How to Lower a KX250F

by William Machin

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The stock ride height of the Kawasaki KX250F dirt bike is approximately 35 inches from the top of the seat to the ground. This is fine for some, but riders with shorter legs might find the height awkward when attempting to put a foot down in corners. The motorcycle is designed with suspension adjustments that allow you to set the ride height. In most cases, an assistant makes the job easier.

Rear Suspension

Step 1

Sit on the seat, and assume your normal riding position.

Step 2

Balance the bike upright with the toes of your boots or balls of your feet instead of leaning the bike to one side, which reduces the compression (sag) of the rear suspension.

Step 3

Ask an assistant to release the top collar on the mono-shock by turning it counterclockwise with a mono-shock spanner.

Step 4

Turn the adjustment nipple above the top collar counterclockwise two turns with a screwdriver to reduce the shock preload and lower the rear end of the bike.

Step 5

Straddle the bike with both feet flat on the ground.

Step 6

Lift your rear end off the seat to allow the rear suspension to fully extend.

Step 7

Sit on the seat again, and allow your body weight to settle the suspension. If necessary, turn the adjuster again with the screwdriver until your feet feel stable on the ground when sitting on the seat.

Step 8

Tighten the top collar on the mono-shock clockwise with the spanner.

Front Suspension

Step 1

Sit on the seat, and assume your normal riding position.

Step 2

Balance the bike upright with your feet. Even though the ride height is now lower, you might want the front end of the bike lower for a level ride. If this is the case, proceed to the following steps.

Step 3

Measure the vertical distance from the underside of the motorcycle frame below the rear mono-shock to the ground. Note this measurement.

Step 4

Measure the vertical distance from the underside of the motorcycle frame below the front of the engine to the ground, and note this measurement.

Step 5

Deduct the first measurement from the second to establish the amount to lower the front end.

Step 6

Loosen the adjustment screws on the collars at the upper ends of the fork tubes on each fork with a screwdriver to release the preload.

Step 7

Straddle the seat, hold the handlebar grips and lean forward, using your body weight to compress the front suspension.

Step 8

Lean back, as necessary, to allow the forks to extend until the measurement at the front of the frame is equal to the measurement at the rear of the frame.