Greetings,
For 3 years, I have had my heart set on a DRZ400. However, this KLZ250S looks very appealing. Less weight, 6 speed, lower but it has less power and a smaller tank (those seem to be the major issues with me). Also, it is less expensive. I will generally ride to and from work (10 miles one way, all in-town), plus in the mountains of Colorado (single track and jeep trails). I am 5'8" and weight 160. One dealer told me in Colorado I should go with at least a 400cc, the DRZ - that the 250cc is seriously underpowered. I had a 1974 DT175 Yamaha in high school and later a Honda SL350 and those seemed fine but I haven't been on a bike in 10 years but can image the power is greater now. In reading all the forums, it sure seems like a toss-up. Any thoughts would be appreciated? I am finally in a position to purchase a bike!

Thanks

 

I'm keeping my mods to a minimum, I only changed the front sprocket down to a 13 and added the pelican case and front fender extensions. That being said I'm 6-1 and weigh 235, and the bike absolutely rocks. So someone who weighs 160? You better hang on. Let us know what you decide. Come to the dark side.[8D]

 

Mate, you and the KLX were made for each other, even if you want more power (considering past bikes I doub't it) there are a few easy cheap mods BMWHD has detailed elsewhere that will have you zipping along in no time. I ride mine to work and trails and I think it's great and mines stock. It could use lower gearing for tight trail work but thats typical of all dual purpose bikes.

best of luck

Garry

 

Mate, you and the KLX were made for each other, even if you want more power (considering past bikes I doub't it) there are a few easy cheap mods BMWHD has detailed elsewhere that will have you zipping along in no time. I ride mine to work and trails and I think it's great and mines stock. It could use lower gearing for tight trail work but thats typical of all dual purpose bikes.

best of luck

Garry

Come to the Green Team

 

I got mine a few weeks ago and will say that I am about 190 lbs and this bike seems to have plenty of power for me. I'm in NC, but there are a few nice steep hills around here and the KLX250S accelerates up them with me hanging on for dear life! I guess I sort've scratch my head when folks say it doesn't have any power - maybe it's just what you are used to. My bike is completely stock at the moment, though from what you read here and elsewhere, there is good potential to make it even better with some low cost DIY mods. I'm going to ride it as is for a few K before changing anything, though.

 

I'm coming off an xr 650l, 6'1" and 189 pounds. I can tell a difference in power, who wouldnt but there is surely enough for you...for me the joy is the loss of around 80 pounds and that difference stands out in every way....knowing what i know now I wouldnt go back.

 

Well I for one am very happy with the purchase of this bike. I have made just the basic of mods. Flush mounted rear turn signals, acerbis handguard with built in lights, folding mirrors, and I have a 13t sprocket on the way. I will probably go with the longer chain and the 45t on the rear also. Other than that I will leave it alone. I think the bike is perfect. If you guys in NC ever want to ride just let me know. I'm always looking for some new place to go.

 

I couldn't tell you how a DRZ would compare to the KLX (getting one soon as in stock) but I ride a KDX200 which has similar ergo's to the KLX. I can tell you that the DRZ is way taller and has a plank for a seat. [:@] You'll be more comfortable with the Kawasaki for sure!

See my observations in this link https://www.kawasakiforums.com/m_18249/tm.htm

 

I'd love to do that. We can't let Tony and friends have all the fun up there in WA state. I think I'm an hour or two north of you guys though. I don't have a trailer to haul my bike so I'm kind've limited at the moment to what I can find around here. I'm still searching for good riding - looks like all the good stuff is private property and marked "no trespassing" around here and is usually gated. Still lookin'.

-Brian

 

I was in the same boat as you deciding between a DRZ400 XR650L or KLX250. I even had a deal worked out on a 2003 DRZ400s but the guy backed out so I knew the KLX was meant to be. I had 2 KDX's in the past on loved them. So far i did all the little tweeking mads that youve probably read about and i have only 70 miles on it so far and I'm in love with it! It's a great bike!