2011 Kawasaki KLX 140L

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2011 Kawasaki KLX 140L

– 2011 Kawasaki KLX 140L

2011 Kawasaki KLX 140L

Kawasaki’s Legendary Minibike Experiences a Growth Spurt

The old adage “don’t mess with a good thing” is usually sage advice. But in Kawasaki’s case, “messing” with its legendary KLX™110 minibike is a very good thing. You already know the standard KLX110 – with its reliable four-stroke engine, automatic-clutch drivetrain and electric, push-button starter – is much-loved by kids, beginners and adults for its unreal fun-factor and riding ease. But to expand the KLX110’s envelope a bit – make it even more accessible to even more riders – Kawasaki developed the KLX110L, which incorporates features designed to appeal to a slightly larger, slightly more advanced rider – along with all those adults who love riding the little green bikes.

These features begin with the L-model’s taller stature, which results from a 2.4-inch longer fork with 5.5 inches of travel and a longer shock out back, which offers 5.2 inches of wheel travel. The result is a seat height of 28.7 inches – nearly 2 inches higher than that of the standard KLX110. Of course, those new suspension components carry optimal spring and damping settings, so those larger riders can push as hard as they choose.

More experienced riders often demand the superior control of a manual clutch, so the KLX110L gets one to compliment its four-speed gearbox. This combination lets more aggressive riders wring every drop of performance from the 111cc four-stroke engine. Convenient push-button electric starting helps make the KLX110L easily accessible to a wide range of riders.

The Kawasaki design team outfitted the KLX110L with a fuel tank, seat, side panels, shrouds and fenders that mimic the race winning KX™450F’s. An MX-style seat is part of the package, along with a handlebar shape optimized to provide excellent comfort and control to a wide variety of riders. In other words, this one’s for kids of all ages.

The KLX110L can be customized with Authentic Kawasaki Accessories available at Kawasaki dealers.

 

 

Kawasaki KLX 140L model Highlights

Details & Features
– Air-cooled, Four-stroke 111cc Engine
– All 2011 KLX 110 and 110Ls feature valve timing, free-flowing muffler and ignition system for up to 15 percent more power and torque than pre-2010 KLX110 models
– Push-button electric starting makes it easier than ever to get rolling, while a reshaped kickstarter is included as a back-up
– Starter button and kill switch are located on the left handlebar for easy access
– KACR (Kawasaki Automatic Compression Release) keeps one exhaust valve open for easy starting
– KLX’s compact, lay-down engine design is ideal for engine cooling and a low center of gravity
– An ignition timing inspection hole allows easy maintenance
– Choke knob on the 18mm carburetor is easy to grab with gloves on

Four-speed Transmission
– Four ratios are spaced to help exploit engine power: While the overall top-gear ratio is nearly the same as pre-2010 KLX110s, that extra gear is combined with a short final drive ratio to effectively tighten the gaps between each gear, while also widening the available range of operating speeds
– A manual clutch makes it easier to squeeze maximum performance out of the powerful little engine
– Shift drum cam groove and positioning spring result in optimal shift feel and positive gear engagement under all conditions

Safety Features and Parental Controls
– For added safety, the KLX110L will only start in neutral
– The engine-off switch is within easy reach on the left handlebar
– A screw-type throttle limiter allows adult supervisors to control kids’ speed while they learn

Expanded Performance Envelope
– 30mm telescopic fork with 5.5 inches of travel is tuned for optimal wheel and chassis control
– Tapered roller bearings in the lower steering stem add durability
– The 110L’s handlebar shape suits a wide variety of rider sizes
– Stiffer spring and damping rates on the longer rear shock control the rear wheel through 5.2 inches of more firmly controlled travel, with greater resistance to bottoming
– 14-inch front and 12-inch rear knobby tires on strong, steel rims provide great off-road traction and durability, and keep seat height low
– Rigid rear brake rod allows excellent braking and pedal feel

Big KX Style, Built to Last
– The high-tensile steel backbone frame is strong, lightweight and built to take years of abuse
– Four strategically placed heat shields provide protection from the exhaust pipe
– A 28.7-inch seat height accommodates a broad range of riders
– KX450F-style fuel tank, seat, shrouds, side panels and fenders look fast even sitting still
– KX-style half-waffle grips provide better control and comfort
– A convenient side stand makes life easier

Additional Features
– A U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrester comes as standard equipment
– The KLX110L meets California “Green Sticker” requirements for year-round riding fun

 

 

Kawasaki KLX 140L model Highlights

Engine

Fun is maximised because with the KLX it is so easy to just get on and go. The air-cooled single-cylinder engine offers a simple, easy-to-use, highly reliable power plant. And with electric start, access to fun is a quick push of the button away.

