Kawasaki has introduced an all-new KX250F for 2017, in line with the broad range of updates introduced on the KX450F motorcycle last year. The 2017 model offers a more powerful engine, a significantly lighter chassis, and slimmer ergonomics, making this new model the most capable KX250F motorcycle to date.

MotoOnline.com.au had our chance to sample the newest quarter-litre contender on track at Ride Park this week during Kawasaki Motor Australia’s media launch, albeit on a custom-built circuit at the Victorian venue quickly constructed after rain hit the region prior to our test ride.

The first noticeable change to the MY17 Kawasaki KX250F is the bodywork. Kawasaki updated the look of its MX2 machine to bring it in line with the KX450F. Although the bikes look very similar, it should be noted that the two bikes are not exactly identical. The KX250F shroud design features a more refined and polished shape compared to the KX450F, which was updated for 2016.

Image: Jeff Crow.

The updated plastics is not the only thing Kawasaki did for 2017 in terms of looks and ergos, they actually shaped the new design around an all-new frame and made crucial updates to the overall feel of the bike. Kawasaki dropped the fuel tank down by 20mm, lowering the centre of gravity to improve handling and flattening out the cockpit of the bike at the same time. On top of this, the seat height is also actually 5mm lower than the previous model.

This move by Kawasaki was a great option in my opinion. The previous models did tend to have that ‘lounge chair’ feel to them as the seat dipped a little too low for my liking. Being a taller rider I enjoy a flatter seat and more legroom between that and the footpegs. The KX250F now feels completely different, I’m totally comfortable in the seated position and the ability to add even more legroom with the adjustable foot pegs is awesome.

In previous years I would drop the pegs down to the lowest setting immediately in order to feel comfortable, in 2017 though, I was able to leave them in the standard position and start spinning laps. Another obvious advantage to this updated design is the lowered centre of gravity, which improves the handling of the bike and allows it to corner on a dime. The Kawasaki engineers really hit it out of the park with this updated design.

Another huge update within the chassis and bodywork area is the width of the bike. Kawasaki shaved off a total of 6mm between your legs in order to provide a more nimble feeling machine and save weight at the same time. Kawasaki removed the width between your knees, yet they maintained the same width as the previous model down at your ankles so you can still grip the bike well with your boots.

Image: Jeff Crow.

The combination of the updated plastics, new tank design that has gone up from 6.1L in volume to 6.4L, flatter seat and thinner feel between your legs is awesome. If you’re familiar with the previous KX250F models, throw that out the door and prepare for a completely new experience. As I said, in previous years I always struggled with the ergos of this bike, but for 2017 it’s a completely different animal and I now have no complaints at all in stock trim.

As I touched on earlier, Kawasaki also focused on weight saving for MY17 and managed to shave off a considerable amount for the new model. The 2017 KX250F now weighs in at 104.5kg, shaving a huge 1.6kg off of the bike – that’s massive! The result? Combined with the updated ergos, this bike feels super small and maneuverable, yet doesn’t feel too small or cramped for a rider of my size. It’s right there in that sweet spot.

For 2017 the engine package has also been revised to offer improved power across the entire rev range and it has an almost 1.5 horsepower increase. In previous years the KX250F engine has been one of the best performers in class and in 2017 it’s even better. The engine has been redesigned with an offset cylinder layout for more efficient power. The engine now features a lighter bridged-box bottom piston, a downdraft-style intake layout with new injector angle and a new downstream injector with twice as many holes, finer fuel droplets and a wider angle.

Image: Jeff Crow.

These updates, combined with a new 43mm throttle body, provide an increase in power, especially in the low-to-mid area and much sharper response. The Kawasaki KX250F has always excelled at higher revs and I personally felt it lacked slightly in the low-to-mid region. For 2017 that has been completely cured, the bike now pulls very strong from the bottom to the top thanks to the revised engine design.

In addition to the updated engine package, Kawasaki has also maintained popular pre-existing features. Introduced for 2016, the launch control system remains for 2017 to ensure you get a great jump out of the gate. In addition, the three engine couplers (standard, hard and soft) are also featured with the optional KX FI Calibration Kit available for purchase from your local Kawasaki dealer for more detailed mapping changes.

The 2017 Kawasaki KX250F features the Showa SFF Type 2 fork with works-style internal construction that locates its damping assembly in the left fork tube and a spring in the right. To compliment the updated frame, the setting has been made firmer in the fork for 2017, while the rear end of the bike has actually gone slightly softer. The rear also sits 5mm lower for 2017 and features the same swingarm as the KX450F.

Initially using the stock suspension settings, the 2017 KX250F felt quite good in the sandy conditions on offer. Although after riding an identical bike with settings suited to National Pump Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Jake Moss, I quickly had Kawasaki engineers do the same to my dedicated bike for the day. Moss had the rear of his bike set slightly stiffer than the stock setting, which allowed it to hold up in the stroke and stay a lot more setting in corners.

Image: Jeff Crow.

Although this setting worked quite well in the conditions on offer, it may be a different story when it comes to a more hard and choppy circuit. But for the situation on the day, adding more pre-load in the rear worked a treat. Overall the suspension package is great, it feels very balanced and is definitely an improvement over the previous model. It suits the updated frame design and weight of the bike perfectly.

Overall the 2017 Kawasaki KX250F is one awesome machine, each and every update has been well thought out and executed perfectly. Even down to the all-new in-mold graphics, Kawasaki has thought of every detail when it came to the creation of their latest and greatest 250cc four-stroke.

The 2017 Kawasaki KX250F will be available at your local dealer late July 2016 at a recommended retail price of $10,499. For more details and dealer locations, head to www.kawasaki.com.au.