VOL. 53 ISSUE 35 SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 P93
and a stiffer spring rate aim to
improving damping and overall
balance. Forty clicks of preload
adjustment offer a lot of setup
options. Out back, compliment-
ing linkage ratio and swingarm
changes, the shock gets a new
lighter shock spring with a lighter
spring rate.
ON THE TRACK
AND IN THE DIRT
Right off the stand, the KX250F
kicks to life incredibly easy.
Almost zero force is required to
move the kickstarter through
its arc and ignite the engine.
Thanks to the lighter flywheel,
intake changes and engine
updates, the 2017 engine revs
quicker than the 2016 model. It
also feels more powerful, with
stronger pull off the bottom
and through the mid. Top end
power is still impressive and a
strong trait for the KX250F. It
doesn't have quite the top-end
pull of the KTM 250 SX-F or
the Yamaha YZ250F, but it pulls
nicely in the upper rpms. Rid-
ers who like to use an engine in
the midrange will appreciate the
(Far left) Not much to
complain about here. If
you're a low-to-mid person,
you're really going to like
the KX's power delivery.
(Left) New linkage ratio,
swingarm and shock do
wonders for the KX's rear
suspension.
Here's what it's like to take a lap around Zaca Station on the 2017 KX250F.
