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2014 Kawasaki KLX140 Review
2014 Kawasaki KLX140
Off-road riders and mini-moto enthusiasts don’t have to settle for simple one-size machines with limited performance and cramped ergonomics. Kawasaki’s KLX140 has opened the door for a wider variety of riders in the small displacement off-road arena…
High Performance Has Never Been More User Friendly
Just like its smaller KLX®110 dirtbike cousins, the robust KLX140 will tame the toughest off-road conditions while remaining flexible enough to maximize off-road adventure regardless of rider age or skill level. Its moderate 30.7 in. seat height means the KLX140 will easily fit shorter riders who are looking to ride a real dirtbike.
Thanks to the convenience of its electric start, bringing the KLX140 to life is as simple as pressing the power switch and thumbing its start button. Its power switch includes an internal LED to remind riders when the ignition is on, preventing accidental battery drain. Its smooth and powerful 144cc four-stroke engine is easy to manage via a progressive manual clutch and five-speed, close-ratio transmission. A progressive clutch means that younger and beginning riders can more easily get the hang of shifting and clutch use, and half-clutch can be used at extremely low speeds to simplify the learning process while offering a direct feel and tremendous durability.
The KLX140’s high-revving engine is wrapped in a high-tensile steel perimeter frame covered by KX™-like shrouds, a two-tone seat cover and sharp, aggressive body work. A roomy cockpit, overall control layout and narrow footpeg/frame relationship – including wide and comfortable footpegs – make it easy for riders to move around while aboard with a minimum of effort.
A 33mm telescopic fork featuring custom-tuned spring rate and damping settings handles suspension duties up front. In back, a Uni-Trak® linkage-equipped rear shock featuring 5-way preload adjustability provides a smooth and controlled ride. To provide even greater options for growing riders, the KLX140L’s more advanced, reservoir-equipped shock easily fits the standard KLX140.
RK EXCEL aluminum rims and advanced braking components are another sign this is a serious off-road motorcycle. A large, 220mm front disc and 27mm twin-piston caliper at the front and 186mm rear disc provide exceptional stopping power. Both utilize petal shaped rotors, which help clean the brakes and reduce unsprung weight for better wheel control.
Bottom line- The KLX140 delivers the perfect blend of size and performance, all of which equals big fun for kids and adults alike.
Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.
2014 Kawasaki KLX140 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
At A Glance…
– 144cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine is simple to operate and to maintain
– Close-ratio 5-speed transmission makes optimum use of the engine’s power
– Progressive manual clutch offers young riders the chance to master clutch engagement and gear shifting
– Keyless electric starting via a starter button on the handlebar; an LED indicates when the power button is on to help prevent accidental battery drain
– Front 220mm petal disc and large-bore 27mm twin-piston caliper (same size as those on the KX™450F/250F) for strong and easy-to-control braking
– Quiet muffler is equipped with a USFS-approved spark arrester, meaning the KLX®140L can access designated public off-road riding areas
2014 Kawasaki KLX140 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
144 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine
– Reliable and easy to use lightweight engine is simple to operate and maintain
– Engine revs easily and allows riders to use the engine’s full rpm range up to the rev limiter at 10,500 rpm
– Exhaust pipe is curved to achieve optimum length for good power characteristics
– Quiet muffler is equipped with a USFS-approved spark arrester, meaning the KLX140 can access designated public off-road riding areas
– Air filter is washable, reusable, easily accessed and highly effective in dusty riding conditions
Electric start
– Keyless electric starting via handlebar-mounted button
– Orange LED light activates when the power button is depressed, indicating that power is “ON” to help prevent accidental battery drain
– Digital CDI ignition helps ensure quick, reliable starts
Carburetor
– Oval piston-valve Keihin PB20 carburetor features several Kawasaki-original modifications to provide stable fuel delivery under rough off-road conditions
– Partitions in the float chamber keep the fuel from sloshing excessively, while an umbrella around the main jet traps fuel when riding on rough terrain or jumping
– Dual air vents help provide a stable fuel supply even when the bike is at extreme lean angles
– Needle valve is suspended on a spring, which acts like a shock absorber
– Float material is rubber instead of plastic
Close-ratio 5-speed transmission
– Close gear ratios help the acceleration performance of the KLX140
– Shift lever features a ball bearing design for easy shifting like KX™ models, and has a folding tip for reduced crash damage
Progressive manual clutch
– Manual clutch offers young riders the chance to master clutch engagement and gear shifting
– Spring damper in the clutch provides a 2-stage engagement that permits half-clutch use when riding at extremely low rpm or idling speeds, and helps provide better clutch feel and durability
Box-section perimeter frame
– Ready for the off-road abuse, the highly rigid, KX-inspired high-tensile steel perimeter frame uses the same upper tubes as its older-brother, the KLX250S
– Aluminum swingarm is lightweight, strong and features a brushed finish just like the KX machines
– KX-style chain adjusters for ease of use and accurate chain adjustment
Superior suspension
