Track Tested | 2020 SML 250 MX Shootout

Donn Maeda on the Kawasaki KX250.

Third Place: Kawasaki KX250

Test Rider Scores: 2-3-3-3-4-4

It may look the same on the outside, but the Kawasaki KX250 is radically improved for 2020 with an all-new cylinder head with a finger-follower valve train, a larger piston, shorter crank stroke, a new airbox intake, and a larger throttle body. Kawasaki claims that this is the most powerful 250cc four-stroke it has ever produced, and we believe them! Most importantly, however, an excellent Kayaba fork replaces the crappy Showa SFF fork of the past, bringing the Kawasaki up to par with the best-suspended bikes in the class.

The 2019 KX250 was a low-end and mid-range machine, but the road-race style valve train gives the bike a whole new personality. The high-revving engine produces a ton of mid-range and top-end power, but it still has a responsive feel down low, especially with the lean white EFI map coupler installed. Before the shootout, we added a tooth to the rear sprocket and that brought the hit down lower without sacrificing too much top-end overrev.

The KX250 has an excellent balance and is as stable at speed as it is nimble in corners. The new KYB fork is on the stiffer side, but unlike the Suzuki’s oversprung front-end it is within the realm of reality. The KYB shock gobbles up bumps and square edges with poise and grace, keeping the bike tracking straight and clawing for traction under acceleration. The green bike corners very well and has a light feel on the track that inspires confidence.

If only it had electric start…

Hits

• Snappy engine with super mid-range and top-end power
• Slim, comfortable ergonomics
• Excellent suspension performance, front and rear
• Stable at speed, yet quick in the corners
• New green body panels are quite attractive

Misses

• Kickstarter
• The clutch heats up easily when abused
• EFI map changes must be made by physically changing a coupler
• Stock grips are hard and tough on hands
• Could use more low-end torque

Test Rider Props

“Mid-range and top-end are where the Kawasaki produces the most power and excitement! The KX loves to be revved and rewards and aggressive style. Kawasaki’s return to a conventional spring fork was one of the best moves it could have made.” – Pat Foster

“The suspension is great and the fork especially is awesome. The engine pulls very well in the mid-range to top-end and revs to the moon!” – Rene Garcia

“The new Kayaba spring fork makes the bike feel planted and I felt very comfortable on the bike everywhere on the track, Very easy to lean into corners and it just inspired confidence and trust.” – Cole King

“I am so pumped that Kawasaki finally ditched the Showa Separate Function Fork! The new KYB suspension is comfortable and well-balanced. Love the new engine. The bike could use more low-end power but once it gets going it is a rocketship.” – Donn Maeda

“Compared to previous KX250s I’ve tried, the 2020 was shocking. This bike is so much better than I was expecting. I love the way I felt on the Kawasaki. It is super comfortable and has the best stock handlebar.” – Austin Schott

“Kayaba spring forks are a huge improvement over last year’s Showa SFF. The engine is much more aggressive with the white coupler installed and it has great mid-range and top-end.” – Cody Whitsett

Test Rider Chops

“The KX250 could benefit from a little more down low but it still produces if you are diligent with the throttle.” – Pat Foster

“The clutch is needed to pull the bike out of tight corners because it lacks a little bottom end.” – Rene Garcia

“Call me oil, spoiled, or lazy, but I hate kickstarting motorcycles. On top of that, the Kawasaki isn’t the easiest starting bike when it’s hot.” – Donn Maeda

“I would say that is anything, the low-end power is lacking and could be improved a bit as it lags a little bit  when exiting tight corners and requires come clutch work.” – Austin Schott

“The transmission and shifting felt a little iffy. I felt like I had to be in the right rpm range before jumping to make sure I wouldn’t catch a false neutral.” – Cody Whitsett