2026 Kawasaki KX250 Review

Victory starts with the KX250 motorcycle’s potent 249cc engine. The anatomy of this race-winning engine includes finger-follower valve actuation, a downdraft-style intake, and dual injectors. This KX250 is the most competitive racing package to date, based on our championship-proven 250-class platform that’s dominated motocross for decades.

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2026 Kawasaki KX250: THE PERFECT AVID MOTORCROSS RIDER TOOL.

Introducing the 2026 Kawasaki KX250…

Coming off of an all-new platform in 2025, the 2026 KX250 remains powered by a 249cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine that is designed to achieve strong performance across the rev-range and result in quick lap times and excellent holeshot performance. Now sharing much of the same features found on its KX450 brethren, the KX250 continues to push the limits of man and machine, blending new cutting-edge technology with its championship heritage. With its lightweight aluminum frame, high-performance Showa suspension, ODI Lock-On grips, KTRC, riding modes with handlebar-mounted switch box, and Bluetooth® connectivity using RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX, the KX250 continues to help pave the way for riders looking for the top step of the podium. With a strong and reliable platform to build on, the KX250 is the perfect tool for any avid motocross rider.

Race to victory on the bike built for winning. This KX250 motorcycle is the most competitive racing package yet, with a lightweight chassis, high-performance engine, and race-ready electronic features like Power Mode Selection and Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC). Plus, cutting-edge technology like ERGO-FIT® components and RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX offer maximum adjustability, so you can find your unique winning style. Be the fastest in the pack. Be the next champion on the KX250.

2026 Kawasaki KX250 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• 249cc 4-STROKE ENGINE WITH ELECTRIC START
• STRAIGHT EXHAUST PORT AND CENTER EXHAUST
• LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM PERIMETER FRAME
• POWER MODE SELECTION WITH HANDLEBAR-MOUNTED SWITCH
• SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY—CHANGE ENGINE MAPPING WITH RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX
• KAWASAKI TRACTION CONTROL (KTRC) WITH HANDLEBAR-MOUNTED SWITCH
• DUAL INJECTORS FOR UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM
• ERGO-FIT® ADJUSTABLE COMPONENTS FOR RIDE POSITION OPTIMIZATION
• Compact exhaust for optimized mass centralization
• Optimized intake downdraft angle and fuel injection settings
• Single-shaft primary crankshaft balancer
• Coned disc-spring hydraulic clutch
• Showa 49mm coil-spring fork and single shock
• ODI lock-on grips
• Flush bodywork and shrouds for optimized rider interface
• Quick-release side cover offers tool-less air filter access

RACE-READY POWER
LEAD THE PACK
Victory starts with the KX250 motorcycle’s potent 249cc engine. The anatomy of this race-winning engine includes finger-follower valve actuation, a downdraft-style intake, and dual injectors. This KX250 is the most competitive racing package to date, based on our championship-proven 250-class platform that’s dominated motocross for decades.

PERFORMANCE TECH
INNOVATED TO WIN
In today’s ultra-competitive motocross landscape, success at the highest level is aided through advanced tech. The KX250 motorcycle is equipped with smartphone connectivity and electronic controls sourced directly from Kawasaki factory racing efforts, placing race-proven functionality at your fingertips.

AGILE HANDLING
PEAK DEXTERITY
Features like a lightweight perimeter frame, Showa 49mm coil-spring fork, and Uni-Trak® rear suspension sharpen handling performance and stability on every section of the track. Start shaving down lap times when you experience it all come together.

COMFORT & DESIGN
RIDE WITH AN EDGE
With ERGO-FIT® adjustable components, you can optimize your riding position and unlock your performance potential. Sleek bodywork and aggressive, factory-style graphics reflect the dominant attitude KX race machines are known for.

THE BIKES THAT BUILD CHAMPIONS

The Kawasaki KX line of motorcycles stands as a continued symbol of high performance and competitive quality, trusted by riders to succeed on some of the most demanding tracks in the world. Today, the KX family remains a leader in both motocross and supercross, with the KX250 and KX450 consistently ranking among the top bikes in their respective classes. The game-changing KX450SR continues to turn heads at the track with its race-focused upgrades and factory-inspired design, while the KX250X and KX450X bring the heat to off-road races across the world. The mini-classified KX65 plays a crucial role in developing young talent, helping aspiring athletes build their skills and advance in the sport.
Drawing design and performance insights from the Monster Energy Kawasaki factory racing team, the 2026 KX motocross models uphold the brand’s legacy by delivering race-ready power, precision, and reliability.

2026 Kawasaki KX250 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

The symmetrical intake and exhaust significantly contribute to potent low to mid-range power. Kawasaki’s multi-time World Superbike Championship-winning engineers designed the finger follower valve train that, combined with minimal friction loss and steep downdraft style intake tract, contributes to the power.

