Kawasaki KLX 250S

Built to get you there and back, pavement or not

When the pavement ends, the fun doesn’t have to stop if you’re riding the Kawasaki KLX™250S. Lights, turn signals and all the other things you need to ride on the street are here, but the KLX250S’s heart belongs in the dirt. With its 249cc liquid-cooled single, long-travel suspension and rugged steel frame, this lightweight machine lets you access the best of both worlds.

That compact and powerful four-stroke single-cylinder engine fires right up through the miracle of electric starting, and it mounts nice and low beneath a lightweight, high-tensile steel perimeter frame to provide a low center of gravity and enhanced maneuvering on tight trails. A gear-driven engine balancer keeps it nice and smooth for greater comfort and less fatigue on longer rides. The 34mm semi-flat slide Keihin CVK carburetor provides great throttle response and broad, smooth power—not to mention fantastic fuel economy.

A highly refined six-speed transmission contains the right gear for everything from first-gear offroad crawling through top-gear highway cruising, with an advanced shift cam for positive shift feel and firm engagement.

The rigors of off-road motorcycling dictate additional protection for the exposed underside of the machine: The KLX250S comes standard with an aluminum engine guard to protect its crankcase during off road adventures. Negotiating tight terrain also highlights another off-road reality — heat. Dual lightweight, high-capacity Denso radiators and an electric fan provide ample cooling.

The KLX250S’s straight-line stability is enhanced by use of a rigid square-section main frame, yet its short wheelbase gives it outstanding turning aptitude. Complementing the chassis is a lightweight aluminum swingarm employing a highly-rigid D-shaped cross section. KX™ racing-type chain adjusters allow for precise chain adjustments.

The KLX250S’s custom spring and damping settings, with slightly less wheel travel than a dedicated off-road machine, give a more planted feel in corners and make it easier for riders to reach the ground. The 43mm inverted cartridge-style front fork features 16-way adjustable compression damping and 10.0-inches of travel; the Uni-Trak® linkage-type rear suspension has 16-way adjustable compression and rebound damping, and provides 9.1-inches of wheel travel.

Strong, 4mm-thick spokes in the 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels provide for excellent wheel rigidity for enhanced off-road durability. The KLX250S also stops hard, thanks to twin-piston calipers squeezing a 250mm semi-floating petal disc up front and a 240mm petal disc at the rear.
Aggressively styled bodywork finishes off this powerful and rugged package, and a custom seat stuffed with firm urethane and a carefully chosen handlebar pull it all together for long, comfortable days on the road and off it.

Riders seeking enduro handling and modern engine performance in a dual-purpose motorcycle designed for effortless street riding will find it at their local Kawasaki dealership. The KLX250S offers serious capabilities in a fun, easy-to-ride package, regardless of where the adventure takes it.