– 33mm telescopic fork has spring rates and damping settings specific to each model
– KLX140 rear shock features 5-way preload adjustability and a Uni-Trak® linkage
– More advanced KLX140L rear shock and reservoir can be mounted on the KLX140 for faster riders
KX-style wheels
– Strong, high-grade die-cast hubs offer the same durability as those on the KX models
– Durable, lightweight RK EXCEL aluminum rims are featured on the KLX’s 17/14-inch front/rear wheels
Petal disc brakes front & rear
– Front 220mm petal disc and large-bore 27mm twin-piston caliper (same size as those on the KX450F/250F) offer strong and easy-to-control braking
– Rear brake uses a 186mm petal disc gripped by a 27mm single-piston caliper
– Rear brake master cylinder features a large-volume, unitized reservoir that contributes to stable braking and helps ensure sufficient fluid pressure, even when the brake pad wears down
– The wave shape of the petal discs help clean the brake pads for more efficient braking performance and reduce unsprung weight
Ergonomics
– Flat-shaped box-section of frame, long footpegs mounted close to the bike’s centerline and no kick-start lever combine to offer riders better feel and control
– Footpeg/frame relationship is modeled after the KX models for maximum leg grip
– Handlebar is rubber-mounted to reduce vibration felt by the rider’s hands
– Two-piece upper triple clamp and handlebar mounts allow easy installation of aftermarket bars
– Raised pattern on half of the handgrip surface improves rider grip and comfort
– Two-tone seat cover has a slip-resistant top surface for improved grip and smooth sides for excellent rider mobility when standing
Sharp, aggressive bodywork styling
– Box-section perimeter frame features advanced styling similar to that of the KX racers
– Two-piece shrouds with ventilation holes inspired by the top-of-the-line KX race machines
– Fuel tank cover provides a smooth transition from tank to shroud, and contributes to the high level fit and finish
– Eye-catching box muffler design protrudes as little as possible from behind the side cover and features a plastic muffler end-cap that offers a surface that’s cooler to the touch than steel
2014 Kawasaki KLX140 – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $3,099 USD
Engine:
Four-stroke, SOHC, two-valve single
Displacement:
144cc
Bore x stroke:
58.0 x 54.4mm
Cooling:
Air
Carburetion:
Keihin PB20
Compression ratio:
9.5:1
Ignition:
CDI
Transmission:
Five-speed with wet multi-disc manual clutch
Final drive:
Chain
Frame:
High-Tensile steel, box-section perimeter
Rake / trail:
27 degrees / 3.3 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel:
33mm telescopic fork / 7.1 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel:
Uni-Trak® linkage system and single shock with 5-way preload adjustability / 7.1 in.
Front tire:
70/100-17
Rear tire:
90/100-14
Front brake:
Single 220mm petal disc with a dual-piston caliper
Rear brake:
Single 186mm petal disc with single-piston caliper
Overall length:
71.7 in.
Overall width:
31.1 in.
Overall height:
41.3 in.
Wheelbase:
49.6 in.
Ground clearance:
9.3 in.
Seat height:
30.7 in.
Curb weight:
205.0 lbs.
Fuel capacity:
1.5 gal.
Color:
Lime Green
MSRP:
$3099
Warranty:
6 Months
Good Times™ Protection Plan
12, 24, or 36 months
2014 Kawasaki KLX140 – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $3599 CDN
Engine
Type 4-stroke, Single
Displacement 144cc
Bore and stroke 58.0 x 54.4 mm
Cooling Air
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Valve system SOHC, 2 valves, screw type adjusters
Fuel system Keihin PB20 carburetor
Ignition Digital DC-CDI
Starting Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication (wet sump)
Brakes
Front: type Single 220 mm petal disc
Front: calipers Dual-piston caliper
Rear: type Single 186 mm petal disc
Rear: calipers Single-piston caliper
Dimensions
Overall length 1,820 mm (71.7 in.)
Overall width 790 mm (31.1 in.)
Overall height 1,050 mm (41.3 in.)
Wheelbase 1,260 mm (49.6 in.)
Ground clearance 235 mm (9.3 in.)
Seat height 780 mm (30.7 in.)
Curb mass** 93 kg (205 lbs.)
Fuel capacity 5.8 litres (1.3 gal.)
Drivetrain
Transmission 5-speed
Final drive Chain
Primary reduction ratio 2.880 (72/25)
Gear ratio: 1st 2.667 (40/15)
Gear ratio: 2nd 1.895 (36/19)
Gear ratio: 3rd 1.474 (28/19)
Gear ratio: 4th 1.182 (26/22)
Gear ratio: 5th 1.000 (24/24)
Final reduction ratio 3.571 (50/14)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual, cable operation
Frame
Type Tubular double cradle, box section perimeter, high-tensile steel
Wheel travel: front 180 mm (7.1 in.)
Tire: front 70/100-17
Wheel travel: rear 180 mm (7.1 in.)
Tire: rear 90/100-14
Caster (rake) 27°
Trail 85 mm (3.3 in.)
Suspension
Suspension, front 33 mm telescopic fork
Suspension, rear Uni-Trak linkage system and single shock with 5-way preload adjustability
* The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price does not include freight, pre-delivery inspection or applicable taxes. The final price is at the discretion of the dealer. Prices and Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. The amount indicated as “Your price” may include an optional instant Mega Cash credit that is deducted from the manufacturer’s suggested retail price before taxes. This promotion is time limited and certain conditions will apply. See your dealer for complete details. Offer not available on financed purchases and cannot be combined with any other special offers. The final price is at the discretion of the dealer. Prices and Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
** Includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90% of capacity) and tool kit (if supplied)
‡ Power / Torque figures measured at the crankshaft.
The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets. Available colours may vary by market.
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