Words by: Chris Pomeroy
Photos by: Ryne Swanberg
When I received the call to travel to the Pacific Northwest of the USA to test ride the all-new 2025 KX250 and KX250X, there was zero hesitation on my part to say “Yes”. The test ride was at the iconic Washougal MX Park, a longtime stop in the Pro Motocross Championships. Over the years there has been a plethora of exciting racing moments that we’ve all been able to enjoy from Washougal. Last year, Haiden Deegan went full beast mode in the 250 class, in 2013 local hero Ryan Villopoto thrilled his hometown fans with a big win, and my personal favourite, Damon Bradshaw’s famous switchback section pass in 1996. This is a track that I’ve never been to so, heading out there to test ride these two new green machines seemed like a great idea, and within a blink of an eye my gear bag was packed.
With Washougal MX Park being on the west coast, my flight there connected through San Francisco before finally landing in Portland, Oregon. From there, we headed east to our host hotel, the beautiful Skamania Lodge. This multi-functional resort hotel sits on the banks of the Columbia River, and features activities like zip-lining, hiking, as well as a nine hole golf course. Given the unmistakable landscape of the Pacific Northwest, this hotel was the perfect place to host the media for the launch of this new bike from Kawasaki. The two day media launch was split in half, with day one consisting of riding the 2025 KX250, while day two was mostly about test riding the 2025 KX250X in the surrounding trails at Washougal MX. Although, with a limited amount of KX250X models at our disposal, the media were encouraged to ride some more laps on the MX track on day two as well. The conditions at the iconic Washougal MX Park for both days of riding were excellent, with sunny skies and temperatures reaching 20c. The track did start out both days a little slick as plenty of water was put down by the track crew. This made the early laps a little tricky as Washougal is known for having multiple shady sections that the sun just isn’t able to reach with the tall pines trees that outline most parts of the track. However, after the bikes took to the track, it didn’t take long for the conditions to improve, and in no time the slippery sections had plenty of traction. In my opinion, the Washougal circuit was an excellent place to test ride a brand new motorcycle, as the surface remained mostly smooth, and the ruts didn’t get too intimidating. Sometimes these test tracks simply get too challenging and as a test rider you get consumed with trying to navigate the conditions, rather than paying attention to what the bike is doing. Anyway, the conditions ended up being near perfect, and all of the media raved about how the track turned out.
Heading into 2025, the goal was simple when it came to the KX250 platform. Kawasaki wanted to take an already proven model and make it overall better, and with a more modern feel. Last year, they went in a similar direction with the KX450 model, and it worked very well. Kawasaki’s KX250 platform has been extremely successful over the years, with a multitude of wins and championships in both SX and MX. Even in Canada, fans were able to watch the young Team Green sensation Drew Adams come so close to winning the Triple Crown Series 250 championship aboard his KX250. So, even though most people feel that “if something isn’t broke than why try and fix it?”, the engineers at Kawasaki didn’t think that way when it came to the 2025 model. They’re thinking was more like, let’s take something that has been great for us, and make it even better. With changes to the chassis, engine, and airbox, that is exactly what Kawasaki has done for 2025 and their popular KX250 model. Below is a brief summary of the changes for 2025, as well as an excerpt from the official KX250 press release outlining some detailed changes:
- NEW Engine tuning
- NEW Cylinder head
- NEW Straight exhaust port and center exhaust
- NEW Smartphone connectivity
- NEW Handlebar-mounted traction control switch
- NEW Lightweight aluminum perimeter frame
- NEW ODI Lock-On grips
- NEW Easy-to-remove side cover
- NEW Slim ergonomic bodywork
- NEW KTRC and riding modes
The Kawasaki KX250 underwent a significant redesign for 2025, aimed at enhancing its performance across various sectors. Engineers, seasoned with involvement in multiple World Superbike Championships, worked hard to craft the intake and exhaust systems to boost low to mid-range power delivery. A finger-follower valve train helps minimize friction loss and a downdraft-style intake tract contributes to increased power output.
