Kawasaki announces eagerly awaited 2017 KX250F
By Team TMX on 19th May 16
With a Team Green racing and customer programme that is underpinned by MX2 success, the incoming 2017 model year KX250F will be a major event for Kawasaki fans.
Building on the success of its four-stroke forebears, the latest quarter litre machine in the KXF line boasts some mouth-watering stand-out features including greater power, 1.7kg less weight plus many technical, engineering and styling updates that include – for the first time on a KX racer – "in-mould” graphics.
Now featuring downdraft style intake routing, the dual injector configuration is but one milestone along a road the leads to even greater engine and chassis performance for 2017. With more cylinder filling efficiency thanks to a better approach for the intake air, urge is increased in the low-mid range leading to improved response and quicker acceleration.
Featuring an even lighter design for the innovative bridge-box bottom piston, the power unit now also boasts an offset cylinder arrangement for increased mechanical efficiency that is shared with not just the KX450F but also high performance Kawasaki machines such as the Ninja ZX-10R and Supercharged Ninja H2.
Durability is a natural demand of all racers and, for 2017, the KX250F adds to its enviable reputation for reliability with a change to plateau cylinder honing and journal type bearings for the big-end of the connecting rod. In the case of the former, the honing technique improves cylinder wall surface finish and allows lubricant to collect to improve lubrication and reduce friction. And using journal instead of needle roller bearings on the big end is part of an overall philosophy aimed at further reducing mechanical losses.
Engine weight savings total 0.8kg while the chassis group saves nearly 1kg on the new machine while the Type 2 Showa Separate Function front fork and Uni-Trak rear suspension components boast revised settings, smooth action and improved ride feel. Narrower by 6mm, the new frame weighs 90g less than the current model thanks to a redesigned down tube while new swinging arm dimension features idealised wall thicknesses and a weight reduction of some 190g.
With the added convenience of 3 "plug and play” engine map options as standard and the highly rated KX Fi calibration kit as a genuine accessory, the 2017 model year is a logical and exciting progression for the KX250F dynasty according to the European Race Planning Manager for Kawasaki, Steve Guttridge:
"The 250cc class in motocross is extremely important and it's crucial for Kawasaki to have a competitive machine that appeals not just to factory and supported teams in the MXGP paddock but national and local racers as well as riders that choose a KX250F simply for fun. To tick all those boxes and have a machine capable of podium places is a tough ask but KHI have delivered a stand out package for 2017 and we are sure it will satisfy the hunger for success that riders of every level feel.”
