All New 2017 Kawasaki KX250F

The
other day we posted about KTM's big news amongst its 2017 model
lineup, the all new
250 SX, well we are back again with 250 news, this time coming
from Kawasaki. After
giving the big brother, the 2016 KX450F
all the love last year, this time it's all about the new all new
2017 Kawasaki KX250F. An all new machine from tip to tail, the 2017
KX250F is everything hard core mx racers want in a dirt bike to be:
lighter, narrower, and outfitted with more power.
Here's all the specifics directly from Kawasaki:
The Kawasaki KX250F is the single-most dominant motocross bike of
the last decade. To keep riders on the podium, Kawasaki introduces
an all-new KX250F for 2017, in line with the updates of the KXâ¢450F
motorcycle last year. The 2017 model offers a more powerful engine,
a significantly lighter chassis, and slimmer ergonomics, making
this new model the fastest KX250F motorcycle yet.
The 2017 Kawasaki KX250F:
- Lighter weight (229.9 pounds)
- New more powerful and lighter engine
- New redesigned more narrow and lighter weight frame
- Improved clutch and shift feeling
- New flatter seat and a new lower/flatter tank, for improved
handling and ergonomics
This year's KX250F is built with race-winning components to keep
Kawasaki riders in that top spot at the race track. From the
showroom to the racetrack, the performance of Kawasaki's KX family
of motorcycles is proof of its engineering pedigree. It truly is
the bike that builds champions.
ENGINE
- New redesigned engine with offset cylinder layout, for more
efficient power
- Lighter bridged-box bottom piston, designed from racing
experience
- Downdraft-style intake layout with new injector angle designed
for optimum fuel atomization
- New downstream injector with twice as many holes, finer fuel
droplets and wider angle, resulting in stronger low-to-mid power
and sharp response
- New and improved combustion chamber configuration
- New 43mm throttle body

Tuned to best
suit race-experienced riders, the 249cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke
single's wide power-band focuses on high-rpm performance that
extends way into the over-rev. Highly acclaimed for its high output
and smooth power delivery, the 2017 model KX250F has race-inspired
tuning and parts like the high-performance bridged-box bottom
piston and down draft-style intake routing. Mechanical friction is
reduced thanks to things like an offset cylinder-with increased
forward lean angle-and plateau honing, resulting in a stronger low
end as well as an increase in maximum peak power. The connecting
rod now features a journal bearing in lieu of a needle bearing and
items like the camshaft sprockets and chain have been revised along
with a newly revised exhaust camshaft, all factors resulting in
more efficient power.
The KX250F
dual-injector fuel injection system is a key component to its
performance; introduced in 2012, it was the world's first to be
featured on a production motocross bike. Unlike a standard digital
fuel injection that uses one injector downstream of the throttle
valve, the KX250F system uses a second, upstream injector located
close to the airbox. The downstream injector-redesigned for 2017-is
used to help ensure smooth, instant response featuring a finer
atomization with more holes in the injector itself. The downstream
injector creates that stronger low-to-mid range power and quick
throttle response, while the upstream injector is charged with
providing power.
As rpm and throttle position increase, primary operation switches
from the downstream injector to the upstream injector, depending on
whether in a low (1st, 2nd) or high (3rd, 4th, 5th) gear, the
transition is gradual or almost instantaneous. The upstream
injector's greater distance from the combustion chamber gives the
fuel particles and intake air more time to mix, as well as allowing
the mixture to cool before entering the combustion chamber, both of
which contribute to more efficient filling, and ultimately more
power.
The 2017 model also features revised ECU settings, along with a new
exhaust system. The exhaust header pipe is skinnier and shorter,
resulting in improved performance.
TUNING
- Lightweight ECU, with revised settings
- Three engine maps (standard, hard, soft) contained in the
ECU
- Optional KX FI Calibration Kit (Handheld) requires no tools,
laptop or battery

The lightweight ECU of the KX250F motorcycle was designed
specifically to withstand the rigors of motocross racing, while
still providing a wide variety of tuning. The Kawasaki KX250F
provides three engine maps that come pre-loaded into the
motorcycle's ECU that are easily accessible through the DFI®
coupling plug. These three color-coded couplers are designed to
tune for hard, medium or soft track surfaces, and allow riders to
find the perfect power delivery for a particular terrain.
Using the optional KX FI Calibration Kit (Handheld), sold
separately as a Kawasaki Genuine Accessory, a rider can store and
select from up to seven separate engine maps. The kit includes a
portable handheld calibration tool, which enables riders to make
changes to the engine maps without the need of a PC, laptop or
battery, making it easy to tune at the track. It plugs in thanks to
an additional harness not included in the kit.
FRAME & SUSPENSION
- New Swingarm design with improved linkage ratio
- Lighter weight and more rigid frame design
- 6mm narrower frame design
- Showa 48mm Separate Function Front Forks (SFF Type
2)

