VOL. 53 ISSUE 46 NOVEMBER 22, 2016 P93
3
rd
PLACE
KAWASAKI
KX250F
NOTABLE FEATURES
•Showa SFF Type 2 Fork
(spring)
•Plug-In Fueling Couplers
•Rider Compartment
Adjustability
•Aluminum Perimeter Frame
•Renthal Aluminum
Handlebars
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Weight: 230 lbs. (full gas)
Seat Height: 37.2 in.
MSRP: $7749
and raspy. We love the way KX250F sounds
with an aftermarket muffler.
Overall suspension performance, while
improved over the 2016 KX250F, is still not as
good as the Yamaha, KTM or Husky, hurting
its chances to claim a higher spot in the shoot-
out. The KX250F still uses the Showa SFF
Type 2 fork, which uses a spring in one side
and damping mechanisms in the other. For
2017 a stiffer fork spring and revised valving
help to balance the Kawasaki, as does a softer
shock spring. Fast riders jive better with the
KX250F's suspension. Lighter and slower rid-
ers complained it was slightly harsh over chat-
ter. Overall the KX rewards aggressive riding.
The old steer-from-the-rear Kawasaki
KX250F is gone. The new KX250F can carve
through the ruts and hold a line all the way
through a corner without wanting to stand up
early. Body position on the bike isn't as hyper
critical through the corners as it once was,
adding to the ease of cornering for all abili-
ties. A contributing factor to improved front
wheel traction is the switch from the Dunlop
MX52 to the MX3S tire.
The KX250F is still very stable at speed.
It's not quite as stable as before but the
trade-off in cornering ability is well worth
the price of admission. The narrower chas-
sis contributes to the overall light feel on the
bike. The ultra-flat-seat-to-gas-tank junction
makes it very easy to move around and find
a good body position. The 2017 KX250F is
nimble and easy to throw around.
Last year the KX250F finished way back
in the fifth position. This year, thanks to a
revamp and vastly improved turning capabili-
ties, along with a stronger and easy to ride
engine, the KX250F jumps all the way to the
third position. Like we mentioned before,
the top three spots in this shootout are very
close. The 2017 Kawasaki KX250F is great
motocross bike. Period.
