Motocross · Four stroke

Kawasaki KX250F

Kawasaki's 250 four stroke motocross bike through 2020, renamed the KX250 from 2021. A strong, revvy engine and the cheapest of the Japanese 250Fs used. Sold in Australia from 2004 to 2020, 17 model years.

Add my KX250F to the GarageShop parts for this bike

About the Kawasaki KX250F

The KX250F was a class winner for years. The 2017 onwards bikes with the new engine and frame are quick, stable and reliable, and the 2020 model was the last one with the F on the shrouds before Kawasaki renamed it the KX250 and added electric start and a hydraulic clutch for 2021. Used, it is often the cheapest 250F in the class.

It suits a junior stepping up, a clubman on a budget, or anyone who wants a 250F that costs less to buy. It is not as torquey as a YZ250F and not as light as a KTM 250 SX F, but it is a very capable, very reliable race bike.

What changed by year

2011 to 2016
Fuel injected, kick start, with a Showa SFF fork on the later years. Reliable and cheap.
2017 to 2020
New engine and frame, spring fork, more top end. The best of the KX250F years.
2021 onwards (as KX250)
Renamed KX250 with electric start, a hydraulic clutch and a revised engine. A different page on this site covers it.

Servicing a KX250F

A 250F on the limiter wants oil every 5 to 8 hours, filter every second change. It takes just under a litre with a filter and a 10W 40 full synthetic. Check the sight glass before every ride because a hot 250F drinks a little.

Air filter every ride. Check the valves at the interval in the table and any time the bike gets hard to start hot. Plan on a piston around 40 to 50 hours for a race bike.

Engine hours between jobs: the schedule the Digital Garage tracks for this bike, based on the manual. Racers and hard riders go sooner, as above. Ride in sand or mud and halve the engine ones.

JobEvery
Air filter clean and re-oil3h
Chain clean, lube and adjust3h
Engine oil change8h
Oil filter replace8h
Spoke tension check8h
Fastener torque check8h
Valve clearance check15h
Cables and throttle lube15h
Air boot and intake seal check20h
Spark plug replace25h
Rear brake pads25h
Silencer repack30h
Linkage bearings grease30h
Tyres inspect / replace30h
Tubes and rim locks30h
Top end inspect (piston, rings, cylinder)40h
Clutch plates inspect40h
Chain slider, guide and roller40h
Fork service (oil and seals)40h
Front brake pads40h
Grips inspect / replace40h
Fuel filter / in-tank screen45h
Chain and sprockets replace60h
Shock service60h
Swingarm bearings grease60h
Steering head bearings grease60h
Wheel bearings inspect60h
Radiator, hoses and clamps60h
Cam chain and tensioner inspect80h
Carburettor / throttle body clean80h
Brake discs inspect80h
Wiring and connectors80h
Bottom end inspect / rebuild100h
Water pump seal and impeller100h

Parts that fit a KX250F

Everything that fits a KX250F →

Buying a used Kawasaki KX250F

Ask about hours, the last piston and the last valve check. Make sure it starts easily hot and cold (it is kick start only). Check the clutch for slip and the frame around the footpeg mounts and subframe for crash damage. Pull the seat and look at the airbox.

Recent sold prices are on the Marketplace page linked below.

Used Kawasaki KX250Fs for sale

2 listed on the MWMX Marketplace right now.

All Kawasaki KX250Fs for sale and recent sold prices →

Kawasaki KX250F known issues

Kawasaki KX250F questions

What is the difference between a KX250F and a KX250?
The KX250F is the bike up to 2020. From 2021 it was renamed KX250 and got electric start and a hydraulic clutch.
How often should I change the oil in a KX250F?
Every 5 to 8 hours if it is raced, with a filter every second change.
Is the KX250F a good first race bike?
Yes. It is forgiving, reliable and usually the cheapest 250F on the used market.
Does the KX250F have electric start?
No. Electric start arrived with the renamed KX250 in 2021.

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