I was able to ride the new KLX250S today at Grapevine Kawasaki. Some of you know I've been looking for a replacement for my KLR650. My search criteria have been (in no particular order):

1) Under 300lbs dry weight. Under 250lbs if possible
2) Under 500cc
3) Under $5K
4) Good dealer and aftermarket support
5) Street legal from the factory - dual sporting an enduro doesn't appeal to me for several reasons I won't go into here

I had narrowed my focus to the Suzuki DR-Z400S as the best street legal dirt bike on the market for the money. The Husky TE-610 or any of several KTMs would certainly run circles around the DRZ but at a much higher cost (and weight).

When Kawasaki announced they we're bringing the KLX250S to the states as an '06 to replace the old KLR250, I was intrigued. The bike has a very nice suspension, a six speed tranny, better tires from the factory, and a dry weight around 250lbs. The down side looked to be lower power and the price will be at least $1K above a good used DRZ.

Test Ride -

I had a short ride around the dealership today. I only went about 3 miles total but I was able to get up to 60 mph without exceeding the breakin RPMs. The bike's nominal redline is 10.5K but I kept it under 6K at all times. Impressions:

1) Very smooth - no real vibes up to 6K. Mirrors clear at all speeds.
2) It ain't no 650 when it comes to power...but it has plenty for my needs. 60 in 5th gear was no problem at all
3) Very, very light. Like riding a bicycle compared to my old KLR.
4) Wind stream clear of any buffeting
5) Handlebars a bit too short for me to stand comfortably. Would need risers or aftermarket bars.
6) Tires are a newish DOT knobby (Dunlop 603) and they were fine on the street and should be great off road.

So...I'm sold...I think...I'm in negotiations now with the sales manager. We'll see what happens later this week...

 

Quote: Street legal from the factory - dual sporting an enduro doesn't appeal to me for several reasons I won't go into here

What did you mean by that? then you said: So...I'm sold...I think...I'm in negotiations now with the sales manager. We'll see what happens later this week...

I'm confused, LOL but I usually am. No seriously, so you liked it or dont? Or does that mean you probably won't ride the bike on trails?

I can't wait to do a little gravel road and trail ridding in all of my old spots from like 18 years ago, And I know they are still there because its mostly Forest Service, Rayonier, and State land, and that doesn't chang hands. Hey Todd let us know how it goes, price and whatnot. (whatnot? is that a word?)

 

What I ment about dual sporting an enduro was that conventional wisdom (if there is such) says you should buy a true dirt bike like the WR450 or CRF450 and put a dual sport kit on it so it can be street legal. I just don't want to go that route.

I like the KLX a lot. Cost is an issue for me right now so I'll get it if a deal can be worked out that doesn't break the bank. The dealer is at least willing to work with me which is nice.

I'm 95% sold on it and only hold out 5% because I'm slow to commit on a purchase like this in general...plus a little voice keeps telling me I should at least ride a DRZ before I commit to the KLX. The problem is that used DRZs are very rare in Texas. All the good ones seem to be in CA, NJ, or FL for some reason. I haunt eBay and Craigslist daily but so far almost no DRZs within a 2-3 state radius from Texas. As for bumming a test ride at a Suzuki dealer, forget it. No dice around here.

 

I just rode mine out of town for lunch, and it seems like everytime I get on it I like it even more. Well you do what is right for you, but if you do decide to get the bike, get to know the service guy really well, I got my dealer and the service guys e-mail, and got to know them by name, that way they will be more likely to maintain a good business relationship with me. Also even though I consider myself a mechanical guy (Maintenance Mechanic II for the University of Washington) I still don't want to mess with what I feel is a really nice bike, so I got the extended 4 year warranty. For $400.00 it really gives me piece of mind. But to each his own. Good luck.

 

Looks like it's a deal. I should pick it up this week. I opted for the 2 extra years on the warranty since I almost never keep a bike that long

I'll post detailed reports when I get it.

 

I'm just the opposite, I never want to get rid of anything.

deej

 

Got it this afternoon! You were right Deric, it's a sweet little bike! Can't WAIT to get past the breakin. I'll be working hard toward that goal tomorrow!

 

How are you planning to do the break in? I was going to follow the manufacturer's recomendations until I read this article. It's up to you, but it has to be done in the first 20 miles.

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

deej

 

I've followed his advise on several bikes, this one included.

 

I got 140 miles on mine already, it's amazing how the miles add up when you're having fun, and all of this with temps around 30 to 35, I can't wait until summer.