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Part 2:
Moto Cross.
The big ones: Two Stroke |
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The KX125-M2, first out of
the big ones. In the quest for power in the highly competitive 125
class, Kawasaki engineers succeeded in boosting overall power of the
2004 KX125 and revised the chassis for sharper handling characteristics.
This is what have been changes for 2004 over the 2003 model.
Engine:
Refinements to the
liquid-cooled, two-stroke engine result in improved power. These
include:
• Reshaped combustion chamber, • Higher compression ratio, • Piston ring
locating pin moved to rear of piston to evenly distribute ring pressure
at front of piston, • Improved KIPS design provides better seal to
piston, • Reshaped expansion chamber provides more power and is recessed
from rider’s leg , • Two-stage reed valve increases low-end flexibility,
prevents over-flexing at high rpm, • New carburettor settings, •
Straightened air duct and carburettor holder, • Revised ignition, •
Increased clearance between connection rod big-end and nylon crankcase
stuffer, increasing lubrication, • New connecting rod made of stronger
steel
• Left crankcase casting is more rigid, clutch cable-to-case now sealed
with an O-ring, • Stronger radiator side brackets help prevent
deformation, • Engine bolts made of stronger steel, • Stronger exhaust
silencer mounting brackets and stronger igniters bracket
Chassis and
Suspension:
• New UNI-TRAK® rear suspension link is anchored on the swingarm,
drastically reducing front-to-back movement of the shock, resulting in
smoother, more stable action and improving traction at the rear wheel
when accelerating, • Forged, one-piece actuating rod for UNI-TRAK
replaces two-piece extrusions, • Frame construction is lighter due to
suspension loads being absorbed by the new 20mm longer swingarm,
• Upper cross tubes and engine mounts are modified to idealize stiffness
balance for enhanced cornering performance and improved durability, •
New semi-sealed cartridge fork provides better damping and fork action,
• More compact front axle brackets feature new clamping method, •
Adjustable rubber handlebar mounts help reduce vibration, • Flatter seat
improves riding position and raises seat height 8mm, • Textured
slip-resistant seat cover helps keep rider in place, • Foot pegs raised
3mm to suit the improved riding position
• Rear brake pedal pivot is mounted 11.5mm higher for increased ground
clearance, • Fuel tank uses oblong mounting hole for easier maintenance |
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Modifications for 2004: |
A lot see above |
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Double the capacity of the KX125-M2 and you
have the KX250.
Similar to the 125, the new 250
received many new features and change's to help improve power,
durability and the rider compartment was adjusted to be a bit more
comfortable.
ENGINE:
To give the 249cc two-stroke engine excellent top-end without
sacrificing low-to mid-range power, the combustion chamber has
been reshaped for higher compression, the intake ports have been
reshaped, and the new crankcase casting eliminates the boost port at the
rear of the cylinder to speed the fuel-air mixture through the transfer
ports. A one-piece aluminium KIPS® valve replaces the earlier two-piece
steel valve, and new expansion chamber dimensions all contribute
to improved power delivery. New carburettor settings that provide
crisper response at partial throttle, reshaped air duct and intake
manifold for straighter airflow. New ignition timing and ignition rotor
to improved power across the entire rpm range. To further enhance
throttle response, the crankcase stuffers mounted to the crank webs have
been changed from aluminium to nylon and lead inertia weights have been
eliminated. Piston durability has been improved by streaking the skirt
with fine oil-retaining grooves and by tin-plating the piston.
CHASSIS:
The most significant
change to the KX250 chassis is the new-link UNI-TRAK® rear suspension
system. Unlike previous KX models in which the UNI-TRAK link was
anchored to the frame, the link on the new system is anchored on the
swingarm. This drastically reduces front-to-back movement of the shock
as the suspension is compressed, resulting in smoother suspension action
and significantly improved traction, especially while accelerating.
Frame
construction is lighter due to suspension loads being absorbed by the
new 2mm longer swingarm.
Up front there is a new Kayaba 48mm, works-type semi-sealed cartridge
inverted fork.
Foot pegs raised 3mm to suit the
improved riding position. Rear brake pedal pivot is mounted 11.5mm
higher for increased ground clearance
Seat height has
been raised 8mm in the middle for a flatter profile and the seat
features a new textured slip-resistant cover.
A host of optional
parts for the 2004 KX250 are available through Kawasaki dealers,
including a lower seat, 20-inch front rim, a selection of aluminium and
steel front and rear sprockets, different fork and shock spring rates
and solid brake discs.
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Modifications for 2004: |
A lot see above |
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The
biggest and strongest you get, the KX500. Power for the KX500 comes from
a liquid-cooled 499cc two-stroke witch pumps out big-bore
horsepower for the entire rpm range. There are powerful front and rear
disc brakes provide aggressive stopping power, and fully adjustable
suspension components. Incredibly
fast and never lacking for torque, it is made for the experienced racer
who wants a machine that never ceases to amaze with its ability to win
high-speed desert races, climb the steepest hill or manoeuvre through
the most challenging Hare & Hound course. A string of racing victories,
including nine Baja 1000 championships and nine AMA National Hare &
Hound championships, prove this Kawasaki is the king of KX motocross
bikes. The KX500 have not been so frequently updated as the 125
and 250 but its still a modern motocross bike with all the right
equipment.
