Kawasaki KLX 250 motorcycles deliver serious on- and off-road riding performance that appeals to riders of various skill levels. These dual-purpose motorcycles boast a 249cc engine and provide a superior ride for confidently navigating through city streets or off-road trails.
The Kawasaki KLX 250 is the latest during a long line of dual-sport motorcycles, with the primary generation being released in 1979. Powered by a 249-cc liquid-cooled DOHC single producing 24 crank HP and 15 lb.-ft. of crank torque, the KLX250 is only 304 lbs wet weight, leading to a fun, tossable, agile Dual Sport.
To meet modern emission regulations, the KLX250 features a digitally controlled fuel injection system. As well, there’s a variant model of the KLX250 referred to as the Camo Edition, which replaces the quality green Kawasaki Racing paint scheme with a gray mottled camo.
KAWASAKI KLX 250 DESIGN
Though by definition a dual-sport is supposed to be nearly as capable on the road because it’s off, very similar to the Enduro class most of them look a lot more like a dirtbike than anything meant for the streets.
A 21-inch laced front wheel leads the way between USD cartridge forks with a triple tree-mount fender to manage the fling from the front hoop.
Fork guards protect the swept area of the fork tubes to prevent the seals from being chewed up by the road grime and grit that it’s bound to meet.
There’s a grab strap at the intended break between the rider’s and passenger’s area and a slight rise up the subframe to the rear of the seat, but otherwise, the rider is free to shift weight fore and aft on the seat for technical work.
KAWASAKI KLX 250 CHASSIS
With 10 inches of travel up front and 9.1 inches outback, there’s plenty for about the foremost aggressive riding on rough terrain but you ought to probably leave off the Jeremy McGrath-style jumps.
The frame is made with box-section members for the upper area of the perimeter frame with tubular members for the double-cradle, all out of high-tensile steel. An aluminum, D-section swingarm completes the bones with a light-weight but strong construction meant to assist minimize unsprung weight at the rear wheel.
Kawi’s own Uni-Trak system mounts one, coil-over, gas-charged shock with a 16-position compression- and rebound-damping adjuster on its remote-mount reservoir.
The cartridge-type front stems don’t get the complete spectrum of adjustments, but they are doing carry the 16-position compression-damping feature and supply a supple ride with 10 inches of travel up front and 9.1 inches outback.
That’s plenty for about the foremost aggressive riding on rough terrain but you ought to probably leave off the Jeremy McGrath-style jumps.
The suspension travel drives seat height up to a smooth 35-inches tall, tiptoe country for many, and too tall entirely for shorter riders, but that’s to be expected, especially with the 11.2 inches of ground clearance.
Steering geometry lists a 26.5-degree rake with 4.1-inches of the trail for crisp steering on or off the blacktop.
A single, 250 mm, petal-cut disc and twin-piston caliper slow the 21-inch front wheel, and a 240 mm disc and single-pot anchor slow the 18-inch rear, and therefore the factory keeps it simple with no ABS or other fancy gadgetry anywhere to be found. Just honest, raw feedback, and control.
| Frame Type: | Tubular, semi-double-cradle |
| Rake / Trail: | 26.5°/4.1 in |
| Front Suspension / Wheel Travel: | Telescopic fork/10.0 in |
| Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel: | Uni-Trak® swingarm/9.1 in |
| Front Tire: | 3.00-21 51P |
| Rear Tire: | 4.60-18 63P |
| Front Brakes: | Single disc |
| Rear Brakes: | Single disc |
KAWASAKI KLX 250 DRIVETRAIN
The electrofusion process bonds steel and molybdenum particles to the cylinder wall for a porous finish that conducts heat sort of a boss and retains oil much better than even a fresh cross-hatch finish.
Kawi’s 249 cc thumper makes its return within the 2018 Kawasaki KLX 250, but it ditched the old Keihin constant-velocity tomato can for an electronic fuel injection system that features a 10-hole nozzle meant to optimize atomization and flame-front propagation.
A DOHC times the four-valve head, and here we discover another Kawi nugget within the Automatic Compression Release that holds open a valve until the engine fires up. It’s a good thing too since the liquid-cooled engine tends to be a touch cold-blooded, even in moderate ambient air temperatures, because of its pair of high-capacity Denso radiators.
Over square, the plant runs a 72 mm bore with a 61.2 mm stroke, which brings us to a different little bit of Kawi’s yummy-goodness: Electrofusion. the method involves bonding steel and molybdenum particles to the cylinder wall for a porous finish that conducts heat sort of a boss and retains oil much better than even a fresh cross-hatch finish.
This replaces the heavy old cast-iron sleeves and is applied to the aluminum bore for considerable weight savings. All the innards come as light because the factory could get them to stay reciprocating mass and associated vibration to a minimum.
