“Building more than a reputation”
Kawasaki has worked
long and hard to build a race-winning reputation for its KX line, and it's
carried the Mean Green rep into ATV-dom, as well. The KX-based Tecate KXF250 is
a frequent visitor to National winner's circles but, until now, Kawasaki hasn't
had a green machine to contest the red-hot four-wheeler wars. With Suzuki two
years ahead and Honda a year out front, Kawasaki would have to come up with one
awesome four-wheeler to uphold its race-bred reputation. It would have to be a
high-tech hauler with a motor of doom, excellent suspension and KX-caliber
handling. And it would have to be lime green. Enter the KXF250 Tecate-4, stage
right.
What we have here,
Holmes, is a motocrosser with two extra wheels. From whatever angel you look at
it, the Tecate-4 drools KX technology. Power is provided by a KX250-based mill
with modifications to supply more mid-range, and the motocross-type Uni-Trak
suspension puts the ponies to the ground. From the retractable headlight to the
removable rear subframe, the Tecate-4 screams with high-performance heritage.
MID-RANGE MANIA
Since the four-wheeler
weights in a 100 pounds more than the KX250, the KXF would have to have some
serious mid-range to rocket from corner to corner. The Tecate-4's Kawasaki
Integrated Power Valve System (KIPS) has been revised to provide a better
mid-range hit; different gearing in the KIPS brings on the mid-range hook
faster and longer than the KX250. Also, the KX250's 38mm Mikuni didn't offer
enough mid-range bark, so a 34mm Mikuni took its place on the KXF.
Any builder who has
tried to slip a motocross motor into an ATV will tell you that vibration is a
nightmare. Would you believe the vibes froth the brake fluid and render brakes
useless? Kawasaki added a water-pump-driven counterbalancer to the KXF250 to
help reduce vibration, but the remaining resonance is still noticeable and a
tad fatiguing.
Other KX-inherited
motor features include the Fresh Air Intake System, which draws in air from in
front of the gas tank and channels it to the airbox via the frame backbone;
fiber reeds; a reed power booster and a six-speed transmission. Although the
expansion chamber closely resembles the KX250 unit, the Tecate-4 is equipped
with a heavy, flow-robbing muffler. For trail ridding, the stocker provides a
quiet exhaust note, but racers will junk the canister for a lighter, better-flowing
aftermarket silencer. As delivered, the 249cc two-stroke single puts out 42
horsepower, and the KXF boasts a 90-day limited warranty.
SILVER-FRAMED DEVIL
High-tensile-strength
steel tubing cradles the motor and ties the suspension components together.
Attention to detail is also first-rate on the KXF; a removable rear subframe
and adjustable steering stops are unique touches not found on any other
four-wheeler. Large, nonfolding serrated foot-pegs are also a welcome touch. A
one-piece aluminum radiator resides in front of the 2.4-gallon gas tank.
Front suspension
consists of the standard automotive-type dual A-arms controlled by
preload-adjustable oil-emulsion shocks. This setup provides independent front
suspension and yields 7.5 inches of front-wheel travel. Out back, an aluminum
box-section swingarm and Uni-Trak linkages provide 7.9 inches of travel via a
remote-reservoir single shock with preload and four-position rebound damping
adjustments. The frame and suspension components are silver and accent the
black motor and green/blue color scheme.
Braking power is
supplied by two hydraulic calipers and two 5.5-inch discs up front and a single
7.8-inch disc out back. The rear hydraulic caliper also features a cable
controlled parking break. Traction is provided by low profile Dunlop meats, and
ten-inch rims grace each corner of the Tecate-4 (seven inches wide up front and
ten inches in back). The same bogus rear hubs that come on the Tecate are still
with us; the side lug pattern makes switching to an eight-inch rim a
high-dollar operation (you have to buy aftermarket hub). Luckily, there are
more and more ten-inch tires on the market these days.
Ergonomics are also
high class on the KXF. The pilot's cockpit is slim and trim, while the
seat/pegs/handlebars relations are fine for a wide range of riders. The
handlebars drew rave reviews, but everyone hated the thumb throttle. Why would
Kawasaki give the three-wheeler a twist throttle and slap a thumb number of the
four-paw? Odd.
Plastic is stout on
the KXF, and extremely green. Features, such as a retractable 60-watt
headlights and hidden radiator filler cap, add to the sleek, racing image, but
the blue vinyl tank shrouds scuff way too easily. Ours were history after one
ride. Bogus.
RIDING MEAN GREEN
Power is definitely
hard hitting in the mid-range, then revs out to a respectable top end. Low-end
power is in the PeeWee Herman league, but the motor comes to life like Tarzan
wrestling an alligator. It builds revs quickly due to the mods and light
flywheel, but the motor stalls easily when entering corners. The light flywheel
and too-powerful rear brakes require careful clutch work unless you like
visiting Stallsville often. To make matters worse, the clutch doesn't take
abuse well' it heats up quickly and become grabby. On the other hand, shifting
is smooth, and the tranny's gear ratios are well spaced.
Suspension action is
very good on the Tecate-4. Although the travel is below the class average, it
sucks up gnarly terrain well. Action over small bumps borders on plush; both
ends really shine in deep whoops, and landings from monster skyshots are soaked
up without a whimper. First-rate boingers.
Handling is a bit
confused. The narrow fell is a definite plus when airing out the KXF, but
turning is another story. In the air, the Tacte-4 feels stable yet nimble, and
it responds well to body English and in-flight maneuvers. The KXF also feel
great over rough straights, but cornering requires careful attention. The
narrow feel and tall center of gravity make the KXF want to two-wheel in turns.
Backing it into the turn under power is the hot setup for fast turning, but
it's easier said then done considering the stall-happy mill, tall seat and
finicky clutch. Put it all together, though, and direction changes are cat quick.
All that's required is a little adaptation.
LOOKING AT THE DEBIT COLUMN
We can learn to live
with some quirks and don't mind changing our riding style to suit a particular
machine, but there are some things we refuse to put up with. There's no reason
why a supposedly fun ride should start with a swift kick in the shin. The
kickstarter's arc ends with the shin smacking the footpeg. It hurts while
wearing boots, and is unbearable without them. Use short strokes on the starter
or learn to live with pain.
May we snivel about
the thumb throttle some more? Thank you. Also, the zoot retractable light
points off into oblivion instead of lighting the way you want to go in corners.
The gas cap is tilted forward and makes fill-ups a hassle.
A CREDIT TO ITS RACE
A few nagging details
aside, the Kawasaki KXF250 Tecate-4 is a definite contender for the
high-performance four-wheeler wars. It has a gook, race-bred motor with a lot
of hop-up potential, excellent suspension, a nice layout and a nimble, catlike
personality. Plus, it has a race-winning reputation to uphold. While it takes a
certain riding style to go fast, you can be sure that the Tecate-4 will be
visiting the winner's circle frequently. Then the competition will be seeing
green.
or
call 1-800-767-0345
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