20.5 Nm (2.1 kgf-m or 15.1 ft.lbs) @ 7000. Borrowing notes from the KX line and Kawasakis racing heritage, this 2019 street legal, dual purpose motorcycle is designed to cut through the busy traffic of an inner city or climb up a back trail to see the city from a more beautiful view. 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 is bound to meet. Smooth acceleration and strong torque can power you through rugged terrain. The KLX250 is available in two colorways: green ($5,399) and camo ($5,599). CN. "Mr. Totalmotorcycle". For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. When the KLX250 returned for the 2018 model year after a four-year break, we had to throw a leg over the returning dual sport. Copyright 2023 Cycle World. The KLX also has a low 34.8-inch seat height and short 54.3-inch wheelbase. What the KLX250 offers is still a new-rider-friendly mount that borrows from the KX line for dirt capability with long suspension travel, high ground clearance, and large-diameter tires, but this has a slightly-shorter-than-dirt-bike seat height at 35 inches. In the case of the camo KLX (which will be the title of my next detective novel), the uh paint scheme, as it were, will hide a lot of signs of abuse anyway. Kawasaki covers your new ride with a 12-month limited warranty. Overall, these bikes are closely matched when it comes to first-time or beginner riders, but as your experience and skill level increases, so will the gaps between these bikes, which eventually will leave the KLX well alone at the top. Two years ago, we compared the WR250R with the KLX250 and CRF250L. The addition of luggage or cargo does complicate things a bittheres only so much you can do with a 250. A vestigial flyscreen provides some protection for the fully digital instrument cluster but little else, and since there's no windshield either, no matter what kind of weather you have, you're going to get all of it. Specifications. PERIMETER FRAMEFeatures:From the steering head, two upper frame tubes sweep around the sides of the cylinder head to the Uni-Trak shock mount then down to the swingarm pivot. Further, its slim design makes it easy to maneuver down both dirt roads and through the urban jungle. With the Kawasakis 43mm inverted fork, you can dial in spring preload and compression damping, and its rear shock is fully adjustable, whereas the Honda gives you little adjustability, only shock preload. Add to Cart. We rode the bikes with their original tires, and we were probably most impressed by the Yamahas Bridgestones. The Kawasaki KLX250 returns with updated styling and improved performance influenced by the KX line and Kawasakis racing heritage. filters, maintenance tools. Extensive testing under actual operating conditions finalizes the timing map. The Honda has the advantage in the braking department. The shock linkage decreases leverage on the shock as the suspension is compressed. The bottom line? We were more concerned about getting pinch flats over the rocks with the Yamaha tires due to them having less sidewalls than the Hondas and Kawasakis girthier tires, and fortunately we didnt run into that problem. And not only all this, but its also a looker! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Rider: Fish. Buying a bike starts at Bikez Get a list of related motorbikes before you buy this Kawasaki. The KLX isnt newit hit the US market way back in 2006 but had been absent from the US since 2014. Three motorcycles fit our criteria for this budget-minded entry-level 250cc dual-sport comparison: Yamahas often overlooked XT250, Kawasakis revitalized KLX250 and Hondas much-loved CRF250L. Compared to the Honda and Yamaha, the KLXs suspension does a better job soaking up the bumps and doesnt run out of wheel travel nearly as soon as the Honda or Yamaha. Give me at least 3 gallons of gas and screw lock-nut adjusters that dont need parts to adjust, and they could have had me. 2 gallon tank, expensive to maintain shim under bucket valve system AND radiators to smash? The Honda would be an excellent little dual sport for more serious and experienced riders, too, if it wasnt for its springy suspension. Moving aft, a tall fuel tank dominates the upper lines ahead of a steep drop to the bench seat. Small bumps are damped very lightly and big bumps get lots of damping.Benefits:Uni-Trak with its single shock and spring offers a smoother ride with more comfort, better steering and high speed handling control. CityBike's resident V-Twin expert. The result is excellent fuel economy and, combined with power and torque when the rider demands it. Also, look for fluid that is made for the shock. