2019 Kawasaki Klx 250
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- January 26, 2018
- Chris Rubino
2018 Kawasaki KLX250: MD Ride Review
We were very impressed by the Kawasaki KLX250 when we rode it at the press launch a few months ago. In particular, we thought the bike was well-sorted, from an engine performance, comfort and suspension perspective. Although the only real change for 2018 from the 2009 model we previously tested is the addition of fuel injection, this change seemed to benefit the machine by providing improved engine performance (including responsiveness and fuel economy).
We asked Kawasaki for a test unit after the press launch, and put miles on the bike, both on road and off, near our offices in Temecula, California. Here is our report.
Our general impression from the launch remains. This bike feels bulletproof, which is important for a single-cylinder 250cc, street legal machine. In other words, you will spend a lot of time with the throttle pulled to the stops and the rev counter near redline (10,500 rpm). Throttle response is smooth, and the new fuel injection system is well tuned, providing a broad, linear powerband.
We found the KLX250 relatively smooth. A 250cc single is, in general, barely fast enough for commuting on the highway (here in Southern California, the flow of traffic can be near 80 mph), and the KLX250 is no different. Although the bike will do an indicated 80 miles per hour, it is much happier at 60 mph, or so. Nevertheless, if your commute does not include long stretches of highway, the KLX250 could be an excellent choice in a dual sport.
Averaging roughly 65 mpg, we didn't feel particularly limited by the 2.0 gallon fuel tank. The light (Kawasaki claims a wet weight of 304 pounds), nimble nature of the KLX250 is a huge plus when you want to grab a bike in the garage and go for a ride. Despite the light weight, the KLX250 proved stable flat-out at 80 mph.
The bolt upright, dirt bike-like ergonomics are extremely comfortable, and allow the rider to easily survey traffic conditions on the road. Designing a seat for a dual sport is a challenge, particularly when you want the bike to be a capable off-roader, while still being reasonably comfortable on the street. Here, we think Kawasaki found an excellent compromise, as the seat is flat and narrow enough to move fore and aft off road, but still reasonably comfortable on the street. If a rider is purely focused on the street, however, an aftermarket, wider seat might be a wise choice.
The long travel suspension works well in the dirt, yet remains plush and reasonably controlled on the street. The knobby tires, of course, are not the best for carving tarmac, but they do add to the off-road capability of the KLX250.
The brakes, including the single disc in front, work surprisingly well — in part, no doubt, due to the extremely light weight of the bike. The six-speed transmission shifts easily, and positively, together with a relatively light clutch pull.
If you are looking for a light, comfortable dual sport with genuine off-road chops, the KLX250 deserves a very close look. With a U.S. MSRP of $5,349, we think it presents good value, as well. For additional details and specifications, take a look at Kawasaki's web site.
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Source: https://www.motorcycledaily.com/2018/01/2018-kawasaki-klx250-md-ride-review/
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