Many off-road enthusiasts had been waiting for the updated Kawasaki KX lineup to be launched in India. Well, the Japanese bikemaker has fulfilled their anticipation by bringing the fully imported 2022 KX250 and the KX450 to our shores at Rs 7.99 lakh and Rs 8.59 lakh (both ex-showroom), respectively. At these price points, these are Rs 56,000 and Rs 80,000 costlier than their older models.
For those who aren't aware, these motocross motorcycles are purposely built and are not road legal. And thus, they don't get features like an illumination system and rear-view mirrors.
Starting with the Kawasaki KX250, it is a mid-level cross-country bike, positioned between the top-of-the-line KX 450 and the entry-level KX 100. This quarter-liter motorcycle packs a 249cc DOHC 4-valve liquid-cooled engine that now extracts 1.4PS of more power thanks to the tweaked intake & exhaust ports and extended rev limits.
The brand has also updated its underpinnings. Its fully adjustable 48mm USD fork now offers 314mm travel, while the rear gets a new Uni Trak fully adjustable setup that has 316mm of travel. Besides, it also features a lightweight aluminium perimeter frame (borrowed from its 4500cc sibling) that is claimed to provide improved handling and increased rear wheel traction. There are also the redesigned fuel tank & its shrouds, along with a slimmer seat & flatter tank-seat line for better ergonomics, a new hydraulic clutch & self-start for rider's convenience, and even an easy engine tuning maps (standard, hard, soft).
With all these changes, the Kawasaki KX25 now tips the scales at 107.3kg, 3kg more than before.
Talking about the Kawasaki KX450, it now gets 250mm of the bigger rear disc brake and 22mm of fatter front axle shaft. Besides, it now also comes with Kawasaki’s Ergo-Fit adjustable handle and footpegs to suit your riding style better.
The heart of the 2022 KX450 remains unchanged. It continues to draw its power from the same 449cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled mill as the previous model that features finger-follower valve actuation, launch control mode, and three maps.
Both these dirt bikes are offered only in a single Lime Green color. They do not have any direct rivals in the Indian market.
