2009 Kawasaki KX250F Shootout Photo Gallery

2009 Kawasaki KX250F

The Kawasaki likes to be pushed hard. Our expert and pro testers found more to enjoy about the KX250F than others, especially with the stiff suspension.

The new chassis and Showa suspension arrangement give the stiffest feedback in our test.

Straights that require just another split second of throttle-stretching are doable on the Kawi.

We found it competitive throughout the rev range, but its best attributes are from low to mid where it leaves the Honda behind and runs strong with the class-leading Suzuki.

Even though it isn’t making the most output, the KX250F cuts out at 13,400 rpm which is 200-300 more than the other machines.

Finding the right setup was difficult for most testers and the scoring showed our frustration with a tie for last place in the suspension votes.

It doesn’t have the most power, but because of its extra rpm range it can get the job done in a lot of situations, especially for higher-caliber riders.

Just like the Honda, which it trails for another year, this machine is geared for upper-level skill and needs to be prepped for it accordingly.

Though the motor was impressive, the five-speed transmission responsible for transferring it wasn’t. Mostly it just wasn’t as smooth or precise to maneuver through which led to a few false neutrals.

We all noted, and disliked, the massive amount of decibels coming from the muffler. Slip-ons will be popular with this one.

WMA rider Sherri Cruse was able to come to terms with the aggressive Kawi, though she did win the Best Near Death Award with a massive KX-F swap.

We all liked the way the Kawasaki looks, and climbing aboard proved that the rider layout is fairly good sized. None of our riders complained about being cramped or too spread out.