It’s good to be back in the ADB long-termer fleet and for 2026, it’s my turn to be on Team Green. There were a few discussions about which bike in the ADB fleet was going to be offloaded into my hands and I’ve got to say, a 2026 Kawasaki KX250 was not on my bingo card. But damn, I’m excited to see what this bike is capable of. It’s been a very, very long time since I’ve had a green bike in my possession, and I based off the test ADB did two issues ago with this bike, I can’t wait to start ripping in.
First of all, this new ’26 bike looks pretty schmick in stock trim. The all-green colour scheme is eye-catching and I reckon, paired up with the black wheels, it looks mean. For loyal Kawi fans, there hasn’t been a lot of changes from the ’25 to the ’26 bikes, but for this old, retired guy, as I haven’t ridden one of these bikes for probably 10 years, everything is new and very different to what I’ve experienced in the past. The last time I rode one of these bikes, it didn’t even have electric start!
Now, I know this is a motocross weapon and I’m more of an off-road guy, but in all honesty, it has been years since I’ve had a motocross bike and I’m pretty excited to get to a moto track and see where this thing stacks up. And for those wondering why I couldn’t get the KX250X, I hear you. While Kawasaki do offer a KX250X ‘cross-country’ model with an 18-inch rear wheel, bigger tank and a few other off-road-specific parts, Kawasaki Australia only bring in a super small number of these X models. So as cool as it would have been to score one of those, it’s just not really an option for us.
With that being said, I am pumped to have this bike. I’ve only ridden it for an hour or so to get these first couple of photos and so far, I’m liking what I’m feeling. Sure, the Showa suspension feels firmer than I usually run, but that’s to be expected with a brand-new bike. I’m very happy to see a hydraulic clutch on this bike and overall, the entire package is super comfy to be on. As first impressions go, I’m quite impressed. I forgot what it was like to ride a motocross 250F and just how much they like to be revved, but hey, that’s all part of the process.
So, what’s in store for myself and the KX250? Well, I’ll be keen to do a few club days on it, as well as trying to sneak in a state round or maybe even bust it out in Vets at an AEC event but we’ll see. First point of call will be my loyal sponsors that always step up for these builds, and that usually includes the likes of Holeshot Graphics, UniFilter Australia and Link International, who do Motul oils, Pirelli tyres, RK chains, Polisport plastics and much more. Maybe try and get an aftermarket exhaust in there somewhere and we’ll see how the EFI mapping with the Kawasaki App plays out too.
Exciting times ahead for sure and hopefully, you’ll be seeing myself and my new green machine at a race nearby soon.
Can’t wait for the arm pump!
WARRANTY
N/A
DISTRIBUTOR
Kawasaki Motors Australia
SO FAR
TOTAL HOURS
4
MODS THIS MONTH
None
MODS NEXT MONTH
Holeshot Graphics, UniFilter Australia, Motul oils, Pirelli tyres, RK chains, Polisport plastics.
