2008 Kawasaki KX250F and KX450F Revealed

2008 Kawasaki KX™250F

Kawasaki today announced revised motocrossers for the 2008 model year. Significant changes to the new models are described by Kawasaki below.

2008 Kawasaki KX™250F

- New shift lever position (3mm higher) and more-defined, less-chamfered gear dogs on the 3rd input and 3rd, 4th and 5th output gears for better shifting and reduced chance of a missed-shift

- More-rigid crankcase around the crankshaft and on the left side, near the input and output shafts for increased reliability

- New head gasket offers better sealing

- Thicker kick-start ratchet provides smoother and more-durable operation

- Revised frame stiffness (reduced torsional stiffness) - thanks to 10mm wider spacers between engine and chassis - improves low-speed / tight track handling by providing quicker steering

- Revised suspension tuning alters the front/rear balance (raises the rear) for quicker turning and improved bottoming resistance

- Fork features 0.5mm thicker piston rods for smoother mid-stroke action

2008 Kawasaki KX™450F

2008 Kawasaki KX™450F

- Improved, smoother, more-controllable low-rpm throttle response and torque delivery provided by increased flywheel weight and a better-balanced crankshaft assembly

- New low-friction Kashima Coat treatment on inside surface of outer fork tube and inside of shock reservoir provides reduced friction for smoother / more-accurate suspension response

Revised frame stiffness (reduced torsional stiffness) - thanks to 10mm wider spacers between engine and chassis - improves low-speed / tight track handling by providing quicker steering

Improved shifting through revisions in the five-speed transmission

Improved reliability achieved via a new crank balance (less vibration) and better oil circulation (new oil pump and piston-cooling oil jet)

Front and rear suspension tuning received quite a bit of attention in addition to the new lower-friction internal coating

New black alumite-coated rims for a factory appearance

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