The Yamaha and KTM in particular seemed to have high and low opinions, but the KX-F was universally liked.

Surprisingly, Kawasaki posted the slowest third gear roll-on time.

Great power out of the gate gives the KX-F a competitive launch.

It still sounds the loudest, along with the Yamaha, but Kawasaki puts out 95 dB.

There're a few extra pounds hidden away on the Kawi.

2010 250 Motocross Shootout Torque Dyno Graph

2010 250 Motocross Shootout Horse Power Dyno Graph

The first time we clicked the quarter-liter into gear and effortlessly released its clutch, it was the last time EFI was on the discussion table.

Our day at Piru was rough and rutted, but the KX250F was happy to run over or around anything in our path.

As a high-level rider, Matt Armstrong was happy to have a motor that is competitive without requiring a lot of additional investment.

A neutral riding layout was effective for all our testers. Each was ablet to hop on and immediately go fast.

Considering that the bike is so good with such few changes, it’s reassuring to know that many of the updates for 2010 were designed to minimize wear and increase durability – electrofusion coating on the cylinder, revised oil pump rotors, updated transmission with larger dogs on third and fourth gear and thicker crankcases.

Riders across the spectrum of speed, weight and skill all loved the Kawasaki. It responds to punishment with increasing ability and excitement, making the KX250F one seriously fun and competitive bike.

When finding fault in a bike is this hard, it's a good problem to have. Kawasaki riders have the added benefit of a strong contingency program,

The 250mm front and 240mm rear petal-style discs weren’t as effective at hauling the Kawi down from its significant speed.

Kawasaki sets a high tire mark with the 2010 KX250F.

A 23.5mm offset hustles the KX-F through corners and stoically leads the way through nasty sections.

Our riders noted a solid feel from the KX-F that made them equally comfortable in the fastest, hacked-out sections as they were in lock-to-lock infield turns.

Bash really liked the looks, but that’s because she’s been riding Kawasakis forever. The rest of the team wants updated aesthetics and a bike that doesn’t look so haggard in only a few rides.

Kawasaki provides a bike with exceptional balance. Not as forgiving as the Yamaha, but more well-rounded than the KTM and Honda.

Titanium coating on the lower fork tubes is one of our favorite amenities because the hard surfacing protects from dings and nick and decreases stiction.

A new bridged-box piston with revised crown and shorter skirt and piston pin moves inside the cylinder, cranking out alarming mounts of forward momentum with revised intake ports targeting better top-end.