I just bought a 2006 KX250. I finally had an opportunity to ride it and see what it can do. Its amazing of the timing of seeing this video. I say that because I did get the opportunity to experience exactly what your talking about concerning the handling in corners and at fast speeds.
Right on! I'm stoked for you about the KX250 purchase my dude. I'm glad you can feel those things with this motorcycle too. Correctly sprung and valved suspension is a great first place to start with the handling. After this video I did get the suspension finally set up for me, I threw the stock clamps and link arm back on and it made a world of difference.
Suspension is vital on any bike. That's my number 1 upgrade as well, for all bikes. Gotta have the right springs for your weight to get the sag set correctly, getting the most out of your bike in the handling and feel of how it rides. Raising or lowering fork tubes in triple clamps can also help some bikes out when it comes to handling. Once you get your bike dialed in to your style of riding and skill level, riding becomes really fun, as the bikes working with you, rather then against ya.
Isn't crazy how once you set up your bike correctly, you start gelling with the bike instead of feeling like the bike doing the complete opposite of what you want it to do?! These bikes do like a correct sag measurement as well, good point. I am at 105!
just picked up a 99, hate the forks compared to my 11’ 250f and your vid definitely set me on the path to finding another set of 11’ forks and triple clamps (and wheel and brakes of course) for my 99’.
My 01 250 came with Ohlins rear shock and Ohlins springs in the forks. I'm 57kg and I'm thinking of putting the original shock & springs back on because it feels very stiff and rides high. I'm not a track guy but the bike is dangerous in wet slick conditions! The bike also came with Platinum pipe and pro circuit silencer. Very exciting now it's 20 years old and qualifies for VMX.
So sick my dude! Wouldn't be a bad idea to swap out the springs so it's more rideable for your weight! They are super hard to find, but a Platinum 2 pipe will add some more bottom if you are interested as well.
Hi Greg, I'm in the process of a carb rebuild and can't find information on the slow jet? Is it just fully seated or a turn out? There's no spring on the jet & could back out if it's not seated? Can't afford a Lectro yet. Cheers Aussie
Hey from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺, im running a standard carb on my 2006 and with 98 octane available at the pumps they still ping and detonate regardless of jetting. I've even had 105 race fuel still did it. In the end i worked out that its a volume of more air and more fuel that the stock carb can't give. The fix is offset bore to 39.2mm detonation and pinging gone and the bike runs way cooler in temp. You'll need to re-jet completely im running 190 main that's how much fuel is being pulled in. The power gains are insane.
I put a 09 Rmz250 front end on my 2001 and upgraded rear spring it transformed the handling it used to wash out in corners now it goes where you point it
Yeah man! I have a 2002 kx 250. First year of the 48mm forks. Just had them serviced by Pro Circuit on 2-14-2023.Cost $355 before shipping.Already have stiffer springs and set up by PC. I have the older shock linkage with Pro Circuit 125mm pull rods. I will be taking your advice and putting on 2016 kx250f triple clamps .I like my v force reed block and Stealy medium flywheel weight. Definitely more power with a PC Platinum pipe and R304 silencer. 50t rear sprocket.. I've had this bike since 2003.! AMA vintage days !
Dang that is awesome that you have had the bike for so long Shane! I commend your self control of not selling it and upgrading to a newer model. I wish I could have been that guy back in the day with a few of my bikes but I was always using the money from the sale of the prior bike for the "new" one lol.
I had a 04 that I bought in 2013 it had less than an hour on it the guy I bought it from bought it in flagstaff and rode it one time it scared the hell out of him next to my kx500’s it was my fav 2stroke I’ve had
Race fuel almost never makes a impact on power, pump gas will work just fine. Race gas helps the engine cool itself because of the combustion point. Race gas is definitely not necessary on a stock MX bike
I have an 06 and an 07 and I am only 150lbs and the stock spring rate was ok for me. PR2 in Hanna’s town PA has the very best setting. I have had pro circuit, race tech, pro action and the PR2 is the very best by far. It is set up with the pro circuit linkage. PR2 has setting for the stock 48mm AOS that rival SSS and way way blow away the shitty Kx 250 sff forks. I know I have owned them all.
That's super interesting Darren. I can see the stock spring rates being perfect for that weight. That is cool to know about PR2 since all of those other suspension companies are heavy hitters in the suspension world. Do you have stock clamps?
@@GregHitchko yes I still have the stock clamps. Would love to try some others but it handles so well now I haven’t been super activity seeking them. I have got the rear end handling so well that I have been able to lower the forks about 15mil and with a Tubliss mx33 on the front turns alright. Turns like a Kawasaki which is a little more of a rear steer anyway. Other people have rode it and have been amazed how well it does. I’m not a pro but I’m not slow either I’m a vet A rider that still does normally all of the big jumps on most tracks.
