A Kawasaki KLX 250 Review: The Good & the Bad
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- čas přidán 6. 08. 2020
- An unbiased review of what the Kawasaki KLX 250 is actually like to ride, including both the good and the bad. I recently had the chance to borrow a 2018 digital camo Kawasaki KLX 250. I love the KLX. It's a great motorcycle for anyone looking for a versatile dual-sport motorcycle. I drove it off road, on highway and around town for 10 days, testing it out to see if I wanted to buy one. I definitely want to buy one. I especially think that the Kawasaki KLX 250 is a great motorcycle for beginner riders; it's a perfect first motorcycle.
Im so jealous of the scenery and places you have to ride...wow!
Sounds like my kind of dual-sport. At 75 years of age, it really is time I got in the dirt and a KLX 250 would be better than a pine box. This bike looks like it would be a good fit for me and a fun addition to the two Kawasaki bikes I already have. Nice review, Matthew.
I had fun making the video. Thanks so much for watching!
I’m 75, too, and am seriously considering buying this bike. I have not ridden a bike for a long time. I used to own a Bultaco Alpina. I definitely need a user friendly bike that is easy to use and inspires confidence. Keep riding!
Colorado guy here - considering one of these - thanks for the review! I appreciate your cautious riding style.
Great review thanks so much everybody else makes these sort of videos complicated and now I know the upsides and downsides of the KLX and have decided I want one now !
Thanks for watching. You should subscribe, too. :) I bought one, too. It's a great bike. I'm having so much fun on mine.
I have a 2019 KLX and find it very good on the street. Nimble and easy to handle. Good brakes and great shifting. I've only been off road a few times with it including some challenging terrain at an off road park in California. Works very well in the rocks. Not so well in deep sand. Fun on the trails. The one time I got in over my head it saved my butt coming down a steep hill that ended in unexpected tight and deep whoops at the bottom. The front suspension was great when put to the test.
I found this to be very helpful, thank you.
Nice review! I'll be getting my new 2020 klx 250 camo edition in the coming weeks and will be enjoying it for the exact same purpose you describe in you're review! Thanks for posting the video! Cheers and happy adventure riding.
Thanks for watching! You're going to have fun on your 2020.
It's nice to hear someone speak so sensible.👍
I agree with your review..which is very good ... I am a newbie on dirt @71 years young after riding the street..and have a conservative riding style .. I bought a 2020 KLX Camo and it's great...light, agile .. I have just broken it in and while it has limited power and you need to pick your spots to pass it has enough power to keep up with traffic when necessary although I try to keep it off the highway and take back roads where it goes best...I also agree it looks very cool...
Thanks for watching. I hope I'm still riding at 71! That's impressive.
@@matthewarnold8100 thank you...my pleasure...ride well and ride safe .. enjoy the KLX...
Good to hear from another sane rider. I love the experience - but not the danger and the adrenaline. I've been riding since 1968 or so but still classify myself as mediocre skilled. I hope I don't jinx myself, though, by saying I haven't dropped a bike since 1988... The KLX 250 sounds like a bike I could like... I'll test ride one soon. In the old days I used to say that 150cc was the biggest a dirt bike should be. But this has to keep up on the road, so it gets a pass. Thanks for your post.
Perfect bike for scouting out new territory because low seat height, relatively light and great gas mileage.
I'm loving it I bought one. :)
I'm sold! Great review
Thanks for watching.
Great point on the Torque and Power on the incline.
I like your review. Sensible for sensible people!!
Great review 👍
Thanks for watching!
I am sure having fun on mine, great video
I am looking for a similar bike. Thank you for taking time to review. And thank you for wearing the Tibetan flag on your jacket. It means a lot. Ride safe.
Didn't think anyone would notice my flags. I dream of riding a motorcycle in Tibet one day.
I appreciate your honesty... I like to take it easy too and enjoy riding safely, can't care less about top speed or hp.
Me, too. It's a great little bike. I bought one.
Also, subscribe to my channel if you want. I'm about to start loading up new content.
Great review , I ride like you do , never in a real hurry on streets , but I can out run most vehicles from a stoplight , mine is a 96 250 klr
Thanks for watching!
Nice vid. I have a 2018 and agree that the power isnt really there, but that is quite ok. Its not a great bike for long distance riding but can still do everything you want it to if set up correctly.
I have a 2006 KLX250S. Some input....change the sprockets to gain more hill climbing ability. Go to a 13 tooth front and/or change the rear to a 45 or 47. It makes your rpm on the highway a bit higher and cuts your mpg but gives you more control on the steeper dirt stuff.
That's definitely something I'll look into. Thanks for watching.
Great review! Thanks for your time.