Changes
for the KX250F start at the frame, with a newly redesigned, lighter
aluminum perimeter with a new front downtube and 3mm narrower main
beams, for an overall reduction width of 6 mm. The frame rigidity
has been optimized to obtain improved front end feel.
Up front you'll find Showa 48mm Separate Function Front Forks (SFF
Type 2) with works-style internal construction that locates its
damping assembly in the left fork tube and a spring in the right.
The Separate Function Front Fork construction contributes to a
planted feel at the front, superb damping performance and ride
comfort with greater bottoming resistance. It also has excellent
stability when on the brakes or when landing jumps. For 2017,
revised settings contribute to greater stability over braking bumps
and through corners.
The Uni-Trak® rear suspension with Showa shock now features revised
valve settings and linkage ratios, contributing to improved ride
feel and traction and increased rear-end feedback. A lighter shock
spring this year means a weight savings, and the lower rate
contributes to the reduced pitching effect over braking bumps. The
rear shock linkage mounts are below the swingarm to maximize wheel
travel and the new linkage geometry increases cornering stability.
Dual compression with high and low speed adjustability offers a
wide range of tuning options. Self-lubricating alumite coating on
the inner shock body improves wear resistance and shock action.
STYLING & ERGONOMICS
- Easier for the rider to change position while riding
- Integrated bodywork for seamless rider interface
- Aggressive KX body work and in-mold graphics

The all-new minimalist bodywork includes slimmer shrouds,
thanks to the revised radiators and their new orientation. The
KX250F now features a new flatter and larger capacity fuel tank,
along with a new flatter seat with reinforcing ribs. The
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.
Aggressive all-new bodywork, which includes front and rear fenders,
number plate and fork guards, makes the bike look more compact and
is complemented by factory-style design and Kawasaki's first
in-mold graphics on the radiator shrouds. Black Excel rims, black
fork guards, and green highlights help create a distinctive
Kawasaki identity.
Returning this year are ERGO-FIT⢠adjustable handlebars and
footpegs to better suit riding styles and different rider statures.
The handlebars have four position options and the footpegs have two
placements available.
LAUNCH CONTROL
For pro riders and amateur riders alike, the KX Launch Control is a
major advantage in getting out of the starting gate straight and
fast. Launch Control Mode has the greatest effect within the first
few seconds of releasing the clutch off the start.
The KX250F features a Launch Control system that,
with the simple press of a button, allows riders to activate a
separate engine map designed to assist starting in certain
conditions. The Launch Control Mode map retards ignition timing,
allowing tires to gain grip in low-traction situations, and
allowing riders to focus on their lines. Launch Control remains
active through first and second gear, until the rider shifts into
third gear, and then it returns to normal engine timing.
Even for top-level riders, controlling the hard-hitting power of a
KX250F motocrosser off the start requires a high degree of throttle
control and clutch finesse. By optimizing this power, Launch
Control Mode helps riders maximize traction, increasing the chance
of getting a good start.
BRAKES

Contributing to the racing components found throughout
the KX250F are the brakes, with 270mm petal-style disc brakes in
the front. These brakes deliver strong braking force and superb
control. The petal style discs contribute to both sporty looks and
a high-quality appearance. Rear caliper guard protects the caliper
from damage.
Specifications
-
Engine: 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, DOHC, water-cooled
- 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
- Transmission: 5-speed, return shift
- 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/12.2 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 Braking petal disc
with dual-piston caliper
- Rear Brakes: Single 240mm Braking petal disc with single-piston
caliper
- Frame Type: Aluminum perimeter
- Rake/Trail: 28.5°/5.0 in
- Overall Length: 85.4 in
- Overall Width: 32.3 in
- Overall Height: 49.8 in
- Ground Clearance: 12.6 in
- Seat Height: 37.0 in
- Curb Weight: 229.9 lb**
- Fuel Capacity: 1.69 gal
- Wheelbase: 58.1 in
- Color Choices: Lime Green
- MSRP: $7,749