144 cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine offers a lightweight power plant that is both simple (to operate and to maintain) and reliable.

Bore and stroke of 58.0 x 54.4 mm yield a displacement of 144 cc.

The engine revs easily and riders will soon find themselves wanting to use the full range of the engine. A rev limiter at 10,500 rpm ensures a smooth decrease in power in the over-run, contributing to high level of control at high rpm.

Based on the oval piston valve Keihin PB20, the carburettor features many Kawasaki-original modifications to ensure stable fuel delivery even under hard KX-style riding.

Partitions in the float chamber ensure fuel stays centred (sloshing is minimised) under hard riding and an umbrella around the main jet traps fuel when jumping – both modifications to ensure constant fuel supply.

Dual float bowl air vents (instead of single) ensure stable air supply even when the bike is leaned at extreme angles to either side.

The needle valve features a spring which acts like a shock absorber.

The float itself is made of rubber instead of plastic.

Close-ratio transmission contributes to the acceleration performance of the KLX.

Like our KX racers, the gear change position lever features a ball bearing to facilitate easy shifting.

Shift change lever with folding tip resists being damaged in the event of a crash.

While delivering a pleasant exhaust note, the quiet-running muffler makes it easy to use the KLX for long periods of time.

Muffler comes equipped with a spark arrester, meaning the KLX140/L can access designated off-road public riding areas.

Exhaust pipe is curved to achieve optimum length for good power characteristics

Plastic muffler end-cap offers a surface cooler to the touch than steel.

Oil-moistened KX-style air-cleaner element is highly effective in dusty situations. The washable element is reusable.

Starting is via a (keyless) electric starter button just in front of the upper triple clamp.

Starter button features an orange LED light activated when the button is depressed, indicating that the power is “ON.”

Digital CDI ignition ensures quick, reliable starting.

Progressive manual clutch offers young riders the chance to master full control of gear shifting.

The clutch features a spring damper resulting in a progressive, 2-stage clutch engagement that facilitates half-clutch use when riding at extremely low rpm or idling speeds (while receiving coaching on the fly). Additional benefits are direct clutch feel and high durability.

 

Chassis

Serious about making the KLX140 and KLX140L the ultimate playbikes for youth riders, Kawasaki put together a special development team: youth test riders were joined by pro MX riders and Kawasaki’s top KX engineers. Giving these playbikes the same thorough attention to detail given our KX racers resulted in their high level of off-road performance. In act, many of their parts came directly from KX machines.

KX-based perimeter frame made of high-tensile steel contributes to the high off-road riding potential of the KLX140/L. In fact, the frame uses the same upper tubes as those on the KLX250.

Complementing the highly rigid frame, sturdy suspension front and rear contribute to the KLXs’ high level of off-road fun.

Sturdy 33 mm telescopic front fork has spring rates and damping settings specific to each model.

The handlebar is rubber-mounted for reduced vibration transferred to the rider’s hands.

Grips are the same as those on our top-class MX racers. Raised pattern on half of the surface makes them easier to grip.

The KLX140 rear shock features 5-way preload adjustability.

To allow for its higher average speed, the KLX140L features a rear shock with piggyback reservoir. Both the shock body and reservoir are aluminium. The shock has fully adjustable preload, 4-way compression damping and 22-way rebound damping.

Aluminum swingarm offers both light weight and strength. Like those on our KX machines, it features a hairline finish.

KX racing-type chain adjusters allow precise adjustment of chain slack, helping to minimize drivetrain power transfer loss.

KX-style wheels with strong, high-grade die-cast hubs offer the same durability as those found on our KX racers.

Like our KX motocrossers, the KLX140/L feature lightweight RK EXCEL aluminum rims.

While most “playbikes” feature a disc/drum combination, the KLX140/L have disc brakes front and rear for a high level of braking performance.

The 220 mm front petal disc and twin-piston calliper offer strong, easy-to-control braking.

Front brake master cylinder is the same as used on the KLX250.

The 220 mm front disc and large-bore twin-piston caliper offer strong, easy-to-control braking. At 27 mm, the caliper pistons are the same size as those on the KX450F/250F. Front brake master cylinder is the same as used on the KLX250. Petal disc brakes front & rear.

