Kawasaki to Launch New KX250F and KX250FX on July 25, 2026: Enhanced Engine and Chassis Further Boost 250cc Class Combat Power

Kawasaki Motors Japan, Ltd. (Headquarters: Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture; President and Representative Director: Kenji Saeki) will launch the flagship models "KX250F" and "KX250FX" on July 25, 2026.

A 4-stroke 250cc off-road racer achieving higher-dimensional performance.

The KX design philosophy of "leading the rider to the top of the podium" continues to be upheld even half a century after its debut. The new KX250F was developed to pursue further competitiveness in the fiercely contested 250cc class.

Based on the significantly evolved engine and chassis of the 2025 model, feedback from the racing field was thoroughly analyzed. The power delivery, balancing ease of use with high output, has evolved to allow riders to maximize performance. With the introduction of 2-stroke KX models, the "F" designation has been readopted for the 4-stroke KX model. Output has been strengthened across the entire rev range through improvements to the combustion chamber and exhaust system, and optimization of FI settings achieves sharper, more linear throttle response. Furthermore, the adoption of a larger-capacity clutch enhances drive force transmission, balancing powerful acceleration with high controllability.

The chassis inherits light and nimble characteristics while front and rear suspension settings have been revised to improve road surface tracking. This supports stable riding even with changing conditions. Additionally, increased line choice freedom enables more aggressive, high-paced riding.

Styling has been refreshed, focusing on the front area, adopting a simple design that pursues functional beauty, highlighting the racing spirit characteristic of the KX series.

The new KX250F is a next-generation motocrosser that has evolved further, pursuing performance that makes a difference in races.

The KX250FX is based on the KX250F and equipped with practicality necessary for cross-country scenes. The combination of FX-specific suspension tuning, front 21-inch / rear 18-inch wheels, and enduro tires provides excellent traction and stable running on various surfaces encountered in enduro situations. A sealed chain, rear brake disc guard, and convenient side stand are also standard equipment.

■ Colors
・KX250F: Lime Green
・KX250FX: Lime Green

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price
■KX250F: 924,000 yen (Base price 840,000 yen, Consumption tax 84,000 yen)
■KX250FX: 946,000 yen (Base price 860,000 yen, Consumption tax 86,000 yen)

Planned Release Date: July 25, 2026
Dealers: Authorized Kawasaki dealers, Off-road entry shops

*Manufacturer's suggested retail price is a reference price including consumption tax.
*These models are subject to motorcycle recycling. The price includes motorcycle recycling fees.
*The KX250F and KX250FX are not permitted for use on public roads or general traffic areas.

■ KX250F / KX250FX Features and Main Changes from Previous Model

▼ Styling / Design
・Adopted new, flatter, simpler design for front number plate, fender, and fork guards
・New design with lightness and functional beauty contributes to mass centralization; changing the brake hose routing to the back side results in a cleaner-looking front number plate
・Front fender total length shortened by 30mm compared to previous model
・Compact fender optimizes (thins) wall thickness overall, achieving a 60g weight reduction
・Black rims with white lettering on the wheel rim side contribute to a racing appearance

▼ Chassis / Suspension
・Thoroughly analyzed feedback from Kawasaki's motocross race team; updated suspension settings to effectively utilize the increased engine power
・Front suspension: re-set cylinder internal pressure according to changes in compression and rebound damping characteristics, improving road surface tracking and shock absorption on rough terrain
・Revised valve shim specifications, ensuring supple action in the initial stroke and appropriate damping force from the mid-stroke onwards
・Rear suspension: completely overhauled preload, compression/rebound damping, and shim settings
・Achieves stable suspension operation from mid-stroke to full bottoming, suppressing excessive kickback from the rear

▼ Engine / Exhaust System
・Strengthened output across the entire rev range while balancing ease of use
・Pursues engine characteristics that are "truly fast on the track," balancing high-rpm extension with low-to-mid-range traction and emphasizing controllability
・Adoption of larger-capacity clutch stably maintains strong driving force under high engine load conditions such as starts, corner exits, hill climbs, and jump landings
・Achieved total weight reduction of 290g compared to the previous model through review of individual components
・Improved combustion chamber shape enhances combustion efficiency, increasing maximum output by 0.5kW and maximum torque by 0.3N·m
・Optimized FI settings achieve throttle response that is more faithful and direct to rider input
・Improved cooling system and auxiliary components; changed radiator hose routing from parallel to series layout, maintaining cooling performance while reducing parts around the radiator, contributing approximately 150g weight reduction
・Increased clutch spring load by 15%, suppressing clutch slip under high load, transmitting the improved engine output directly to the rear wheel for a more powerful acceleration feel
・Extended exhaust pipe total length by 88mm, contributing to improved low-rpm torque
・Laser welding adopted for the engine-side joint of the extended exhaust pipe, ensuring high joint strength and improved durability
・Adopted silencer shortened by 50mm and achieving 230g weight reduction, contributing to mass centralization and overall vehicle weight reduction
・Optimized spark arrester placement, improving exhaust efficiency and silencing performance

▼ Electrical
・Equipped with 2 types of power modes (Normal mode, Aggressive mode)