By increasing the bore 3mm, engineers gave the KDX220R's liquid-cooled two-stroke engine an extra 18cc more than the KDX200. This allows the 220R to build power more quickly and pull harder in the low- to mid-range of the powerband. To maintain the smooth power delivery that defines the KDX line, the 33mm Keihin carburetor on the 220R is 2mm smaller than that of its sibling. High-speed compression is also slightly reduced, while porting differences help give the 220R its highly tractable power cHaracteristics.

Power is spread over a wide rpm range, thanks to the Kawasaki Integrated Power Valve System (KIPS™) guillotine exhaust valve. Power delivery is focused toward the low to middle part of the rev range since this machine is intended to compete with larger-displacement 250cc machines. As a result, the KDX220R produces 250-like torque.

The high-tensile steel perimeter frame borrows from the design of Kawasaki's championship-winning KX motocross models. Its 26.5-degree steering angle and short wheelbase contribute to quick-handling characteristics, which make the KDX220R very nimble on the trail, while advanced suspension components give the KDX220R a smooth ride over a variety of terrain.