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Biding time until its annual dealer meeting, Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA recently revealed a number of updates made to off-road models for 2005.
So far, it appears as if the only dirt bikes not returning for 2005 are two of the models shared with Suzuki, the KLX400R/KLX400SR. Updates pertain to the KX125, KX250 and KX250F.
While the four-stroke KX250F was new for ’04, the competition bike receives several engine and chassis revisions for 2005. Refinements include improved low and mid-range response courtesy of a modified intake port, a straightened exhaust port, and revised ignition timing; a revamped head pipe; radiators that are 40mm longer; improved third and fourth input gears and clutch plates; and a 48mm inverted Kayaba fork with low-friction seals and mounting bolts atop the triple clamp.
To aid control, Kawi attached a revised throttle cable; new stainless steel clutch cable and liner with clutch adjuster; stronger disc brakes with revised brake pad material; a new front brake lever; wider footpegs; wider handlebars; and a new high-grip seat cover.
The two-stroke KX250 also receives a face-lift for ’05. An all-new Kawasaki Integrated Power Valve System (KIPS) with main and sub valves operating independently was introduced and mated to redesigned coolant passageways; steering rake was decreased from 27 degrees to 26 degrees; frame stiffness was improved; twin-chamber Kayaba forks with low-friction seals were attached; and a new UNI-TRAK rear suspension system features redesigned linkage ratios.
For rider comfort, the revised frame is narrower at the footpegs, the rear brake pedal is mounted 15mm higher; the handlbar bend has been revised; and a new seat is flatter and raised 10mm.
Not to be forgotten, the two-stroke KX125 – the bike James Stewart competed on in ’04 – has a carburetor revised for improved low-end response; an updated reed valve; a new low friction throttle cable; front fork with low-friction seals; a front disc brake with new pad material; tires with a softer compound; and a seat that’s flatter, taller by 10mm, and covered with high-grip material. psb