Features and Benefits: Electro fusion cylinder improves heat transfer for
consistent power output, porous design holds lubrication well and
resists abrasion and seizure and allows closer engine tolerances for more horsepower.
Liquid Cooling for even-running temperatures helps ensure consistently strong power
output.
KIPS-D
Controls exhaust port height to provide optimum exhaust timing at all
rpm and produces a broader power band, more low-end torque and more top-end
power, bleeds down compression pressure at cranking speeds, making
kick-starting a breeze.
39mm Crescent Slide Carburettor for smooth transitions at intermediate throttle openings at
all rpm.
High-tensile Steel Frame, semi-double cradle design with bolt-on
aluminium rear section and race-proven frame geometry offers nimble turning and unmatched
stability.
46mm Upside-down Cartridge Fork offer great rigidity for a
confidence-inspiring ride without a weight penalty. 18-way rebound and compression damping adjustments are provided to
fine tune for different riders and conditions.
UNI-TRAK® Rear Suspension with lightweight aluminium-constructed swingarm keeps weight to a minimum. 20-way compression and 18-way rebound-damping adjustment, along with
spring preload adjustability, allow the rider to fine tune rear
suspension.
Triple-bearing Rear Hub, two ball bearings on the drive side of the hub and the brake side help
ensure durability. Rear hub oil seals improve bearing durability
and hollow rear axel reduces weight
NOTE: 2004 may be the last year of the
KX500, and the last of the really big two strokes. |
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Modifications for 2004: |
New
graphics. |
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Moto Cross.
Four-stroke |
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For
the first time in history a four stroke Kawasaki motocross bike. With an
all-new liquid-cooled four-stroke engine, new perimeter frame and
suspension, the KX250F is designed for 125-class motocross and
Supercross competition.
The
KX250F is powered by a single-cylinder, 249cc, liquid-cooled,
four-stroke engine featuring double overhead cams and four valves. With
an over-square bore and stroke of 77.0 x 53.6mm to help ensure
high revs, it features a forged piston, chrome composite plated
aluminium cylinder, titanium valves, billet camshafts and alloy steel
tappets. The engines semi-dry oil sump contributes to a low center of
gravity. To
keep the KX250F as light as possible, several engine components are made
from lightweight materials, including magnesium generator, outer clutch
and cylinder head covers, titanium exhaust head pipe and aluminium
silencer. The KX250F is designed to start easily, whether hot or cold,
due to its
KACR system. Ignition is provided by a digital AC-CDI system
featuring a dual ignition map and rev limiter. When the transmission is
in neutral, the ignition allows for a low idling speed. When the
transmission is in gear, the second ignition map is used, increasing
idle rpm for reduced engine-braking effect. The new engine is matched to
a quick-shifting, five-speed transmission. The transmission uses a
ratchet shift mechanism for light shifting action, and clutch components
are the same as those used on the KX125.
The
KX250F frame has new D-section tubes on the upper frame rails, enabling
the slim bodywork to hug the frame more tightly. Plus, frame width has
been narrowed 40mm at the foot pegs. Combined with a steeper rake angle
and foot pegs that are placed higher and closer together in the frame,
the slimmer profile improves rider position on the bike for enhanced
cornering performance. A new Kayaba semi-sealed, inverted
cartridge fork handles front suspension duties for the KX250F and
features 16-way compression and rebound damping settings. On the rear, a
revamped UNI-TRAK® rear suspension with 16-way compression and rebound
damping settings, similar to that of the KX125 and KX250. Stopping
power is provided by a dual-piston 250mm front disc brake with a brake
hose made of a single layer Kevlar and is routed directly to the
front calliper, improving brake feel and reducing weight. The 240mm rear
brake features a more compact calliper to ensure adequate clearance for
the muffler when the suspension is fully compressed, and the brake pedal
is forged for high strength and light weight.
Restyled bodywork distinguishes the KX250F from its two-stroke cousins,
including a longer rear fender, side covers that are more oblong in
shape and sharply angled radiator shrouds that give the bike an
aggressive, streamlined. stance. Plus, the seat is flatter than on
previous KX models and features a textured slip-resistant cover. In
addition to redesigned fork guards, the KX250F also features an
aluminium skid plate and plastic side guards to protect the engine.
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Modifications for 2004: |
Brand new, similar to the Suzuki RM-Z250 |
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KX125 |
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KX125 |
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KX125 |
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KX250 |
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KX250 |
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KX250 |
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KX500 |
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KX500 |
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KX500 |
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KX250F |
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KX250F |
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KX250F |
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KX250F |
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KX250F |
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