Yesterday we gave you the first look at the 2021 KX250 and KX450, and today some news on when it will be available in the UK and the cost.

For the 2021 season Kawasaki race engineers have concentrated on detail refinements to the successful KX450 package aimed to satisfy the demands of mid to upper level skill riders who form the bedrock of the KX450 customer base.

Engine wise the most noteworthy change is the adoption of a dry film lubricant coating on the piston skirt which reduces friction between the piston and cylinder wall and contributes to increased performance

A highly praised feature when introduced, the KX450 hydraulic clutch has been refined for the new season and two changes occur to aid rider feel and clutch life under harsh racing conditions.

In order to deliver a lighter clutch actuation when the lever has been pulled in, and a wider clutch engagement range, the traditional coil spring arrangement has been replaced by coned-disc springs. The resultant feel and control is evident in operation and, especially so, when half-clutching.

In the same area, Kawasaki engineers have revised both the friction material of the clutch fiber plates and the size of the driven, steel plates. Driven plates move up in size from ø139 mm >> ø146 mm while a new friction material contributes to increased fade resistance. Additionally new offset (slightly rotated) segments promote clean separation of the discs and help to reduce drag when the clutch is pulled in.

Finally, in terms of changes, a Renthal Fatbar is now part of the standard KX450 specification. With a ø28.6mm tube diameter, the all-aluminium bar helps reduce vibration and shocks transmitted to the rider while a 19mm lower grip position that is 8mm closer to the rider makes it easier for the rider to weight the front wheel.

The difference between and win and second is sometimes a hundredth of a second. Likewise a race winning package is defined by a specification created by a myriad of features. Now, for 2021, the KX450 package is the most complete ever – fact.

Anticipated availability in UK: Late August

Anticipated RRP: £7,799

The big news for the 2021 season is that the impressive Kawasaki KX250 comes to the starting gate with the most peak power ever plus a host of “rider-centric” features set to reconfirm its place as the standout bike in its class. 

At the core of the updated racer is a state-of-the-art engine offering an additional 1kw (1.4PS) at peak power without sacrificing the low and mid-range urge so characteristic of Kawasaki’s “win from the box” racer.

Equally valuable for racers is an increase to the rev ceiling of an extra 350rpm adding to the KX250’s already impressive over-rev performance.

New additions for a new season do not stop there in fact, appropriately, that is just where they start with the welcome addition for the 2021 model year of an electric starter for the first time on a KX250 as well as the logical adoption of a hydraulic clutch of the same type used on the KX450 since the 19MY model.

The ability to remount and restart after bike and rider hit the dirt is obvious and the seconds saved could well mean the difference between the top and middle step of the podium. Kawasaki engineers also appreciate that “instant gains” like quick starting are just part of the picture and the race-long reliability and durability of an easy to operate hydraulic clutch are also great to have as part of the standard specification.

In terms of styling and running gear the “new spec for a new season” story continues with changes to the slim, ergonomic bodywork evident and less easy to spot, a new frame and swinging arm combination modelled on the highly successful KX450 chassis.

Additionally, the standard settings of the suspension have been refined to better absorb bumps and aid traction while a series of adjustments in the braking group facilitates an even greater degree of control. Speaking of control, a choice of four handlebar positions and two foot-peg settings allows riders to personally tailor their riding position to suit body size and preference.

Add established features such as the option of an accessory Fi calibration kit for ultra-fine tuning in addition to the three easy to interchange “tuning plugs” and the KX250 for the new season becomes a logical and almost mandatory choice for riders who crave racing success.

Kawasaki KX250 – the success story continues. 

Anticipated availability in the UK: Late August 2020

Anticipated RRP: £7,499