VOL. 53 ISSUE 20 MAY 24, 2016 P59
(Above) The
2017 KX450F,
which got a ma-
jor overhaul last
year (2016),
features new
triple clamps
and in-mold
graphics.
F
or 2017, Kawasaki gave
its KX250F a thorough
going-through, just like
the KX450F got last year.
Kawasaki says that the new
KX250F is lighter, has a more
powerful engine, improved
shifting, a narrower frame,
and flatter seat.
The new engine has an
offset cylinder layout for
"more efficient power." It has
a lighter bridged-box bottom
piston, and a new downdraft-
style intake layout with a new
injector-angle design for
"optimum fuel atomization."
A new downstream injector
with twice as many holes
results in what Kawasaki
claims is stronger low-to-mid
power and "sharper" throttle
response. There is also a
new 43mm throttle body and
exhaust system.
According to Kawasaki,
as rpm and throttle position
increase, primary operation
switches from the down-
stream injector to the up-
stream injector—depending
on whether in a low (1st, 2nd)
or high (3rd, 4th, 5th) gear—
for a transition that is gradual
or almost instantaneous. The
upstream injector's greater
distance from the combus-
tion chamber gives the fuel
particles and intake air more
time to mix, as well as al-
lowing the mixture to cool
before entering the combus-
tion chamber, both of which
contribute to more efficient
intake and, ultimately, more
power.
Its ECU also has revised
settings.
In the chassis department,
the KX250F gets a new
swingarm with a revised link-
age ratio, a lighter yet more
rigid frame, which is also
narrower. It retains its Showa
48mm Separate Function
Fork (SFF Type 2) and the
rear shock features revised
settings and a lighter spring.
The frame has a new front
downtube and 3mm narrower
main beams for an overall
reduction width of 6mm, and
the frame's rigidity has been
"optimized to obtain improved
front-end feel."
There is all-new bodywork,
as well as a flatter seat and
fuel tank, which holds slightly
more gas. Kawasaki says the
tank/seat junction is smooth-
er and narrower for improved
rider mobility. CN