Keep in mind the bike may have a top speed of x, but you've added features like saddle bags, racks, and I'm guessing a skid plate that all add a fair amount of weight. That makes a big difference in acceleration and climb capability, Hopefully the klx300 solves some of those problems!
Thanks again.
Thanks for the review, I will be getting this bike too. I’m a tame and safe rider this will be perfect for my riding style. I sold my Sportster 1200 and enjoyed it for years. But I’m ready for this type of bike since we live where’s there’s tons of trails. If I want speed I’ll just ride my husband’s FXR Harley. ❤️🙏🏼
Did you buy the bike ?
@@solanol9607 yes I bought the Kawasaki VERSYS 300 and I love ❤️ it.
Nice. I ended up not going for the klx, but I think it is an under appreciated gem. There is a lot that can be done to it to get more performance from it if so desired, and still the cost will be fairly low.
Thanks for watching. And thanks for subscribing!
Good one dude...thanks...
Thanks man. Helped me make my decision on one. Drz for me.
Great vid
Nice to know it will go on the highway at 70mph... I tried taking a 1978 dt125 on the highway , I only stayed on for a couple exits because it topped out at 55mph
I have a 2019. The best "free" upgrade I did was applying the intake side of the Marcelino CAM MOD. Just search that, & KLX 250 The Little Bike That Could, to take this little bike from moped to motorcycle!
i own a 2011 version and actually find it a great bike for it size/capacity for off road trailing enough power without getting too many surprise's when you have to crank the throttle. light enough to be able to get back up when you come off it, and you will at some time. have managed to see 87 mph on the speedo on the tarmac which was fast enough for an enduro/ dirt bike. have a road bike for doing they speeds. i am thinking about adjusting the sprocket sizes when these one are due for replacement as what you have noticed that you do need to crank the revs up sometimes for steep incline. but overall am enjoying it.
Most cost effective mods i did to mine {'18 Camo} was 13t sprocket, Q4 Slip on, and O2 sensor delete w/ resistor chip. That chip did the same as a fuel controller, but for $16 vs $200. MegaBomb header sucked, took the midrange hit away. PowerBomb might be better. Airbox lid off, clean your filter more. 1" Bar risers, learn to set your sag on the suspension, and Trakmaster 2's and that bike got me everywhere and handled with weight well. Iv since moved onto higher performance bikes, but getting sick of them and going back to a KLX or WR250r
I have got a klx like this for almost 4 years, and you're right, it's a funny bike, but it's lack of power at low and mid revolutions. Perhaps the new klx 300 2021 will solve it.
Thumbs up to Colorado riders 👍
Usually ride around the Durango / Pagosa / Wolf creek area.
Have a crf250l would've got the camo kawaii but couldn't find one anywhere made a deal on the honda
I have this one. Grettings from ☀️🇪🇦
Is that España? Hola, amigo!
@@matthewarnold8100 yes
I’m looking to get one for my first road bike, I’m definitely gonna have to take that rear fender off though
@ 2:53 Looks like the start of the Pikes Peak Hwy by Crystal Lake, if I'm not mistaken. I'm looking at a 2022 KLX 300 in the Gray Camo. I am the same sort of Adv rider as you. Less horsepower & weight is more forgiving. Tried a Yamaha Tenere 700, but it is "too much bike" for me. Think I am going to really enjoy a KLX.
I don't know where you live but it is stunning
I have a 2018 and not much bad to say about it, on the roads it could use a little more power but it’s not meant for the roads. On the trails it’s great I’ve never had issues with low torque whatsoever and the suspension is smooth
Edit: btw I’m not a very big guy 5 9” 160 and put a DG exhaust on it with O2 sensor delete and opened up the very restricted air intake
Thanks for commenting. Maybe we'll see each other out on the trail! At the time that I made this review I was 5'11" 225 lbs, so I was a little on the fat side (okay a lot). I've slimmed down to 180, so maybe I'll get up the hills a little faster now! Ha!
I had a KLX 250 in the '90s and it didn't have an electric start. You had to kick the hell out of it and by the time it started you were sweating and down to your underwear! A few fantastic rides that ran rings around bigger bikes then back to getting the bastard started for the next ride. Sold and not missed!
An electric start is a lot easier. I had an XR 100 back in the day that was the same way.
What a view !!!!!!
Just change the front sprocket and the swap the air intake for the KDX300 one. Gives a lot more punch with no difference to the sound, reliability or fuel consumption, though it does reduce your cruising speed a bit.
Can you mention your weight on the bike including gear and stuff? May be a factor on the perceived lack of torque. I'm a short 5.5 foot and 140 pounds. Wit cases and bags or backpack should go to 170 pounds.