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, Honda gives you a whole other motorcycle option in the $6299 CRF250L Rally, but thats crossing into an entirely different realm of riding. Technical specifications are subject to change without notice. Kawasaki KLX250S discussion group. Period. (You can read our 2018 250cc dual-sport shootout here.). property of the respective owners. It was, and still is, a much more capable motorcycle of the three when ridden aggressively over rough terrain. The engine runs smoothly and powerfully from idle to top speed. An Octane Media, LLC Publication. Sure, the CRF is $200 less than the plain green KLX and has optional ABS, which isnt available on the Kawi. The track was very slick and []. In the final spurt of the 2019 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK), the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team is off to South America. Shit. An Octane Media, LLC Publication. Owner and Founder of Total Motorcycle. I know! 2019 KLX250 CAMO, 2019 20.6 Nm (2.1 kgf-m or 15.2 ft.lbs) @ 7000. All rights reserved. But the KLX is now fuel injected, and youll piss away the $200 (and probably a lot more) you saved buying the Honda on making the suspension functional (unless youre Pedrosa), meaning the KLXs adjustable suspension (with cartridge fork!) Not the case with the KLX: loose gravel, mud, hard-packed dirt, even dust covered roller rocks are all managed with minimal drama. One of the key modifications was comprehensive upgrades to the suspension, thanks to Race Tech, because the stock suspension is, as Fish says, easily overwhelmed. Translation: it sucks, unless youre Shayna Texter-sized. on Inspiration Friday: Backcountry Discovery Routes, on Teams arrive in Argentina to tackle second MotoGP of 2023, on Dominant Round one: 2023 FIM EnduroGP World Championship, on Hare and Hound Murphy Idaho & US Hard Enduro Grinding Stone Results, on AMA Mototrials Championship Center Hill Florida at Promise Ranch, on Zendure Announces BO Motorsports Moto3 Sponsorship, on Endurance Action at Bugatti Circuit at Le Mans this week, on Incredible 2023 FIM EnduroGP World Championship Begins in Italy, on Worlds oldest race International Six Days Enduro in San Juan, on Polaris Xchange Powersports Marketplace Launches, Another One-Two for Caricasulo and Krummenacher in Jerez, BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team eager to fight for front positions again in Argentina, NEPG Muddobbers Enduro & 2-Stroke World Championship Results, Inspiration Friday: Allure & temptation of Ducatis Darkness Tour, Inspiration Friday: Outrageous Lightning Bolt USA 2023. In application, the FI makes the KLX250 much easier to start than in the past, especially first thing in the morning. Up on the bars, the switchgear lacks the rounded edges of the Hondas, and seem slightly less robust in design and action. Stopping to not only kill the motor, but turn the ignition off and back on again, seemed to allow it to readjust. Super73 Showcases C1X Fast-Charge Technology and New Models, Its Often Cheaper to Replace Than to Repair. Bridgestone Trail Wing TW-301, 120/80-18 in. High Tensile Steel Perimeter Frame(KP) The frame is built up of box-section and tubular high-tensile steel. The 26.5 steering head angle and 56.3 inch wheelbase contribute to quick handling. The incredible frame rigidity contributes to excellent straight line ability. An aluminum, D-section swingarm completes the bones with a light but strong construction meant to help minimize unsprung weight at the rear wheel. It pumps out 250cc-like power and handles exceptionally well. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. So, better looks, better ride and better performance in a market that hasn't been glutted with KLX250 models for a few years. The cartridge-type front stems don't get the full spectrum of adjustments, but they do carry the 16-position compression-damping feature and provide a supple ride with 10 inches of travel up front and 9.1 inches out back. We chose this engine displacement because of its versatility and popularity, as it is a good all-around engine size for both experienced and non-experienced riders. Copyright 2023 Steahly Products, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Bikez Still, theres absolutely nothing to complain about in the road manners department. You are making a difference to millions of riders worldwide. Yes, it bottoms easily, but the XT does a great job providing a comfortable, well-balanced ride up until then. The KLX250 is available in two colorways: green ($5,399) and camo ($5,599). We had no mechanical issues with any of the bikes. It is a relatively lightweight dual sport which can be used both on and off road. A big strike against the Yamaha when it comes to first-time riders is its tall 36.6-inch seat height. Depending on how its ridden, I think you can expect anywhere from 90 to 120-130 miles per tank. They both have water-cooled DOHC four-valve engines, six-speed transmissions, inverted forks and have similar chassis dimensions in wheelbase, seat height and wheel travel, whereas the Yamaha has an air-cooled SOHC two-valve engine with a five-speed gearbox, conventional forks, a shorter wheelbase, shorter seat height and less wheel travel. Established in 1984. Teams arrive in Argentina to tackle second MotoGP of 2023, Dominant Round one: 2023 FIM EnduroGP World Championship, Hare and Hound Murphy Idaho & US Hard Enduro Grinding Stone Results, AMA Mototrials Championship Center Hill Florida at Promise Ranch, Zendure Announces BO Motorsports Moto3 Sponsorship, Endurance Action at Bugatti Circuit at Le Mans this week, Incredible 2023 FIM EnduroGP World Championship Begins in Italy, Worlds oldest race International Six Days Enduro in San Juan, Polaris Xchange Powersports Marketplace Launches, 2023 AMA U.S. Hard Enduro Series at Grinding Stone Arizona, Impressive AMA National Hare & Hound Championship result sees champion emerge, MXGP of Sardinia a grueling test of skill and endurance, on Another One-Two for Caricasulo and Krummenacher in Jerez, on BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team eager to fight for front positions again in Argentina, on