The heart of the engine of the KX250, the piston, underwent a thorough redesign to optimize combustion efficiency. A flatter crown accommodates a narrower valve angle and slightly reduces compression, while slight adjustments to piston rigidity balance further help refine its performance. The piston design features the same bridged-box bottom design that the factory team uses. A short skirt, reinforced external ribs and fully flush internal bracing make the piston lighter and stronger.
New symmetrically aligned intake and exhaust ports increase intake and exhaust flow efficiency for increased power output and low to mid-range power feel. The intake cam was raised 10mm to allow for a more downdraft intake for greater intake efficiency, and the valve angle is one degree narrower. The downdraft-style intake routing now features a slightly steeper 34-degree approach angle for a straighter method of entry for intake air, enhancing the cylinder filling efficiency and directly impacting power. Combined with the revised cylinder head shape, which was made to suit the new symmetrical cylinder head, the overall low-end engine power was increased. The finger-follower valve actuation reduces the valve train mass compared to tappet-style actuation and reduces friction at the cam lobe. DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating on the followers helps prevent wear, and the camshaft lobes have a chromium nitride coating for increased durability. A special valve seat material helps prevent wear on the titanium valves. A new airbox design maximizes the potential of the dual injectors. It features a dome-shaped air filter that slides in and out of mounting grooves and is secured with quick-release hooks for easier filter maintenance.
Obviously, there was a lot of anticipation to swing a leg over the new 2025 KX250 and hit the Washougal MX track for the first time. Like its larger sibling, the KX450, I have always enjoyed riding the Kawasaki MX line-up, as it has been a very rider friendly platform. As mentioned above, during the early laps on the Washougal MX track, the surface was slippery and the dirt was a tad clumpy in certain spots. This forced me to be cautious and alert for the first 20 minutes or so as I navigated around this famous track. However, those early laps also allowed me to get a solid feel for the new and improved 2025 KX250 chassis, and it worked while I rode around in a slower and more neutral position. Unlike the older generation chassis, which always made me feel like I were sitting a little down in the bike, this new chassis has the rider sitting more on top of the bike, and in a more aggressive and ‘in control’ position. This was the exact same feeling I got from the 2024 KX450 as last year that model also received a new chassis. It is interesting to note however, that although both the new KX250 and KX450 have a new frame, the frames are slightly different and carry different part numbers. As far as I could find, the steering head angle on the new KX250 is slightly less than on the new generation KX450. Overall, it was a good idea for Kawasaki to not change the steering head angle too much on the new KX250, as it simply didn’t need that drastic of a change. The new chassis changes on the 2025 KX250 has given the bike a more planted front end feel going into the corners, without losing any of the class leading stability, something that the KX250 has also been famous for. Another noticeable change that I noticed during the first test session at Washougal MX, was the new Showa front forks and rear shock that now grace the new KX250. For years, the KX250 has come with KYB Suspension, so this is a big change in direction for this model. Now, both the KX250 and models come with Showa Suspension, front and back. Finally, another change that really stood out, even as I sat on the new KX250 for the first time, was the all new ‘Ergo Fit’, complete with new rad shrouds and side number plates. Not only do they look great, but they’re also functional. No more catching your boots, or struggling to grip the bike properly with your legs. The 2025 KX250 not only had a new modern feel, but also a new modern look.
As the Washougal MX track broke in and dried out a little bit, the pace of riding quickened, and with the steep elevation changes, it was time to test out how the power was on this new bike. For 2025, the changes made to the air intake and certain engine components were made to give this bike a little more punch off the bottom end. This is certainly a welcomed change as most of the new 250 four-strokes have gone to a more “high revving” type power. Don’t get me wrong, 250’s are meant to be ridden in the upper range of the power curve, but, as a rider, regardless of your skill level, you still want and need a good amount of bottom end as you transition through the power. Kawasaki was definitely successful with the engine characteristics of the new KX250 as the added torque allowed me to easily roll through the turns at Washoughal and not have to be so precise with shifting and being in the proper gear. Once through the turn, this new KX250 pulled well through the mid part of the power and up into the upper range. Also, with new Rideology KX App and Power Mode Selection button, riders have access to two different map settings that can be easily changed. On this ride day we had access to a standard map that gave our bike a wider power range, and also a more aggressive map that gave our bike a little more ‘pop’ down low. I tried both, but in the end I settled on the standard map provided, as it seemed to free up the engine more. However, with this new Rideology KX App, you can make up any type of map setting you want. The only thing you have to remember is that regardless of what map you have set as the standard map, the other map will always just be a more aggressive version of that particular map. Finally, with the Washougal MX track being on the slippery side, I tried each of the new three traction control function settings that this new bike comes with. It worked well, however, with the standard map setting, as well as the added bottom end to this new KX250 engine, I felt that I didn’t need the traction control as the amount of traction I could get with the rear wheel was easily controlled with the throttle. Overall, this new 250 engine lacked a tiny bit of top end that last year’s model had, but overall, I liked this version better as the power was more usable, making the bike much easier to ride.
