Kamax KMX 250MT Review After 3 Years – A Realistic Look at Performance, Reliability & Upgrades

If you're in the market for a reliable, affordable dirt bike that can handle trail riding, Motocross, and even Hard Enduro, the Kamax KMX 250MT might just be your next best friend. In this detailed 3-year, 100-hour Kamax KMX 250MT review, we’ll explore everything from engine performance to suspension, maintenance, and real-world upgrades. This isn’t just a test ride — it’s a deep dive into what it's like to own and ride a Chinese-made KTM-inspired dirt bike across multiple disciplines.

The Kamax KMX 250MT in Hard Enduro setup

Let’s break it down:

🛠️ Overview: What Is the Kamax KMX 250MT?

The Kamax KMX 250MT is a Chinese-built off-road motorcycle inspired by the KTM 250 EXC. It features a Loncin 224cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine, electric start, and a WP-style SCZ suspension system. Designed as an all-around trail and Enduro bike, it’s also surprisingly capable in Motocross and Hard Enduro settings with the right modifications.

📍 Key Specs:

• Engine: Loncin 224cc 2-stroke

• Suspension: SCZ (WP-style) front fork + rear shock

• Brakes: SZC hydraulic disc brakes

• Weight: ~123 kg (wet, stripped), ~133 kg (converted for Hard Enduro)

• Fuel Tank: 6.5L stock / 9L upgraded

• Tires: Stock CST MX tires, upgraded to Bridgestone Battlecross X40/E50

⚙️ Engine Performance & Modifications

The heart of the Kamax KMX 250MT is its Loncin-based 224cc two-stroke engine. Known for its reliability, this motor has been used in Yamaha DT models for years and offers solid mid-range power but lacks strong low-end torque — a common issue in lightweight two-strokes.

36 mm Smartcarb SC2

🔧 Performance Upgrades:

• Smartcarb SC2 Carburetor: Replaced the stock carburetor for easier tuning and improved throttle response.

• Boyesen Dual Stage Power Reed Valves: Added for better low-end torque, especially helpful in technical terrain.

• Reed Block Spacer (6mm): Currently testing to further enhance bottom-end pull.

• Flywheel Search Ongoing: Looking for a heavier flywheel or alternative to improve engine inertia.

Despite not being the most powerful 250 on the block, the engine delivers consistent performance across 100 hours of mixed-use riding, including trail rides, Enduro races, and extreme off-road conditions.

🔧 Maintenance & Longevity

One of the standout features of the Kamax KMX 250MT is its low-maintenance nature and exceptional reliability. Here’s what the owner did over 3 years:

✅ Regular Servicing:

• Air filter changes every ride

• Gear oil changes every 10–15 hours

• Greased linkage, steering stem, and other pivot points

• Spark plug replacement every 30–35 hours

🛡️ Parts Replacement Due to Wear/Abuse:

• Gearshift lever

• Rear brake lever

• Radiator (only bent, replaced as a precaution)

• Chain (upgraded to D.I.D O-ring chain twice)

• Front sprocket

• Rear sprocket (not worn out, upgraded to steel teeth)

❌ Rubber & Plastic Issues:

Some rubber components (e.g., air filter mounts, cable grommets) degraded due to harsh weather conditions, particularly in Thailand. These were replaced with higher-quality Twin Air filters and silicone parts.

💡 Tip: Always keep spare levers, tips, and small plastic parts on hand. While parts are available globally via Alibaba or Amazon, shipping delays can happen.

🧗‍♂️ Off-Road & Hard Enduro Setup

For serious off-road riding, the owner transformed the KMX 250MT into a Hard Enduro-ready machine with the following upgrades:

🛠️ Hard Enduro-Specific Upgrades:

• Mousse Insert Tires (no flats anymore!)

• Bridgestone Battlecross X40 front / E50 rear

• 140 wide rear tire for better grip

• Front Pull Strap / Rear Lift Strap

• Radiator Guards

• Disc Protectors (front & rear)

• Silencer & Pipe Protection

• One-Finger Easy-Pull Clutch Lever

• 9L Fuel Tank Upgrade

• 30mm Lower Seat

These changes significantly improved the bike’s durability and usability in technical terrain. The extra fuel capacity and lighter weight make it ideal for long trail rides and remote Enduro events.

🏁 Motocross & Supercross Experience

While not built specifically for track racing, the KMX 250MT holds up surprisingly well in Motocross and light Supercross environments.

🏎️ Track Performance Highlights:

• Good mid-range power delivery

• Responsive Smartcarb throttle

• Stable chassis at speed

• Works well if landing jumps cleanly

However, the SCZ suspension (a WP clone) is too stiff for aggressive Supercross landings without spring changes. The forks are bouncy on roots and rocks, which can fatigue the rider over time.

