I just wish they came out with a 250 SR model with pro circuit triple clamps and a kit style suspension and an TI-6 exhaust system that would be awesome.
I just purchased this bike two weeks ago. I have not owned a dirtbike in 7 years. I am a B rider when I am back into the groove and I am 58 years old. I have been riding since I was 13. I am not superhuman in speed, with respect to those that are....but I am not slow either. I bought this bike because I owned a 2007 KX250F. I loved that bike. Thats the only comparison I have......I have been on this bike for a full day. It's not my 2007 in which that bike had low end corning grunt and did nothing wrong. I left it stock. This bike as I see it has the following issues. The clutch sucks. It's either grab or nothing....I stalled the bike the first time pulling it into my garage. I adjusted the play all the way into the lever, not out and thats the best it will do which is tolerable. The engine is awesome. Super mid and high end range and some low torque. Nothing to complain about there. The shock is awesome although I stood up the entire time riding the bike to get used to its handling characteristics. The forks are STIFF! I will see how they feel after they break in.....The handling with the forks set up by the dealer where choppered out. It made turning too responsive. I raised the forks a little past the first line in the triple clamps and it helped a lot. The rear brake is hard to access for me. It's tucked under the engine case a little too far for my liking. Finally the grips are awful. Way too hard........ Final note....the planted feeling of the front wheel is gone.....I miss that from riding a four stroke. The bike feels more balanced and may take some getting used to without the planted feel on the front tire. I give this bike an 8 out of 10. I am just a weekend warrior who knows a little about bikes. I hope this helps. I dont think you will be disappointed in this bike. I have owned every brand and I am partial to KTM and Yamaha. I rode a 2020 Yamaha 250F and that bike was damn near perfect for me. This Kawi will take some time in getting used to.....
I havent ridden since 2001... Am going to buy my first new bike in a few weeks, and it will be the 23' Kawi... 43 years old... .want to get back into it as well.. Salut man
Your post did help. Thanks for making it. I'm new to riding (meaning: I don't know a damn thing). Is a 450 tooo much for a newbie? I'm 6'6, 250lb, and I'm 43yrs old (if all that means something). Like you said, I'm just trying to be a weekend warrior and have some fun. I have no clue as to which brand to purchase as well.
@@gorillaking210 definitely start with a 250 if you’re new, it’s PLENTY of power for someone who’s never ridden before. Plus it’s easier to learn to be a better rider on a 250 and a lot easier to maneuver. You’re going to be crashing a good bit as you learn and progress, which is completely natural. These modern 450’s are rocket ships, you don’t want to crash on one tbh if you can avoid it. I don’t know if you’re trying to primarily ride track or trails( or mix of both) but the 250 will get anything and everything done. Plus you can always trade in to a 450 once you get comfortable on a 250. In terms of brands, ktm and Yamaha aren’t the most beginner friendly, historically Honda’s have always been the easiest bikes to learn on and can be ridden by all skill levels. Kawasaki’s are great too, they’re a bit harder to learn on than Honda’s I’d say but still an all around great choice. I have a 2014 Honda 250 that I still ride to this day because I just love everything about the darn thing. I’ve been riding since I was a kid but taken a few off years recently with life just getting in the way( I’m 25, 6’1 180 ) but going to get back into it soon. Once I fall back into the groove I’ll prob buy a kx 250 or 450. Hope this helps and enjoy whatever you end up buying!
@@crfx8408 Thank you for responding. I will definitely take heed of your advice. Everything you had to say and your knowledge is greatly appreciated. I will start with the 250 and I will shoot for a Honda, based on your information. Thank for taking the time to educate me.
Spun up a few quick laps on one, the front end turned in so easy. Really good ability to chug it out a gear high for a 250 without overusing the clutch, was using 4th in corners Vet style and it impressed.
Good run down of the changes kawi made for 2023. Thanks Josh Seems like pro circuit / Mitch had some input in providing this rever. JO bike comes on hard the higher the rpm's get. Maybe trying to simulate the feel of the 2 strokes? If Mitch likes the air boot changes are coming to the race team bikes. Small changes work wonders at that level. Like to see PC back on top!
I love Kawasakis. The first bike I ever had, in fact the first 5 bikes were kawasaki! But, they are so far behind the curve with this bike! Crappy cheap couplers and cheapo components (just look at the foot pegs!). I want to like it, but when you compare it to the KTM/Husky/Yam it just can't compete
I was SOOO close to buying this bike as they were in stock about 3 weeks ago. I was looking forward to the changes. I must say.....I'm VERY happy I chose to order a KTM 350 SX-F instead which will be in mid Oct!!! Great test as usual!
I'm so tired of the dropped *"F"* and when I read the model of these bikes, it makes me mad. Kawasaki dropped the *"F"* to try and sell bikes on the back of their once great 2-stroke bikes. Yamaha though, well they started the 4-stroke bikes and still continue to produce one of the singles greatest model of motorcycles as well as creating new variations, the *YZ250.* That insulting *"F"* is going to sting as sales continue to dry up like Lake Mead...
I agree with you 100%. I want to comment about this everytime I see "KX250" but figure Kawasaki won't listen to what many customers want which is to bring back a real KX250 2 stroke. I'm buying a '23 YZ250 later next year, and would happily snap up a new 2 stroke Green Meanie 250 if it existed.
Got both an 05' KX250 and a 19' KX450 and I must say four strokes are by far a better bike. My 2 smoke is plenty of fun and I love it; but the four stroke will always be a superior engine