The carburetor , constant bowl cleaning, jet cleaning issues are absolutely notorious on these cycles. I ride around with a spare freshly serviced carburetor.
They’re injected 2015+
Thank you for a great review, what tank bag is that? I just bought a 2009 with low miles I love the bike!
It's a DrySpec 68 bag system. I like it but it's a little small. Doesn't hold enough. It looks good, though.
I'm a complete beginner, just bought a KLX 250 for the reasons you (and many others) delineate. I look forward to learning to ride on it!
I'm curious, where did you shoot this review? It looks a lot like the San Juans in SW Colorado. That body of water you rode along coulda bee Blue Mesa reservoir. (I spend a lot of time in Leadville but I make it down to the San Juans pretty often too.)
Most of this was shot outside of Crested Butte Colorado. The lake is Emerald Lake. In one of my other videos I was shooting outside of Durango, Colorado; that would be the San Juans if I'm not mistaken. Here's a link to that video: czcams.com/video/oOLuFSqJKn4/video.html. It's about my KLR 650. Thanks so much for watching. Hit subscribe for more.
Your description of your style seems to match mine :-) Sounds like KLX 250 might be a bit like a stronger bicycle - perfect for me! Btw is KLX 250 replaced with KLX 230 these days? Thank you
Hey! Thanks for great review. I wonder why did you eliminate CRF 250L? Or under what conditions would you choose CRF 250L?
I never tested one out. I love them and think they're really great looking bikes. They'd probably work for me. To be honest, I really, really like the digital cammo paint job on the KLX. But I think the CRF 250l would make an excellent and comparable bike.
Love paradise divide
I have a klx250s and a drz400s and the drz does feel more like a dirt bike but taller than the klx. Over all I like the klx more feels more solid and has ben more trouble free. The power is down on the klx but actually a little more stable and smoother on the road just without the grunt of the drz. In the knarly slow offroad stuff the klx moves around better to me. I would go with the klx250
I did! I bought a 2018 KLX.
@@matthewarnold8100 ahh nice good for you. I'm actually selling my drz now so my klx will go back to being my main offroad bike. The klx remains my best do it all offroad bike
@@matthewarnold8100 a little tip.. I'm 140 lbs and I stiffen the fork damping 4 clicks and it made a nice difference for riding a little more aggressive offroad but if you leave at stock setting it will ride little smoother for slower trail riding
I wonder how much better the 2021 klx300 will be with 26 horsepower 292cc and 17 pound-feet of torque at 7,000 rpm also the new engine has more torque through the low- and mid-range, and more jam at the top end wonder if its a big difference
You cool man.
I think like you. I'm also careful driver. Klx best for start
I was interested in either this bike or the crf250l and I know this is a stupid reason to go with the Honda but the klx you can see the ugly coolant reservoir tank or whatever it is on the back left side of the bike that was a deal breaker for me lol
i have a kx250f and when i turn legal age to drive on the road i will also get a klx250f camo edition or get it right now
I’m a newbie to motorbikes. 5’10” and 160lbs. I need a bike that is easy to get on or off, good beginner bike to learn riding, safe, light and street legal. Would KLX 250 check all the boxes or would you recommend another bike? I would prefer to buy a used bike.
Looking for my first bike, saw a 2012 old 250 for 3500 on Clist.
Would that still hold up today?
How many klm are these motors generally good for without problems ?
I have heard good and bad about this bike. At the moment I’ve only got a KLX 150bf and am looking at upgrades. Now aged 16 going for my Ls I was planning on jumping strait to the 300 although for some odd reason they arnt sold where I am (Australia). It’s all sand my current bike gets thrown around a lot and bottoms out with almost every bump. Will this be a problem with the 250?
I don't know about bottoming out. I ride so slow that's not an issue. It will be a great improvement over your 150, for sure.
Will this bike show you the gear you are in?
Is it fuel injection or carbs?
What the suspension like for the klx I live in the uk around a lot of country roads not always looked after basically. I’m needing a bike that will be good for these varied road surfaces and is good for getting from a-b without destroying my spine unlike I’m doing at the moment.
I'm not an expert on the KLX, but I believe the suspension is adjustable. So... maybe you can change it to be better on your back? As far as riding around country roads with varying road surfaces, I can't imagine a better bike than the KLX. It will do everything a country road will throw at it and more.
