Kawasaki have unveiled a massive step in the right direction by releasing two all-new models of off-road bike to the market. The XC range from Kawasaki sees a KX250XC and a KX450XC, joining their MX cousins. And we couldn’t be any more excited.

And the best news is that they are electric start! That’s right, even the 250XC!. Clearly based off the MX versions these new XC models sport a side stand, 18 inch rear wheel, XC suspension settings and a skid plate. Kawasaki have also opted for leaving out the kick starter, showing that they believe their electric system wont fail.

Only having three option for the adult rider to choose from, Kawasaki were a little hamstrung in the offerings it had to the world. These addition are great for Kawi lovers and should open up a whole new world of possibility for the Green Machine. We here at The Dirt would love to get a go on these bikes and see how they perform in the bush - but chances of that are 50/50.

Price and availability to NZ is yet to be announced at time of post.

2021 Kawasaki KX450XC (and KX250XC) Specs

ENGINE

Type: Single-cylinder four-stroke
Displacement: 449cc (KX250XC: 249cc)
Bore x stroke: 96.0 x 62.1mm (KX250XC: 78.0 x 52.2mm)
Compression ratio: 12.5:1 (KX250XC: 14.1:1)
Starting: Electric
Fueling: EFI w/ 44mm Keihin throttle body w/ dual injectors
Transmission: 5-speed
Clutch: Hydraulically actuated w/ coned-disc spring

CHASSIS

Frame: Aluminum perimeter
Handlebar: Renthal Fatbar
Front suspension; travel: Compression- and rebound-damping adjustable Showa 49mm inverted fork; 304mm travel (KX250XC: Compression- and rebound-damping adjustable Showa 48mm inverted fork; 314mm travel)
Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted fully adjustable Showa piggyback reservoir shock; 307mm travel inches (KX250XC: 314mm travel)
Tires: Dunlop Geomax AT81
Front tire: 80/100 x 21
Rear tire: 120/90 x 18 (KX250XC: 110/100 x 18)
Front brake: Semi-floating 270mm Braking petal disc w/ dual-piston Nissin caliper
Rear brake: Single 240mm Braking petal disc w/ single-piston Nissin caliper

DIMENSIONS