KLX250S Lineage?

[Marty]

Okay, I know it's made by Kawasaki.  That means the KLX250S has had at least some ancestory as unless it's a sportbike, there is not much new from them.  They do a whole lot of "parts bin specials" which turn out very, very well. 

Please understand, this is NOT a negative comment as I like what I see here.  For an example, my Concours is made from a Ninja 1000 of the early 80's.  They took the engine from their top line sportsbike, "detuned" it to provide more mid-range power and created a very bullet proof bike that has a lot of owners going 100,000 miles plus on the bike.

It is kind of like the Biblical "begatting" that goes on:

The KLX250 begat the KLX300R, which begat the KLX250S, which begat the D-Tracker, etc.

If anyone has any insight into this lineage, please put your comments here.  I'm interested in what the heritage is of the KLX250S.

Thank you.

[Maverick]

The KLX250 was born from a marriage of the KDX175 frame and the KL250 motor in 1979. It was hailed as a brilliant handling bike that needed more power (where have I heard that before?).

[nobrakes]

Wow, that bike is beautiful!

[Maverick]

It's what I wanted at 19 lol

[Marty]

It's what I wanted at 19 lol

I can't post what I wanted at 19!  Hondo just don't allow any of that here!   

However, at 19, I was sitting over in Japan learning about the new Honda CB350K I bought.

[mysdak]

Wow, that bike is beautiful!

Had the kdx175....loved the bike.  What's everyone's opinion of the 250 vs the 650.  I love riding the bush roads on my 650, but it's a big bike in the tight stuff.  On the other hand, it's nice to take a blast down the highway.

[Maverick]

Having never ridden a 650 I can't help ya. No doubt Marty is around somewhere he has both.

[Marty]

Mysdak,

Sorry about the delay in response, but weekends are work days for me!

KLX250 vs KLR650 - great question!

The KLR650 is probably one of, if not the greatest "Multi-functional" motorcycles ever created.  It can be ridden just about anywhere the rider has the ability and physical conditioning to take it.  I am going to estimate that in actual riding condition - oil in the crankcase, fuel in the tank, grease on the swingarm bearings (now I know why it's not there!) air in the tires and all the other things left off during the "Japanese Dry Weight" certification - is close to 400 pounds.  While not the heaviest off road bike - the BMW R1150GS and the Bismarck concurrently hold that record - it is a bit unwieldy off road, especially if you ride by yourself.  I've had to pick the KLR up a few times when out and about by myself and it's not a fun thing to do.

However in the truest sense of "Adventure Biking" the KLR650 is right up there, if not at the lead of the pack.  Yes, there are those that will make it easier to cruise the superslabs on your adventure, but when it comes to versatility, ease of maintenance and reliability, I don't see any true contenders to the slot the KLR holds.

The KLX250 is not the highway bike that the KLR650 is.  However, the KLR650 is not the off road capable bike the KLX250 is.  I would say the KLX250 is a dirt bike that you can ride on the highway, while the KLR650 is a street bike that you can ride on dirt roads and trails.

Where I live in Florida, there are 3 very large riding areas for dualsport bikes.  Apalachicola, Ocala and Osceola National Forests.  I have taken my KLR650 to all 3 of those areas.  I have ridden to both Osceola and Apalachicola on the KLR650, ridden through the forests and then ridden the bike home at the end of the day.  Try that on a KLX250!  A 600 mile day, followed by riding the next is quite possible on the KLR650.  I also have mine equipped with a Corbin seat and a 4 inch taller windshield to help with rider comfort.  The KLX250 has no wind protection and while the seat is great when riding off road - I stand most of the time - it is not the best seat to spend all day on when seated.

I have found the best way to handle the differences in those motorcycles.  Own one of each!




 

[DJFields]

Wow, that bike is beautiful!

Had the kdx175....loved the bike.  What's everyone's opinion of the 250 vs the 650.  I love riding the bush roads on my 650, but it's a big bike in the tight stuff.  On the other hand, it's nice to take a blast down the highway.

I had the 175 and 2 of the 200's.  Loved em all dearly which is one of the reasons I chose the KLX250S, it's a modern street legal ( in WI ) version of my past KDX's

[Jerry Atrick]

The KLX250 was born from a marriage of the KDX175 frame and the KL250 motor in 1979. It was hailed as a brilliant handling bike that needed more power (where have I heard that before?).

But didn't I also read that the KLX250 is just a KLX300 with a smaller piston?  Any idea when that version was first available?  Point being...I'm looking for a used KLX250 and I'm wondering how far back I can go and still be buying essentially the same bike, without missing any important upgrades?  Make sense?  And thanks in advance!

[Guido]

When the KLX went from the 300 to the 250 it also got an e-start, but lost the kickstarter. Still has the hole for the kickstarter though, and a kit is available. They should have just left it on.

[TNC]

The KLX250 was born from a marriage of the KDX175 frame and the KL250 motor in 1979. It was hailed as a brilliant handling bike that needed more power (where have I heard that before?).


Not that it matters a great deal, but I believe the first KLX250, 1979, actually used a '77 or '78 KX125 chassis.  I worked for a Kawasaki dealership back then and owned a '79 KLX250 and KDX175.  The first KDX175 was a Uni-Trak and never had twin shocks like the first KLX250.  That KL250 engine wasn't very impressive, but the bike handled like crazy.  That great handling, underpowered little bike got me to a 2nd in the my state enduro circuit standings in the 250B class back then.  Really fun little bike.