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2018 Kawasaki KLX250S Review on Total Motorcycle:

Capitalizing on its already potent package, the new KLX250 not only gets a complete makeover, but also a number of engine and chassis changes that further enable serious riding both on and off the road.

After a three-year hiatus, the KLX250 is back in the Kawasaki line-up and better than ever with the addition of fuel injection, new Uni-Trak® suspension linkage and other changes to increase performance both on paved and dirt roads.

The 2018 Kawasaki KLX®250 returns with updated styling and improved performance influenced by the KX™ line and Kawasaki’s racing heritage. This versatile dual-purpose motorcycle delivers serious on and off-road riding performance that appeals to riders of various skill levels, and provides a superior ride for confidently navigating through city streets, twisty roads and tackling off-road trails with ease.

•New fuel injection system for easier starting at all elevations, improved fuel economy and maximum performance for everyday commuting
•Exceptional ground clearance and adjustable long travel suspension for tackling off-road obstacles
•Low seat height and ergonomics contribute to rider confidence and comfort
•Sharp, aggressive KX™-inspired bodywork
•Matrix Camo Gray color scheme available

KAWASAKI’S DUAL PURPOSE MOTORCYCLE RETURNS WITH IMPROVED PERFORMANCE AND RIDEABILITY

The KLX®250 motorcycle is built to take riders to new places. Borrowing notes from the KX™ line and Kawasaki’s racing heritage, this 2018 street legal, dual-purpose motorcycle is designed to cut through the busy traffic of an inner city or climb up a back trail to see the city from a beautiful view. The long awaited return of one of Kawasaki’s most versatile motorcycles, the 2018 KLX250.

– New Fuel Injection system
– 43mm 16-way adjustable front suspension
– Uni-Trak 16-way adjustable rear suspension
– New Digital Camo offering
– Stainless-steel exhaust
– Sharp, aggressive bodywork

The 2018 KLX250 motorcycle receives a new fuel injection system for improved starting at all elevations, fuel efficiency and performance. The KLX250 motorcycle is the ideal platform for riders seeking a less expensive, lightweight dual purpose motorcycle that is capable off-road.

– KX™-inspired two-piece radiator shroud
– Off-road fenders
– Sharp taillight design for increased visibility
– Digital instrumentation

The KLX250 features aggressive styling that is sure to turn heads whether riding in the city or off the beaten path. Upon first glance you’ll notice the aggressive front cowl, front fender and two-bulb headlamp design. A sharp taillight further contributes to the aggressive styling. Taking cues from the KX family, the KLX250 motorcycle features two-piece radiator shrouds and KX-style fork guards, which help protect the inner tubes from rocks and brush.

An all-digital instrument console gives the rider at-a-glance information. Features include a digital bar-graph tachometer, digital speedometer, clock and dual trip meters. Fuel-injection and low-fuel warning lamps are also included.

Dual high-capacity Denso radiators like those used on KX motocross bikes deliver superior cooling efficiency and contribute to space and weight savings. The radiators are very slim and feature tightly packed cores and a fin design for excellent heat dispersion.

2018 Kawasaki KLX250S Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• NOW EQUIPPED WITH KAWASAKI’S DIGITAL FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
• REVISED SUSPENSION IMPROVES HANDLING
• LIQUID-COOLED, COMPACT 4-STROKE ENGINE
• FULL DIGITAL INSTRUMENTATION
• ON/OFF ROAD CAPABILITY
• ONE OF KAWASAKI’S MOST FUEL-EFFICIENT MOTORCYCLES

2018 Kawasaki KLX250S Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Ultra-Compact Liquid-Cooled Engine
•Catalyzer and secondary air system help reduce exhaust emissions so that the KLX®250 meets strict California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations and can be sold in California.
•High-capacity Denso radiators come from the KX™ line and deliver superior cooling efficiency. Their slim profile and tightly packed cores make the radiators smaller and lighter, while the special fin design provides excellent heat dispersion.
•Flat top piston with pentroof combustion chamber delivers 11.0:1 compression ratio.
•Lightweight piston, piston pin and connecting rod allow power-producing revs without excessive vibration.

Electric Starter
•Electric starter and the Kawasaki Automatic Compression Release (KACR)(KP), which automatically lifts an exhaust valve at cranking rpm, makes starting the KLX250 easy.

Electrofusion Cylinder(KP)
•The incredibly hard coating in the aluminum cylinder bore means superior heat transfer with less weight.
•It holds lubrication well, resists abrasion and seizure, and allows tight piston-to-cylinder clearances for more horsepower.

Digital Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI)(KP)
•Digital ECU precisely controls timing, no matter how fast the RPM changes.
•Easy starts and reliability under extreme conditions. High Tensile Steel Perimeter Frame(KP)
•The frame is built up of box-section and tubular high-tensile steel.
•The 26.5° steering head angle and 56.3 inch wheelbase contribute to quick handling.
•The incredible frame rigidity contributes to excellent straight line ability.

