Green Streakers

Green streakers

KAWASAKI 2002

Just like Ricky's racers?

ONE LOOK AT THE 2002 KXs AND IT’S, LIKE, “Where’re the changes?” Well, get out the tech sheet or hop on the saddle and you’ll find Kawasaki’s hidden secrets.

Fork-tube diameter on both the 125 and 250 has been increased from 46 to 48mm, while the wall thickness of the tubes was decreased to keep weight down. The steel perimeter frames are identical to last year’s models, except the footpeg attachments are now similar to those of most other MX bikes. With an eye toward increased durability, Kawasaki added a bearing to the chain roller, protective coatings on the 125’s piston and larger holes to oil the 250’s big end.

The KX250 also has a trick new ignition that fires the spark twice at lower rpm, just milliseconds apart for a better bum. As revs increase, the twin sparks slowly become a single brighter, stronger spark. This, combined with a small change to the exhaust powervalve, increases top-end power, and you can feel the improved burst on the track.

the straights, where its stability is class-leading. The motor is where the small-bore Kawasaki may be a bit off.

creating a sort of wide-ratio gearbox. While first gear is the same as before, fourth is now what fifth used to be, and fifth is like an overdrive (for a motocross bike). Spreading out the gears eliminated the need to shift so often, a big complaint on the old bike, which had a closeratio gearbox and shift action that wasn’t at the top of the class. Better power and longer pull make for less shifting,

of the other MX bikes that are tuned to give the rider a lot of (maybe too much?) feedback. Bottoming on both ends is now cushy as well, not the metal-to-metal clank of yesteryear. But there is one condition the KX doesn’t like, and that’s successive chop coming out of a turn. Here, the suspension packs up and gets really harsh, especially if you back off the throttle. exciting, as though the jetting was cleaned up. It still feels as if it has a bit more flywheel

KTM 125s. More of a midrange missile, the KX requires more frequent shifting

to make things happen-thankfully the 125’s tranny shifts better than the 250’s. Kawasaki also spread out the 250’s transmission ratios,

The KX250 motor has been a bit of a sleeper in the past; it put out great power, but didn’t impress with its delivery. The KX125 mirrors all of the 250’s handling traits, yet ranks better in its class. In fact, the 125 feels as though it Well, it now snaps to life quicker and mns through the basement faster, making the once-dull low-end vibrant and

the power spread, it isn’t a match for either the Suzuki or

and shifting isn’t so much of a problem anymore. Obviously, as Ricky Carmichael so ably showed, the KXs posses what it takes to win at the highest levels, though it takes a few tweaks to get them there. It just goes to show the high state of tune of today’s production MX bikes. The KX250 may not be a challenge to the Yamaha YZ or Honda CR in a box-stock comparison test, but for the rider looking for a more versatile bike, it is the obvious it is amazing stability and probably the most confidenceinspiring ride, especially for less experienced riders. Turning isn’t razor-sharp, but like the rest of the bike, it strikes a happy medium. The suspension follows suit, with settings that will please most riders. It has a very plush feel, as if it were deadening the bumps beneath you, a big change from most

weight than the competition, but that may be a good thing. is on rails in turns and down Though there is a noticeable improvement from last year in choice. The new gearbox combined with a rider-friendly motor make the KX a perfect Grand Prix bike, and it would be worlds easier to convert this 250cc MXer into a woods weapon than any other. The KX125 is just looking for that elusive last ounce of power that will push it over the top in a cla£s where power is everything. The biggest drawback of the KX250 is its weight. It’s got a heavy feel compared to other MXers-the green bikes are falling behind here. What the KX does have going for

Jimmy Lewis