The Kawasaki KX250F is true adventurer on two wheels. It is tough, reliable and powerful being able to conquer the most difficult terrains without breaking a sweat.

At the heart of the motorcycle sits a 249 cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke single with DOHC and four-valve cylinder head. The engine’s power is transferred to the rear wheel by means of a five-speed transmission with wet multi-disc manual clutch. It is also worthy of being mentioned that the clutch cable holder is integrated with the crankcase for accurate feel at the clutch lever.

For 2015, the motorcycle received updated Showa SFF forks, an oversized Braking-brand front brake rotor, improved engine tuning, as well as adjustable footpegs and handlebar clamps.

The engine is mounted on an aluminum perimeter frame which offers a perfect balance between stiffness and lightness.

The Kawasaki KX250F is offered with a starting price of $7,599.

Hit the jump for more information on the Kawasaki KX250F.

2015 Kawasaki KX250F

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Kawasaki KX250F
  • Engine/Motor: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke single with DOHC and four-valve cylinder head
  • Transmission: 5-speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Overview

The 2015 model year introduces a host of new updates designed to retain the crown as the most successful 250F on the market

The record books don’t lie. Whether it’s Team Green™ amateur racing, professional AMA Supercross or Motocross, the most successful 250cc motocross bike in the four-stroke category just got even better thanks to a series of upgrades designed to maximize the performance of this already impressive motorcycle.

The Launch Control mode, plug-n-play DFI® Couplers and Separate Function Fork (SFF) are all carried over. New for 2015, the Kawasaki KX250F receives updates to those Showa SFF forks as well as oversized Braking-brand front brake rotor, further improved engine tuning as well as adjustable footpegs and handlebar clamps to fit riders of all sizes. Like its championship-winning bigger brother, the Kawasaki KX™ 450F, all aspects have been honed to offer improved performance in a variety of conditions.

2015 Kawasaki KX250F Key Features:

• Revised damping settings in the Showa Separate Function Fork (SFF)

• Revised Uni-Trak® rear shock settings

• Adjustable footpegs and handlebar clamps

• New 270mm “oversized” front rotor, petal-style Braking-brand rotors front/rear

• New finer atomizing Downstream Fuel Injector and revised ECU settings

• New Bridged-Box-Bottom piston

• New Magneto Rotor with increased inertia

• Lighter subframe

• New Factory styling

2015 Kawasaki KX250F Features and Benefits:

High-revving, High-performance Engine

• 249cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, four-valve, single-cylinder DOHC engine delivers hard-hitting power across the rpm range

• Nickel plating on the cylinder wall has a high adhesion factor for optimum durability

• Thick-stem connecting rod resists flex and enhances durability

• Upgraded crankcase oil jet delivers an optimized stream of oil to the underside of the new Bridged Box piston with short skirts and reinforced external ribs for increased strength.

• Thick crank web design features a balance factor on par with the factory racers to help minimize engine vibration, provide smooth power delivery and maximize performance in the mid-high rpm range

Factory-Style Launch Control System

• The KX250F Launch Control was a first for the 250 class and increased the rider’s ability to get good starts by maximizing available traction

• Launch Control is activated by pushing a button on the left handlebar while stopped, in neutral, first or second gear

• Retards ignition timing in first and second gears, giving the greatest effect within the first few seconds of releasing the clutch

• Shifting into third gear automatically deactivates Launch Control Mode and returns the ignition to normal mapping

• Particularly effective when chasing the holeshot from concrete starting pads and other slippery surfaces

Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®) System

• New finer-atomizing Downstream Fuel Injector and revised ECU settings

• The dual injectors are fine-atomizing injectors with four holes. The upstream injector has a droplet size of 120µm, while the new downstream injector is 75µm. The finer size and wider spray pattern contributes to a stronger low- to mid-range power, improved response and quicker acceleration.

