I was never one of those kids that always rode a 2 stroke motocross bike when I was growing up. Big air never really interested me. I always had slow underpowered 4 strokes (Except my WR), still a lot of fun though.
This is my 7th motorcycle and my first Kawasaki. I previously owned a 1980 XR80, 1982 Yamaha XT200, 1988 NX250, 1996 XT350, 2001 WR426F, and a 2001 TTR125 (My wife’s bike). The KLX is my 4th factory Dual sport. I added blinkers and a horn to my WR to make it street legal. It is very easy to get a plate for a dirt bike in Idaho. Comparing the KLX to all the others I have owned I must say the KLX takes the prize.
The XT200 was good all purpose bike. I was only 14 when I first got it so I rode it in the dirt 95% of the time.
The NX was odd but still a nice bike. I would say it was more of a street bike than anything else. I could not get used to the headlight being stationary. I owned that one for about 8 months.
The XT350 was a tad heavy, also rated at only 17 HP but had more torque. This was my first bike I started to modify. I opened up the air box and removed the exhaust baffle. The dual carbs sucked for getting the jetting correct. I added a spacer to the rear shock spring. Replaced the rear taillight with a UFO light/blinker combo. And a lot of other things. I had a website dedicated to the XT350 that showed all the mods but that was years ago.
The WR was moded heavily. All YZ specs were done like cam timing, pumper carb timing, and all the “Free Mods” approximately 50 HP. That bike was great in the dirt as long as it was open, it did not like the tight technical stuff. Most likely because of the YZ changes. I had it for 3 years before I decided to plate it. I figured I would ride the bike more that way. I was wrong the throttle was just too touchy and it did not like to cruse at a constant speed and it was TALL, 39” seat height. Obviously the WR had the best power and suspension, but also the worse depending on where I was riding.
So I think the KLX is a good compromise on suspension and power. It carries its weight well also, not has top heavy as my other bikes. I wasn’t looking for a motocross bike just something I could ride to work then hit some forest service roads. I have a 2007 Can-AM Renegade 800 for the serious off road riding. I could use a little bit more power so I just need to figure out the free mods if there is any. I will be getting a 13 tooth sprocket. I also want some protection, hand guards and a skid plate.
I know there are a lot of people that do not like the 09’s because of the reduced suspension, but from what I can tell the lower seat height sure allows it to handle nice on the street. Even after coming off a bike with 12.5” of rear travel, off road the shock is still very useful. Having an adjustable shock is a big improvement over my XT’s.

 

My last two bikes were NX250's I think an 88 or 89 and then when that was totaled I used the insurance money to buy a new one that was a year old new stock. last year they made them. I liked that it was more street than dirt as it suited my purpose. Was my only transportation when I was in navy nuke school. Drug it around the country including power school in twin falls Idaho( I am originaly from Idaho) then traded it for something or other after being on Guam for a couple years.

KLX is the first bike since and although I am still waiting for it to arrive I think I'm gonna like it. Glad to hear from someone who has had an NX250 and likes the KLX better(although I think I liked the NX more than you did from the sounds of it)

I never was fond of more than one wheal leaving the ground at a time either. More into rideing trails and exploring.

Hope to see some ride reports from you just so I can reminice or remenice or something like that. (cant get the spellchecker to download!)
Cheers Jim
PWI-968

 

Welcome To Kawasaki Forums.
Turn On Some Tunes And Enjoy The Ride.

 

I started with a Kawasaki 90 2 stroke road bike (mum's) then got my own bike a Kawasaki F6 (125cc 2st trail bike). From what I remember the following
Suzuki T500
Kawasaki GPz550 (1st brand new bike)
Yamaha YZ125J
Yamaha XS250
Yamaha XS850
Suzuki DR250 (2nd new bike)
Honda CX500
Kawasaki KLR250
Kawasaki KLX250 (3rd new bike)
Kawasaki KDX200 (back to the future, love 2 strokes)
Might have been a couple of others brain is getting fuzzy

 

first bike i ever totaled was my dads immaculate NX 650