Hello there!


We're planning to buy a dual-sport. It's going to be my first bike after my teenage days of riding a moped. I'm 26 now, weigh around 65kg (~143lbs) and am 183cm (6 feet) tall. After some research on the internet I have concluded, that KLX250S would probably be the best fit for me.
I want a bike that would be really good to handle. One on which I would feel really in control.
Also I want it to be street legal. Otherwise I would have gone for KX250f.
I've read that KX250f packs way more power, but as it will be my first bike and I don't weigh much, KLX250S is probably enough for me anyways.
I've also read that the Yamaha WR250F/R are nice (more power than KX250S), but they cost way more than the Kawasaki, so that's not an option.

Anyways. My biggest question atm. Two dealers close to me seem to be selling the 2011 model (brand new). Is there any difference between the 2011 and the 2012 model? Would I lose out on something buying this "old", but brand new bike?
I tried searching from the internets, but came up with nothing. They seem to be the exact same thing, except the color, which is black for 2011.

Also buying a used one is not an option, as there is currently none on sale in my country. (There are some used KX250f's tho). I live in a tiny country in Europe...

If you have any other suggestions on which bike to choose or anything of that matter, please feel free to post.

Thank you!

 

Except for the color, nothings changed between 11 and 12 models.
You'll lose some money though the moment you ride out the door on 2011 models if you plan on reselling it years later being a year older.

 

Go for the cheaper one.

 

One advantage to the 2012 GREEN is much more visible on the road. I have found that to be a perceived advantage on road, I paired gear with a hi-vis jacket mfg'd by Tourmaster. If you are going to be commuting or in traffic it's good to be seen. You'll love either one, IMO.

 

My vote would normally lean toward saving cash on the 2011 model, but I wouldn't like the black one. Green for me and I'd pay more for it.

I'm 6'1" and 200 lbs with 34-inch inseam. After a bit of riding, this bike felt a little cramped - the seat dipped down toward the fuel tank and would suck me down there. I installed a GUTS RACING tall seat which really helped. Love it now.

Which country are you in?

 

Thanks everyone! It's been helpful!

I'm from Estonia.

 

Welcome to the forum! I don't think we have too many members from Estonia

If you do decide going with the KLX250, there's a wealth of great information and helpful folks here.

 

Really??? I respectfully disagree. It's NOTHING like the hosing you take when you drive a new car off the lot!!!

I bought my '09 in March of 2011. It was a new, leftover. I got a full year warranty, and a killer price over new. I paid basically as much as people are selling USED 09's for around here. Really! I got new for the price of used. So, where's the big loss there?

If you keep it more than 3 or 4 years, that really isn't an issue. I have seen '90 models selling for the same as '02 models. After a while, the price plateaus, and holds the same value for many, many years (assuming you keep it in decent shape).

 

[QUOTE=rgoers;475431]Really??? I respectfully disagree. It's NOTHING like the hosing you take when you drive a new car off the lot!!!

I bought my '09 in March of 2011. It was a new, leftover. I got a full year warranty, and a killer price over new. I paid basically as much as people are selling USED 09's for around here. Really! I got new for the price of used. So, where's the big loss there?

If you keep it more than 3 or 4 years, that really isn't an issue. I have seen '90 models selling for the same as '02 models. After a while, the price plateaus, and holds the same value for many, many years (assuming you keep it in decent

Unless you get a killer discount on the older model over the new one then its a different story. On your case, you are right.

 

Other than color, are there any changes from 2009 to 2012? Any new plans for 2013?