Kawasaki Klx250s
Kawasaki KLX250S
New for 2006
Dual-purpose on the rebound?
RYAN DUDEK
WHILE WALKING AROUND THE KAWASAKI DEALER meeting showfloor late year, I noticed to my surprise excited shop owners crowding the new KLX250S dual-purpose bike. The throng was comparable to that around the all-purpose bike. The throng was comparable to that around the all-new almighty ZX-14. Huh? Why was this cute little 250 pulling in the same number of oglers as the 1352cc Hayabusa-hunting Ninja?
The reality is that more and more people are avidly searching for fun, versatile, affordable motorcycles that can be ridden anywhere, anytime. After years of dormancy, the dual-purpose category is finally seeing some movement-and none too soon. Enter the KLX250S, a bike for dual-sport enthusiasts who appreciate light weight (289 pounds dry on our scales) and quick, nimble handling over the brute horsepower of 650cc Singles or liter-class Twins. The new KLX replaces the outdated, air-cooled, kickstartonly KLR250, though it is not exactly all-new. It’s related to the KLX300 four-stroke enduro/playbike, which itself uses a steel perimeter frame originally developed for the KDX200. With an electric starter and street gear added, the bike has been sold in Europe and Japan for a couple of years, and Japan even gets a supermoto version ala Suzuki’s DRZ400SM. Basing on existing models has advantages, such as keeping price down to a reasonable $4699. But here’s a downer for those of us in California: The KLX doesn’t make the cut as a Cal-certified
Too bad, ’cause the bike’s 249cc water-pumper is a willing partner, despite an exhaust opening no bigger than my pinky (and still not good enough for California!?). Power delivery is a bit sluggish for advanced dirt riders, who will find themselves wide-open more often than not-which is fun in its own way. Less-frantic types will appreciate the KLX’s mellow, easy-to-use powerband. The little engine is great for tooling around on single-track trails; first gear, however, is a little high for extremely tight tree-slamming and rock-bashing. On the other hand, the transmission is well-suited for the street; sixth gear is good for attaining an indicated 85 mph at 8000 rpm. I wouldn’t advise riding this bike wide-open for long periods, but the KLX will cruise contently at an indicated 65-70 mph.
Around town, the KLX300 chassis heritage makes itself known with a tallish 34.8-inch seat height. But, overall, the riding position is comfortable and roomy. Suspension is softly sprunggood for the street and slow trails, though not super stable for high-speed rr J 1 rA PHOTOS BY JEFF ALLEN off-road work. The 11.8 inches of ground clearance seems a little lacking on paper, but with its thick aluminum skidplate the KLX made it easily through rocky sections and over downed trees. The 1.9-gallon gas tank keeps the bike comfortably slim between the knees, though it’s too small for any serious off-road
L1~./~4~11 IL ) L'.J~J .)IIILIII J~.JJ L4II excursions. But really, how serious should a 250cc dual-purpose bike be? Better that it's fun and easy to use, always ready for a good time. The KLX25OS scores on all counts.
