Dirt Bikes

2026 Kawasaki KX250 Technical Overview

Features and specifications of Kawasaki’s 250F motocross bike, and what’s new on it for 2026.

Updated: October 24, 2025

Kawasaki released its KX250 with no mechanical changes for 2026. However, updated radiator shroud graphics give the bike an all-new aesthetic, and professional race teams have spent the last year learning this latest 250F platform from Team Green. An extensive overhaul in 2025 was met with mixed reviews, as the new-generation model slipped from fifth place in Dirt Rider’s 2024 250F Motocross Bike Comparison Test to seventh place in 2025. No matter, as the KX250 remains an aftermarket darling with a wealth of industry support and returns for 2026 with even more potential. Read on to learn more about the 2026 Kawasaki KX250 and what you get for its $9099 MSRP.

Dirt Rider’s 2026 Kawasaki KX250 in its natural habitat: At the track! SoCal may not have major seasonal swings like the rest of the country, but the all-green motif of the KX250 looks great against any backdrop.Jeff Allen

The heart of any 250F motocross bike is its engine. Kawasaki’s fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke 249cc single-cylinder mill has a bore and stroke of 78.0 x 52.2mm. Mirroring the 2025 design, this latest-generation features a smoother and more linear power delivery.Jeff Allen

A five-speed transmission lays the power down, while a hydraulically actuated clutch engages with a Belleville spring for control. Well suited within the stock parameters, those who modify their bikes and increase performance may need to consult the aftermarket for more durable options. Hinson Racing sells both a Belleville spring with firmer tension as well as a five-spring complete conversion for the serious enthusiast.Jeff Allen

Kawasaki is ahead of the curve compared to other manufacturers with regard to sound compliance. This resonance chamber on the head pipe is one such example. However durable, the all-steel header is rather heavy: Purveyors like Pro Circuit provide exhaust systems that are not only performance-enhancers, but also lighter.Jeff Allen

A new center-port exhaust design in 2025 allowed engineers to move the muffler 50mm (2 inches) forward on the latest KX250s. While the prior generation (2021–2024) was defined by a distinct and raspy exhaust note, the 2025 and 2026 models are more welcoming on the ears. The aluminum can is also repackable.Jeff Allen

Smartphone connectivity is the latest and greatest for dirt bikes, and Kawasaki offers advanced technology with the KX250. This all-in-one button controls the engine stop (red), map selection (blue), Kawasaki Traction Control (green), and even Kawasaki Launch Control Mode functions. Rideology the App is a new feature for 2025 and 2026 KX250 models.Jeff Allen

Electric starting is both a modern-day convenience and advantage on track. The KX250 fires up at the push of a button located on the throttle (right) side of the handlebar.Jeff Allen

A Mitsuba starter motor is positioned on top of the engine cases. Electric starting has been standard on KX250s since model year 2021. Kawasaki’s hydraulic clutch line hovers right next to the assembly.Jeff Allen

The 2025 and 2026 KX250's shock is 32mm (approximately 1.25 inches) shorter due to a new intake design, though suspension travel remains similar. The Showa shock features spring preload, compression damping (both low- and high-speed), and rebound damping tunability. One flaw in the new design is that the rebound adjuster is located directly behind the linkage pullrod; adjustments are best done with the bike off a stand, sitting under its own weight for easier access.Jeff Allen

Like the 2024–2026 KX450, the 2025 and 2026 KX250’s aluminum frame has extra holes built in for alternative top engine mounts. Lots of testing time is devoted to minor details like this, as even the hole in the upper engine bracket can have an affect on chassis comfort and handling.Jeff Allen

The KX250 features Kawasaki’s Ergo-Fit technology. Handlebar mounts can be tailored between four optional positions and the pictured aluminum footpeg brackets can be changed to suit your inseam: Taller riders can relocate the brackets down 5mm (0.2 inch) for increased legroom.Jeff Allen

Stock footpegs clear mud easily and have been durable for us through entire race seasons. The silver paint will show general wear and tear, but the cleats have wide spacing and are grippy.Jeff Allen

Dunlop Geomax MX34 tires come standard on the KX250, with a 110/90-19 rear sizing. In my opinion, these are the best sneakers currently available on production machines.Jeff Allen

The 13/50 gearing comes stock on the KX250, accompanied by a 114-link chain. Adding a 116-link chain will lengthen the wheelbase, for those so inclined. The lower chain roller was replaced with an all-new plastic block in 2025 and is far more durable than the outgoing design.Jeff Allen

Nissin handles all the hydraulics on the KX250. In the rear, a single-piston caliper bites the Braking 240mm rotor. The caliper has a black plastic guard, but the rotor is exposed. Kawasaki sells a guard to match the top (part No. 14091-1523-6C). One will need a 32mm socket as well as 10mm and 12mm wrenches to adjust the chain.Jeff Allen

In the front, a Nissin dual-piston caliper grabs the Braking floating 270mm rotor. For maintenance, garage mechanics will need 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm hex bits for fork guard bolts, front brake pad pin and brake rotor bolts, and front brake caliper bolt removal. A 10mm and 22mm socket will remove the fork guard pinch bolts and axle nut.Jeff Allen

Gone are the three color-coded EFI couplers for engine tuning. On the left, this eight-pin connector is required for the combination map switch. On the right, Kawasaki equips all media bikes with an hourmeter/tachometer from day 1, which isn’t an OEM item but a worthy add-on that all new owners should invest in.Jeff Allen

Renthal Fatbar 839-bend handlebar and a Renthal bar pad cover the controls, while DeCal Works preprinted number plate backgrounds (EZ Series with Fuel Modified font) fit perfectly on the front and side number plates, and same goes for the arched front fender stickers. The cool blue and KX logo in the radiator shroud are sublimated into the plastic, and will not fade or peel like traditional stick-on graphics.Jeff Allen

Made-in-the-USA clamp-on grips from ODI are an important contact point on any machine. The gray and green half-waffle design is a premium addition to the KX250.Jeff Allen

The one and only change for 2026: blue hues!Jeff Allen

Available in dealerships now, the 2026 Kawasaki KX250 hits showrooms with an MSRP of $9,099.Jeff Allen

2026 Kawasaki KX250 Specs

MSRP:	$9099
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves
Displacement:	249cc
Bore x Stroke:	78.0 x 52.2mm
Compression Ratio:	14.0:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	5-speed/chain
Dirt Rider Measured Horsepower:	39.2 hp @ 12,700 rpm
Dirt Rider Measured Torque:	18.7 lb.-ft. @ 9100 rpm
Fuel System:	EFI w/ Keihin 44mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate; hydraulic actuation
Frame:	Aluminum perimeter
Front Suspension:	Showa 49mm coil-spring fork, compression damping and rebound damping adjustable; 12.0 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Showa shock, spring preload, high/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.1 in. travel
Front Brake:	Nissin 2-piston caliper, 270mm semi-floating disc
Rear Brake:	Nissin 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop Geomax MX34; 80/100-21 / 110/90-19
Rake/Trail:	27.0°/4.6 in.
Wheelbase:	58.5 in.
Ground Clearance:	13.4 in.
Dirt Rider Measured Seat Height:	37.6 in.
Fuel Capacity:	1.6 gal.
Dirt Rider Measured Wet Weight:	242 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	kawasaki.com