2003 Kawasaki KX 125 & 250 Model Details
We ride the 2003 KX 125 & 250 at Washougal
KX125 Details (below) | KX125 Specifications (below)
KX250 Details (below) | KX250 Specifications (below)

2003 KX125

2003 KX125 FEATURES

Liquid-cooled Engine

• All-new engine is lighter and more powerful

• Crankcase more compact

• Cylinder mounted 6.2mm lower for better center of gravity

• Forward incline of cylinder increased from 16.5 to 21 degrees, straightening exhaust ports to improve exhaust gases flow

• Larger water passageways in both cases improves cooling efficiency

• Lighter, more compact cover protects water pump

• Redesigned crankshaft uses lightweight plastic web covers

• Lighter ignition rotor results in smoother rev characteristics and improved throttle response

• Piston has reshaped exhaust-side skirt designed to reduce flexing and seizures

• Tin-plated piston increases durability and improves oil retention

Cylinder

• Special chrome-composite plating lines cylinder walls, resulting in improved surface quality and extended piston/ring life

• New design reduces overall weight

• Straighter top edge of exhaust port contributes to improved power characteristics Coolant passageways at each side of cylinder expanded for improved and even cooling

• New cylinder head features reshaped combustion chamber

• Head gasket has been eliminated and replaced with O-rings to deliver a more positive seal

• Upper engine mount moved from front of head to rear of head for reduced vibration and more compact design

• Exhaust pipe holder integral with cylinder, reducing wall temperature of exhaust port

Kawasaki Integrated Power-valve System (KIPS)

• KIPS valve shape modified to improve exhaust flow and power output, matching straight-edged exhaust port shape

• Design of KIPS significantly lighter

• Exhaust valve now alumite-coated aluminum design

Six-speed Transmission

• New ratchet-type shift mechanism allows more positive shifting

• Final gearing changed from 12/49 to 13/51 to suit new powerband

Clutch

• Redesigned clutch uses a lightweight die-cast hub and lighter inner hub

• Clutch assembly uses new one-piece thrust bearing

• Thrust bearing replaces ball bearing at pressure plate

• Actuating lever/arm has moved inside engine cover resulting in improved cable routing, more direct clutch feel and better clutch action

Mikuni TMX38x Carburetor

• Arch-shaped slide replaces conventional flat-slide for increased power in higher rpm ranges

• Semi-primary bleed needle jet homogenizes the fuel/air mixture, contributing to better throttle response

• New pilot settings give cleaner throttle response at low rpm

• Smoother transition from low rpm to mid-range

Reed Valve

• To improve reed valve response, 3 x 2 carbon fiber reeds replace existing 2 x 2 reed set-up

• Reed valve body redesigned using different reed angle, improving throttle response

• Reed valve stopper shape changed, reducing damaged or chipped reeds

UNI-TRAK® Rear Suspension

• Revised linkage ratios provide better action and reduce ride height by 10mm for a lower center of gravity

• Shock features adjustable compression and rebound damping

• Swingarm hydroformed in tapered shape to increase strength and stiffness while lowering weight

48mm Upside Down Cartridge Fork

• Fork offset increased from 22 to 25mm for sharper cornering performance

• New damping mechanism eliminates bladders

• Bump rubbers replace the oil-lock method, improving bottoming characteristics

• Fork tubes raised 10mm in triple clamps

Triple Clamps

• Thinner wall thickness reduces weight

• Steering shaft 6mm longer to match longer steering head pipe

• Top triple clamp pinch bolts thread from rear, eliminating interference with the number plate

• Aluminum steering stem tapered to reduce weight

Front and Rear Disc Brakes

• Dual-piston front brake caliper uses 27mm pistons, operated by 11mm master cylinder piston

• Rear master cylinder now one-piece design, improving durability

• Rear rotor diameter and thickness changed from 220 x 4.5mm to 240 x 4.0mm, resulting in more braking power

