2017 - 2018 Kawasaki KX 250F

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 - 2018 Kawasaki KX 250F
  • Horsepower: 45
  • Torque: 20
  • Transmission: 5
Pros
Cons

STYLING

Let’s face it, nobody buys a motocross motorbike for the way it looks or for the way it is shaped and contoured. But, not many people realize that these design elements and minimalistic bodywork keep the motorcycle at the top of its game.

The 2017 onwards model features slimmer shrouds as a result of revised radiators and their new orientation. You get a flatter everything including the fuel tank and the seat with reinforced ribs. This combination of the new tank and seat aid in a more seamless design, which also makes it easy for riders to move around on top of the bike. And of course, you get a bash plate. Overall, the look of the bike is similar to the elder brother, the 450F.

Making the motorcycle even more compact is the aggressive new bodywork that features front and rear fenders, number plate and fork guards all falling in line together. Also creating a distinctive Kawasaki identity are black excel rims, black fork guards, and green highlights.

Overall Dimension

Make Model

Kawasaki KX250F

Yamaha YZ250F

KTM 250 SX-F

Length

85.5 in

85.2 in

n / a

Width

32.5 in

32.5 in

n / a

Height

50 in

50.4 in

n / a

Wheelbase

58.2 in

58.1 in

n / a

Seat height

37.2 in

38 in

n / a

Wet weight

230.3 lb

23 lb

n / a

Fuel Tank

1.6 gal

2 gal

n / a


POWERTRAIN

For the 2018 update, the Green team have given the 250F new redesigned engine with offset cylinder layout, for more efficient power and lighter piston designed by the company’s racing pedigree.

The power mill is tuned to suit the rider’s race experiences and boasts of a 249cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, single cylinder motor. It has a wide power band that focuses on high-rpm performance and is made to even extend into the over-rev range. A 5-speed, return shift transmission takes power to the rear via a chain drive. The motor provides 45 hp and 20 lb-ft of peak torque. The motorcycle gets new exhaust header with integrated resonator maximizing throttle response.

Inside this power mill is where all the wizardry takes place. Taking cues from their racing departments, Kawasaki has made use of race-inspired tuning and parts like the high-performance bridged-box bottom piston to optimize combustion efficiency and help reduce friction. The cylinder has a new 7-degrees more forward offset that results in down draft-style intake routing which helps in having a more direct line to the combustion chamber. This eventually results in a stronger low end as well as an increase in maximum peak power.

Also, new innovations in fuel injection have led to a new imparted dual-injector fuel injection system that makes use on one injector facing downwards of the throttle valve and a second injector facing upwards close to the air box. This ensures smooth, instant response featuring a finer atomization with four more spraying holes in addition to the existing four in the injector itself.

In an effort of the lightweight race, the pistons weigh 6 grams lighter and have a Molybdenum coating to reduce mechanical loss and reduce wear. Titanium valves, new exhaust camshafts, sprockets, slimmer cam chain, lighter 43mm throttle body and a lighter flywheel makes this a quick revving powerhouse.

The lightweight ECU provides a wide variety of tuning from the factory, and the rider can access three engine maps (standard, hard, soft). One can also opt for KX FI Calibration Kit (Handheld) that makes it a breeze to map your preferred settings on the go.

Engine Specification

Make Model

Kawasaki KX250F

Yamaha YZ250F

KTM 250 SX-F

Capacity cc

249

250

249.9

Bore / Stroke mm

77 / 53.6

77 / 53.6

78 / 52.3

Output

45 hp

n / a

45 hp

Torque

20 lb-ft

n / a

20 lb-ft

Type

4-stroke, 1-cylinder, DOHC, water-cooled

Single cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke; 4 titanium valves

1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine

Clutch type

Wet- Multiplate

Multi-plate wet

Wet multi-disc clutch, hydraulically actuated

Transmission

5-speed, return shift

5-speed

5-speed


RIDE AND HANDLING

Talking about the business aspects of these machines, the updated model sees the return of the ERGO-FIT adjustable handlebars and foot pegs. The adjustable handlebar mounts provide a choice of 4-positions (35mm range of adjustment) enabling the rider to set-up their ideal riding position. Factory-style Renthal handlebar and handlebar pads come as standard. Two-position adjustable foot pegs help reduce knee angle when seated.

A new 3mm narrower main beams and newly redesigned, a lighter aluminum perimeter with a new front downtube has been optimized to obtain improved front-end feel. All of these contribute to razor-sharp cornering and superior handling while a flatter seat and new bodywork allow easier rider movement.

Suspension duties up front is taken by Showa 48mm Separate Function Front Forks (SFF Type 2) with both damping and rebound adjustments that contribute to greater stability over braking and through corners. This has an improved fork action that provides sharp cornering and smooth, predictable front-end action through bumps and excellent stability when on landing jumps.

