250 SML Shootout In-Depth | 2021 Kawasaki KX250

 
FIRST PLACE
KAWASAKI KX250
RIDER SCORES: 1-1-3-2-1-2

All-new for 2021, the Kawasaki KX250 doesn’t pack as much power as the Yamaha, but the bike does everything so well that our panel of testers voted it the 250 Shootout winner. The KX250 engine is super strong, with a free-revving feel that produces power everywhere. Throttle response down low is quick and snappy and builds power with RPMs rather than torque. The top-end pull of the finger-follower valve train is unreal, and it’s almost as if the engine hits an afterburner way up top. The electric start, of course, is all-new for 2021 and the bike is now in line with the rest in that department. The clutch and transmission action and feel are excellent, and the new coned-shaped disc spring gives the hydraulic clutch a smooth pull and positive actuation. 

The Kawasaki is one of the best-handling bikes in the division, offering a balanced blend of strong cornering characteristics and an agile feel while retaining confidence-inspiring straight-line stability. The bike leans over in corners with ease and enjoys great, predictable traction on both wheels, no matter the lean angle. Like the Yamaha, the smaller Kawasaki adapted the 450 chassis for 2021 and it gives the bike a super-comfortable feel with plenty of room ergonomically, without being too large for smaller riders. The bike is narrow between your legs and remains that way while seated in corners.

Supsension-wise, the Kawasaki’s KYB components are perfectly balanced and offer great comfort in small chop and trustworthy control throughout the rest of the stroke. Unlike the KX450, which suffers from a soft front end, the KX250 has excellent hold up under braking and remains perfectly balanced in all situations on the track. Faster riders may click the compression adjusters in for better control, but as delivered the KX250 should accommodate nearly all riders.

The Kawasaki is equipped with oversized Renthal Fatbars for the first time in 2021, and they complement the bike’s ergonomics perfectly while at the same time offering better vibration dampening and crash damage resistance. WIth four different handlebar settings and two footpeg height settings available, the KX250 is the most ergonomically adjustable bike in the class, though we like the stock settings so much we almost feel as if the options are unnecessary.  

Test rider Rene Garcia.

RIDER COMMENTS

“Kawasaki built one of the best-handling bikes in the class, offering a balanced blend of strong cornering abilities while remaining stale at speed. The KX is adept in all areas and it is without weakness as far as on-track manners are concerned.” – Pat Foster

“The engine is very well rounded with good low-end response and a strong build throughout the power curve. It could use a little more pop down low if I were to get overly critical, but there are no major shortcomings in the power department.” – Pat Foster

“Its ergonomics are sleek, narrow, and flat on top, making it easy to move around on, Add in the high level of adjustability between the bars and footpegs, and the Kawasaki offers the most versatile cockpit in the class.” – Pat Foster

“The KX250 has awesome throttle response and I love how far it pulls in each gear. The engine could benefit from a little more low-end but once it picks up the power is great.” – Rene Garcia

“The Kawasaki is very well-planted and it is stable everywhere. The cornering is exceptional! There are no weaknesses in the way the Kawasaki handles.” – Rene Garcia

“The KYB fork and shock are amazing. The fork has great bottoming resistance, but they are still very plush in the initial parts of the stroke.” – Rene Garcia

“I love this bike. It feels so comfortable between my legs and I trusted it completely within a few corners. Kawasaki has made huge gains in one model year.” – Rene Garcia

“The standard coupler was a little flat in the high-speed and uphill sections, but I switched to the leaner white coupler and it seemed to give the bike better hit everywhere, with great, usable power.” – Cole King

“For me, the Kawasaki corners the best in the bunch. The ergonomics of the KX make the bike super predictable and trustworthy. I know what the bike is going to do through the rough and rutted lines.” – Cole King

“The fork and shock complement each other and give the Kawasaki a well-centered feel. It absorbs all of the high-speed bumps and is plush in the braking and acceleration chop.” – Cole King

“It’s crazy how small and light the KX250 feels, even though it now has the same chassis as the KX450. I love the way the bike tips into corners with ease and stays leaned over. The bike is nimble, yet very calm at the same time.” – Donn Maeda

“Love the new Renthal Fatbars. They have a great bend and the positive front-end feel is much appreciated. Now, if Kawasaki would improve its stock grips!” – Donn Maeda

“I like the way the leaner white coupler hits off the bottom, but it signs off a little too early for my tastest. I think I would keep the standard coupler and try going up a tooth on the rear sprocket.” – Donn Maeda

“The power is amazing! I ran both the standard and lean couplers. Both were great, but the white coupler gave it an extra race-ready feel. The 2020 bike was great but the 2-21 has improved so much!” – Austin Schott

“The Kawasaki’s handling is fantastic. It corners like a dream and handles everything in a predictable manner. The KX250 is one well-balanced machine!” – Austin Schott

“I’ve never been a hydraulic clutch fan, however the new clutch on the KX250 changed my mind. I love the soft pull at the lever and the feel and modulation is excellent.” – Austin Schott

“The new KX250 engine is really amazing. The power and quick-revving personality make the bike very exciting to ride. The top-end power is best in class, hands down.” – Mike Sleeter

“The chassis feels extremely light and stable. The cornering is the strong point about the new chassis. It’s stable and corners with little effort. Perfect, in my eyes.” – Mike Sleeter

“Suspension balance is great. The suspension has a good touch and a light feeling. I could push this bike as hard as I wanted to and never had to worry about bottoming out.” – Mike Sleeter