MXA TEAM TESTED: RIDE ENGINEERING KX250/450 TRIPLE CLAMPS

WHAT IS IT?  In 2021, the Kawasaki KX250 gained a new frame, which wasn’t actually new but instead was borrowed from the KX450. Ever since that frame change, the MXA test riders have struggled with front-end traction. The Ride Engineering triple clamps were created to improve cornering accuracy by switching from the stock 23mm offset to 22mm.

WHAT’S IT COST? $674.90 (triple clamps), $109.95 (bar mounts).

CONTACT? www.ride-engineering.com or (949) 722-8354.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Ride Engineering Kawasaki 22mm offset triple clamps.

(1) Concept. Using the popular split design, the top clamp also has flex channels underneath to further improve comfort. The 22mm offset eliminates the heavy steering feel and helps the bike turn in with less effort than with the stock 20mm clamps. The Ride Engineering clamps are machined from 2024 aluminum, are 1/4-pound lighter than stock, and are compatible with Scotts or GPR stabilizers. 

(2) Stock performance. The 2023 Kawasaki KX450 handles great with the stock offset 23mm triple clamps, but we’ve struggled to find confidence entering turns with the same chassis on the KX250. We’ve struggled with the front end of the KX250 ever since the frame change. Why? At 228 pounds, the KX250 is 6 pounds lighter than the KX450, and its engine sits farther back in the frame’s cradle. In comparison, the larger KX450 engine fills out the frame and puts more weight on the front wheel. 

The fact that the 250 and 450 share the same frame isn’t a new concept. Most manufacturers use their 450 frames for their 250s. KTM even redesigned the 2023 250, 350 and 450 engine cases so they would all have the exact same dimensions, enabling them to share the same frame perfectly. Kawasaki, however, stuck the small 250 engine rearward in the frame cradle to line it up with the swingarm pivot bolt, which lessened weight on the front wheel. This wouldn’t be a such a problem if Kawasaki had adapted their suspension and setup to work with the lighter KX250 engine, but that didn’t happen. 

(3) Ride Engineering performance. Ride’s 22mm offset triple clamps added front-wheel traction, which gave the KX250 a nimble characteristic, something that the stock KX250 setup isn’t known for. With the stock clamps, you were forced to follow lines and bank off of berms to get the bike to turn. The Ride Engineering clamps improved front-wheel traction and lean angle-corner entry, and inspired confidence that the front wheel was going to bite at corner entrance. 

(4) Bar mounts. The Ride Engineering triple clamps don’t come with bar mounts, but we recommend spending the extra Benjamins for Ride’s anti-twist mounts. They offer two bar positions with a 6mm difference between them. Optional 6mm offset bases are available as well to further customize the rider triangle with a 12mm difference.  

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? No complaints. 

MXA RATING: Once our test riders raced with Ride Engineering’s 22mm offset clamps, they never wanted to take them off.

 

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