T
he Kawasaki KX250
underwent a ground-up
redesign for the 2025
model year. It arrived with
a new frame, a center-port
exhaust, a redesigned airbox,
and switchable maps high
-
lighting the updates. In 2026,
the bike remains unchanged
except for new graphics.
The '25 put on a few pounds,
however, and finished a
disappointing seventh in our
eight-bike 2025 250 shootout
but was still considered a
strong contender in its class.
Not only did we recently
ride the 2026 KX250, but
we also tested a "customer
modified" version provided
by Kawasaki's racing partner,
Pro Circuit.
Some highlights of the
KX250 include dual injectors,
a coned-disc spring hydraulic
clutch, an electric start, and a
close-ratio five-speed trans
-
mission. Electronics are con-
trolled through two selectable
power modes, Kawasaki's
Traction Control (KTRC), and
a unique launch control mode,
which disengages when you
reach third gear.
Showa takes care of the
suspension, while Dunlop
takes care of traction. Ka
-
wasaki also redesigned the
bodywork with fewer bolts
and seams.
As expected, the 2026
KX250 feels just like the 2025.
Power delivery is smooth and
user-friendly, with impressive
low-end. The KX250 already
complies with the looming
sound restriction, and you can
tell. There is a slight "choked
up" feel, and it isn't as "revvy"
as previous KX250s.
However, in the more ag
-
gressive engine mode, via the
handlebar switch, things liven
up from mid to top. You have
two engine modes to choose
from: normal and aggressive.
You'll like the aggressive
mode best; we did. You can
take it a step further using
Kawasaki's Rideology KX
app. You also have two levels
of traction control—weak or
strong—to experiment with.
Overall, the latest-gener
-
ation KX250 is more user-
friendly than the previous
high-revving screamer gen-
erations, and the smoother
engine character allows you
to ride it hard while feeling
in control.
Both the KX250 and KX450
share the same frame, and
this platform helps the bike's
stability at high speed, just
like the KX450. Weighing 240
pounds wet, the KX is one of
the heaviest 250s in its class,
but the little extra weight and
chassis updates improve grip.
VOLUME ISSUE NOVEMBER , P91