🛢️ Battery & Electric Start System

One of the biggest surprises was the electric starter system. It proved invaluable in tough situations:

• Used the starter motor to push through tight spots

• The battery survived an accidental 30-hour key-on period

• Restarted reliably after sitting for days

This makes the KMX 250MT a great choice for beginners or riders who want the convenience of electric starting without the hassle of kick-starting in muddy or steep terrain.

🧊 Cooling & Brake System

The cooling system handled high-intensity rides well, though the owner added radiator guards to prevent damage during crashes.

🚥 Brake Performance:

• SZC brand brakes with Nissin-level stopping power

• The front brake pads have lasted 100+ hours with minimal wear

• Excellent modulation and heat resistance

• Superior to the owner’s KX250F in terms of longevity

🛞 Suspension: Pros, Cons & Future Plans

The SCZ suspension is a clone of WP 48mm forks and is largely serviceable using WP parts. However, it requires some tuning for optimal performance.

⚖️ Fork Settings:

• Softest compression setting

• Oil levels adjusted

• Still too stiff for Hard Enduro

🛠️ Planned Upgrade:

• Softer WP-compatible springs for better compliance

• Improved damping for rocky terrain

The rear shock is fully adjustable (preload, high/low-speed compression, rebound), making it more versatile than many entry-level bikes.

🔄 Spare Parts Availability

One of the biggest concerns with Chinese bikes is spare parts availability. Fortunately, the Kamax KMX 250MT benefits from its KTM EXC-inspired design :

✅ Parts You Can Find Easily:

• Plastics (same as KTM EXC)

• Engine internals (via AliExpress)

• Suspension components (compatible with WP)

• Brakes (SZC parts available)

🛒 Where to Buy:

• Local motorcycle shops (for plastics)

• Online retailers (Amazon, eBay)

• Wholesale platforms (Alibaba, AliExpress)

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a stock of commonly broken parts like levers, tips, and small plastics so you’re never stuck waiting for international shipping.

🧍‍♂️ Weight Considerations

At 123 kg wet weight (stripped) and 133 kg converted for Hard Enduro, the KMX 250MT is noticeably heavier than comparable bikes like the KTM EXC-F 250 (approx. 118 kg for Hard Enduro).

📉 Impact of Weight:

• Fatigue from frequent tip-overs

• Less agility in tight terrain

• Feels sluggish compared to lighter bikes

That said, the added weight gives it more stability at speed and helps it feel planted in rough terrain.

💰 Price vs Value

The Kamax KMX 250MT was purchased for around $3,400, including shipping and import fees — roughly a third of the price of a new KTM or Husqvarna.

📈 Cost Comparison:

BIKE	PRICE	CONDITION	UPGRADES NEEDED
Kamax KMX 250MT	$3,400	Brand New	Minimal
KX250F (Used)	$4,760	6 Years Old, 30 hrs.	Chain, Sprockets, Seals, Bearings, Chain guides.

While the KX250F offers better performance, it came with higher costs and more repairs upfront. For someone looking to get into the sport affordably, the Kamax KMX 250MT offers exceptional value.

🆚 Kamax vs KTM vs Japanese Bikes

FEATURE	KAMAX KMX 250MT	KTM 250 EXC	HONDA CRF250L
Price	$	$$$	$$
Weight	Heavy	Light	Medium
Suspension	Decent (fully adjustable)	Premium	Mid-range
Engine	Reliable	High-performance	Mellow
Spares	Available online	Local shops, online	Local shops, online
Tech	Basic	Advanced	Basic
Ideal for	Trail, Enduro, MX	Racing, Extreme	Commuting, Trails

While the KMX 250MT may not match top-tier bikes in performance, it holds its own in reliability and affordability.

🧪 Final Thoughts After 100 Hours

After three years and 100 hours of abuse — including trail rides, mud races, and Hard Enduro — the Kamax KMX 250MT has proven itself to be:

• Extremely reliable

• Easy to maintain

• Highly customizable

• Affordable

Yes, it’s heavy. Yes, the suspension needs tweaking. And no, it won’t win any races. But if you're looking for a dependable, fun-to-ride, budget-friendly dirt bike, this one deserves a serious look.

🔚 Conclusion

The Kamax KMX 250MT isn’t perfect, but it’s perfectly good enough for most riders. Whether you're getting back into riding after decades away or just starting, this bike offers a compelling mix of performance, customization, and cost-efficiency.

It's not a race-winning machine, but it’s a workhorse that keeps going when others quit. If you're looking for a solid foundation for trail adventures or Enduro races, the KMX 250MT could be your ticket to endless dirt fun.

📣 Call to Action

Have you ridden the Kamax KMX 250MT? Share your experiences below!

🎥Watch the full Review on YouTube:

YouTube Review