Comments: 1-15, 16-18
Fork seals blew in the first 3 months.
I had to replace them every 2 - 3 months after as well.
I rebuilt the motor after 2 seasons and discovered that the cylinder was worn out. I later saw in a mag that the KX 250 was infamous for bad cylinders. Replacement cost was $550, plus the cost of the piston, rings, gaskets, etc.
I purchased this motocross bike brand new and loved everything about it. The power, layout, and handling were all excellent.
After two seasons on it, with only four or five races run, I decided to rebuild the motor as a preventative measure. I discover that the cylinder walls had worn out, which I later learned is common with this year of KX 250's. The dealers would not warranty this.
Worst brakes in the class.
My dealer was however very helpful with setup, and regular maintenance.
My last Honda CR 125 lasted for 4 years with nothing major going wrong with it. I worked on this bike to keep it running all the time.
Motocross bikes, such as your KX250, are higher maintenance than say a 4 stroke trail bike such as an XR250. It is not uncommon for 2 stroke motocross riders to have to do the top end twice in a year, depending on how hard and often they ride.
The cylinders can be re-plated at Eric Gorr. If you check your top end before it self destructs, there will be less damage and cost to do the top end. I believe it is unrealistic to expect a motocross bike top end to last longer than a year if it is being ridden hard or raced.
My 1997 KX250 is a great bike. I've had it for two years and it's still kickin like a mule. It never fouls any plugs. I'm a 17 year old kid with no job, so I ride every day for a couple of hours. Never have any problems and it is still faster than all my friend's bikes.
I've rode KX250s for the last eleven years, getting a new one every two years. I have never had any trouble with them and no one else should either if they are serviced.
The only thing I can think of is to keep an eye on the spokes and the rear sprocket bolts; they tend to come loose.
Run good brand oil at the recommended ratio and the bike will love you in return.
I have a 1997 KX 250, and after a year it still runs like a top.
The only thing I've seen wrong with them is the fork seals and the rear spokes. I've had to change the forks 4 months after I got it, but if you you use gear saver oil for the bottom end and good two stoke oil it will scream. I've noticed the best oil is two stroke marine oil, like some Evenrude, because boat motors run hotter than motorcycles.
I am 25, and I have a 1986 kx 250, and it runs good. It's 21 year old, and the only problem it ever had is the kick start lever breaking.
It's very fast, has great acceleration, lots of power, and never had engine problems.
The only thing I don’t like is starting the beast; it takes forever to start; it’s a work out.
Overall a great bike.
I have owned a 1997 KX250 for 2 years. It's been nothing but a handful of problems. If you know how to ride and you're fast, it's just too old and it's gonna keep on breaking.
I've had to replace the pistons and re-nickel the cylinder twice. I go through fork seals like they're nothing, and it has terrible brakes.
But regardless, it's still a power machine. It's very quick, but there's always something faster.
I have a 98 kx 250, and it seems like it's going slower than when I first got it?
Not sure about fork seals with that year, but just because they leak, doesn't mean you have to replace them. There are plenty of articles on the Internet about cleaning them out with film negative or other thin plastic items. Dirt packs up under the seal and it just needs to be swiped out. I had a 2000 KX500, and it had bad performing front brakes also. But nothing was faster... including the CR500.
I have a 1997 KX 250 and it is a beast; great bottom end, and wicked fast on top end. Hard to start and stop though.
Hi. I have owned the 97 kx250 for the past 6 months, and have never had a problem with it. When I go out, the boys at the track are really surprised on how it goes and handles. I'm very very happy with it.
My 1998 (2nd I've owned) ROCKS! The 1st one I had I never had any problems with. The current one was stored for a bit, so the fork seals may have dry rotted from lack of use, so I will have to replace them. The 98 motor was the best Kawasaki ever made (99 is a detuned 98), so I still recommend one to anyone looking to get a beast of a bike for cheap...
I own a 1993 KX250 and it is a very strong bike.
The only thing I don't like is the start (very cold). Other than that, it is very responsive and loaded with power. Good strong bike.
I bought a 97 KX250, and I am pretty new to MX. When I ride other bikes they don't seem to be as fast or handle as nice. I thought it was because the guy I bought it from was meticulous with his maintenance, but the more people that are impressed with my ride, and the more bikes I test, the only conclusion I can come up with is it must be the greatest bike ever made.
Hi, I own a 98 KX 250. It runs awesome; it's like a rocket, the best bike I've ever ownd..
Sucks to start though, but well worth the work out LOL.
Only thing I've had to do with it was new brake pads.
Hi, I've got a KX250 1998, and I'm wondering if anyone could help? My brakes are not working; the piston in the caliper seems to be sticking out, and is hard to push in, and the brake pads are a bit worn. What can I do any ideas to solve this problem?
Thanks.