• Rotor bolts now 8mm stepped type to ease maintenance and improve reliability

• New brake pad material improves performance and feel

New Generation Kawasaki Perimeter Frame

• New chassis compact and quick handling

• Rake one-degree steeper

• Head pipe 6mm longer

• Chassis uses larger perimeter tubes

• Single top bolt used to attach aluminum rear subframe for easy access to the rear shock

• Raised chassis ridges reduce boot wear

Styling and Bodywork

• All-new styling and bodywork includes front and rear fenders, tank, seat, side covers and front number plate

• Exterior design smoother for improved rider mobility

• Reshaped radiator shrouds make it easier for the rider to move about the bike

• Thicker clear coating for the new graphics increase durability

• Seat features new shape for improved comfort and increased mobility

Details

• Shares many common parts with 2003 KX250

• Rear axle diameter increased from 20mm to 25mm to match stronger swingarm and frame

• New rear hub incorporates 25mm axle

• Radiator capacity increased, resulting in improved cooling

• Handlebar bend is slightly higher and pulled back to suit new chassis

• Smaller diameter handlebar grips

• Optional 20-inch front wheel assembly available

• Ignitor assembly mounted to chassis headpipe, providing it a cooler and cleaner environment

• Airbox service easier and air flow improved due to igniter relocation

• Optional front disc brake rotor guard

We ride the 2003 KX 125 & 250 at Washougal
KX125 Details (above) | KX125 Specifications (above)
KX250 Details (below) | KX250 Specifications (below)

Top Of Page | Kawasaki Models | New Models | Home

2003 KX250

2003 KX250 FEATURES

Liquid-Cooled Engine

• Low rpm response improved and torque range broadened

• Better over-rev characteristics with smoother, wider powerband

• Oil groove in left case for lubrication of clutch mechanism

• New crank bearings with thicker inner races for improved durability

• Main bearing diameter increased at inside and outside 2mm

• Clutch cover made of magnesium alloy to reduce weight

Cylinder Head

• Combustion chamber shape changed to create more power on top and better over-rev

• Compression ratio revised from 8.9:1 to 8.6:1

• Head mount reversed to match chassis

Cylinder

• Special chrome composite plating lines cylinder walls, providing improved surface quality

• Upper exhaust port edge straightened, for better power

• Increased mid-range and top-end power

• Carburetor manifold mount 10mm higher, eliminating carburetor interference with center cases

• Unpainted cylinder depicts raw, race-like appearance

Kawasaki Integrated Power-valve System (KIPS)

• New KIPS timing follows rpm more accurately

• Straight-edge exhaust port enhances KIPS

• Valve shape modified to match new engine port

• Exhaust gases flow smoothly, resulting in more mid-range and top-end power

• KIPS opens sooner over greater rpm range, reacting to throttle quicker

Keihin Power Jet PWK38S Carburetor

• “Shorty” design places the main jet and slide close to the cylinder for improved throttle response

• Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) uses a sensor to alter ignition timing according to throttle position and engine speed for better throttle response and more power

• Power Jet system uses an electronic solenoid to close fuel passageway according to rpm and throttle position for crisp jetting and increased top-end power at over-rev

Reed Valve

• Reed valve air guide redesigned with vertical cross-hair added, resulting in improved engine response

• Redesigned air guide improves reed durability

Exhaust System

• Muffler 20mm shorter, resulting in lighter weight and improved mid-range and top-end power

Five-Speed Transmission

• Involute spline clearances are reduced

• Tolerances closer between shafts and gears, making shifting more precise

• Oil hole added to input shaft resulting in improved transmission durability

• Wider ratio between second and third gears matches new engine powerband

Clutch

• Push rod lengthened and rod actuator shape changed to improve clutch feel

• One-piece washer/collar clutch bushing makes for easy maintenance

• Clutch housing shape changed to accommodate new ratchet shifting system

Ignition System

• New single spark-ignition with acceleration compensator shares same advantages as previous twin-spark ignition

• Detects each crankshaft revolution for quicker ignition response, while Twin Spark detected every other evolution

• New ignition map suits revised power characteristics

• Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) maximizes ignition timing advance

