Kawasaki KLX250S Owner/rider feedback

[ZReX12]

I suspect that there is comment spread throughout various threads, however I'm after specific feedback from owners/riders of Kawasaki KLX250S's.
Not having ridden smaller capacity trail bikes for a number of years I've gotten used to my 990's excess of most things which makes selection of a reasonably priced road registered trail bike suited to tighter trails a bit of a mystery. Consequently I'm interested to get some feedback from riders who have lived with one for a wee while. (fuel range, comfortable road speed, off road ability, general performance, maintenance, etc)
Noting that keeping up with the latest and greatest off road rocket isn't the intent.

[ducatijim]

Well, what can I tell you? I have only had mine a couple of months now, but have done longish road trips, lotsa gravel and some single track. Not done a trail ride yet but don't think the 'average', non-terrorist, trail rider would want for more? ( if you hanker for a 450 endo, then forget it.)
I put a free flow pipe on mine, opened up all the jets; now it sounds like it should be banned, goes like its late and uses fuel like a 650!!! About 25km/L....not flash, be tempted to try the ' not open ' exhaust and see how that goes? 7.7L tank only good for 200k, stock pipe/jets should do 220+.
See my spare tank pix.
Seat is a bit more comfy than other 'dirt bikes', but not a long distance comfort item!
Long suspension is soooo plush-it soaks up anything and still is firm enough to pedal her hardish thru windy seal without wallowing!
I like it. A lot. But, anyone in here will happily tell you; that means nothing!

[bishxt]

I've had an 09 model KLX250S for about 18months and aside from a couple of weeks early on at the dealer to fix a star cam issue on the gear shift it's been perfect. I bought it for trailrides (for me) and short adventure rides for the missus - in fact it's done lots of trailrides and hooning about the river bed most weekends. I've left the motor alone, fiddled with suspension settings, lowered the gearing a tooth, bolted on a serious bashplate and put on a set of enduro tyres... and in fact some decent handlebars after a slight miscalculation on a wet grassy corner! I looked at TTR250's and trailride with some mates who have them, and I'd hazard to say the KLX has better brakes and suspension but less torque. That's not too say it won't climb, you just rev it - comes on song very nicely from about 6000rpm.
Even with the lowered gearing it pulls 100km+ fine, so would also be happy on longer rides.

Hope that helps but ask more if you've any specific questions.

[3L4NS1R]

I've had mine for just over a year now, and it's an amazing bike. Took mine for a lap of NZ, didn't skip a beat (ride report buried somewhere on kiwibiker - Click! (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/90413-5-976km-250cc-12-days)). It's perfectly fine for long distance trips, especially in NZ where petrol stations are so close together. Excellent for offroad as well - it's no dakar winner, but solid and enough grunt to keep up. It's got the benefits of a long history/evolution, while it's still got all new technology sprinkled around it (ie. suspension, electrics, breaks etc.) There's quite a few mods that you can do to it to wrangle some more horsepower out of it, all depends on how obsessive you are about that extra 2 hp.

Maintenance wise - Much Cheaper Than A KTM. It's basic and easy to maintain, with parts fairly cheap to purchase (this should improve soonish for the 2009 models, currently there's not too many aftermarket options).

On road it's a good li' 250 and keeps up well on the motorway. Bit of wind noise, but any adventure bike is like that without a screen.

So with that sales pitch, please note mine's currently on sale (I've been an idiot and brought a ducati monster in a very emotionally driven purchase - can't afford to keep two road bikes.) Check it out! Click! (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/116928-Youthful-companion-looking-for-new-mate?p=1129610589#post1129610589)

[thommo77]

Ive had mine for 18 months now. Only done 4000 k, but hasnt missed a beat. Apart from its first service, all ive had to do is oil changes/air filter cleaning etc.
I agree with all the comments above, especially 3L's summation.
Im a 'returning' rider - hadnt owned a bike since 1984. Prior to owning the KLXer, I'd considered all similar bikes (WR, DR etc). All I wanted was a reliable, hassle-free machine that could get down and dirty, but was also up to a 100km or so road trip. I couldnt be happier with how it's performed.
Mine is stock, but may look at re-jetting/after market exhaust? If you buy new, Id get some new rubber - the Dunlop 605's aint that flash on the gnarly stuff.
Motorcycle.com awarded it 'dual sport of 2009'.
http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/best-of-2009-motorcycles-of-the-year-88656.html

Good luck.

[A.Cole]

I've had my KLXs 250 since xmas and like thommo77 am a returning rider. I've done a 1000klm of seal, gravel and off road and can say that as far as setup goes it's great. (It suits all 85kgs of me just perfect) Was considering upgrading the front springs but did a fairly narly track last week and front suspension held up just fine. Have fitted a Two Bros Slip on and am about to replace the stock air filter with a twin element uni filter. Tried opening up the airbox by replacing the std snorkel with the KDX version and all this did was caused the bike to surge. Could probably be fixed by re jetting etc. But for me it performs great. Our bikes (Aus and NZ) are set up way better from the factory and the stock jetting is way up on what the USA get (anaemic main jet #118,) and pretty much spot on , we also get a different CDI unit that effects the running and tuning (we get the good stuff).
:scooter:

[andre.jaworski]

Hi ducatijim,
Im interested in getting a few more ponies out of my 09 KLX 250 and am looking at getting a Dynojet kit from the states and getting a header and muffler from cycleworks in Levin.

What Mods have you done to yours and where did you source the parts?

Also have you drilled out the crankcase breather?
I have read a bit about it but not sure whether the gains are worth the potential risk if you end up upside down for a period of time.

Cheers

Andre

[NordieBoy]

Im interested in getting a few more ponies out of my 09 KLX 250 and am looking at getting a Dynojet kit from the states

How much cheaper are they from the states than locally?

[A.Cole]

Here's what an Aussie mate of mine did to his. Thought this might be helpful.

"Used Standard Kehein jets from Kawa' NOT the Dynojet kit. (cheaper.)
#138 main jet. (stock #132)
(Use a #135 main jet if you're heading higher than 1500 feet.)
#38 pilot jet. (stock #35)
Kouba fuel screw 1.75 turns out from lightly seated.
Stock N1RX needle raised 1.5 mm with Kawa' collar.
Twin Air air filter (KX500 model.)
AUS spec carb' slide needs holes in the slide filling (done) and the normal enlarging of the carb' vent hole to 7/64" (2.8 mm.)
I've removed the airbox lid totally.
While the carb' is out I'd suggest getting the "T-Vent" mod' done as it's the only way you'll be fording any kind of water higher than 6"."

It's my understanding that the jetting on the NZ & Aussie spec KLXers is way better than the US models.
NB: The stock jet sizes vs the ones he ended up using.
Not huge differences but worth doing however personally, the first thing I would do is allow the girl to breath and put on an after market exhaust & airfilter.
You will be surprised at the difference these two easy mods will make to the performance.