2008 Kawasaki KX450F and Kawasaki KX250F: Closer to factory racers than ever

The base package of both the Kawasaki KX450F and Kawasaki KX250F provides an excellent platform for experienced racers to win races in the top classes. Design of the highly rigid aluminium frame, suspension components and settings focused on delivering superb high-speed stability – especially in straight lines – to enable race-experienced riders to ride full out.

To deliver holeshotwinning performance – a key factor that can mean the difference between running up front and winning, or getting stuck mid-pack – chassis geometry and the hard-hitting 4-stroke engine’s wide powerband were designed to maximise rear wheel traction. The combination is a proven race-winner, with Kawasaki racers having the 2006 World MX2 championship, AMA Supercross championship and multiple AMA Supercross Lites and Motocross Lites championships to its credit.

Ensuring Kawasaki racers and teams continue to keep on winning, the 08 Kawasaki KX450F and Kawasaki KX250F get a number of tweaks – detailed changes that our factory riders were particular about on their own machines. Check out the main changes:

New Kawasaki KX450F – factory-style tuning to keep Lime Green racers at the head of the pack.
To keep quick lap times in constantly changing conditions, maintaining a rhythm is essential. How the engine responds to each blip of the throttle can make a huge difference. Our riders wanted more linear power delivery, so we increased crankshaft balance efficiency (to a level on par with James Stewart’s factory racer). The result was smoother power and greater low-rpm snap.

While keeping high-speed straight-line stability a priority, chassis modifications aimed at improving low-speed cornering and overall ride feel. New engine mounts fine-tune the chassis rigidity balance for better handling in low-speed corners, even more rear wheel traction and an overall lighter feel. In addition to the DLC coating on the fork inner tubes, a friction-reducing Kashima Coat on the inside of fork outer tubes and higher-precision slide metal give better suspension action. Revised suspension settings contribute to the enhanced ride feel and lower the overall posture of the bike. And to complement its factory-style tuning, the new KX450F gets the looks to match, with all new factory-style livery.

New Kawasaki KX250F – tuned for factory racers, for even more race-winning performance.
Already satisfied with the engine’s performance, racers wanted to minimise the chance of mishaps that could cost time, or worse, result in dropping out of a race. A new shift lever helps maximize shifting performance, and modifications to a number of areas further enhance their reliability.

While keeping high-speed straight-line stability a priority, chassis modifications were aimed at enhancing low-speed cornering performance and overall ride feel. New engine mounts fine-tune the chassis rigidity balance for superb handling in low-speed corners, even more rear wheel traction and an overall lighter feel. Revised suspension settings offer improved ride feel and fine-tune the overall posture of the bike. And to complement its factory-style tuning, the new KX250F gets the looks to match, with all new factory-style livery.