Kawasaki KX250F [2016]

Name: Kawasaki KX250F [2016]
Brand: Kawasaki
SKU: 1023
Availability: Discontinued
Rating: 4.0 (1 reviews)

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Key specs

249 cc
5 Speed Manual
106 kg

Last known Avg. Ex-showroom price

₹ 7,23,216

Kawasaki KX250F [2016] is now discontinued in India.

Discontinued

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Kawasaki KX250F [2016] Summary

KX250F [2016] key highlights
Engine Capacity	249 cc
Transmission	5 Speed Manual
Kerb Weight	106 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	6 litres
Seat Height	945 mm

About KX250F [2016]

The KX250F is a full-size dirt motorcycle that Kawasaki makes for race use only. Unfortunately it can't be registered for road use, and at that price, it is just a toy for the well-off, or a practice tool for riders who at least plan to race professionally. The KX250F has a 249cc engine that makes an unquoted amount of power and torque. What it feels like is 'enough'. It is enough to get the bike turned on the throttle alone, enough to take to the air easily over jumps, and enough to plaster a grin on your muddy face all day long. The 2017 model is an upgrade over the 2016 model, with hardly any interchangeable parts. It is a slimmer bike (meaning sticking a boot out while turning is easier) and lighter, and you get to choose from three different throttle maps depending upon your skill and preference. Sure, it needs service quite often, and the same price can get you a very nice road-going motorcycle. But if you want to hone your dirt riding skills to perfection there isn't any real option other than the KX250F in our market.

Kawasaki KX250F [2016] Review

Well, for starters, it’s not a bike that you can simply get on and ride to bring home groceries, take your girl out, or go weekend riding with. At least, on the road. This, the Kawasaki KX 250F, is a ‘competition-only’ machine. And that means it isn’t homologated for road use. But, you’d have guessed that given that it doesn’t get headlamps, indicators, instrumentation, and of course, a saree guard.

What is it?

The KX 250F then is Kawasaki’s ‘hero’ product in the world of motocross competitions, and to an extent, leisure trail or off-roading riding. In the world of highly demanding and competitive motocross, the KX has won many titles across the globe. It is the go-to machine for professionals, and it is a lovely showcase of Kawasaki’s strength when it comes to engineering and technology know-how.

According to Kawasaki, the point of bringing in the KX is exactly that. It is a product that the Japanese company sells in most of its important markets, and therefore, India had to have it. It should give Kawasaki lots to talk about as well. We, however, are in no position to talk to the serious, capable and talented motocross competition rider; given we haven’t taken to dirt tracks in a competitive motocross event, ever. Instead, we will address the off-roading enthusiast; one who loves the challenges and joy of taking to flat dirt tracks or trail riding over winning championships; one who also has deep pockets. The KX 250F does cost over Rs 7 lakh, after all.

How does it ride?

Now, to the motocrosser. I am no expert at riding on dirt. Sure, I own an Impulse and I have ridden a few adventure motorcycles off the beaten trail. But, arriving at a motocross track was still so intimidating. There were flat, fast and rutted corners; big double jumps; endless whoops; tall, bermed corners and a 10 year old in Yuvraj Deshmukh beating all of that into submission with some flair. Then I read his credentials including a top AMA Motocross finish, and I knew this was going to be an embarrassing afternoon.

And almost immediately after I began riding, I fell over negotiating one of the bermed corners. Naturally, everyone was looking. So, I dusted myself, picked up the bike, flashed an embarrassing smile under the helmet and got going, again. This time I was more careful. I realised the KX 250F was a light motorcycle. I also respected the fact that it makes nearly 50bhp. And that its throttle response is as electric as they come. So, I gingered around a bit and then based on someone’s gyan (don’t remember who), started believing in the blocky tyres.

Soon enough, the KX 250F seemed friendly. Sure, the front end moved a bit at turn-in but it never washed out. And though I wasn’t exactly hard on the gas, I was still giving the 250F a decent handful exiting corners. But, the bike’s rear just squatted and gripped and gripped. A few laps in and my thighs were on fire courtesy being stiff as a board on the bike, fighting it, scared of the low grip conditions. When on dirt or road, one needs to do just the opposite.

The pain and lack of stamina ensured that’s exactly what I did next time round. And instantly, the KX became my best friend. I could feel the bike more; I could tip it into corners quicker; dial in more lean; and get on the gas sooner and much harder. I loved it! And the KX, it seems, loved me back. The torquey engine meant, even a short-shifter like me, was getting good drive out of corners and over mud mounds (these were supposed to be jumps, by the way). And the odd mud mound I did manage to jump, the KX 250F landed with such poise and steadiness, it gave me the confidence to do it again and again.

Towards the end of the day and during my third riding session, I was feeling like a dirt hero. The KX 250F was egging me along. It remained planted as I opened up the KX in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears. It braked beautifully with enough bite and barely a shudder or slip even over the rutted and sandy surfaces. And, the way it gripped both while entering and exiting corners was mind-boggling. Even when it got its tail out on power, it did so with such linearity and feel that it was completely controllable on the throttle.

I got so carried away with the bike’s ability that I completely forgot mine. Soon enough one of the tallest mud mounds arrived and I thought I could finally jump the KX 250F and give it good air over this one too. But, I had clearly overestimated my skill. I got it awfully wrong and landed hard on the front, almost vertically. I was imagining broken collarbones, fractured ribs and a totaled KX as a result. But, the KX’s front forks took the impact so well; it was almost like landing on a cushion. Nothing regretful happened. I fell, of course. But the bike was okay and so was I. So, I dusted myself, picked up the bike, flashed an embarrassing smile under my helmet, and ride back to the pits thanking my stars and loving every moment of the ride.

