HI
Just signed on, sold my trusty OLD Dr650 finally was thinking of buying a 2006 klx250s is there any thing negative about these older models compared to the newer ones (susp,motor or handling).I think the 06 had a bit steeper head angle and more susp (better)? and older looking styling.
thanks for the input,hope ill be a regular on here soon!
kelly

 

This can be very preferential, but here's what I like about the '06/'07 models. They are closer to the dirt-only KLX300 in that they have the 11" travel front and rear as opposed to the later KLX's 10" or so. Nearly everything suspension related will transfer directly from the 300 to the earlier 250. As a result, the '06/'07 is slightly more profient off road IMO. I bought the '06 based on better off road performance as opposed to the style issue. The later KLX's look more modern. The '06 will also take the 3.7 gallon Acerbis tank for the 300. This was important for me due to long, long rides out west. The 3-gal. IMS tank for the later model 250 is quite good, so you're not stuck with the stupid peanut tank regardless. I would have had a Vapor instrument panel even if I owned an '09 or later model. The accurate, digital temp guage in the Vapor panel is a must for me. The old-time analog instruments on the earlier KLX are ugly and heavy.

So...for me it's the Acerbis tank and the longer travel that gets the nod.

 

I've got an 09, like it alot, but TNC has good points. The differences are small at best so you can't really go wrong. Another plus for an older bike would be purchase price which might leave you room for aftermarket goodies.

 

thx guys, i seem to be doing more technical offroad stuff lately so the longer travel and lower price for mods (can you say big bore!!) seems the way to go. the motor is still the same right?
thx
kelly

 

No big changes between '06 and '09 models on all the critical stuff...except that Kawasaki green is always faster than the later colors.

 

i got a 09' it handles really good on road at high speeds which i think is due to the lower suspension. i wouldnt mind having that extra inch off road sometimes though.

 

If you are doing "technical off road riding" the inch less travel should not be an issue, possibly a benefit depending on your inseam.

 

With either bike if you want to ride off road a lot you will be upgrading the suspension springs and valving, once you have done that the extra inch of travel is a mute point on the older bike. you won't be disappointed with either as long as you increase the power.

 

Welcome Stro, I bought the 06 in November of 05 and absolutely love the bike. With nearly 15,000 miles on the bike, it will be in my garage until I cant remember my name and am wearing diapers......what was I talking about? where am I? Mom?

But seriously I do like the new bikes as well. If you run across a good deal on either bike, you won't be disappointed.

 

I have an 07, buddy of mine has an 09 he bought new. He went through three sets of fork seals and one rear shock already from riding off road.. The dealer keeps yelling at him telling him it's not a motocross bike, it's not an off-road bike, if he keeps messing up the suspension they will stop fixing it for him.

My 07 has twice the miles as his does, and I ride it off-road 98% of the time. Never had any probs with seals or shock. Also his bottoms out a lot easier, I took it off a small jump and almost flew off the bike.

06/07 all the way.