2017 Kawasaki KX250F
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First Impressions: 2017 Kawasaki KX250F

First Impressions: 2017 Kawasaki KX250F - More Motocross Videos

For 2017 it was expected that Kawasaki had some large changes coming for their venerable KX250F, and it ended up being a fairly major overhaul. After many years near or on-top of the 250F standings (including being the most winning 250F in Supercross and AMA Motocross), the bike had slipped down the order a bit the past year or two as the competition has made some major strides. So two bring their bike back towards the top, Kawasaki focused on two key things for their new machine, front-end handling and power.

Starting off with the chassis, Kawasaki brought out a new frame which uses sections from their 2016 model, along with some updated areas. Namely around the footpeg area, shock pivot mount, and the front spar to head-stay. This new front section is where Kawasaki put in their most effort, minimizing the amount of welds involved by casting more sections of this area at once. All this was done to improve front-end feel and feedback, by changing the flex characteristics and consistency of flex in this area. To go along with this, the 2017 KX250F also features a new swingarm, subframe, and completely redesigned body work with fuel tank. Most of this redesign was based on the 2016 KX450F, except the shrouds and fuel tank which are unique to this bike. By doing this they gained a flatter seat, which is easier to move around on, along with thinning the area along the shrouds where the knee contact and control the bike.

The second most noticeable change is the updated engine, which visually may not seem different but has a large host of modifications. Most of these changes relate to the top-end of the bike and are all based around the change in the intake port angle. Kawasaki's main goal was to decrease this angle by tilting the cylinder head forward, plus changing the air intake to give the fuel and air a straighter shot into the engine. To work with this new found potential of power, the piston and exhaust cam were updated, along with process in which the cylinder head is actually machined. Also, the entire intake tract and airbox is new, along with the upstream injector in the dual-injection unit that Kawasaki utilizes. In the bottom of the engine is an updated crank and connecting rod to go along with the offset cylinder. Also, the transmission features a slew of updated parts for smoother and more accurate shifting.

On the front and rear of the bike are updated suspension components. In the front remains Showa's type-2 Showa SFF spring fork, with a stiffer spring rate and updated valving, while the rear shock has a softer spring rate, updated valving, plus a new link arm and bell crank. Due to the updated frame, Kawasaki added the stiffer for spring to deal with the added pressure to the front-end, and the new link/bell crank was adjoined to the shock to help create a more progressive feel in throughout the stroke.

In the extra bits, Kawasaki still features a host of customization with adjustable footpeg mounts, multiple handlebar positions, and three different ECU couplers. They've also updated the tire selection from Dunlop's outgoing MX51 to the newer and better all-around MX3S (MX32).

For a more detailed breakdown on the 2017 changes, check here: First Look - 2017 Kawasaki KX250F.

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Specifications

Product
Kawasaki KX250F
Model Year
2017
Engine Size
250cc
Engine Type
Four-Stroke
Engine Displacement
249cc
Bore x Stroke
77.0 x 53.6mm
Compression Ratio
13.7:1
Fuel System
DFI® w/43mm Keihin throttle body and dual injectors Ignition: Digital DC-CDI
Ignition
Digital DC-CDI
Transmission
5-speed, return shift
Final Drive
Chain
Suspension Front
48mm inverted Showa SFF telescopic fork with 40-way spring preload adjustability and 22-position compression and 20-position rebound damping adjustability/12.2 in
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/12.2 in
Brakes Front
Single semi-floating 270mm Braking petal disc with dual-piston caliper
Brakes Rear
Single 240mm Braking petal disc with single-piston caliper
Tires Front
80/100-21
Tires Rear
100/90-19
Overall Length
85.4 in
Overall Width
32.3 in
Overall Height
49.8 in
Seat Height
37.0 in
Wheelbase
58.1 in
Ground Clearance
12.6 in
Rake/Trail
28.5°/5.0 in
Fuel Capacity
1.69 gal
Curb Weight
229.9 pounds
Features
 
Miscellaneous
Water-cooled
Price
$7,749.00
More Info
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