4-Stroke Engine
• The piston crown is designed to accommodate a narrow valve angle for efficient combustion.
• The piston features the same bridged-box bottom design used on our factory racers. A short skirt, reinforced external ribs and a bridged-box bottom, featuring fully flush internal bracing, results in a lighter, stronger piston.
• Molybdenum coating on the piston’s outer surface helps reduce mechanical loss and resists wear. Striation helps retain oil to minimize sliding friction.
• The cylinder is tilted five degrees forward to suit the symmetrical intake/exhaust layout, which also reduces friction for more efficient power generation.
• Thick cylinder wall for rigidity to prevent deformation and reduce mechanical loss.
• Cylinder offset is 3mm forward to reduce friction and enable more efficient power generation.
• Plateau honing of the cylinder bore provides a smooth surface to help reduce mechanical loss.
• Molybdenum coating on the piston’s outer surface helps reduce mechanical loss and resists wear. Striation helps retain oil to minimize sliding friction.

ENGINE
• Aluminum cylinder with chrome composite plating(KP) provides rapid heat transfer, superb wear resistance and optimum lubrication retention for increased performance and durability.
• Connecting rod design decreases the piston’s lateral force on the cylinder walls to reduce mechanical loss and contribute to performance.
• Light crank web for quick revs.
• Single-shaft primary engine balancer contributes to smooth power delivery and reduced vibration for excellent throttle control, especially when exiting slower speed corners.
• Low-friction plain bearings at the connecting rod big end reduce mechanical loss and help boost power.
• Semi-dry sump(KP) lubrication system for quicker engine response. The majority of oil is stored in the transmission to keep excess oil away from the crankshaft and prevent powerrobbing stirring loss. With only a shallow chamber to collect oil at the bottom of the crankcase, where a scavenge pump moves it to the transmission, the crank is located as low as possible to help lower the center of gravity.

• Twin oil pumps ensure proper lubrication and oil scavenging for optimum performance.
• Radiators are turned inward 10˚ which narrows to the KX250’s already slim profile.

Race-tuned 4-Valve Cylinder Head(KP)
• Symmetrically aligned intake and exhaust ports optimize intake and exhaust flow efficiency for high power output and low to mid-range power feel.
• Finger-follower valve actuation reduces valve train mass (intake is 3.5 percent lighter, exhaust is 4.3 percent lighter) compared to tappet-style actuation, as well as reducing friction at the cam lobe. DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating on the followers help prevent wear.
• Aggressive camshaft lobes have a chromium nitride coating for durability.
• Straight intake ports contribute to intake efficiency to help boost performance throughout the powerband.
• Special valve seat material helps prevent wear on the titanium valves.

DOWNDRAFT INTAKE WITH DUAL INJECTORS
• Downdraft-style intake routing now has a slightly steeper 34˚ approach angle for a straighter approach for intake air that enhances cylinder filling efficiency and contributes to power.
• 44mm throttle body layout is optimized to match the intake and exhaust port layout. The straight path to the cylinder evens the airflow balance for high intake efficiency and optimum power feel. The butterfly valve opens from the top toward the cylinder for optimum fuel atomization and throttle response.
• The main (downstream) injector is positioned so the fuel is injected into a high-flow airstream This supplies fuel to the combustion chamber quickly for quick, linear throttle response. The upstream secondary injector sprays fuel down the center of the intake duct, which enables better fuel atomization and allows more time for the mixture to cool before entering the combustion chamber.
• The dual, fine atomizing fuel injectors help deliver both instant throttle response and strong power throughout the rev range. The downstream injector provides smooth, instant response while the upstream injector provides the power boost. As rpm and throttle position increase, primary operation switches from the downstream injector to the upstream injector. In lower gears (first and second) the switch is gradual, while in higher gears it is instantaneous.
• 44mm throttle body is compact to shave weight and provides easy starting, sharp throttle response, stable fuel delivery over jumps and whoops, and automatically compensates for changing atmospheric conditions.

• Airbox design maximizes the potential of the dual injectors and features a slide-in air filter that is secured with quick-release hooks for easy filter maintenance. The air filter is dome shaped to offer a large filtering area to help reduce intake resistance as the filter collects dust during a race.

Resonator Exhaust
• Center-port exhaust allows header pipe to exit the center of the cylinder head and travel through the frame cradle to help keep the overall engine profile narrow. This also allows the exhaust system to be positioned further forward to help centralize mass.
• A flat-shaped exhaust resonator chamber, which effectively increases exhaust pipe length and reduces exhaust noise, is tucked inward to avoid interference with the rider’s leg. The position also contributes to an easy reach to the ground, .which is especially helpful on the starting line.

