2012 Kawasaki Crossers

We might be suffering something of a drought when it comes to new road-going bikes at the moment but the annual renewal of off-road models is getting into full swing.

Hot on the heels of the 2012 Honda motocrossers comes news of Kawasaki's rival machines, the KX250F and KX450F.

The full release is below:

Firmly established as worldwide MX icons, the new versions of the venerated Kawasaki KX250F and KX450F look set to take off-road innovation further still while adding new levels of refinement to many of their existing race-winning features.

Sure to impress with the first ever use of dual injectors on a production motocross machine, the 2012 season KX250F has been created to deliver what riders most often ask for; holeshot dominance, sublime handling – especially at speed in a straight line – and composed, plush suspension.

Headline grabbing feature on the quarter litre bike is sure to be the dual injector set up with the downstream injector used to ensure smooth, instant response while the upstream injector is tasked with providing power.  As rpm and throttle position increase, the emphasis switches from the downstream injector to the upstream unit and, depending on whether in a low or high gear, the transition between the two is either progressive or almost instantaneous.

Coupled with the new injector innovation, the 2012 KX250F is also the only machine of its

type on the world to utilise Showa’s Separate Function front Fork (SFF) separating damping and shock absorption duties to offer both smooth operating action and firm damping performance. New too is a progressive throttle link and upgrades to the Uni-Trak rear suspension, while the factory style bridge bottom piston remains as a key performance feature.

The new KX450F is no less focussed and will command MX1 attention with the first ever use of launch control on a mass production machine harnessing an engine map that reduces the chance of rear wheel spin when starting in low-grip conditions.

Innovation on the KX450F is not simply confined to this holeshot grabbing feature. The open class bike now features three switchable maps for standard, hard and soft conditions which can all be modified or rewritten via the now famous KX Fi calibration kit. New too is a four position adjustable handlebar and two options for foot rest position making the biggest KX one of the most ergonomic in the paddock.

The changes to the KX250F and KX450F for the coming season – both seen and subtle – create two formidable packages according to Sales and Marketing Manager for Kawasaki Motors UK, Michael Johnstone:

“Put simply the 2012 KX250F has been created to take the MX2 class to a new and more rewarding level for both expert and enthusiast riders. Such genuine innovations as the first use dual injectors, a factory race developed bridge bottom piston and the new, progressive throttle link, will surely keep the next incarnation of the KX250F at the front of the pack.

Likewise, the new season KX450F continues the theme of performance based innovation with the introduction of launch control, engine map selection and the ability to further fine tune the on-board engine management package.

It’s going to be an exciting season and, with these two stunning machines in the mix, the Team Green presence at the front of the pack will be considerable.”