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NEWS
Kawasaki unveils 2013 MX range
Kawasaki has lifted the lid on its imminent 2013 range of motocrossers, and it's a new KX250F leading the charge2013 Kawasaki KX250F
Kawasaki says the new quarter-litre green meanie shares its internal engine constuction with the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki factory race bikes, and boasts a number of updates for even stronger performance.The bike's 249cc, single-cylinder powerplant, fed by a twin-injector EFI system, now features a straighter intake between the airbox and the combustion chamber. This, along with a raised compression ratio (now 13.8:1, up from 13.5:1), delivers boosted performance at higher revs, says Kawasaki.
The engine's timing has been retarded by four degrees thanks to a new intake cam, which is also said to contribute to that boosted high-rpm performance, while the exhaust pipe is 30mm shorter, with a resonating chamber to help it meet today's increasingly strict noice regulations.
The fuel and ignition maps have been revised, too, and instead of a single engine map, the new ECU has three to meet varying track conditions: Standard, Hard, and Soft. Each map is utilised by plugging in the appropriate four-pin "DFI coupler" -- a plug that slots into place on the right of the header pipe.
An optional KX FI Calibration Kit is also available, allowing owners to reprogramme each of the maps to suit their own specific requirements.
Wrapped around the KX250F's engine is a new aluminium perimeter frame that is now 4mm narrower, while a redesigned fuel tank -- the top of the tank now sits lower, while the capacity has been reduced -- delivers a flatter line along the length of the top of the bike, aiding movement and therefore, says Kawasaki, control.
The injection-moulded shrouds are smaller too, as are the side covers, while the new fender and front number plate have a sharp new design, and the rear fender is now black instead of green -- in line with Team Green's factory racers.
The rear shock has revised damping settings but up the front the bike now benefits from a revised example of Showa's Separate Function Fork (SFF), which separates damping and shock absorption duties. The fork now has larger 48mm inner tubes and an SFF Type 2 internal construction, which Kawasaki says provides a "more planted" feel at the front, plus greater bottoming resistance and increased stability under brakes.
A revised lower triple clamp is said to increase rigidity, also helping to improve the fork's action.
Other KX250F updates include a new pushrod-type front brake master cyclinder and new front brake pads, plus new Dunop tyres.
2013 Kawasaki KX450F
Kawasaki says the 2013 KX450F boasts a more powerful engine achieved through revised ECU settings and a revised piston crown, and benefits from a next-generation Pneumatic Spring Fork, new front brake master cylinder and front brake pads, and revised tuning for better low to midrange power.The KX450F gets new styling for 2013: new front guard and new white rear guard.
2013 Kawasaki KX85/II & KX65
Rounding out the changes is the 2013 KX85/II and KX65, which both receive new white rear fenders, new graphics and silver engine covers.
Rounding out the changes is the 2013 KX85/II and KX65, which both receive new white rear fenders, new graphics and silver engine covers.
The new models are scheduled to hit Australian Kawasaki dealerships in June/July 2012 -- pricing is yet to be announced. For more information on the current and upcoming bikes, visit Kawasaki.com.au.
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Written byBikesales Staff
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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