KAWASAKI KLX 250 COMPETITORS
Seems like everyone making dirtbikes is also in the dual-sport business as well, and this is certainly true for the Red Riders. Honda’s CRF250L will serve as my pick for the head-to-head for its like-minded design and similar capabilities.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF KEY FEATURES OF KLX250
EXCEPTIONAL POWER CONSISTENT PERFORMANCE
249cc DOHC fuel-injected four-stroke engine of the KLX®250 motorcycle delivers smooth, responsive power and offers easy starting and consistent performance. Get things started with the push of a button and enjoy the crisp, responsive power on the street or the trails. Smooth acceleration and strong torque can power you through rugged terrain.
UNPARALLELED VERSATILITY
ON AND OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY
Kawasaki KLX 250 motorcycles are among the most capable mid-size motorcycles in the dual-purpose category, featuring a light curb weight and ample ground clearance. With full-size wheels and tires, confidently tackle off-road trails, while also comfortably cruising the pavement with ease.
CAPABLE SUSPENSION
SUPERIOR RIDE
Kawasaki KLX 250 motorcycles can accommodate a wide range of riders thanks to adjustable Uni-Trak® rear suspension. Coupled with an adjustable long-travel telescopic USD front fork, the KLX250 line amounts to a superior ride even in challenging off-road terrain.
Easy to manage and fun to ride, the KLX250 proves to be the ultimate dual-purpose companion.
Kawasaki KLX 250 Camo Specification:
249cc FUEL-INJECTED FOUR-STROKE
ENGINE:
| Engine: | 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, DOHC, 4-valves, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement: | 249cc |
| Bore x Stroke: | 72.0 x 61.2mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel System: | DFI® with 34mm throttle body |
| Ignition: | Electric CDI |
| Transmission: | 6-speed, return shift |
| Final Drive: | Sealed chain |
Powered by a 249 cc liquid-cooled DOHC single producing 24 crank HP and 15 lb-ft of crank torque, the KLX250 is only 304 lbs wet weight, leading to a fun, tossable, agile Dual Sport. To meet modern emission regulations, the KLX250 has a digitally controlled fuel injection system.
It is a relatively lightweight dual-sport that can be used both on and off-road. Its 249 cc engine has a top speed of 85 mph.
PERFORMANCE:
| Front Suspension / Wheel Travel: | Telescopic fork/10.0 in |
| Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel: | Uni-Trak® swingarm/9.1 in |
| Front Tire: | 3.00-21 51P |
| Rear Tire: | 4.60-18 63P |
| Front Brakes: | Single disc |
DRIVETRAIN:
| Clutch: | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| Transmission: | 6-speed, return shift |
| Final Drive: | Sealed chain |
CHASSIS:
| Suspension Front: | Telescopic fork/10.0 in |
| Suspension Rear: | Uni-Trak® swingarm/9.1 in |
| Brakes Front; | Single Disc |
| Brakes Rear: | Single Disc |
| Tires Front: | 3.00-21 51P |
| Tires Rear: | 4.60-18 63P |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: | 7.5 L (2 US gal.) |
| Color: | Fragment Camo Gray |
ELECTRICAL:
| Ignition: | TCBI with digital advance |
| Headlight: | LED |
| Tail Light: | LED |
DIMENSIONS:
| Overall Length: | 86.6 in (2,200 mm) |
| Overall Width: | 32.3 in (820 mm) |
| Overall Height: | 47.4 in (1,200mm) |
| Wheelbase: | 56.3 in (1,430 mm) |
| Ground Clearance: | 11.2 in (285 mm) |
| Seat Height: | 35 in (890 mm) |
| Curb Weight: | 304 lbs (137 kg) |
DETAIL FEATURES:
| Frame Type: | Tubular, semi-double-cradle |
| Rake/Trail: | 26.5°/4.1 in |
| Rake / Trail: | 26.5°/4.1 in |
| Overall Length: | 86.6 in |
| Overall Width: | 32.3 in |
| Overall Height: | 47.4 in |
| Ground Clearance: | 11.2 in |
| Seat Height: | 35.0 in |
| Curb Weight: | 304.3 lb** |
| Fuel Capacity: | 2.0 gal |
| Wheelbase: | 56.3 in |
| Color Choices: | Lime Green |
| Warranty: | 12 Month Limited Warranty |
| Kawasaki Protection Plus™ (optional): | 12, 24, 36, or 48 months |
About the author: Michael Parrotte was the Vice President of AGV Helmets America, and a consultant for KBC Helmets, Vemar Helmets, Suomy Helmets, Marushin Helmets, KYT Helmets, Sparx Helmets. In addition, he is the founder and owner of AGV Sports Group.