Apart from the engine characteristics, air intake, and ergonomics, the biggest changes on the 2025 KX250 are with regard to the chassis and suspension. As we mentioned above, the new Showa forks and rear shock come sprung a little heavier than past models, and since I’m not a 160 lbs kid, I like this from Kawasaki. The forks had great hold up during the ride, and at 105mm of sag, the new rear shock helped to keep the power to the ground, and worked in great unison with the new chassis to make the bike feel balanced. I ended up going two clicks stiffer on the front forks just for a bit of extra hold up on the steep Washougal MX descents. As pointed out above, over the past few years the KX250 has been a very successful bike, that could be counted on to be one of the most predictable handling bikes on the track. So, there is always a little uncertainty when going to an entirely new chassis. However, this new chassis is a winner in my opinion as it still feels as stable as the older generation frame but, now allows the 2025 KX250 to feel lighter (even though it’s three pounds heavier), more planted on corner entry, as well as a little more nimble in the air. The controls also feel better on this new bike, as like the new KX450, this new KX250 has ditched the old black hand chewing grips in favour of softer, more comfortable ODI Lock-On Grips. Finally, despite all of these changes for 2025, Kawasaki has not altered the overall adjustability of their KX models. Like the KX450, this new KX250 remains the most adjustable bike in its class with four different variations of handlebar mounts, as well as foot pegs that can be either raised or run in the standard position. This makes the 2025 KX perfect for riders of all sizes.
Overall, I had a great day of riding at the Washoughal MX Park, and liked all of the changes made to the 2025 KX250. As mentioned above, most of day two was spent on the trails riding the new KX250X. For all of you off-road riders out there, this versatile bike comes with all of the changes that the KX250 has for 2025, it just has an 18 inch rear tire and softer suspension settings. A few of the lighter test riders even rode the X-Model on the motocross track, and thought that it worked great. The trails surrounding the Washougal MX track featured everything from single track through the forest, complete with steep elevation changes, to fire roads, to a fun wide open grass turn track. The conditions were dry and loose, and traction was hard to come by. However, despite the challenging conditions, the new KX250X worked great and was a pleasure to ride. The softer suspension settings allowed the bike to soak up all of the small rocks and undulating terrain. The new chassis also worked well on the tight trails as overall these two new KX250’s turn much better than the older generation models.
So, as you can tell I had a great time in the Pacific Northwest, and would like to thank Canadian Kawasaki, as well as Kawasaki USA for this incredible opportunity. My time spent riding these new 2025 KX250’s was amazing, and all of the changes definitely blended together to help make both the KX250 and KX250X a lot of fun to ride. To me, the KX250 has always been a great bike for the masses. Meaning, it’s always been predictable, a joy to ride, and while it may not have done anything great, it certainly didn’t do anything bad. However, for 2025, the changes made, have improved this model quite substantially, bringing it into potentially the overall 250 in its class. Look for the 2025 KX250 to not only continue its success on the track, but also renew the feeling of excitement among riders.
For any questions about either the 2025 KX250 or 2025 KX250X, please email us at editor@mxpmag as our test rider Chris Pomeroy would be more than happy to answer any inquires you may have. Also, for more information on both of these new bikes, please visit www.kawasaki.ca.
