2022 Kawasaki KX250 Dyno Test

Horsepower and torque figures on Team Green’s 250 four-stroke motocross bike.

After a full revamp in 2021, Kawasaki’s KX250 returned for 2022 with new radiator shroud graphics. We also learned that minor changes were made to the engine for durability purposes. As a part of the testing process for our 2022 250F Motocross Shootout, we ran Team Green’s 250cc four-stroke motocross bike on our in-house dyno, where it spun 39.5 hp at 13,700 rpm and 18.5 pound-feet of torque at 9,700 rpm. Of the seven 250 four-stroke motocross bikes in 2022, the KX250 ties the GasGas MC 250F for third in peak horsepower and ranks fourth in maximum torque.

Although not the most powerful on the Dirt Rider dyno or our seat-of-the-pants dyno, the quarter-liter Kawasaki engine boasts a lively character and revs quickly. Test rider Michael Wicker commented, “Even with the aggressive white EFI coupler, the KX250′s power delivery remains very linear and smooth. If Kawasaki could increase the bike’s overall power just a little more, you would easily have a top finisher in the 250F class.” So perhaps if some power-focused engine modifications are in store for next year’s model, the green machine will rise in the rankings of Dirt Rider’s 2023 250F Motocross Shootout.

2022 Kawasaki KX250 Dyno Chart.Robert Martin Jr.

2022 Kawasaki KX250 Engine Specifications

Engine Type: DOHC, liquid-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement: 249cc
Bore x Stroke: 78.0 x 52.2mm
Compression Ratio: 14.1:1
Fuel Delivery: Electronic fuel injection w/ 44mm throttle body