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2014 Kawasaki KLX140L Review
2014 Kawasaki KLX140L
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…
A More Robust KLX140 for Larger Riders
With its 17” front and 14” rear wheels, the Kawasaki KLX®140 holds plenty of appeal for both young and old, but it also incorporates all of the standard 140’s many off-road-worthy features, yet wraps them in an even beefier package that will stand up to the demands of taller and more aggressive off-road riders. The 140L not only features larger 19” front and 16” rear wheels and a taller 31.5 in. seat height, its suspension is also more performance-oriented, featuring an honest-to-goodness reservoir-type shock that larger and more experienced riders will quickly appreciate.
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, and 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 duty up front. In back, a Uni-Trak® linkage-equipped rear shock featuring 5-way preload adjustability and a remote reservoir provides a high degree of wheel control, and is adaptable to the smaller-wheeled, standard-spec KLX140 for added performance.
Lightweight 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 serious stopping power. Both utilize petal-shaped rotors, which help clean the brakes and reduce unsprung weight for better wheel control.
The KLX140L capitalizes on the strengths of the KLX140 while further upping the ante with larger wheels and a more advanced rear suspension for an ideal blend of size and performance. Enjoying the great outdoors has never been more fun.
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2014 Kawasaki KLX140L 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
– Rear shock with piggyback reservoir has fully adjustable preload, four-way compression damping and 22-way rebound damping
– 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 KLX140L Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
144 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine
– Reliable and easy to use lightweight engine is both simple to operate and to maintain
– Engine revs easily and allows riders to use the full rpm range up to the 10,500 rpm rev limiter
– Exhaust pipe is curved to achieve optimum length for good power character
– The quiet muffler is equipped with a USFS approved spark arrester, meaning the KLX140L can access designated public off-road riding areas
– Air-filter is washable, reusable, easily accessed and highly effective in dusty situations
– 31.5-inch seat height accommodates taller riders
Electric start
– Starting is via a (keyless) electric starter button on the handlebar
– Orange LED light activates when the power button is depressed, indicating that power is “ON”
– 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 and an umbrella around the main jet traps fuel when 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 that acts like a shock absorber
– Float material is rubber instead of plastic
Close-ratio 5-speed transmission
– Close gear ratios help the KLX140L’s acceleration performance
– Like the KX models, the shift lever features a ball bearing to ease shifting and has a folding tip to help reduce the chance of bending the lever in a crash
Progressive manual clutch
– Manual clutch offers young riders the chance to master clutch engagement and gear shifting
– A spring damper in the clutch gives it a 2-stage engagement that permits half-clutch use when riding at extremely low rpm or idling speeds, and helps provide direct clutch feel and better durability
Box-section perimeter frame
– Ready for off-road abuse, the highly rigid, KX™-inspired high-tensile steel perimeter frame uses the same upper tubes as the KLX250S
– Aluminum swingarm offers light weight, strength and a brushed finish like on the KX machines
– KX-style chain adjusters allow precise chain adjustments
Superior suspension
– 33mm telescopic fork assembly has spring rates and damping settings specific to the 140L
– Intended for use at a quicker pace, the KLX140L features a Uni-Trak® linkage and a rear shock with a piggyback reservoir, fully adjustable spring preload, 4-way compression damping and 22-way rebound damping
KX-style wheels
– Strong, high-grade die-cast hubs offer the same durability as those found on the KX
– Durable, lightweight RK EXCEL aluminum rims on the 19/16-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
– In addition to helping reduce unsprung weight, the wave shapes of the petal discs help clean the brake pads for more efficient braking performance
Ergonomics
– Combination of the flat surface of the frame’s box-section, long footpegs mounted close to the bikes’ centerline and no kick-start lever add up to good grip and a high level of machine control
– Footpeg/frame relationship is modeled after the KX line for maximum leg grip
– Handlebar is rubber-mounted for reduced vibration felt by the rider’s hands
– Two-piece upper triple clamp and handlebar mounts foster easy aftermarket handlebar installation
– Raised pattern on half of the grip surface offers more control and comfort
– Two-tone seat cover has a slip-resistant top surface for good grip when seated and smooth sides for excellent rider mobility when standing
Sharp, aggressive bodywork styling
– Box-section perimeter frame features advanced styling similar to that found on the KX racers
– Two-piece shrouds with ventilation holes inspired by the top-of-the-line KX race machines
– Fuel tank cover provides a flush transition from tank to shroud, and contributes to the bike’s high level of 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 cooler to the touch than steel
2014 Kawasaki KLX140L – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $3,399 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 / 3.8 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel:
33mm telescopic fork / 7.1 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel:
Uni-Trak® linkage system and single shock with piggyback reservoir, fully adjustable preload and 22-way rebound damping / 7.1 in.
Front tire:
70/100-19
Rear tire:
90/100-16
Front brake:
Single 220mm petal disc with a dual-piston caliper
Rear brake:
Single 186mm petal disc with single-piston caliper
Overall length:
74.6 in.
Overall width:
31.1 in.
Overall height:
42.3 in.
Wheelbase:
50.6 in.
Ground clearance:
10.0 in.
Seat height:
31.5 in.
Curb weight:
209.4 lbs.
Fuel capacity:
1.5 gal.
Color:
Lime Green
MSRP:
$3399
Warranty:
6 Months
Good Times™ Protection Plan
12, 24, or 36 months
2014 Kawasaki KLX140L – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $3999 CDN
Engine
Type 4-stroke, Single
Starting Electric
Ignition Digital DC-CDI
Fuel system Keihin PB20 carburetor
Valve system SOHC, 2 valves, screw type adjusters
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Cooling Air
Bore and stroke 58.0 x 54.4 mm
Displacement 144cc
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 1,895 mm (74.6 in.)
Overall width 790 mm (31.1 in.)
Overall height 1,075 mm (42.3 in.)
Wheelbase 1,285 mm (50.6 in.)
Ground clearance 255 mm (10.0 in.)
Seat height 800 mm (31.5 in.)
Curb mass** 95 kg (209.4 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 3.923 (51/13)
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 70/100-19
Wheel travel: rear 180 mm (7.1 in.)
Tire: rear 90/100-16
Caster (rake) 27°
Trail 96 mm (3.8 in.)
Suspension
Suspension, front 33 mm telescopic fork
Suspension, rear Uni-Trak linkage system and single shock with piggyback reservoir, fully adjustable preload and 22-way rebound damping
* 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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