• Intake tract design provides optimal airflow from the airbox into the combustion chamber

• Seal between air inlet port and throttle position sensor unit on the 43mm throttle body protects TPS sensor from fuel penetration

• Progressive throttle linkage for sharp and precise throttle response across entire rpm range

• Simple and efficient system: No battery, fuses or relays

• Offers easy engine starting

Bridged Box-Bottom Piston

• Thicker dome and reinforcing ribs increase durability

• Piston profile helps increase reliability compared to non-box-bottom design

• Light and strong piston shares same design as the factory racers, and a tin plating to optimize its interface with the nickel plating on the cylinder wall

• Special finish improves surface lubrication and wear resistance

• Short piston pin reduces reciprocating weight

Lightweight and Efficient Top End

• Intake valve seat material offers increased durability

• Ultra-light valves have extremely thin valve stems on par with those found in supersport machines; intake valves feature thick heads for increased strength

• Special casting method leaves the intake port surfaces extremely smooth for optimum intake efficiency across the rev range

• Silicon-coated head gasket provides excellent sealing

Stainless Steel Exhaust System

• Short header and resonator chamber enhance low-end power and provide strong top-end power

• Head pipe resonator chamber helps boost low-RPM torque

• Short high-volume muffler assists with mass centralization, makes good power, while large cross section restricts noise levels to an AMA race-legal 94dB.

• Durable stainless steel construction

Efficient Cooling System

• Thick radiators are strong and offer excellent resistance to mud buildup while providing superb cooling performance

• Cylinder head water jacket routes coolant to the front of the cylinder head for even cooling

Transmission and Shifting

• Transmission gears feature four dogs for smooth shifting

• Shift-fork grooves enhance feel at the shift lever

• Clutch cable holder is integrated with the crankcase for accurate feel at the clutch lever

• Scavenge oil filter screen can be accessed without splitting the crankcases, facilitating easier maintenance

Quick-turning Chassis

• The KX250F’s slim and lightweight aluminum perimeter frame helps provide excellent ergonomics and handling

• Center of gravity and key dimensions such as swingarm pivot, output sprocket and rear axle locations designed to increase forward drive with minimal rear-end squat

Separate Function Fork

• Revised settings on the 48mm Separate Function Fork (SFF) delivers firm damping and increased ride control

• SFF design separates spring and damping functions for less weight, better performance, less stiction and easier adjustability compared to traditional forks

• Super-hard titanium coating on the outer surface of the inner fork tubes reduces stiction and improves suspension action while also helping prevent scratches and tube damage

• Friction-reducing Kashima Coat treatment on the inside of the outer fork tubes contributes to smoother suspension action

• Wrap-around fork tube guards provide excellent protection for the inner tubes

Uni-Trak® Rear Suspension

• Revised rear shock matches performance of the front forks

• Rear shock has dual compression adjustability, allowing high-speed and low-speed damping to be tuned separately

• Features Kashima coating on the inside cylinder wall for reduced friction and smoother suspension action

• Swingarm features tapered hydroformed spars and forged chain adjusters

• Uni-Trak® rear suspension linkage system mounts the suspension arm below the swingarm, allowing more rear suspension stroke and precise tuning

• Linkage ratios for the Uni-Trak rear suspension match rear shock damping settings to achieve maximum rear wheel traction

Rider Interface

• New two-position, adjustable footpeg brackets allow rider to lower the position by 5mm, lowering the center of gravity.

• New four-position upper triple clamp with two sets of handlebar mount slots. These give the rider a choice of four bar positions, including 25mm forward, 15mm forward, standard or 10mm back to suit many sizes and styles of riders

• Bodywork components offer the rider a slim interface, making it easy for racers to feel comfortable and go fast

• Formed using a double-injection molding process, the shrouds offer a slim design

• Right side panel passageways help cool the silencer

• Flat design of the seat and tank allow freedom of movement

• Frame is wider at the ankles to offer better grip and narrows near the bend below the seat to allow a slim riding position

• Slim seat features polyurethane designed to be durable

• Seat has a slip-resistant top and side surface for good grip when seated and while standing

• 50mm wide (front-to-rear) footpegs offer superb grip and feel at the pegs

• Clutch cable boot features a large quick adjuster, making it easy for riders to adjust play in the clutch cable while on the fly

• Throttle grip has a one-piece collar that provides additional stability during throttle operation

• Grips have short barrels and are made from soft material to enhance rider comfort

Factory-style Components

• Pushrod-type front brake master cylinder and brake pad material provide strong brake force and enhanced feel

