A more powerful and stiffly suspended KX250 than was available in past years.

By Cycle World StaffDecember 17, 2019
KX250 front right
2020 Kawasaki KX250Kawasaki

While the 2020 Kawasaki KX250 doesn’t look much different on the outside than the 2017–2019 models, it features a significantly changed engine, new suspension components, and a few other chassis upgrades. The heavily revised powerplant makes 3.8 more peak horsepower than the 2019 machine. It has, however, lost some of the low-end grunt that it had before, which makes fanning the clutch a necessity for maximum acceleration. The KX250’s lack of electric start wouldn’t be a big deal if the engine were easier to fire up, especially when hot.

KX250 left side
2020 Kawasaki KX250Kawasaki

The new KYB 48mm coil-spring fork and KYB shock share their spring rates with the KX450 and are set up on the stiff side. Both ends of the bike feel somewhat harsh at slower speeds—in braking bumps, for example—and lack comfort on all but the biggest-impact landings. “The suspension on the KX250 is a tad harsh,” tester Tanner Basso noted. “It’s not very plush over smaller bumps and lower-speed sections of the track.” All that said, the KX250 remains one of the better-handling bikes in its class due to its nimble and smaller overall feel on the track.

KX250 right side
2020 Kawasaki KX250Kawasaki

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Manufacturer Claimed Specifications

                                                                                                          
Price$7,799
EngineLiquid-cooled, DOHC, single-cylinder
Displacement249cc
Bore x Stroke78.0mm x 52.2mm
HorsepowerN/A
TorqueN/A
Transmission5-speed
Final DriveChain
Seat Height37.3 in.
Rake28.6°
Trail5.1 in.
Front Suspension48mm fully adjustable; 12.4-in. travel
Rear SuspensionFully adjustable; 12.2-in. travel
Front Tire80/100-21
Rear Tire100/90-19
Wheelbase58.3 in.
Fuel Capacity1.7 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight231 lb.

Cycle World Tested Specifications

                                              
Seat Height36.8 in.
Dry Weight233 lb.
Rear-Wheel Horsepower39.6 hp @ 12,500 rpm
Rear-Wheel Torque18.9 lb.-ft. @ 9,600 rpm
0–60 mphN/A
1/4-mileN/A
Braking 30–0 mphN/A
Braking 60–0 mphN/A