Downgrade to a KLX...

[Willius]

I sold my '08 KLR650 a couple of weeks ago and bought a used red 2009 KLX250S with 600 miles on the clock this past weekend. I wouldn't call it a downgrade, per se, more like a riding style shift. Looking forward to doing some carb/exhaust work. Already pulled the airbox door off and like the sound, but I can tell it will need some carb modding soon. I don't like working on carbs... Yee Haw!!

[pterzian]

Congrats on the new motorcycle.  Lighter, was that your main reason for switching over? 

Phil

[Willius]

Congrats on the new motorcycle.  Lighter, was that your main reason for switching over? 

Phil

Yep. I found myself out on a trail on Manastash Ridge plum tuckered from lifting the KLR too many times. 

[anomad]

The KLeeneX 250 makes a handy trail bike. I am happy with it on the road too, as long as I don't have more than a few minutes of 55mph plus speed zones at a time. (I had an '07 KLR650 and sold it after trying to force myself to like it for a while)

Removing the backfire screen and keeping the airbox lid is what I did. If you generally ride at lower elevations you might get away with jetting changes. I'm happy with the stock pipe and low noise for the mixed use recreation areas I use.

Member TNC has recently done a lot of suspension work and is tickled. I have only changed my front springs and adjusted the rear preload. But now that my DRZ is operational and there is a little winter left I might go all out on the suspension.

[Willius]

The KLeeneX 250 makes a handy trail bike. I am happy with it on the road too, as long as I don't have more than a few minutes of 55mph plus speed zones at a time. (I had an '07 KLR650 and sold it after trying to force myself to like it for a while)

Removing the backfire screen and keeping the airbox lid is what I did. If you generally ride at lower elevations you might get away with jetting changes. I'm happy with the stock pipe and low noise for the mixed use recreation areas I use.

Member TNC has recently done a lot of suspension work and is tickled. I have only changed my front springs and adjusted the rear preload. But now that my DRZ is operational and there is a little winter left I might go all out on the suspension.

Thanks for the input. I rode the KLX to work today with out the airbox lid and, while I appreciated the extra intake honk, it's way too lean. I'll cut out the back fire screen when I get home tonight and replace the lid, and see what happens. Cheers.

[TNC]

It's funny how some KLR650 owners have obtained KLX250's and have throughly enjoyed them.  I kept my KLR, as I think it's a great bike overall, but not that great for any harder off road activities...and believe me...I've abused all 4 of the KLR's I've had in ways never intended by design.  I've actually been riding my '06 KLX250 out at our enduro competition location just like I used to ride my dirt-only competition bikes.  This bike can do it quite well with some tweaks that make it better.  I'm stoked about this bike.  I have the KLR650 for smoother less challenging adventure riding and the KLX for more challenging adventure riding.  They are different bikes, and that's why I'll probably keep the KLR.

[jj white]

Hey guys. I'm a KLR 650and KLX 250 owner. I'm really getting the KLX dialed in and where I like it for offroad mostly. Just recently put the original links from KLR on the KLX. That really lowered it to where I am really more comfortable with cuttin up on it. Will keep the KLR for milder stuff though. Picking up the massisve tanker KLR is tough.

[aaronc]

Hey guys. I'm a KLR 650and KLX 250 owner. I'm really getting the KLX dialed in and where I like it for offroad mostly. Just recently put the original links from KLR on the
KLX. That really lowered it to where I am really more
comfortable with cuttin up on it. Will keep the KLR for milder
stuff though. Picking up the massisve tanker KLR is tough.

How much did this lower the bike? My wife wants to learn to ride but I need to lower the bike for her .

[anomad]

How un-tall are you folks? The KLX is pretty low for real trail work. Granted I am 6'2, but I would like my feet being up a little higher in the nasty stuff.

[TNC]

How un-tall are you folks? The KLX is pretty low for real trail work. Granted I am 6'2, but I would like my feet being up a little higher in the nasty stuff.

Yeah, I found this to be a surprise.  My '01 KLR650 with an aftermarket shock and progressive springs is a tall mother.  I'm 6 foot, but it's still darned tall IMO.

The KLX with a good deal more travel has a narrower saddle and more sag, so I can sit flat-footed with ease.  Interesting.

[jj white]

Hey guys. I'm a KLR 650and KLX 250 owner. I'm really getting the KLX dialed in and where I like it for offroad mostly. Just recently put the original links from KLR on the
KLX. That really lowered it to where I am really more
comfortable with cuttin up on it. Will keep the KLR for milder
stuff though. Picking up the massisve tanker KLR is tough.

How much did this lower the bike? My wife wants to learn to ride but I need to lower the bike for her .

 Lowered it at least 2-3 inches. I also sacrificed comfort and cut the seat down about 3 inches also. My feet need to be on the ground firmly when sitting still for me to be comfortable. E Bay has lots of links for KLX and KLR's that are much cheaper than other vendors.    I am 5'9" with an inseam of 30. This worked really well for me.

[jj white]

How un-tall are you folks? The KLX is pretty low for real trail work. Granted I am 6'2, but I would like my feet being up a little higher in the nasty stuff.

WOW! 6'2. Have you raised it up any? Your feet are probably draggin the ground. Us short legged folks envy you long legged folks.