What a bike!

Anything else I should know?

Lots!

For one, crediting Kawasaki as being generally the first to adopt newer, more expensive technology in motocross bikes (disc brakes and a linked monoshock for instance) won’t be wrong. And it continues to experiment and redefine the class even now. The KX 250F here is the latest 2017 model. And compared to its older version, and in fact its competition, the 250F now boasts of a more powerful engine, a lighter chassis, slimmer ergos and three engine maps that can simply be plugged in.

The ‘Green’ is the standard map. But, if you find that too aggressive, one can plug in the softer ‘White’ map. And for the hardcore pace chasers, there’s the ‘Black’ map. All easily installed by simply plugging in the colour coded ports. Additionally, the KX 250F gets launch control, separate function front forks, and almost limitless suspension adjustment for preload as well as compression and rebound damping. If you are a perfectionist and have a backside that’s as sensitive as cricket hair, well, you’d love this bike!

And yes, the KX 250F also gets adjustable ergonomics. So, one can lower the footrest from the standard position and putting in spacers can increase the handlebar height.

Should I buy one?

Like we said at the start – if you are bitten by the off-roading bug and have deep pockets, there’s absolutely no reason not to buy one. The Kawasaki KX 250F is excellent! I love it. And if I were coming into a big inheritance, I would have bought one in the blink of an eye.

Where does it fit in?

The KX is currently in a class of its own. No other bike maker offers competition-only dirt bikes. And though there are adventure motorcycles in the market - ones that can be used for leisure off-roading, the lightness, the robustness, the ease of handling of the KX is unmatched. And did we tell you how light it is? It only weighs 104.3kg. So, if you drop it – which I did – picking it up and get going, is as easy as 1-2-3.

Photography by Sanchit Arora

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KX250F [2016] Specifications & Features

Specifications

Power & Performance

Fuel Type Petrol

Max Power --

Max Torque --

Cooling System Liquid Cooled

Transmission 5 Speed Manual

Transmission Type Chain Drive

Emission Standard Emission standards indicate the output from the exhaust that is permissible in a country. --

Displacement 249 cc

Cylinders 1

Bore 77 mm

Stroke 54 mm

Valves Per Cylinder 4

Compression Ratio --

Ignition Digital DC-CDI

Spark Plugs --

Gear Shifting Pattern Gear Shifting Pattern --

Clutch Wet Multiplate

Fuel Delivery System Fuel Injection

Fuel Tank Capacity 6 litres

Reserve Fuel Capacity These are estimated figures --

Riding Range Maximum distance a petrol bike can travel on a full fuel tank and an electric bike can travel on a full charge --

Mileage - ARAI --

Mileage - Owner Reported BikeWale collects mileage information from bike owners to provide you with the actual mileage that you might get. --

Top Speed These are estimated figures --

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Brakes, Wheels & Suspension

Braking System CBS, IBS, SBT, UBS, HBS - Combined braking of both front and rear wheel | ABS - Anti-lock braking system which can be just for front wheel (single channel) or both wheels (dual channel) or can be switched off (switchable) | E-ABS - Electronic assisted braking system | Standard - Cable operated --

Front Brake Type Disc

Front Brake Size 270 mm

Rear Tyre Size 100/90-19

Tyre Type Tubed

Radial Tyres No

Rear Brake Type Disc

Rear Brake Size 240 mm

Calliper Type Dual Piston Caliper

Wheel Type Spoke

Front Wheel Size 21 inch

Rear Wheel Size --

Front Tyre Size 80/100-21

Front Tyre Pressure (Rider) --

Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider) --

Front Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion) --

Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion) --

Front Suspension Telescopic fork with 40-way spring preload

Rear Suspension Fully adjustable spring preload

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Dimensions & Chassis

Kerb Weight 106 kg

Overall Length 2,169 mm

Overall Width 820 mm

Wheelbase 1,476 mm

Ground Clearance 330 mm

Seat Height 945 mm

Overall Height 1,270 mm

Chassis Type Aluminum perimeter

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Manufacturer Warranty

Standard Warranty (Year) --

Standard Warranty (Kilometers) Standard Warranty (Kilometers) --

Features

Odometer --

DRLs (Daytime running lights) --

Mobile App Connectivity --

Low Battery IndicatorNo

Pillion BackrestNo

Pillion GrabrailNo

GPS & Navigation --

USB charging port --

Front storage box --

Under seat storage --

AHO (Automatic Headlight On) --

Speedometer NA

Fuel Guage No

Tachometer Not Present

Stand Alarm No

Stepped Seat No

No. of Tripmeters --

Tripmeter Type NA

Low Fuel Indicator No

Low Oil Indicator No

Pillion SeatNo

Pillion FootrestNo

Digital Fuel GuageNo

Start TypeElectric Start

Shift LightNo

KillswitchYes

ClockNo

Battery--

Headlight TypeNA

Brake/Tail LightNA

Turn SignalNA

Pass LightNo

Additional features--

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Kawasaki KX250F [2016] News

Kawasaki updates its 2018 off-road lineup
08 June 2017
Nikhil Puthran
Kawasaki has updated its off-road and motocross line-up in the international market by unveiling the new 2018 models. Under the off-road category, Kawasaki has updated the entire KLX range in the international market along with the KX range of motocross bikes. In India, we...
Read more