Motocross Bikes

2021Kawasaki KX250

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The 2021 Kawasaki KX250 is a competitive 250cc motocross machine engineered for intermediate to advanced riders seeking aggressive performance on the track. Its potent single-cylinder four-stroke engine delivers strong mid-range power and responsive handling, making it an excellent choice for riders progressing through amateur racing classes and looking to maximize their competitive potential.

Capacity: 249.0 ccm
Engine: Single, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 102.7 kg
Seat height: 947 mm
Power: 48.0 HP (35.3 kW)

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What’s new for the 2021 Kawasaki KX250

vs the 2020

Spec	2020	2021
Torque	25.6 Nm (2.6 kgf-m or 18.9 ft.lbs) @ 9600 RPM	24.9 Nm (2.5 kgf-m or 18.4 ft.lbs) @ 9400 RPM
Dry weight	100.2 kg (220.9 pounds)	102.7 kg (226.4 pounds)
Wet weight	104.8 kg (231.0 pounds)	107.3 kg (236.6 pounds)

Other years 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail97%

Cornering85%

City riding5%

Daily riding5%

Touring5%

Two-up0%

Track90%

Best for: Built purely for closed-course motocross racing and aggressive off-road riding, not for transportation or general road use.
Built for: Sharp, flickable, and eager to change direction, with a stiff perimeter aluminum frame and race-tuned suspension geometry that favor jumps, berms, and rapid transitions over comfort.
Not ideal for: This is not the bike for commuting, highway travel, carrying a passenger, or riders wanting a plush, low-maintenance, easygoing ride.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 947mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will not reach the ground comfortably on the 2021 Kawasaki KX250, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at over 900 mm — Sky High →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 249.0 ccm
Power: 48.0 HP (35.3 kW)
Torque: 24.9 Nm (2.5 kgf-m) @ 9400 RPM
Engine type: Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.4674 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 78.0 x 52.2 mm
Compression: 14.1:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: CDI
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, semi‑dry sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multi-disc, hydraulic
Sprockets: 13/48 (front/rear)
Chain size: 520

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1486 mm
Overall length: 2172 mm
Overall width: 820 mm
Overall height: 1270 mm
Seat height: 947 mm
Dry weight: 102.7 kg
Wet weight: 107.3 kg
Fuel capacity: 6.40 litres
Ground clearance: 320 mm
Oil capacity: 0.80 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Aluminum perimeter
Front suspension: 48mm inverted telescopic coil spring fork with 23-way compression damping and 20-way rebound damping
Rear suspension: Uni-Trak with adjustable dual-range (2 turns high speed / 19-way low-speed) compression damping, adjustable 22-way rebound damping and fully adjustable spring preload
Front wheel travel: 315 mm
Rear wheel travel: 315 mm
Rake (fork angle): 28.6°
Trail: 130 mm
Fork tube size: 47 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. Petal disc with dual-piston caliper
Front brakes diameter: 270 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Petal disc with single-piston caliper
Rear brakes diameter: 240 mm
Front tyre: 80/100-21
Rear tyre: 100/90-19
Brake fluid: DOT 4

Other

Color options: Lime Green
Comments: Launch control. Torque is a rear-wheel dyno figure.

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1990	1997	2004	2020	2021	2027
Capacity	249 cc	249 cc	249 cc	249 cc	249 cc	249 cc
Dry weight	97 kg	97 kg	97 kg	100 kg	103 kg	105 kg
Seat height	960 mm	963 mm	963 mm	947 mm	947 mm	955 mm
Fuel capacity	8.5 L	8.5 L	8.4 L	6.4 L	6.4 L	6.2 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Rider Reviews

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MotorcycleDB

The 2021 Kawasaki KX250 is a powerful and capable motocross bike that delivers exceptional performance on the track. With a 249cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke engine, it offers impressive power and torque for tackling challenging terrain and high-speed straightaways. The lightweight chassis and adjustable suspension make it easy to maneuver and control, giving riders the confidence to push their limits and take on any obstacle. The KX250 also features advanced technology such as electric start and a hydraulic clutch, enhancing its overall usability and comfort. Whether you're a seasoned racer or a recreational rider, the 2021 Kawasaki KX250 is a top contender in the competitive motocross market, delivering an exhilarating riding experience.

In summary, the 2021 Kawasaki KX250 is a top-of-the-line motocross bike that offers impressive power, agility, and advanced features. With its high-performance engine, adjustable suspension, and modern technology, it's a great choice for riders looking to take their motocross game to the next level. Whether you're hitting the track for competition or enjoying off-road adventures, the KX250 delivers the reliability and performance that Kawasaki is known for. If you're in the market for a competitive motocross bike that offers an exhilarating ride, the 2021 Kawasaki KX250 is a solid choice.

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