Hello!

I currently ride a 2000 Yamaha XT350 as a DualSport. Love the Bike except....it's a Kick start and VERYYYYYYY cold-blooded!

I have an opportunity to pickup a KLX250 at a decent price and I'm considering it. But, I need a little help making the final decision............

I've done the +/- thing and here is what I have.

I like the Yami height wise and performace wise over the Kawai, but it is hard starting and Always a kick starter!

The Kawi is 7 years newer and has ~ 8,000 less miles.

The Kawi was ridden by a 250 lb man off-road for ~ 1500 to 1800 miles. Nornal scuff marks, but nothing beyond cosmetic that I can tell.

I know...why decide...have both!

Whatda you all think?


Thanks,
TellicoTom

 

Here is something I posted a few years ago in the KLX250S Section. Hope this helps.



"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."