Not impressed with KLX... Should I mod it or sell it?
#21
03-31-2012, 05:18 PM
I weigh 190. You guys may be able to maintain highway speed in flat areas here but its not happening here without being wot if at all. I've always been a kawasaki guy and wanted a dual sport but didnt want a heavy 650 for sure. The KLX was all that was left. I bought the klx without riding it, there wasnt anything around localy for sale. I had a friend pick it up in another province. I thought i could always do a BB if it wasnt powerful enough. I still havent ruled this out.
I was also looking at the DRZ online last night as an alternative. Seems like its probably my best option. I hate the color and convetional forks. Im sure they work fine but it just seems so backwards.
What about the WR250? Seems that these are the best 250's out there. Will this be enough? Are these going to be relialbe or is it more of a race engine?
Theres a klx 450 for sale locally. But doesnt this use the same race engine as the motorcrosser? Not interested if thats the case. But looks good otherwise.
A buddy of mine is converting a KTM 300 for road right now, alot of people do it. We switched a couple times and the seat was surprizingly not all that bad when actually riding, I almost prefered his. Suspension was terrible (for what I want) on the KTM. Engine was nice though, certainly have far more potential with the right gearing then the KLX.
I was also looking at the DRZ online last night as an alternative. Seems like its probably my best option. I hate the color and convetional forks. Im sure they work fine but it just seems so backwards.
What about the WR250? Seems that these are the best 250's out there. Will this be enough? Are these going to be relialbe or is it more of a race engine?
Theres a klx 450 for sale locally. But doesnt this use the same race engine as the motorcrosser? Not interested if thats the case. But looks good otherwise.
A buddy of mine is converting a KTM 300 for road right now, alot of people do it. We switched a couple times and the seat was surprizingly not all that bad when actually riding, I almost prefered his. Suspension was terrible (for what I want) on the KTM. Engine was nice though, certainly have far more potential with the right gearing then the KLX.
#23
03-31-2012, 06:38 PM
#24
03-31-2012, 07:13 PM
Even a fully decked BB WR250R is only going to produce a little over 30HP.
http://wr250rforum.forumotion.com/t1487-wr290r-big-bore-installed-update-with-dyno-info
Though you might get a pony or two with a PC 5 than the FMF EFI programmer (just a guess).
A fully tricked out KLX with BB can get into the mid 30's as WildWill has shown.
https://www.kawasakiforums.com/forum...-dyno-s-28826/
The Kawi's main advantage is the overall cost to reach these levels, though the WR has a slight weight favor.
If you looking for something out of the box with more performance, you are going to either have to spend some cash al-la Husky or just go with the DRZ400 and take your compromises that way.
http://wr250rforum.forumotion.com/t1487-wr290r-big-bore-installed-update-with-dyno-info
Though you might get a pony or two with a PC 5 than the FMF EFI programmer (just a guess).
A fully tricked out KLX with BB can get into the mid 30's as WildWill has shown.
https://www.kawasakiforums.com/forum...-dyno-s-28826/
The Kawi's main advantage is the overall cost to reach these levels, though the WR has a slight weight favor.
If you looking for something out of the box with more performance, you are going to either have to spend some cash al-la Husky or just go with the DRZ400 and take your compromises that way.
#25
03-31-2012, 10:31 PM
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Posts: 1,389
I was disappointed with the power output my klx too, but as time goes on you mod it and slowly the thing takes on a life of its own. It is not a highway bike but it does the job in the slow lane. It will outlast me I am sure. These bikes are swiss army knives. Not he best at anything but really good for most things. If you don't want to sink money into it to get what you want, then you should sell it and sink money in to the WR, I have considered looking for a WR to mod for long trips but I will not sell my KLX.
#26
04-01-2012, 01:10 AM
I kind of went through this with cars myself. I now have VW GTI and it was slow compared to even my Mazdaspeed3.
However, then I began to appreciate it for what it was. A super solid, super balanced lovable car. Ultimately I feel its the best driving car I have had for a long time. Maybe since my 1991 GTI 16v. Also a great balanced and super fun car (although I did put cams in that).
I would weigh all the aspects of this bike and what other bikes offer.
However, then I began to appreciate it for what it was. A super solid, super balanced lovable car. Ultimately I feel its the best driving car I have had for a long time. Maybe since my 1991 GTI 16v. Also a great balanced and super fun car (although I did put cams in that).
I would weigh all the aspects of this bike and what other bikes offer.
#27
04-01-2012, 02:21 AM
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Washington
Posts: 21,060
I rode a DRZ 400 and dude it felt the same to me as far as weight but the power ...dude it was awesome. But if I had a time machine I would go back and buy the Honda 650 oh and pick all the winning lottery numbers and stocks.LOL
#28
04-01-2012, 02:48 AM
I didn't get the opportunity to ride the klx before purchase. But after looking at all the available machines that year, the kawi fit the wifey the best. Riding it home revealed a major lack of propulsion... but it is what it is. Your instincts are to modify the machine to suit your needs....
#29
04-01-2012, 04:59 AM
Hands down, this is the "BEST" dual sport out there right now.
Why nobody ever mentions it I will never know.
The KTM 690 Enduro is the same weight as the KLX250 and has 65 horsepower. It will do 120 mph and cruises at 75 effortlessly. This is my next bike and probably the closest thing you can get to what you want right now.
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Why nobody ever mentions it I will never know.
The KTM 690 Enduro is the same weight as the KLX250 and has 65 horsepower. It will do 120 mph and cruises at 75 effortlessly. This is my next bike and probably the closest thing you can get to what you want right now.
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Last edited by BigSky KLX; 04-01-2012 at 05:04 AM.
#30
04-01-2012, 05:11 AM
Hands down, this is the "BEST" dual sport out there right now.
Why nobody ever mentions it I will never know.
The KTM 690 Enduro is the same weight as the KLX250 and has 65 horsepower. It will do 120 mph and cruises at 75 effortlessly. This is my next bike and probably the closest thing you can get to what you want right now.
Why nobody ever mentions it I will never know.
The KTM 690 Enduro is the same weight as the KLX250 and has 65 horsepower. It will do 120 mph and cruises at 75 effortlessly. This is my next bike and probably the closest thing you can get to what you want right now.
Honestly for that price you could buy a used street bike and a straight up dirt bike. Or trailer/truck and a dirt bike.
Each his own though..