Kawasaki KLX 250S

[BuilderBob]

I'm bitten by the off-road bug again. Last dirt bike was a KX125. Did some motocross events. Now I just want something that I can ride from my house to some of the trails. Don't want anything too big (had a KLX 400, too big for me).

The KLX 250S looks to be just right. Street legal, but with some real off-road chops. Price is very attractive as well.

Anyone?

 

[phil]

I'm bitten by the off-road bug again. Last dirt bike was a KX125. Did some motocross events. Now I just want something that I can ride from my house to some of the trails. Don't want anything too big (had a KLX 400, too big for me).

The KLX 250S looks to be just right. Street legal, but with some real off-road chops. Price is very attractive as well.

Anyone?

I've not ridden the KLX, but before you buy you might want to look at the new Yamaha XT250, which has a list price $400 below the Kaw. I have owned both brands (currently have a KLR650), and think the build quality is a little better on the Yamahas.

 

[evil_henchman]

Check out the KLX forum on Thumpertalk. A lot of guys like the 250s but to say it's got real off road chops is a bit of a streach IMHO. I will say that it does have the potential to be a much better off road bike after some mods though. I think bmwhd has one, you might shoot him a PM. If I get another dual sport it will be one of KTM's EXC models. As far as I'm concerned, only KTM and Husqvarna make dirt oriented dual sports but they ain't cheap. Which is why I don't have one right now.... <_<

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

And if your Yamaha dealer is a different dealer than your Kawi dealer and you are happy with your yamaha maintenance shop, there is reason to buy another yamaha...they have a new WR250F that looks really nice!

 

[BuilderBob]

I've not ridden the KLX, but before you buy you might want to look at the new Yamaha XT250, which has a list price $400 below the Kaw.

I looked at the XT. It seems to be more of a play bike than the KLX. Air-cooled, conventional forks. The KLX engine is derived from the KX motocross bike, albeit with less performance. It is liquid cooled, however, and has a more sophisticated suspension than the XT.

 

[BuilderBob]

And if your Yamaha dealer is a different dealer than your Kawi dealer and you are happy with your yamaha maintenance shop, there is reason to buy another yamaha...they have a new WR250F that looks really nice!

I've owned both Kawi and Yami MX bikes. Liked them both.

The WR is a closer comparison to the KLX than the XT. That said, the WR costs $1,000 more. My limited research yeilds no indication that the WR is a seriously better bike, but I will take your advice and look at it a little closer.

 

[evil_henchman]

That new WR250 dual sport from Yamaha a completely different bike than the off road WR250. The dual sport is in the TTR performance class and weighs a whopping 276 pounds. It's also a first generation fuel injection system so forget about bringing it to life with a simple uncorking and jetting change. Buyer beware says I...

The KLX engine is derived from the KX motocross bike

Ummm...oh never mind :lol:

A KLX suspension can indeed be made to be pretty sweet but is takes Race Tech valves and the correct springs. And even then you have no rebound adjustment on the forks but it's like night and day compared to stock.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

That new WR250 dual sport from Yamaha a completely different bike than the off road WR250. The dual sport is in the TTR performance class and weighs a whopping 276 pounds. It's also a first generation fuel injection system so forget about bringing it to life with a simple uncorking and jetting change. Buyer beware says I...

Bummer. Well Yamaha would make some sales if they made the WR450 a CA DS bike, not to mention bring in that TE660. Oh well.

I guess I'm stuck with my DRZ (and I have no problems with that )

 

[BuilderBob]

A KLX suspension can indeed be made to be pretty sweet but is takes Race Tech valves and the correct springs. And even then you have no rebound adjustment on the forks but it's like night and day compared to stock.

True, the KLX can benefit from a few mods. Engine and suspension performance can be increased by dumping money into the machine.

I'm not interested in MX caliber performance from a dual-sport, just reasonable off-road ability enhanced by trickle-down technology developed for the track.

To my eyes, it looks like either the KLX or the WR will do that. I just have to decide if the WR does it better to the tune of $1,000.

 

[BuilderBob]

I think I found my bike. It's the KTM 250XC-F.

https://www.ktmusa.com/250-XC-F.100173.20.h...Hash=3ecc6f5f80

Much lighter than either the Yamaha or the Kawasaki. Electric start. Pre-wired for lights (you have to purchase them separately).

Pricier than the Yami, but I think I'm in love.

 

[evil_henchman]

I think I found my bike. It's the KTM 250XC-F.
https://www.ktmusa.com/250-XC-F.100173.20.h...Hash=3ecc6f5f80

Much lighter than either the Yamaha or the Kawasaki. Electric start. Pre-wired for lights (you have to purchase them separately).

Pricier than the Yami, but I think I'm in love.

Wow what a turnaround, nice choice! :good:

Keep in mind the XCF is a 5 speed close ratio race bike though. You might want to consider the 250 XCF-W. The 6 speed wide ratio transmission with low low 1st and 2nd gears and a 6th that amounts to an overdrive is the envy of the industry....

 

[BuilderBob]

Keep in mind the XCF is a 5 speed close ratio race bike though. You might want to consider the 250 XCF-W. The 6 speed wide ratio transmission with low low 1st and 2nd gears and a 6th that amounts to an overdrive is the envy of the industry....

You're right. I must have looked at the specs wrong. I thought the W was a 5-speed as well. The W is my bike!

 

[bmwhd]

Keep in mind the XCF is a 5 speed close ratio race bike though. You might want to consider the 250 XCF-W. The 6 speed wide ratio transmission with low low 1st and 2nd gears and a 6th that amounts to an overdrive is the envy of the industry....

You're right. I must have looked at the specs wrong. I thought the W was a 5-speed as well. The W is my bike!

Reat 'till your eyes pop: https://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107591

Short version: Great little DS. Not enough power stock for most folks but easy to hop up.

 

[BuilderBob]

Reat 'till your eyes pop: https://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107591
Short version: Great little DS. Not enough power stock for most folks but easy to hop up.

I actually came across that thread when I was googling for info on the KLX. Good info.

I saw one in the flesh yesterday. It's BIG. The Kawi web site makes it seem smaller than it is.

My salesman (I've purchased 2 bikes through him in the past) steered me toward the KTM and that was that. Neither the Kawi or the Yami come close to having the credentials of the KTM.

Can you tell I'm smitten?