NEPG Muddobbers Enduro & 2-Stroke World Championship Results, on Inspiration Friday: Allure & temptation of Ducatis Darkness Tour, on Inspiration Friday: Outrageous Lightning Bolt USA 2023. on 2024 Can-Am Motorcycles: Faster than a Bank Run! Engine. Engine size is nearly exact with a mere 0.6 cc advantage to Honda, but the rest is more or less samey-same across the board from the one-lung layout to the water-cooling and six-speed gearbox. **Curb weight includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied). It allows the use of closer tolerances and leaner carburetion for better fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions. The KLX has all the power needed to drag me up most any incline that I can stay on the bike for. Im not much of a dirt rider. The California-spec WR250R IS 1.9 gallons and the non-rally CRF250L is 2.1 (Rally is 2.7). click. Established in 1984. property of the respective owners. Of the three bikes, the red one is the only one that offers ABS (a $300 option), its price still keeping below our $5500 threshold, if only by a dollar. The differences just arent material in day-to-day riding, but none of these bikes are underpowered. The Honda wasnt as quick to adapt to the thinner air. The process involves bonding steel and molybdenum particles to the cylinder wall for a porous finish that conducts heat like a boss and retains oil far better than even a fresh cross-hatch finish. All the Japanese 250 dual-sports have pretty small tanks. It wont throw copious roost and wheelie on power alone, but the counterbalanced single is tractable and smooth throughout its rev range, delivering friendly and useful power that lets you concentrate on controlling the bike rather than your right hand. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. 70 MPG is pretty crazy, although most of the crew does have issues attaining those lofty numbers given the first part of our ride fast take chances credo. 249cc DOHC fuel-injected four-stroke engine of the KLX250 motorcycle delivers smooth, responsive power and offers easy starting and consistent performance. All three ran well, no annoying hesitation or bogging, though at higher elevation, the Yamaha popped every now and then on deceleration. Smooth acceleration and strong torque can power you through rugged terrain. Oversquare, the plant runs a 72 mm bore with a 61.2 mm stroke, and that brings us to another bit of Kawi's yummy-goodness: Electrofusion. Rides a ridiculously hopped-up FXR or Buell Ulysses. I ran into issues with the CRF250L in this area, as the underdamped rear suspension reacted to my inputs with wheel hop instead of wheelspin. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'totalmotorcycle_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_4',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-totalmotorcycle_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');Digital Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI)(KP) Digital ECU precisely controls timing, no matter how fast the RPM changes. Easy starts and reliability under extreme conditions. Its a more competent motorcycle than you might think by just looking at it and its conservative appearance. The Honda and Yamaha share the same MSRP at $5199, though the Hondas ABS-fitted option (which we tested) checks in at $5499. Read Owners Manual and all on-product warnings. Model may not be exactly as shown. The independent moto-journalism your mother warned you about. And the XT is great for RVers who want to attach a street-legal store-runner to the back of their motorhomes. Both Fish and I have added aftermarket tanks to our 250LsI used an IMS tank, and he used a Camel Tank, which is kinda ingenious. My father bestowed upon me an expression about selling motorcycles: It doesnt matter what wrong seat or wrong bars are on the bike when you sell it. This rings especially true for dirt bikes, where the first mods are often an upgraded seat and handlebars with a different bend. No extra fuel is wasted, nor is the engine forced to run too lean. All rights reserved. At least the color is the same). Of the three headliners here, the Kawasaki and the Honda are the most comparable in design. Sure, it doesnt set anyones hair on fire with eyeball-flattening acceleration, but the old adage fast enough to get into trouble applies. Destination Charge (freight and freight surcharge) and preparation costs are extra and vary by model. Invalid fields exist in below form. Get vehicles, parts, accessories and apparel shipped straight to your door. The KLX is quick enough to outrun most cars in low speed urban environments, agile enough to slice between obstacles both moving and stationary, and cheap as hell to insure. . Inspiration Friday: Backcountry Discovery Routes, 43 mm inverted telescopic fork with 16-way compression adjustment, Uni-Trak with adjustable preload, 16-way compression and rebound damping adjustment, New fuel injection system for easier starting at all elevations, improved fuel economy and maximum performance for everyday commuting, Exceptional ground clearance for tackling off-road obstacles, Adjustable front and rear suspension for a customized ride, Low seat height and ergonomics contribute to rider confidence and comfort. Comes to first-time riders is its tall 36.6-inch seat height and short 54.3-inch wheelbase and, combined power! 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