• Rear brake pad material offers powerful braking performance

• Lightweight black anodized rims are durable and look just like the factory racers

• Titanium-coated inner fork tubes minimize stiction and look great

• Front and rear petal brake discs help reduce unsprung weight, and the wave shape helps clean the brake pads for more efficient stopping performance

• Rear caliper guard protects caliper from damage

• Ribless rear hub and butted spokes reduce unsprung weight

• Renthal aluminum handlebar is standard equipment

• New green anodized suspension adjusters, engine oil cap and generator cover plugs like the factory race bikes

• Factory-style graphics complement the KX250F’s performance

Additional Features

• Radiator shrouds and side panels provider a slim rider interface and a nimble feel

• Embossed design on clutch cover

• High-density chain pad on top of the swingarm is more resistant to wear

• Large resin skid plate offers great protection with minimum weight

Optional Accessories

• Optional DFI® Kawasaki Racing Software Calibration Kit allows custom tuning

• Optional FI Indicator Light allows the DFI system to communicate diagnostic information

• Optional engine parts include magneto rotors with different inertias and a 12-tooth output sprocket

• Optional chassis parts include handlebar holder for a 1 1/8-inch handlebar, 46- to 50-tooth aluminum and steel rear sprockets, solid petal brake rotors, different fork and shock springs and manual decompression lever and cable

Specifications

Engine

Liquid-cooled, four-stroke single with DOHC and four-valve cylinder head

Displacement

249cc

Bore x Stroke

77.0 x 53.6mm

Compression ratio

13.8:1

Fuel System

DFI® with 43mm Keihin throttle body and dual injectors

Ignition

Digital DC-CDI

Transmission

Five-speed with wet multi-disc manual clutch

Final Drive

Chain

Front Suspension / Wheel Travel

48mm inverted Showa SFF telescopic fork with 40-way spring preload adjustability and 22-position compression and 20-position rebound damping adjustability/ 12.4 in

Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel

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 / 12.2 in

Front Tire

80/100-21

Rear Tire

100/90-19

Front Brakes

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

Rear Brakes

Single 240mm petal disc with single-piston caliper

Frame Type

Aluminum perimeter

Rake/Trail

28.7 degrees / 5 in

Overall Length

85.4 in

Overall Width

32.3 in

Overall Height

50 in

Ground Clearance

13 in

Seat Height

37.2 in

Curb Weight

233.6 lb

Fuel Capacity

1.61 gal

Wheelbase

58.1 in

Color Choices

Lime Green

Price

$7,599


Quotes:

“There are a host of changes for the 2015 KX250F including new revised valving in the Showa Separate Function Fork, revised rear shock settings, adjustable two position foot pegs and four position handlebar mounts, 270mm petal shaped oversized Braking waved front rotor paired with a smaller 240mm Braking petal shaped rear rotor, new downstream fuel injectors, revised ECU settings, stronger bridged box piston, magneto rotor has changed from 9.0 kg-cm to 9.5 kg-cm, a sub frame that is 50 grams lighter (thickness has changed from 2.0mm to 1.8mm), new factory styling that includes silver fork tubes, green engine plugs, oil cap, generator cover plugs, and green alumite suspension adjusters.” ----- Dirt Rider“In the world of four-stroke motocross, few bikes have the storied history and successful track record like the Kawasaki KX250F. Since the small-bore Kawsaki’s introduction more than 10 years ago, the KX250F has won six AMA National Motocross titles, 10 AMA Regional 250 Supercross titles, and countless individual races. Well, someone is probably counting, but the point is the small green machine has been a force to reckon with since it first hit the track and Kawaski aims to maintain that potency for 2015.” ----- Motorcycle USA“Sporting a few noteworthy changes for the 2015 year, the KX450F has benefitted from an increased front brake, which now stands at 270mm, over the previous 250mm. The rear brake is also substantial, coming in at 240mm. Getting the heart of the KX450F, a new box-bridge piston has been taken from the factory race teams engine and is now utilized, which makes for a more durable engine, ready to rev to high hell and back. And yes, it does weigh more, however, Kawasaki was thinking ahead and so they lightened the wrist pin, which negates any extra heft that the piston created. Sweet!” ----- RideApart