@@matthewarnold8100 that's great news thank you. I tried the klx125 out when I first started riding ad fell in love with it so this really does help
If u want to see someone really ride a KLX 250, search KLX 250 Enduro Greece on CZcams. Everyone just putts around like mopeds with these with stock gearing being way too high and complains about power. Sprockets, pipe and tires this bike rips
Ugh 304 lbs. I guess since it’s low you don’t really feel it but I wish these companies would put some more tech into these middle of the road bikes. 250 lbs with 30 hp and better suspension for $6500 or so would be nice. There’s just nothing perfect I guess :(
Klx Is not only the best looking one. Its better than CRF 250. I had both. No doubt!
hey i want to get my first bike I'm 45 years old 6'3 195 pound looking just to enjoy the beauty of nature of the area i live do you recommend to start on the klx 250 or the klr 650 ?thanks
If you're not riding on the highway too much, the KLX is a great bike. If you want to go fast, the KLR will do it.
where did you buy the graphic kit? and any name for this graphics.
The motorcycle came that way. No kit needed.
Does the hieght of the bike make you feel unstable at highway speeds (50-60 mph).
I feel like it's very stable at 50 to 60 mph. Thanks for watching!
I have a DR650 and a KLX250S and YOU know why.
Do you have any experience with the suzuki dr650?
I don't have any experience with the DR 650. I do have a KLR 650, which is similar to a DR 650. My KLR is really heavy. So heavy that when I drop it, I can't pick it up by myself. It's too heavy to ride offroad without help. You can see my comparison video here: czcams.com/video/0l0pn6nMJkg/video.html Thanks for watching!
I enjoyed the video. what is that helmet? What's your weight ? Thank you for posting
The helmet is an AFX-FX 39. I'm not super happy with it. My weight? 205. Thanks for watching!
@@matthewarnold8100 I’m 6’2”, is that a good height for this bike?
@@usa_dobson8967 I think you'd fit on it just fine. The seat height is pretty high, so you should be just fine.
@@matthewarnold8100 Thanks a lot man!
Where was the riding location ? Very beautiful !
I was outside of Crested Butte, Colorado. Thanks for watching!
Saddle and tank bag links
Klx? It s perfect.
Thank you. According to your review, this bike is not for me at all. I am far from risky rider. But I like fun factor in safe enough or controled environment. I will save more for wr250 or a KTM for a proper fun factory.
Yeah, it's not for everyone. I went ahead and bought one, and I love it. I think you could probably put a more aggressive exhaust and retool the sprockets to get more power out of it, but I like it the way it is. Good luck on the bike purchase!
@@matthewarnold8100 thank you for your suggestion, I will read more about performance mods potential of KLX250 before making final decision.
De Zavala flag! Nice review.
Try a splitfire sparkplug, it will add a little more power to the engine, and give you better gas mileage..
Does it really?
@@FirstnameLastname-qc3xx Yes, really..
There are old riders, and there are bold riders. There are no old, bold riders. :D
I'm 5" 8"
Can I ride this bike
🤔
KLX250s:
Won't a smaller counter sprocket take care of that slow speed torque issue?
You might want to ask someone more knowledgable about that than me. But you could be right. I don't know.
matthew arnold some will go down one in the front or up a couple in the rear. It will hurt top speed somewhat, but you have six gears to accommodate that.
What bags are those?
Theyr'e Dryspec d68 waterproof motorcycle bags. Kind of small but they fit the bike.
I'm 5'8 do you think I would fit on this bike?
It's hard to say. The seat height is fairly tall, but not too tall. I have short legs (31" inseam) and I fit on it pretty good.
i'm 5`6 and to get a a comfortable stance with the balls of my feet on the ground, i had to buy suspension linkage dog bones to reduce the seat height slightly so at 5`8 it should be a perfect seat height
"Keeping my KLR so I can go really fast on the highway"!!!
It's a great highway bike, for sure.
Tibet flag 😍🥰
A lot of people bought this bike dreaming about racing enduros and feeling dissppointed. Very poor minded.
Tibetan??
I do have a Tibetan flag on my jacket. I normally only put flags or patches from places I've been, but I aspire to travel to Tibet.
I’m too much of a pussy to hit the highway on mine. Feel like I’m way too slow. Any other roads though I’m good with.
Adam Hawa makan buah KHULDI... cinta, hubungan, beranak pinak dll, Allah melarang sebelum memahami Al-Quran ilmunya, bisikan syaitan iblis menyebabkan PERCERAIAN, turunlah ke bumi, alam perkahwinan, anak muda marilah membaca MERAKAM bacaan Al-Quran dalam bahasa yang mudah difahami, dengarlah RAKAMAN berkali kali, fahamilah Al-Quran ilmunya dengan PENGASIH dan PENYAYANG, kembalilah ke SYURGA ALLAH Wallahua'lam
you couldnt make it up the hill because you drive to slow men you need those high rpm men drive faster sometimes a steady fast speed
wr
men you can go a little faster you are going like 15 mph lol
Boooooooo
Slow