Kawasaki KLR250

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The Kawasaki KLR250 was a motorcycle produced from 1984 to 2005, with only minor changes during the model run. This lightweight dualsport motorcycle was used for several years by the US military for a variety of tasks, including messenger duty and reconnaissance. It was produced by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan and exported to many parts of the world, including the U.S. and Canada, Europe and Australia.

Somewhat similar in appearance to the larger KLR650 (sold in the same colors), the 250 is often described as being a better trail bike (due to lighter weight and reduced bulk) but less enjoyable on long stretches of highway. The user-friendly power delivery and light weight make it a popular bike for novice riders. Like the 650, the KLR250 has continued to sell well into the 21st century despite being questionably "state of the art" even at its introduction, and having no styling changes, except paint and the color of the plastic. You can tell approximately what year a KLR is (either size) by the color of the bodywork:

• 1985 White/Dark Blue
• 1985/'86 Lime Green/Dark Blue OR Red/Dark Blue (non-US)
• 1987 White/Red with Blue/Red Tank Decal (patriotic year)
• 1988/'89 half Blue/half White with Green Stripes
• 1990-'93 White/Light Blue
• 1994-'96 Teal/Purple (often referred to as "Barbie Years")
• 1995 Seafoam/Black (Spain only?)
• ? Black/Black with Purple Tank Decal
• ? Black/Dark Blue
• 1997-'99 Dark Blue "Forest Bluish Green"
• 2000 Olive/Black Tank Decal
• 2001/'02 "Galaxy Silver"/Olive
• 2003 Black/Olive
• 2004/'05 Black/"Aztec Red"

Unlike the 650, the 250 shares many engine parts with an ATV sold by Kawasaki, the KSF250 "Mojave". This has resulted in the availability of engine performance parts, though many owners prefer to use their bike relatively unmodified.

Owners report highway fuel economy figures ranging from 55-70 mpg U.S. (3.4 to 4.3 L/100 km), and city fuel economy of 45-50 mpg U.S> (4.7 to 5.2 L/100 km). The combination of excellent fuel economy, high reliability, light weight and easy handling have made it a favorite among dualsport riders as well as urban commuters and it remains popular even though production has ceased.

Kawasaki discontinued the KLR250 at the end of the 2005 model run. It is replaced by the KLX250R as of 2006.

The base specifications have remained virtually unchanged through out the production period.

Engine:

• Type: Four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve, single cylinder,
• Displacement: 249 cc
• Bore and Stroke: 74.0 x 58.0 mm
• Carburetor: Keihin CVK34
• Compression ratio: 11.0:1
• Output: 28 horsepower 1986-1989, 22 horsepower 1990-2005
• Starting Method: Kick

Drivetrain:

• Transmission: 6-speed
• Final Drive: O-ring chain

Brakes:

• Front: Hydraulic disc
• Rear: Drum

Suspension:

• Front: Air-adjustable hydraulic telescopic fork
• Rear: UNI-TRAK® single-shock system

Wheels and tires:

• Front: 3.00 x 21 tire
• Rear: 4.60 x 17 tire

Dimensions:

• Length: 84.3 in
• Seat height: 33.7 in
• Rake and Trail: 28.5 degrees / 4.6 in
• Wheelbase: 55.7 in
• Weight: 258 lb dry
• Fuel Capacity: 2.9 US gal
• Engine oil capacity: 2 liters