Out back the Uni-Trak rear suspension with Showa shock takes care of the damping with new linkage ratios and valve settings for an improved ride and feedback. The shocks make use of lighter springs and lower pitching effect, courtesy its lower rate. All this is mounted below the swingarm to maximize wheel travel and can be adjusted for a wide range of options. Self-lubricating alumite coating on the inner shock body improves wear resistance and shock action.

Given the racing experience and pedigree of the company, it is no surprise that this KX dons the 270mm petal-style disc brakes in the front and the rear with dual and single piston calipers. Spoked 21″ and 19″ wheels sports Dunlop MX3s stubbed tires.

To get you off the starting line/gate, Kawasaki has equipped the KX with Launch Control to maximize traction and acceleration. A tech reprised from the Kawasaki factory race team. It can be activated with just a push button which keeps assisting all the way into the first and second gearing and disengages itself as soon as you shift into the third gear.

Chassis Specifications

Make Model

Kawasaki KX250F

Yamaha YZ250F

KTM 250 SX-F

Frame

Aluminum perimeter

n / a

25CrMo4 steel central-tube frame

Suspension / Front

48mm inverted Showa SFF telescopic fork with 40-way spring preload adjustability and 22-position compression and 20-position rebound damping adjustability

WP-USD, AER 48, 48 mm

WP-USD, AER 48, 48 mm

Suspension / Rear

Uni-Trak® linkage system and Showa shock with 19-position low-speed and 4-turns high-speed compression damping, 22-position rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload

WP shock absorber with linkage

WP shock absorber with linkage

Brakes / Front

Single semi-floating 270mm Braking® petal disc with dual-piston caliper

260 mm petal-type disc

260 mm petal-type disc

Brakes / Rear

Single 240mm Braking® petal disc with single-piston caliper

220 mm disc

220 mm disc

Tires / Front

80/100-21

n / a

n / a

Tires / Rear

100/90-19

n / a

n / a


PRICE

The 2018 edition of the Kawasaki KX 250F comes with a price tag of $ 7,749. Destination Charges $370. The only available color is Lime Green. Accessories can also be purchased to level up the motorcycle’s capabilities. They include lever assemblies, KX FI Calibration Kit, and green racing chain.

Make Model

Kawasaki KX250F

Yamaha YZ250F

KTM 250 SX-F

Price

$ 7,749

$ 7,699

$ 8,699


COMPETITION

Yamaha YZ250F

Reliable to the core, the Yamaha YZ250F is a great choice for those who are looking for a tough and unstoppable dirt bike to satisfy their thirst for adventure. The motorcycle is propelled by a 249 cc, liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke; 4 titanium valves, EFI engine which is mated on a constant-mesh 5-speed transmission with multi-plate wet clutch.

The motorcycle’s speed is kept in check by hydraulic single disc brakes that measure 250mm up front and at the 245mm at the rear. As far as suspensions are concerned, the Yamaha YZ250F is equipped with front KYB air-oil separated forks and a rear KYB fully adjustable single shock.

The bike rides on 80/100-21 Bridgestone M404-A front and rear 100/90-19 Bridgestone M403 tires which help it deal great with any type of terrain. The Yamaha YZ250F is offered with a base price of $7,590.

KTM 250 SX-F

The 250 SX-F has been an established force in the MX2 World Championship for years now. In addition to the world title, it also won the prestigious AMA Supercross Lite Championship.

The motor comes with a push-button starter, and the 4 valve, 4 stroke, DOHC 249 cc motor churns a peak power that is claimed to be 45 hp and 20 lb-ft. Power is transmitted through a semi-close-ratio six-speed gearbox, and redlines to an astonishing 14,000 rpm. The fuel injector is a Keihin system with a 44mm throttle body.

All SX models are equipped with the extremely sturdy, tapered Renthal Fatbar 827 handlebar. High-tech brakes from Brembo have always been standard equipment on KTM offroad bikes. The fully adjustable upside-down fork from WP Suspension has been perfectly tuned to the new rear wheel damping system.

VERDICT

To regain the title of being the single-most dominant motocross bike, the Japanese green team have upped the motor specs to get an improved power and torque throughout the rev range. —The 2018 Kawasaki KX250F was found to have significantly faster lap times on the Kawasaki test track compared to the 2017 model.

The changes got into the motorcycle were a move in the right direction. A quick revving motor with traction control will steal the limelight out of any off-road motocross spec bike. The lighter and stiffer chassis is here to stay, and it makes the motorcycle easier to ride and maneuver. And when it comes to competing against its cohorts, we have a strong reason to believe that the Green Team will bag top honors.