2014 KAWASAKI KX250F: IT GETS LAUNCH CONTROL, NEW VALVING, UPGRADED TRANNY & NEW MOTOR MOUNTS

The 2014 KX250F’s championship-winning technology includes a new Launch Control system, a plug-and-play adjustable ECU, Separate Function Fork (SFF), new motor mounts, revised suspension tuning and an upgraded transmission.

The new launch control system is the first of its kind on a 250. The system works by retarding the ignition timing in first and second gears, to tailor the amount of torque delivered to the rear tire. Launch Control Mode is easily activated by pushing a button on the left handlebar, while stopped in neutral, first or second gear. Launch Control has maximum effect within the first few seconds of releasing the clutch. Shifting into third gear automatically deactivates Launch Control mode and returns ignition timing to a normal map.

 
The KX250F frame features narrow main spars for excellent ergonomics that offer superior freedom of movement in the saddle. New high-tensile steel front engine mount plates are 29% thinner that last year’s steel plates. The new front mount plates provide a revised chassis rigidity balance that enhances front-end feel and traction.


 
The KX250F’s Digital Fuel Injection (DFI) system features dual injectors that pack a one-two punch, delivering a second dose of fuel on acceleration to maximize the high-rpm power and overrev capabilities of the KX250F. The system’s second injector is located upstream of the throttle body and helps build a wider and more potent spread of power as rpm climbs. The two fine-mist atomizing injectors that feed the 250cc four-stroke powerplant have different body sizes but deliver the same total capacity per cycle.

 
The DFI system comes with three pre-programmed ignition maps which are easily selectable without the use of a laptop computer or any other electronic devices. Maps can quickly be changed between three settings – standard, hard (terrain) and soft (terrain) – by swapping the DFI wire coupler cap clipped to the side of the steering head. No additional accessories are needed to alternate between pre-preprogrammed maps – simply install the appropriate coupler cap to select your desired ignition mode and start winning.

The KX250F was the first production motocross bike to feature Showa’s SFF fork, which separates damping and springing duties into the individual fork legs. The KX250F’s beefy 48mm fork contributes to a more planted feel from the front wheel, thanks to large inner fork tubes with the 30mm main and 35mm sub-pistons that have been re-tuned for 2014 to enhance damping performance through the initial and mid-stroke.

The SFF also features an inverted compression rod that locates the cylinder at the top of the fork and the rod at the bottom. This configuration increases the volume of oil at the bottom of the fork for a more progressive increase in damping force, enabling bottoming resistance to be increased without sacrificing ride quality.

The Showa-built shock perfectly complements the SFF forks and has revised settings for 2014 to help capatalize on this year’s updated chassis. The shock features dual compression adjustability, allowing high-speed and low-speed damping to be tuned separately. The rear shock also features the Kashima Coating on its cylinder wall, to help reduce friction and smooth the suspension action.