• Head pipe ignition mount mirrors KX125

UNI-TRAK® Rear Suspension

• Revised linkage ratios provide better action and reduce ride height by 10mm for lower center of gravity

• Shock features compression and rebound damping adjustments

• Swing arm hydroformed in tapered shape to increase strength and stiffness while lowering weight

• Pull rod redesigned with width increase

48mm Upside-Down Cartridge Fork

• Fork offset increased from 22 to 25mm for sharper cornering performance

• New damping mechanism eliminates bladders

• Bump rubbers replace the oil-lock method, improving bottoming characteristics

• New oil level and fork tubes raised 10mm in tripleclamps, improving fork action

Triple Clamps

• Thinner wall thickness reduces weight

• Steering shaft 6mm longer to match longer steering head pipe

• Top tripleclamp pinch bolts thread from rear, eliminating interference with number plate

• Aluminum steering stem tapered to reduce weight

Front and Rear Disc Brakes

• Dual-piston front brake caliper uses 27mm pistons, operated by 11mm master cylinder piston

• Rear master cylinder now one-piece design, improving durability

• Rear rotor diameter and thickness changed from 220 x 4.5mm to 240 x 4.0mm, resulting in more braking power

• Rotor bolts now 8mm stepped type to ease maintenance and improve liability

• New brake pad material improves performance and feel

New Generation Kawasaki Perimeter Frame

• New chassis compact and quick handling

• Rake one-degree steeper to aide cornering ability

• Head pipe 6mm longer to accommodate chassis’ larger perimeter tubes

• Single top bolt used to attach aluminum rear subframe for easy access to the rear shock

• Color change from green to gray gives frame a raw factory appearance

• Raised chassis ridges reduce boot wear

Styling and Bodywork

• All-new styling and bodywork includes front and rear fenders, tank, seat, side covers and front number plate

• Exterior design smoother for improved rider mobility

• Reshaped radiator shrouds make it easier for the rider to move about the bike

• Thicker clear coating for new graphics increase durability

• Seat features new shape for improved comfort and increased mobility

Details

• Bridgestone-clad oval-type rims new to KX250

• Shares many common parts with 2003 KX125

• Rear axle diameter increased from 20mm to 25mm to match stronger swing arm

• New rear hub incorporates 25mm axle

• Radiator capacity increased resulting in improved cooling

• Handlebar bend with smaller diameter grips is slightly higher and pulled back to suit new chassis

• Optional 20-inch front wheel assemblies available

• Optional front disc brake rotor guard

2003 KX250 SPECIFICATIONS Engine 2-stroke single w/KIPS Displacement 249cc Bore x Stroke 66.4 x 72.0mm Cooling Liquid Carburetion Keihin PWK38S with Power Jet Induction Piston reed valve Compression ratio 10.1:1 (low speed), 8.6:1 (high speed) Ignition Digital CDI Transmission 5-speed Frame High-tensile steel perimeter design with aluminum subframe Rake/trail 27°/3.8 in. Suspension type, front Inverted telescopic cartridge fork, 48mm Suspension adjustments, front Preload, 18-way compression and  rebound damping Suspension type, rear UNI-TRAK® single shock system Suspension adjustments, rear Preload, 3-turn high and 20-way  low speed compression and 18-way rebound damping Wheel travel, front 11.8 in. Wheel travel, rear 12.6 in. Tire, front 80/100x21 Tire, rear 110/90x19 Brakes, front/rear Hydraulic disc Overall length 85.6 in. Overall width 32.5 in. Overall height 47.4 in. Ground clearance 14.0 in. Seat height 37.2 in. Dry weight 213.8 lbs. Fuel capacity 2.17 gal. Wheelbase 58.3 in. Color Kawasaki Lime Green MSRP $5,899 US

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We ride the 2003 KX 125 & 250 at Washougal
KX125 Details(above) | KX125 Specifications (above)
KX250 Details (above) | KX250 Specifications (above)
Top Of Page | Kawasaki Models | New Models | Home

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