@@darrenvenditti2593 hell yeah that's rad, yeah you have to be a little more of a rear steering guys with these kawi's for sure. I am a vet B guy so totally get where you are coming from. Wish I could ride your bike, I am curious about the tubliss up front too.
AttaBoy Greg ! My KX125 Is a Pro Circuit team racebike that came with great KYB suspension /link Pipe ECT . All your tips are great advice . But instead of C12 I run MRX02 it's oxygenated And gives my 125 10 to 15% more power w/Blenzal Racing Castor
Hi greg! Love the builds! I am currently rebuilding a 07 kx250 the forks are are in bad shape, i was thinking rather than having them re chromed etc, do any other model kxf fit into the original kx triple claps without modifications?
Thanks my dude!! Unfortunately I don't believe that any KXF forks will fit the KX triples because of the different clamping diameters. But normally you could just find the forks and triple clamps together as a set. Then you'd just need to get a Trick Engineering steering stop and you are golden!
You need a new reed boot my guy. Or my recommendation is always a boyesen rad valve, that way it’s all aluminum and uses a circulair boot to the carburetor. It also moves the powerband hit 500 ish rpm sooner (at least on the 03 and 04 kx250.)
Bro you should totally do a video like this for that CR250 for so many of us out here rebuilding older bikes and videos like this help so much for the new guys like me. I love hearing reviews about different parts and how they may or may not affect the bike in a positive way
Thanks for the suggestion Kyle! I would love to pout something like that together for you guys. I will put it on my list of things to get done, but I truly love the idea. I think it would be a hit!
@@GregHitchko I find it has tons of power for me bottom end wise I'm 250lbs and it's still a handful to keep the front end down although I still find the front end is a bit to be desired might need to put on the other triple clamps
I have an 03 its in pretty good nick and its stock except for a pro circuit platinum and jetting, and ive played with the gearing a bit so its not such a pig in the bush. it really is a bit soft but i ride bush tracks so sometimes its a good thing
Hells yeah dude! Yeah the suspension being a little soft will definitely help soak up the bumps in the woods. Moto will be tougher but it's hard to set up a bike that does both really well!
Did the same shock spring work when you used the pro circuit linkage? ( forks and shock already revalued. Also what is your fork height with that 2017 forks
Hi interesting video I’ve got a kx 250 2006 and it’s like a light switch it’s picking up power after half throttle in every gear power band kicks in not at a comfortable time very sketchy 😅
Do you know much about the xtrig triple clamps and if they would fit the standard kx250 2005 chassis?, Looking to acquire them for a set of 48mm kyb forks.
I may have missed something on the fork/triple clamp sizing. I have a 2001 KX250 and definitely want to do a fork upgrade if it helps with stability. If I get KX250 triple clams from a 2013 and newer bike it will fit? Then I just need to get forks that are for 48mm? Bearings still the same, or do I need to do any modifications to get the triple clams to work?
Hi question on the upgrades……I have a 2004 kx250 and would like to know about the linkage (should you know) I like the pro curcuit linkage arm but it’s an 05 and up part. Is the linkage arm on the 04 oem model better than the 05?
Great question my man! Kawi did switch to the new linkage design in 2004 but I don’t believe it will since the Part number is only for 05-07. Check out Kouba Links actually! They have links for the 04 that is specific just to that bike.
I think you can pull that off! You will just need to get the Trick Engineering Steering stop. Hopefully the steering stems are the same size, if not, you will have to swap those out as well.
Greg do you recommend v force reeds or boysen rad valve, 2003 kx 250,Im hearing more reference for the rad valve for this bike but not really sure, I run the v force on my ktm 300 Xc , 2016 and it seems to be perfect
I bought 2009 kx250f forks,but now I’m wondering are the 2018-24 forks way better,I was planning on installing them on my 2005 kx250 with pc 22 mm fork offset thanks to your great video.I’m only a vet rider 65yr old but if theirs isn’t much difference I’ll keep the 09, but I want your opinion or anybody else on the newer forks,I haven’t rode in 5 yrs due to illness but next year, maybe.
Those Showa 47's from the 09-10 are some of the best. DLC lowers and DLC internals as well. I just bought myself a set of 2010 kx250f forks for my 04 KX125 as well. Get them sprung and valved for your ability and weight and you will love them! It'll make a huge difference 🙌🏼
@@GregHitchko Greg,I’m planning on buying a 2007 kx250 with 2022 kx450f A kit suspension,but I found out,that those 2022 49mm forks have a rake of 27 so in my 07 it’s not going to turn well,right?
Hey I have a 2005 Kx 250 about to start rebuilding, so been watching. With the fork upgrade to a KXF set up do you need front wheel ,Brakes etc or does it all just fit up. Thanks
I JUST BOUGHT A KX250 2003 ITS GOT ROCKET RON FRONT SUSPENSION AND I NEED TO DO THE REAR SHOCK ,,RESEAL OR REPLACEMENT SHOCK?? IM NOT A RACER,AND MEDIUM JU😅MPS AND WOODS RIDING,, THANKS
Great idea! You will need a Trick Engineering Steering stop for the frame so the 2010 clamps work. I am actually not too familiar with the shock side of things as far as going with a 450 shock.
