Cycle News

Cycle News 2026 Issue 38 September 22

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1546650

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QUICKSPIN I 2027 Kawasaki KX250F P126 felt pitchy in either direction. My only adjustment was two clicks softer on the fork to improve front- end traction. One caveat: Although the settings worked well for me and other 190-pound vet riders, a smaller rider moving up to a 250F may find the suspension too firm. Are the 2027 changes dramatic? No. But it's encouraging to see Kawasaki continue develop- ing a bike that may be completely redesigned next year. Without riding a 2026 model back-to-back, it's difficult to quantify the improvement. Even so, the changes are worthwhile. The new levers, revised mapping, stronger clutch and updated suspen- sion give the KX250F a polished, race-ready feel straight out of the crate. Ryan Nitzen (Top left) Kawasaki worked hard to make the bike quieter without sacrificing power. (Above left) The muffler is massive in size. 2027 KAWASAKI KX250F ($8599) Engine Type 4-stroke, single-cylinder Displacement 249cc Fueling DFI with 44mm Keihin throttle body and dual injectors Starting System Electric Transmission 5-speed, hydraulic clutch actuation Frame Aluminum Front Suspension 49mm Showa coil-spring fork with 16-way compression and rebound damping Rear Suspension Uni-Trak single shock with dual-range (4 turns high-speed/19-way low-speed) compression damping, 22-way rebound damping and adjustable preload Front-Wheel Travel 12 in. Rear-Wheel Travel 12.1 in. Front Tire Dunlop Geomax MX34; 80/100-21 Rear Tire Dunlop Geomax MX34; 110/90-19 Front Brake Single semi-floating 270mm Braking petal disc with dual-piston caliper Rear Brake Single 240mm Braking disc with single-piston caliper Wheelbase 58.5 in. Seat Height 37.6 in. Fuel Capacity 1.64 gal. Weight (wet, claimed) 240.8 lbs.

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