Dan threw a leg over the 2023 Kawasaki KX250 at the Empire Kawasaki ProMX Team launch. Check out what he thought of the updated motocross machine. Photos: Kane O'Rourke Photography
At the 2023 Empire Motorsport Team launch, Dan had the pleasure of riding the freshly revised 2023 Kawasaki KX250. As he had been fanging the 2022 model around at CityMX. a lot, he was super keen to see how it stacked up against the outgoing model…
Dan had the chance to check out the updated 2023 KX250, check out what he thought…
At first glance, the bike looks almost identical to the 2022 KX250, Kawasaki have only made a handful of changes you can see with the naked eye. Taking this green machine out on the track is where I realised there is quite a bit of difference mechanically compared to last year’s model.
Kawasaki have made a machine that you can jump on and race without plunging thousands into it.
Kawasaki knocked it out of the park with the 2023 model. Out on the track, the bike has a heap more torque and bottom-end power than the previous year. There is an endless amount of power throughout the entire rev range, which feels similar to the power of a 350. This is due to the changes that Kawasaki have made to the motor for 2023.
The main engine changes for 2023
- New Intake valves and valve pitch
- Straighter intake duct
- Repositioned upstream injector
- Advanced ignition timing
The gearing has also been revised for the 2023 model, allowing for a race-friendly power application!
The engine changes with that racer friendly gearing makes the 2023 Kawasaki KX250 a bike you can race straight out of the box. It helps close that gap between riders who don’t want to spend all day pulling their race bike apart at the track and still have a competitive and reliable bike to race on, and those that are more serious.
Not only is the bike nice and powerful but it has the handling to back that up. The KX250 has a slightly longer wheelbase compared to other machines in the category. The 2023 machine feels well grounded and stable, not only on on the dirt but also when flying through the air over some nice big jumps.
“The 2023 machine feels well grounded and stable, not only on on the dirt but also when flying through the air over some nice big jumps…”
The KYB forks are almost set to my size out of the box and paired with KYB shock, which has dual compression adjustability (allowing high-speed and low-speed damping to be tuned separately), you get more options for any rider of any capability and I found the set-up fantastic. The wider footpegs also give more foot space and providing more stability when standing on the bike. A great chassis.
2023 sees a revision in the suspension settings, giving it the handling to tackle the power increase.
With the improved engine performance I made sure that the brakes were going to be capable of slowing me down. I’m not let down! The brakes work excellently thanks to an oversized 270mm petal front disc and a 240mm petal rear disc. I find the brake levers comfortable and they suit my riding style, allowing late braking to keep up my momentum around the track. The brakes, paired with the Dunlop MX33 tyres, make me feel very safe – knowing that I’m able to pull up when needed.
“The brakes paired with the Dunlop MX33 tyres make me feel very safe knowing that I’m able to pull up when needed.”
The 2023 Kawasaki KX250 comes with all the little extras that everyone has come to enjoy including the button start, launch control and interchangeable maps. The launch control is a major advantage for those racers looking to get the holeshot. With a simple push button use with the aid of the updated ignition system helps get maximum traction and power to the ground.
All in all, the 2023 Kawasaki KX250 is an amazing bike straight out of the box. With all its new additions it comes basically ready to race with very little changes required. It has an impressive amount of power that is easy to make use of, with its easy rev range due to the engine improvements for 2023. The suspension works well and will get you through most of your different terrains that you’ll encounter, as well as getting you around your favourite tracks with minimal adjustments.
Dan got the opportunity to ride all of the Empire Kawasaki ProMX machines too… Make sure you check out his test!
The 2023 KX250 is on sale locally for an RRP of $12,443 now! Make sure you check out my full test on insane Empire Kawasaki ProMX racing machines!
2023 Kawasaki KX250 Tech Talk
After two cycles of updates this decade, Kawasaki’s 2023 model KX250 continues the momentum with revisions to the four-stroke powerhouse!
On the mechanical front, Kawasaki’s engineers have extracted even more power and torque from the already hi-tech engine across the entire rev range. The hydraulic clutch has a direct feel and, thanks to the coned-disc springs, has less drag, lighter actuation and more control when half-clutching in difficult terrain. Less play as the clutch heats up during heavy use results in a consistent feeling and an action the rider can rely on.
Strong performance across the rev-range translates to quicker lap times and better holeshot performance. Narrower pitch intake valves (37 mm >> 35.5 mm) and increased clearance at the valve seats delivers consistent combustion. The valves are smaller (ø32 mm >> ø31 mm), for cylinder-head/valve-seat reliability. The revised piston crown matches the valve size and pitch changes.
The KX250’s engine, which is used as a stressed member, has long been one of its greatest strengths, benefitting from finger-follower valve actuation like the KX450. The dual injectors and downdraft-style intake (which has also been revised with a straighter intake duct) increases the cylinder-filling efficiency, which adds to peak performance.
Based on feedback from its factory riders in America and Japan, the 2023 KX250 has a taller first gear and firmer KYB suspension settings. The rear tyre is wider than the previous model (110/90-19, up from 100-90-19) and repositioned (rearward by 3mm) footpegs.
The footpegs have weight-saving aluminium brackets instead of steel – offsetting the extra weight of the larger rear tyre. The Uni Trak rear suspension has dual low and high-speed compression adjustment. The suspension arm is affixed below the swingarm to promote a longer stroke and more precise tuning parameters.
All the vital components of the KX250 matrix remain. The KX450-based aluminium perimeter frame, electric start, adjustable ergonomics, petal disc brakes, factory-style launch control and three separate engine maps; maps are programmable with the accessory calibration kit. Weight is 108kg with all fluids (full fuel tank), and the livery is signature Kawasaki Lime Green.
The 2023 KX250 is now on sale locally for $12,443 (ride away pricing includes dealer assembly and pre-delivery fees).
2023 Kawasaki KX250 Specifications
Price: $12,443 (ride away pricing includes dealer assembly and pre-delivery fees).
Warranty: N/A
Colours: Blue
Claimed Power: N/A
Claimed Torque: N/A
Wet Weight: 103.4kg (no fuel)
Fuel capacity: 6.2L
Fuel Consumption Claimed: N/A
Fuel Consumption (measured): N/A
Engine: Liquid-cooled four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve, 78 x 52.2mm bore x stroke, 249cc, 14.1:1 compression, semi-dry sump, EFI, electric start, dual injectors digital DC-CDI ignition, five-speed gearbox, cable clutch actuation,
Chassis: Frame: Perimeter Aluminium
Rake: 27.1 degrees Trail: 118mm
Suspension: 48mm inverted fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping, 314mm travel (f) Uni Trak with adjustable dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, adjustable rebound damping and adjustable spring preload, 316mm travel (r).
Brakes: 270mm petal disc, two-piston caliper (f), 240mm petal disc, Single piston caliper (r),
Tyres: 80/100 – 21in Dunlop Geomax MX33F (f), 110/90 – 19in Dunlop Geomax MX33 (r).
Dimensions:
Seat height: 960mm
Ground clearance: 345mm
Overall width: 820mm
Overall Length: 2190mm
Overall height: 1270mm
Wheelbase: 1485mm
Instruments & Electronics: N/A instruments, Launch Control
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The Verdict | Quick Test: 2023 Kawasaki KX250
Quick!
Dan threw a leg over the 2023 Kawasaki KX250 at the Empire Kawasaki ProMX Team launch. Check out what he thought of the updated motocross machine.
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