The rear shock is going to be taller from the 450, you will have to do some custom grinding and fitting. I have a few buddies that went this route and said they could never get a the kxf forks and shock to act right. It's not a very good upgrade at all, the stock suspension is actually pretty good on these bikes they just need to be dialed in
They are the same bearing/part number so they will fit no matter what bike you choose it for! I had the 250f bearings in there for reference because they were still good from the stem and triples I got from the 250f.
@@wilfredonieves6036 bolted on direct for me! The only thing you need is a Trick Engineering Steering stop because the stops on the clamp on the AL framed bikes are wider apart. Because of that, when you install them on to the steel framed bike, the forks will hit the frame.
@@GregHitchko Yeah, which kinda sucks lol. They appear to be slightly different lengths. At least i have some clamps and forks at the ready hey? Need to find me a clean 250 now.
@@MiikeyLawless Exactly! I noticed a huge difference with the clamps. The stock forks would work with with 22mm clamps, but the less offset is the kicker.
Just rebuilt a 98 kx250 and I've had 89 cr500 yz490 rm250 and I can't touch the ground on this 98 kx250 is this normal I'm 6ft tall can't believe this lol
I'm not completely sure on the 250F shock fitting on the two stroke but honestly, I don't think it would be worth it. The stock shock is totally fine, make sure it's sprung correctly and a revalve, and that thing will be awesome for you!
Thanks for the info on the bike. I picked up a used 2002 kx 250. Crazy fast bit the suspension is toast i think. Also i am 5'9 and 220 lbs. Will be getting a new rear shock and spring to start with and changing the oils. 90 octane so far does the trick and no pinging. Also for anyone getting a used bike check to see if there is an airfilter, mine did not have one lol but have recently installed. Who the fuck runs a bike with no filter😂. Will be looking at the suspension and new exhaust first. Also i am not a motocross rider more trails in the bush.
How in the world did your bike not have an air filter in it haha. Brutal! Have fun with that 2002, I'm a big fan of those as well. Definitely make sure you get the suspension tuned for you and it will be a monster 💨
The kxs are cool..but u really have to be a Kawasaki fan to through all that ..just to go from really bad to just inferior handling.. but I see guys really rip on these bikes my homie has a 06 it rips
Do you have personal experience riding them, Craig? I do think you would be surprised. MXA torched this bike back in the day but swinging a leg over it, it rips like your buddy's!
Ya his bike smokes my yzx corner to corner ..but strangely I get him on starts and roll ons. But yes I have rode in the trails and I am a shorter dude really did like it..but I sent him this video. I am sure he will get ATLEAST the extended link.. I like your videos man
@@craigsteinman9807 it's so interesting to notice the differences between them eh? That's why I created my two stroke shootout project! Check that video out on my channel if you haven't yet. It's going to be hard to find the PC link for it but there could be some out there on ebay or something. These aftermarket companies need to start making more parts for the extinct two strokes. You made the right move buying that YZX in terms of parts availability. Plus it's just a GREAT overall bike. Cheers Craig, thank you for the comments and kind words my man.
I picked one up not too long ago. only taking it out a couple times and so far it's just tried to punch me in the face and kill me. I imagine When you gets used to the power It will become a lot more fun but so far with just kind of scary. It's one of those all or nothing bikes now
First time watching channel. This sounds like a paid advertisement for Pro Circuit products. The element of bias makes you lose credibility in what you say.
Haha love the feedback Mr Tyler, if only I was getting paid. Pro Circuit is simply a company I trust and one of the only companies that make a lowering link and triple clamps for this model any more. I'd love for you to share your top 5 modifications and why, so other people can benefit from the knowledge!
@@GregHitchko I am sure pro circuit makes quality replacement parts. Accordingly, they are pricey in comparison to other replacement parts. You get what you pay for. I am just as sure that most people, that aren’t sponsored, are going to upgrade for the sake of upgrading. Not many will buy a new or next to new bike and decide that the parts are inferior to their skill level and will spend hrs tearing the bike apart to upgrade a part that isn’t broken and costs a lot of money. (Let’s face it, you’re not buying a bike if it’s not adequate for your requirements). If you bought an older, used bike, it’s because you have a budget. I could give you my top 5 upgrades to a Harley, for example, and recommend an Arlen Ness Frame, Arlen Ness billet wheels, Arlen ness billet whatever. YES they are quality upgrades but out of reach for most and the performance gain will not be noticed. I recommend a video that gives your top 5 affordable upgrades for the average rider. That will require some research because, in reality, stock parts perform pretty good and are rarely the limitation in track times. Rider skill is the culprit in most cases.