2-stroke killer? Electing to cut the KX125 from its '06 lineup, the new 250F is the result of Kawasaki's sole small-bore effort. It came out pretty nice to say the least.

JC was all smiles at Castillo Ranch. Lucky bastard.

Look ahead. Obstacles come up pretty quick on the new F.

Maybe the KXF feels a little top-heavy in corners, but faster guys were dragging bars in this berm.

A front end push made some riders nervous, but explanations for the problem varied from tire selection to riders' ability.

Lazy riders can get away with leaving the F in third gear, but the bike rewards aggressive riding.

The KXF is right at home railing the outside.

With blue skies overhead and a smile on MCUSA's new dirt guy JC's mug, the 2006 Kawasaki KX250F was ready to stir up some roost.

Castillo Ranch was prepped and waiting for us to tear into it. Only a select few make the list at this VIP track. This place is a dream ride.

Stay wide and pin it! The KXF loves to rail outside berms.

Test riders must have logged a ton of hours to develop Kawi’s first solo attempt on the KX250F. All the saddle sores are worth it though. The new F is a blast.

Pancakes, anyone?

Having more inertia and weight than a 125 2-stroke, the 250F is still capable of being tossed around. A new body style gives riders more input than ever.

The KXF is a bit pudgy in the rear with a wide rear fender and protruding silencer, but overall it’s a gnarly looking ride.

The Showa fork is a first for Kawasaki’s KX line and gives the Kawi a supple ride up front. Twin-chamber Showas are fast becoming the weapon of choice in suspension.

The new aluminum frame saves 2.2 pounds compared to the ’05 model. The twin-spar unit has also been reworked to provide a thinner ride and better ergos.

Kawasaki controlled the amount of rigidity and flex in different areas of the new frame by using different fabrication techniques. Forged aluminum (red) is the strongest, giving rigidity while the extruded (gold) and cast (purple) sections allow more bend.

Hidden gains: A changes to the ignition timing is something we’ll never actually see, but it all adds up to higher over-rev and better high-rpm performance.

Creating a single-piece magneto (right) is one of many changes that Kawi instituted to help bolster reliability. Not that you’ll ever really see it, but the new one looks way sweeter.

Beefcake. Thickening up the piston crown was a must to deal with a stout 13.5:1 compression ratio. The ’06 piston (right) not only has to handle more compression in the cylinder, but more ponies overall.

Even though the bike weighs exactly the same as it did in ’05, it wouldn’t have happened if the new wheels didn’t shave over a pound of unsprung weight.

The first two model years had overheating problems that were addressed in ’06. A tighter core configuration gives the new bike better cooling capacity.

We could get used to this.

More power, solid chassis and great suspension means the green 250F can take whatever thrown its way.

The new KXF lives for railing outside berms, but it's more than capable of a quick stop-and-go. JC demonstrates.

JC puts the monster motor to good use in a loamy Castillo Ranch corner.

Kevin Duke, MCUSA's So-Cal street fiend couldn't contain himself at the Kawi press intro. The gorgeous Castillo loam and a stable of fresh 250Fs was simply too much to resist.

Two-part shrouds add color and options for '06. Aftermarket companies are going to have a heyday with color schemes for the KXF. The holes on the top shroud not only give character, but are said to aid in cooling.

Slimmer radiator shrouds provide good traction for the knees. Controlling the bike in corners and through the air is easier than ever on the '06.

Renthals make a nice addition for '06, replacing the chincy steel bars of yesteryear. Quality levers add to rider comfort.

MCUSA test rider, JC Hilderbrand comes over the top of Castillo's big uphill.

Kawasaki rolled out the red carpet (or grey in this case) at the 2006 KX250F Press Intro. Straddle a 250F and I can assure you that the good times will come rollin' pretty damn fast.

The ‘06 KX250F is a new bike from the ground up. New styling, motor, suspension and aluminum chassis headline the changes.