Coned Disc-spring Hydraulic Clutch
• Kawasaki’s hydraulic clutch offers more direct feel and lighter lever action. Less play as the clutch heats up during heavy use results in a more consistent feel.
• The clutch uses a single coned disc spring instead of five coiled springs for light clutch actuation when the lever is pulled and a wide clutch engagement range that helps the rider control the clutch.
• The friction plates also have offset segments to promote clean separation of the discs to help reduce drag when the clutch is disengaged.

Electric Start
• Provides the convenience of quick and easy push-button engine starting.
• Powered by a lightweight, compact lithium-ion battery that helps keep weight gain to a minimum.
• Automatic centrifugal compression release system on the exhaust cam lifts one exhaust valve to facilitate starting. The system’s simple construction is light weight and highly reliable
• NOTE: Only use Lithium-ion specific battery charger to help prevent fatal battery damage.

ELECTRONICS
Power Modes
Riders can quickly and easily switch between Normal and Aggressive engine mapping in the ECU by using the Mode button on the left handlebar.
• Aggressive mode provides a sharper throttle response.
• Each map can be fine-tuned using one’s smartphone with

RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX.
Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC)
• Using the Traction button on the left handlebar pod, riders can quickly and easily select between Weak and Strong levels of traction control to suit conditions and rider preference. The system can also be turned off.
• Monitoring engine speed, the ECU senses rpm spikes when rear wheel speed increases too quickly and retards ignition timing to enhance traction.

Launch Control Mode
• Similar to the system used on the Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit Kawasaki factory racers, Launch Control allows riders to activate a separate engine map designed to assist them get holeshots by pressing the Mode and KTRC buttons simultaneously.
• The Launch Control Mode uses dedicated KTRC, ignition and fuel maps to help riders maximize traction and increase the chance of getting a good start.
• Launch Control Mode has the greatest effect within the first few seconds of releasing the clutch off the start – the most crucial time to get ahead of rivals for better positioning going into the first corner.
• The system automatically disengages when the transmission is shifted into third gear, switching back to the selected Power Mode.

Smartphone Connectivity
Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX,” riders are able to access and adjust their bike’s engine maps. Functionality (adjusting fuel and ignition timing) is similar to that offered by the accessory KX FI Calibration Kit used with previous models. Maintenance and setup logs are
also available.
*RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX is not intended for use during vehicle operation. Only use RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX when the vehicle is not being operated and it is safe to do so.
• A communication unit mounted to the left rear frame rail enables riders to connect to their bike wirelessly. No accessory equipment is needed.
• A number of functions are available.
– KX FI Calibration: using the app’s six-by-six grid interface, fuel volume and ignition timing of the bike’s two original maps can be fine-tuned to suit conditions and/or preference via the smartphone.
– Engine Monitoring: while the engine is running, features like engine rpm, throttle angle, engine intake pressure, coolant temperature, air temperature, and ignition offset can be viewed from the smartphone.
– Maintenance Log: memo-style maintenance logs can be recorded.
– Setup Log: memo-style setup notes can be recorded.

Lightweight Aluminum Perimeter Frame(KP)
The frame delivers a high level of both light, nimble handling and a composed character.
• Optimized torsional rigidity provides excellent front end feel when cornering in a wide range of track conditions for consistent cornering performance, plus great composure under acceleration and braking for fast lap times.
• A high level of mass centralization contributes to the nimble handling feeling.
• The rear engine mounting brackets are made of aluminum and complement the steel front engine mounting brackets to help provide both nimble handling and straight-line stability.
• Composed of a combination of forged, extruded and cast parts, for strength and minimal weight.
• The engine is used as a stressed member, contributing to the frame’s rigidity balance.
• Swingarm delivers the rigidity to match the frame, and contributes to rear wheel traction.
• Chassis balance and settings are all set to suit race-experienced riders.
• Design emphasis on providing maximum traction under acceleration. Specific chassis dimensions and design (reinforcing ribs, swingarm pivot, output shaft, linkage mounts and rear axle) are placed to prevent chassis squat and improve traction.

RACE-READY SUSPENSION
Showa suspension components have fine-tuned settings (internal valving and oil level) to match the frame for superb bump absorption performance and traction.

Showa Coil-Spring Fork
• High-performance 49mm inverted coil-spring fork has smooth action throughout the fork stroke.
• The large-diameter inner tubes allow large 25mm damping pistons to be used so a firm damping force can be achieved with a lower internal pressure. This allows firmer damping performance and increased riding comfort.
• Kashima Coat creates a hard, low-friction surface on the inside of the fork outer tubes to help prevent wear abrasion and keep the sliding surfaces smooth for a long time. The lubricating material in the coating contributes to smoother suspension action, especially at the initial part of the stroke, and a better ride feel.
• Fork settings match the frame rigidity, contribute to bump absorption performance and help maximize traction.

