Cycle News Staff | June 29, 2016
The 2017 Kawasaki KX250F is all new. It is lighter, thinner and more powerful than before, all qualities that equal going faster on the motocross track. We had our first day aboard the new bike at Zaca Station, getting a good feel for the changes. We will have a unit to further test in the upcoming weeks but here is what we think so far of the new bike after a day of flowing around Zaca. To check out our first look at the 2017 Kawasaki HERE
We’re liking the thinner feel of the 2017 Kawasaki KX250F. Photography by Adam Booth
Quick Review 2017 Kawasaki KX250F
The engine changes include a redesigned offset cylinder layout to work better with the downdraft-style intake, which now has increased angle for more power. The injector angle has been revised to increase atomization and the downstream injector has eight holes instead of four, increasing low-to-mid power. The flywheel is now lighter for quicker revving.
You will notice the changes to the new KX250F. We certainly did. Photography by Adam Booth
The frame is now 6mm narrower with changes to the manufacturing process to certain elements to improve handling and flex characteristics. The swingarm is redesigned and the shock linkage ratios have been updated. The Showa 48mm SFF fork now has a stiffer spring rate while the shock received a softer spring rate for overall improved balance. The KX250F now shares the same lower triple clamp as the 2017 KX450F.
When it comes to turning, more emphasis has been put on the front end. Photography by Adam Booth
Quick Spin
Right off the stand, the KX250F kicks to life incredibly easy. Almost zero force is required through the kickstarter to ignite the engine. We immediately noticed that the 2017 engine revs quicker than the 2016, thanks to a lighter flywheel, intake changes and engine updates.
Zaca Station features a lot of sand on top of the harder soil underneath, even so we could tell the new KX250F has better front wheel traction thanks to the frame and triple clamps revisions. The KX250F is traditionally a rear-end steering bike and having more front wheel bite is a welcome trait. Also contributing to the ability for the front end to grab traction is the switch to the Dunlop MX3S tires, which work much better than the MX52.
The 2017 KX250F is 1.3 inches narrower from radiator shroud to radiator shroud, this contributes to the very narrow feel. The seat is also much flatter and the gas tank, and gas cap are substantially lower, creating an almost flat seating position, and this makes moving around on the bike very easy. Zaca didn’t really get very rough during our initial day of testing but overall the KX250F feels nicely balanced and is fun to ride.
We will be doing a full test soon as we get to ride the KX250F at a variety of tracks.
We’re anxious to put more time on the new KX250F. So far so good, though. Photography by Adam Booth
For more Cycle News Motocross motorcycle reviews, click HERE.
For more Kawasaki motorcycle reviews, click HERE.