The rear wheel is slowed by a 186 mm petal disc gripped by single-piston caliper.

The rear brake master cylinder features a large, unitised reservoir that contributes to stable braking performance.

 

Differences: KLX140 vs KLX140L

IDEAL SIZE FOR YOUTHS
Designing the KLX140 and KLX140L from the ground up has enabled Kawasaki to offer two models that are ideal in size and weight for their target riders: youths.

KLX140 and KLX140L offer two sizes from which youths can choose. Larger than kid’s bikes, and smaller and lighter than “full-size” playbikes, these KLX’sL are a perfect fit for youths.

The largest difference between the two KLX youth models is their wheel size.
KLX140: F=17” R=14”
KLX140L: F=19” R=16”

Seat heights are also a nice compromise between kid’s bikes and full-size machines.
KLX140: 785 mm
KLX140L: 810 mm

Weighing 84 and 85 kg (respectively), the KLX140 and KLX140L are easy for youths to handle.

The KLX140 is recommended for youths up to 160 cm tall and 55 kg in weight; the KLX140L is recommended for youths up to 170 cm tall and weighing more than 55 kg.

 

Colours

Lime Green

 

2011 Kawasaki KLX 140L – USA Specifications
MSRP: $3,199 USD

ENGINE
Engine: Four-stroke, SOHC, two-valve single
Displacement: 111cc
Bore x Stroke: 53.0 x 50.6mm
Compression ratio: 9.5: 1
Cooling System: Air
Carburetion: Mikuni PB18
Ignition: CDI
Transmission: Four-speed
Final drive: Chain
Frame Type: Backbone frame, high-tensile steel
Rake/Trail: 24.2 degrees / 1.9 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 30mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.5 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Swingarm with single hydraulic shock / 5.2 in.
Front Tire Size: 2.50×14
Rear Tire Size: 3.00×12
Front brakes / rear brakes: Mechanical Drum / Mechanical drum
Overall length: 61.4 in.
Overall width: 25.6 in.
Overall height: 39
Ground clearance: 10.4 in.
Seat height: 28.7 in.
Curb weight: 168 lbs.
Wheelbase: 42.3 in.
Fuel capacity: 1.0 gal.
Color Choices: Lime Green
Warranty: 6 months
Good Times™ Protection Plan: 12, 24 or 36 months

 

2011 Kawasaki KLX 140L – Canada Specifications
MSRP: $TBD CDN

ENGINE
Type 4-stroke, Single
Displacement 144 cc
Bore and Stroke 58.0 x 54.4 mm
Compression Ratio 9.5:1
Valve System SOHC, 2 valves, screw type adjusters
Carburetion Keihin PB20
Ignition Digital DC-CDI
Cooling Air
Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump
Starting Electric

DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 5-speed, return
Primary Drive Gear
Final Drive Chain
Primary Reduction Rati 2.880 (72/25)
Gear Ratios: 1st 2.666 (40/15)
2nd 1.894 (36/19)
3rd 1.473 (28/19)
4th 1.181 (26/22)
5th 1.000 (24/24)
Final Reduction Ratio 3.923 (50/13)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual, cable operation

FRAME
Type Perimeter, box section, high-tensile steel
Wheel Travel: Front 180 mm
Wheel Travel: Rear 180 mm
Tires: Front 70/100-19
Tires: Rear 90/100-16
Caster (Rake) 27°
Trail 96 mm

SUSPENSION
Front 33 mm telescopic fork
Rear Uni-Trak with gas charged piggy-back shock
BRAKESRear: Type 186 mm petal disc
Caliper Single-piston
Front: Type 220 mm petal disc
Caliper Dual-piston

DIMENSIONS
Overall Length 1895 mm (74.6 in.)
Overall Width 790 mm (31.1 in.)
Overall Height 1075 mm (42.3 in.)
Wheelbase 1285 mm (50.6 in.)
Ground Clearance 255 mm (10 in.)
Seat Height 810 mm (31.9 in.)
Curb Mass 95 kg (209.4 lbs.)
Fuel Capacity 5.8 litres (1.3 gal.)

DETAILS
MSRP* TBA
Colour Lime Green
Warranty 6 months

ADDITIONAL COST OPTIONS
Good Times Protection Plan 24 or 36 months (Kawasaki GTPP coverage begins after the standard limited warranty expires)

* The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price does not include freight, pre-delivery inspection or applicable taxes. The final price is at the discretion of the dealer. Prices and Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets. Available colours may vary by market.