New Uni-Trak® Rear Suspension
• Showa shock complements the Showa fork.
• Dual compression adjustability allows high speed and low-speed damping to be tuned separately.
• Shock settings match the frame rigidity balance to help maximize traction.
• The inside of the shock reservoir has friction reducing Kashima Coat for smooth suspension action.

CHASSIS
Brakes/Tires
• Oversized semi-floating 270mm petal front brake disc provides superb stopping power.
• Front master cylinder provides superb initial control while contributing to overall braking performance feedback.
• Rear disc diameter is 240mm to optimize performance and contribute to controllability.

Slim, Adjustable Ergonomics
• With its highly-acclaimed slim ergonomics, the KX250’s bodywork offers a smooth rider interface. The shrouds, side covers and rear fender are firm and designed to eliminate hooking points with the rider’s boots and knees for easier movement.
• Quick-release side cover can be removed without tools for easy air filter maintenance.
• Medium-compound ODI Lock-On grips are comfortable, provide excellent feel, and the screw-type fastening system greatly simplifies changing grips.
• The top of the fuel tank is low so the seat is flat for freedom of movement and sliding forward on the motorcycle.
• Bodywork features long, smooth surfaces and a flat tank-seat line designed to facilitate rider movement and control.

ERGO-FIT® Components
• Upper triple clamp provides two mounting positions for the reversible handlebar clamps so that the handlebars can be set in one of four positions with a 35mm range of adjustment.
• Equipped with 1-1/8 inch Renthal aluminum Fatbar handlebar that helps reduce vibration and shocks transmitted to the rider. The bend helps make it easy for riders to weight the front wheel.
• The footpeg brackets can be mounted in two positions, allowing the rider to change footpegs height by 5mm.

Factory-style Details
• Green plastic number plates and air box emulate the factory racers look.

CHASSIS
• Gold finish on the oil filler, flywheel nut cap and timing inspection cap plus green highlights on the suspension adjusters contribute to factory looks.
• Black wheels, triple clamps, and cylinder head covers complement Kawasaki’s racing lime green color.
• Lightweight magnesium clutch, generator and cylinder head covers
• Optional parts available through Kawasaki dealers include front and rear sprockets, stiffer or softer fork and shock springs and graphic-free shrouds ready for custom graphics.

2026 Kawasaki KX250 – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $8,999 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ TBA CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ TBA (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Engine Type 4-Stroke, Liquid Cooled, DOHC, 4-Valve, Single
Displacement 249cc
Bore & Stroke 78.0 x 52.2mm
Compression Ratio 14.0:1
Fuel System DFI® with Keihin 44mm Throttle Body & Dual Injectors
Ignition Digital DC CDI
Transmission 5-Speed
Rake/Trail 27.0°/4.6 in. / 27.5°/4.8 (KX250X) in.
Front Wheel Travel 12.0 in.
Rear Wheel Travel 12.1 in.
Front Tire Size 80/100-21
Rear Tire Size 110/90-19 / 110/100-18 (KX250X)
Front Suspension 49mm Inverted, Coilspring Fork with Adjustable Compression and
Rebound Damping
Rear Suspension Uni-Trak® w/ Adjustable Preload, Adjustable Dual-range (Low/High Speed)
Compression Damping, Adjustable Rebound Damping
Wheelbase 58.5 in.
Front Brake Type Semi-Floating 270mm Disc
Rear Brake Type 240mm Disc
Fuel Tank Capacity 1.64 gal.
Ground Clearance 13.4 / 13.0 (KX250X) in.
Seat Height 37.6 / 37.2 (KX250X) in.
Weight Without Fuel 230.9 / 233.3 (KX250X) lb.
Curb Weight= 240.8 / 243.2 (KX250X) lb.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Ask about Kawasaki’s Team Green amateur rider support program.
(KP) = See Kaw-Pedia section for more details.
* = Changes from previous model year.
❖ = Does not include all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, fuel and tool kit (if supplied).
= = Includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90% of capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).

2026 Kawasaki KX250 – Totalmotorcycle.com  Canadian Specifications/Technical Details

POWER

PERFORMANCE

DETAILS

*Curb weight includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
**Estimated dry weight does not include all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).

KAWASAKI CARES: Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and proper apparel. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Read Owner’s Manual and all on-product warnings. Professional rider shown on a closed course. 2020 Canadian Kawasaki Motors, Inc.

Specifications subject to change.

2026 Kawasaki KX250 – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details

TBA

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).