2008 Kawasaki KX250F
General Specifications
| Model | Kawasaki KX250F |
| Year | 2008 |
| Category | Motocross |
| Engine Type | 249 cc single-cylinder, four-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, liquid-cooled |
| Weight | Approximately 92 kg dry |
Engine
| Displacement | 249 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 77.0 x 53.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.5:1 |
| Fuel System | Keihin FCR 37 mm flat-slide carburettor | Replacement Options |
| Ignition | Digital CDI |
| Spark Plug | NGK CR8E |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.7-0.8 mm |
| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled |
| Starting System | Primary kick starter with automatic decompression |
Transmission
| Transmission | 5-speed constant-mesh, return shift |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc |
| Final Drive | Chain, 520 size |
Dimensions
| Overall Length | Approximately 2,160 mm |
| Overall Width | Approximately 820 mm |
| Overall Height | Approximately 1,270 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,469 mm |
| Ground Clearance | Approximately 372 mm |
| Seat Height | Approximately 960 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 7.2 L |
Chassis
Suspension
| Front Suspension | 47 mm Showa inverted twin-chamber cartridge fork, adjustable compression and rebound damping | Fork Oil Levels |
| Front Suspension Travel | 315 mm |
| Rear Suspension | Uni-Trak linkage with Showa gas-charged shock, adjustable spring preload, high/low-speed compression and rebound damping |
| Rear Suspension Travel | Approximately 310 mm |
| Fork Oil | Showa SS-05 or equivalent; 193 ml cylinder unit and 373 ±2.5 ml outer chamber per fork leg |
Brakes & Wheels
| Front Brake | Single 250 mm hydraulic petal disc, twin-piston caliper |
| Rear Brake | Single 240 mm hydraulic petal disc, single-piston caliper |
| Front Wheel Size | 21 x 1.60 in |
| Rear Wheel Size | 19 x 1.85 in |
Service Data
| Fuel Type | Premium unleaded petrol, minimum 90 AKI / approximately 95 RON |
| Premix Information | Not applicable - four-stroke engine with separate engine lubrication |
| Gearbox Oil | Engine and transmission share the same oil; SAE 10W-40 or 10W-50, API SG/SH/SJ/SL, JASO MA; total engine oil capacity approximately 1.5 L |
| Air Filter | Washable oiled polyurethane foam element |
| Service Notes | Competition four-stroke motocross engine. Change engine oil and oil filter at short race-service intervals and regularly inspect valve clearance, air filter, coolant, drive chain, brakes and suspension. |
2008 Kawasaki KX250F – Fine-Tuning a Proven Race Winner
The 2008 Kawasaki KX250F was a refinement of the successful 2007 model rather than a new generation. The basic 249 cc DOHC engine, aluminium perimeter frame and Showa suspension remained, but Kawasaki made a collection of detail changes aimed at improving reliability, shifting and handling.
The engine retained its 77.0 x 53.6 mm bore and stroke, 13.5:1 compression ratio and Keihin FCR 37 mm carburettor. The crankcases were strengthened around the crankshaft and transmission shafts, while a revised head gasket and heavier-duty kick-start ratchet improved durability. Gear dogs and the shift-lever position were also revised to reduce missed shifts. Owners maintaining the carburetted induction system can compare replacement carburettor options when original components are worn.
Kawasaki also changed the engine-mount arrangement to reduce chassis torsional rigidity and help the KX250F turn more easily. Showa suspension remained at both ends, but the fork received internal changes and the rear shock was revalved to alter the front-to-rear balance. Owners servicing the twin-chamber fork can use the MXOwners fork oil reference for oil information.
The result was an evolution rather than a revolution. The 2008 KX250F kept the strong high-rpm character and aluminium-frame platform introduced earlier in the generation while addressing several small weaknesses. For owners restoring or maintaining one today, the MXOwners Parts Finder can help when checking replacement components.
