2011 Kawasaki KX250F

The 2011 Kawasaki KX250F four-stroke motocrosser has broken cover, adopting a number of the changes first seen on the current model KX450F, including (finally) a fuel injection system.

Kawasaki has also made use of a fancy new front fork system courtesy of Showa, delivering increased levels of suspension adjustability -- but more on that later.

First things first: out with the old Keihin carburetor, and in with a new single injector for the 2011 KX250F. Of course there are a number of other components added to ensure the injector works, such as an ECU and a 43mm throttle body.

Kawasaki has also used a new aluminium fuel pump, and word on the street is that a new piston (raising the compression ratio) has also been added.

Interestingly, the 2011 Kwaka KX250F's fuel injection system is not powered by battery. Akin to the KX450F's set-up, the 250 thumper uses electricity generated by the crankshaft revolving to power the system. Naturally it features a kickstart to get going.

Other powertrain changes will include mild modifications to the gearbox and, because the new model features electronic fuel injection, Kawasaki has developed calibration kit for KX250F. This allows riders (or crew) to connect a computer to the kit, and then upload new fuel injection maps to the bike, giving the bike more flexibility for differing scenarios and tracks.

The chassis of the new 2011 Kawasaki KX250F has also been given a fair whack with the innovation stick, with one of the more intriguing changes the adoption of a Showa Separate Function Fork.

These new forks are different to conventional motocross fork set-ups, in that they have spring/spring preload adjusters on one leg, and damping on the other.

Adjustments to the main spring tension can now be made via the right leg, while the left leg features adjusters for compression damping and rebound damping. The benefits of this system are said to be reductions in weight and stiction, and improvements to ease of use.

At the rear of the bike is a Showa unit, with four-way tweakage available for spring preload, rebound damping, and high/low speed compression.

The significantly updated 2011 Kawasaki KX250F is scheduled to hit the USA in July, and then the UK in October, but Kawasaki Australia is remaining tight-lipped on the Australian launch date.

Stay tuned to the Bikesales Network for full details and specs on the 2011 KX250F, and also local launch and pricing details.