bikes are unreliable, I think in most cases, they either got the Friday PM/Monday AM build, or they are the type of owner who could run something as reliable as an XR250 into the ground. I am appalled at the maintenance skills and/or diligence of many riders. One reason I won’t buy a used bike unless it’s something I’m prepared to fully rebuild and can buy at a price that reflects it.
One of the local racers was having issues with the piston hitting the head and valves after just a short time riding his KX250. Turns out...
One of the local racers was having issues with the piston hitting the head and valves after just a short time riding his KX250. Turns out some of the OEM crank bearings are defective out of the box, with too much play in them. This allows the piston to close up the gap and contact the head.
What did Kawasaki do about it? If that story is true, I would imagine that Kawasaki paid to rebuild the bike. I had a friend that...
What did Kawasaki do about it? If that story is true, I would imagine that Kawasaki paid to rebuild the bike. I had a friend that had a clutch break on a KX250 and it ruined the engine and Kawasaki paid to have the entire engine rebuilt.
From what I understand, Kawi did nothing. I should note the bad bearings were on a replacement crank(s). The original one needed a rebuild after some very hard hours on it, and was swapped out for an OEM replacement. Also, the piston kissing the head didn't damage the head(!), and once they found a crank that came with good bearings it was fine. The general consensus is they were bearings with poor QC, produced during covid times.
I could very well be getting some of the details wrong, but do know that some of the OEM crank bearings were the source of their engine problems.
I think it’s funny people complain non stop about chain sliders you can upgrade for $50 and then have to pay 3K for decent forks for...
I think it’s funny people complain non stop about chain sliders you can upgrade for $50 and then have to pay 3K for decent forks for the ktm they have in the garage with every spoke falling out of the wheels with no rear brake spring.
I think it’s funny people complain non stop about chain sliders you can upgrade for $50 and then have to pay 3K for decent forks for...
I think it’s funny people complain non stop about chain sliders you can upgrade for $50 and then have to pay 3K for decent forks for the ktm they have in the garage with every spoke falling out of the wheels with no rear brake spring.
I really wouldn’t mind another kx450. I had a few reliability issues with my 12 250f but sounds like those have been addressed and that Kawi had the best ergonomics I’ve ever experienced and handled like a dream
Air filter is a little annoying to change, but not bad.
I had to fix it on my own after I fixed it. It was good wasn't a problem again.
-chain guide/rollers: crap, replace with TM Designworks
-OE chain: crap, replace with your preferred brand.
-OE grips: I always just bought new bars and a new (alloy) throttle tube, and put the OE stuff back on to sell the bike. Removing the vulcanized grips is a PITA.
-Other: cases and other castings seem to stain worse than Honda or KTM (only bikes I have experience with). Many bolts seem like no consideration was given to excess length (ie weight). Fastener quality is terrible. Plastic quality has gotten better, but is still questionable. Many OE parts were ridiculously priced in my opinion. That said, engine reliability was never an issue for me, nor did I suffer any other major issues. When I hear a couple people here and there say that certain bikes are unreliable, I think in most cases, they either got the Friday PM/Monday AM build, or they are the type of owner who could run something as reliable as an XR250 into the ground. I am appalled at the maintenance skills and/or diligence of many riders. One reason I won’t buy a used bike unless it’s something I’m prepared to fully rebuild and can buy at a price that reflects it.
The Shop
I could very well be getting some of the details wrong, but do know that some of the OEM crank bearings were the source of their engine problems.
Pit Row
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