ENGINE
FRAME

43mm Inverted Cartridge Fork(KP)
•16-way compression damping adjustment.
•Cartridge maintains more consistent damping force by minimizing aeration of the fork oil. Uni-Trak® Rear Suspension(KP)
•Lightweight, highly-rigid aluminum D-section swingarm helps reduce unsprung weight.
•Rear suspension linkage and damping settings provide a firm ride and a more planted feel in corners.
•The nitrogen-filled, aluminum body, remote reservoir rear shock has 16-way compression and rebound damping adjustment and threaded spring pre-load.
•Temperature compensating rebound damping keeps things under control even when the shock heats up under strenuous conditions.

Front and Rear Disc Brakes
•Petal brake discs help reduce weight and the wave pattern helps to clean the brake pads for better brake performance.
•Twin piston front caliper grasps a 250mm floating front disc for incredible stopping power.
•Single piston rear caliper and a 240mm disc to give strong, reliable performance.
•Tires designed for long life and grip on paved roads.
•All-digital instrument panel features bar-graph tachometer, digital speedometer, clock and trip meters.
•Narrow fuel tank contributes to the comfortable riding position and has a lockable, hinged one-touch cap.

U.S. Forest Service-Approved Spark Arrester
•U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrester allows access to designated public riding areas and helps prevent wildfires.

2018 Kawasaki KLX250S – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $5,349 USD

Power
Engine
4-stroke, 1-cylinder, DOHC, 4-valves, liquid-cooled
Displacement
249cc
Bore x Stroke
72.0 x 61.2mm
Compression ratio
11.0:1
Fuel System
DFI® with 34mm throttle body
Ignition
Electric CDI
Transmission
6-speed, return shift
Final Drive
Sealed chain
Performance
Rake / Trail
26.5°/4.1 in
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel
Telescopic fork/10.0 in
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel
Uni-Trak® swingarm/9.1 in
Front Tire
3.00-21 51P
Rear Tire
4.60-18 63P
Front Brakes
Single disc
Rear Brakes
Single disc
Details
Frame Type
Tubular, semi-double cradle
Overall Length
86.6 in
Overall Width
32.3 in
Overall Height
47.4 in
Ground Clearance
11.2 in
Seat Height
35.0 in
Curb Weight
304.3 lb**
Fuel Capacity
2.0 gal
Wheelbase
56.3 in
Color Choices
Lime Green
Warranty
12 Month Limited Warranty
Kawasaki Protection Plus™ (optional)
12, 24, 36 or 48 months

2018 Kawasaki KLX250S – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $5,599 CDN

Engine

Displacement 249cc
Type 4-stroke, Single
Bore and stroke 72.0 x 61.2 mm
Cooling Liquid
Compression ratio 11.0:1
Valve system DOHC, 4 valves
Fuel system Fuel injection: φ34 mm x 1
Ignition Digital CDI
Lubrication Forced lubrication (wet sump)
Starting Electric

Brakes

Front: type Single 250 mm disc
Front: calipers dual-piston caliper
Rear: type Single 240 mm disc
Rear: calipers Single-piston caliper

Dimensions

Overall length 2,200 mm (86.6 in.)
Overall width 820 mm (32.3 in.)
Overall height 1,205 mm (47.4 in.)
Wheelbase 1,430 mm (56.3 in.)
Ground clearance 285 mm (11.2 in.)
Seat height 890 mm (35.0 in.)
Curb mass** 138 kg (304 lbs.)
Fuel capacity 7.7 litres (1.7 gal.)

Drivetrain

Transmission 6-speed, return
Final drive Chain
Primary reduction ratio 2.800 (84/30)
Gear ratio: 1st 3.000 (30/10)
Gear ratio: 2nd 2.000 (30/15)
Gear ratio: 3rd 1.500 (27/18)
Gear ratio: 4th 1.250 (25/20)
Gear ratio: 5th 1.050 (21/20)
Gear ratio: 6th 0.952 (20/21)
Final reduction ratio 3.000 (42/14)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual

Frame

Type Perimeter, high tensile steel
Wheel travel: front 255mm
Tire: front 3.00-21
Wheel travel: rear 230mm
Tire: rear 4.60 – 18
Caster (rake) 26.5°
Trail 105 mm (4.1 in.)
Steering angle (left/right) 45° / 45°

Suspension

Suspension, front 43 mm inverted telescopic fork with 16-way compression and rebound damping adjustment
Suspension, rear Uni-Trak with adjustable preload, 16-way compression and rebound damping adjustment

Details

Warranty 12 months warranty

2018 Kawasaki KLX250S – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

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Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).