T-Build Stage 2 – The 2012 KX250F 12-hour torture test

Mark Brown

_If you didn’t see Browny introduce the KX250F T-Build project, take a look. You can also see the parts he fitted during Stage 1_.

The motocross season is in full swing and thanks to my job I’ve been able to attend every round of the MX Nationals. For those who don’t know me, I run Browns Grafix and do a lot of helmet designs for top riders. Because of this, I get to talk with riders, mechanics and managers about their bike set-ups. Taking advantage of this knowledge, I used the lazy man approach to my T-Build 2012 Kawasaki KX250F and took a leaf from the pros themselves. But there’s a catch. To differentiate this machine, I could only put European parts on it. But that wasn’t enough. It had to be a good all-rounder that would perform in any condition, with minimal changes to the settings. With those restrictions in mind I set to work…

I’ve had the KX-F for a few months and have already installed a number of parts, which you can inspect more closely in Transmoto’s May issue (#19). To thoroughly test the changes I went down to the Transmoto 12-Hour (a truly awesome event). After all, where better to assess all aspects of the bike than a 12-hour enduro-style event.

Over the 12 hours you really appreciated the KX-F’s light feel and smooth power delivery, which fatigues you less than a bigger capacity machine would. In wet muddy sections I had no problems staying in control thanks to the Scar Evolution pegs installed. It’s a cheap aftermarket part but definitely changed the way I ride, for the better.

Another stand out is the Renthal 49 Rear Sprocket, which is one tooth smaller than stock. It’s only a small change but makes the machine more user friendly, with less gear changes and more drive.

There was a section of grass track at the 12-Hour that really tested the Michelin MH3 hoops I installed. It was four long sweeping turns with perfect ruts that lead into a long straight, where you could hold it wide open in top gear. My wild side kept telling me to really push the KX-F to the limits, and the sound of the Akrapovic exhaust in full song spurred me on. Thankfully, the tyres gripped well and had no trouble holding my line at that speed.

Towards the end of the 12-Hour I was fatigued, and it highlighted one of the most important mods still needed: the suspension. The KX250F has the Seperate Function Fork, so I’m leaving it in the capable hands of Choice Suspension to do the modifications. It’s a simple matter of boxing up forks and shock and posting it to them. Easy.

That’s where the T-Build project is up to at the moment. The suspension is currently being modified and I’m really excited to get it back and see how different my KX-F is.

Until next time.

\- Browndawg.