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2014 Kawasaki KLX250S Review
2014 Kawasaki KLX250S
Originally a road-going version of the KLX300R enduro racer, the KLX250S retains a significant amount of character and performance from its larger brother. Lightweight and compact, its 250cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine (based largely on the 300R) has a wide torque band, pulling from down low and continuing well into the over-rev…
Have Fun Wherever You Ride
Giant engines and a ton of gadgetry aren’t necessary to have a great time on two wheels. Take the Kawasaki KLX®250S, dual-purpose motorcycle for example. On the pavement it is a well-mannered, easy-to-ride motorcycle that can easily keep pace with traffic on the freeway. But when the pavement ends and the open country begins, the light and nimble KLX250S’ torquey liquid-cooled engine and adjustable front and rear suspension help it tame the toughest trails. All that capability is also paired with outstanding efficiency, making the 2014 KLX250S a superbly practical commuter.
A quick press of the KLX250S’ electric start button brings its 249cc engine to life. A 34mm semi-flat slide Keihin CVK carburetor provides easy-to-use response and a broad, smooth power delivery. Its fantastic fuel economy means you’ll be passing a lot of gas stations between fill-ups, and the KLX250S meets California air pollution regulations, making it an ideal choice in all 50 states. That engine is mounted in a light, high-tensile steel perimeter frame, yielding a low center of gravity that translates into better maneuvering in traffic and on tight trails.
A highly refined six-speed transmission contains the right gear for everything from off-road crawling to highway cruising, with an advanced shift cam design for positive shift feel and consistent gear engagement.
The rigors of off-road motorcycling dictate additional protection for the exposed underside of the machine, so the KLX250S comes standard with an aluminum engine guard to protect its crankcase during off-road adventures. Negotiating tight terrain also highlights another off-road reality – heat. Dual lightweight, high-capacity Denso radiators and an electric fan provide ample cooling.
The KLX250S’ straight-line stability is enhanced by a rigid square-section main frame, yet its short wheelbase gives it outstanding turning aptitude. Complementing the chassis is a lightweight aluminum swingarm employing a highly rigid D-shaped cross section. KX™ racing-type chain adjusters allow for precise chain adjustments.
The KLX250S’ custom spring and damping settings, with slightly less wheel travel than a dedicated off-road machine, give a more planted feel in corners and make it easier for riders to reach the ground. The 43mm inverted cartridge-style front fork features 16-way adjustable compression damping and 10.0 inches of travel. The Uni-Trak® linkage-type rear suspension has 16-way adjustable compression and rebound damping, providing 9.1 inches of wheel travel.
Strong, 4mm-thick spokes in the 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels provide excellent rigidity for enhanced off-road durability. The KLX250S also stops with authority, thanks to twin-piston calipers squeezing a 250mm semi-floating petal-shaped disc up front and a 240mm petal-shaped disc at the rear.
Aggressively styled bodywork complements the peppy engine and rugged chassis, and a custom seat filled with firm urethane and a carefully chosen handlebar pull it all together for long, comfortable days on and off the road.
Riders seeking enduro handling and modern engine performance in a dual-purpose motorcycle designed for effortless street riding will find it at their local Kawasaki dealership. The KLX250S offers serious capabilities in a fun, easy-to-ride package, regardless of where the adventure takes it.
2014 Kawasaki KLX250S Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
Key Features
– On- and off-road capability means maximum versatility
– 249cc engine is liquid cooled for performance and durability
– Adjustable 43mm fork offers excellent rigidity and consistent damping
– Adjustable Uni-Trak® rear suspension helps ensure a smooth ride and great handling
– Fully digital instrumentation has easy-to-read speedometer and tachometer
– Starting is easy with push-button electric start
– Six-speed transmission provides the right gear for any situation
– Brakes feature petal-style discs for superior stopping power
2014 Kawasaki KLX250S Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Single-cylinder 249cc DOHC Engine
– Compact engine design is lightweight and high revving, with a broad torque curve
– Good mass centralization for superior handling
– Flat-top piston and pentroof combustion chamber deliver an 11:1 compression ratio
– Lightweight piston, piston pin and connecting rod enable higher revs for maximum power
– Aluminum cylinder features electrofusion coating, which allows a tight clearance between piston and cylinder for greater horsepower and increased engine life thanks to superior heat transfer and lubrication retention properties
– A gear-driven engine balancer provides smooth power delivery from idle to redline
– Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow, to boost low-end torque while providing improved high-rpm breathing efficiency for more power
– 34mm semi-flat slide Keihin CVK carburetor delivers the optimum amount of fuel at all rpm, resulting in improved throttle response, greater power and excellent fuel economy
– Meets strict CARB regulations, so it’s available in all 50 states
Liquid Cooling
– Dual high-capacity, vertical-flow Denso radiators provide reliable and efficient engine cooling
– Radiators feature tightly packed cores and a fin design for excellent heat dispersion
– More consistent engine temperatures allow tighter engine clearances for quieter running and sustained power, while promoting longer engine life
– Cooling fan is powered by a shallow-footprint electric motor
Electric Starting
– Quick and easy push-button starting
– Kawasaki Automatic Compression Release (KACR) automatically lifts one of the exhaust valves at cranking rpm, for reduced starting effort
Exhaust System
– Secondary air system helps provide clean emissions
– USFS-approved spark arrestor lets the KLX®250S access designated off-road public riding areas
Six-speed Transmission
– Allows engine’s full potential to be used
– Provides excellent acceleration as well as relaxed highway cruising
Inverted Front Forks
– 43mm inverted cartridge fork offers excellent rigidity and consistent damping performance
– 10.0 inches of front wheel travel means straight-line stability, great handling and a low seat height
– 16-way compression damping adjustment allows tuning for differences in rider weight and terrain
Uni-Trak® Rear Suspension
– 9.1 inches of rear wheel travel for straight-line stability, great handling and a low seat height
– Progressive linkage rate provides a smooth ride and excellent bottoming resistance
– The gas-charged remote-reservoir shock features 16-way adjustable compression and rebound damping
Diamond Frame
– Lightweight, high-tensile steel for amazing rigidity
– No downtubes allow for lower engine placement and lower center of gravity as well as ample ground clearance
– Lightweight, aluminum D-section swingarm is highly rigid and reduces unsprung weight
– KX™ racing-type chain adjusters allow precise adjustment
Enhanced Ergonomics
– KLX-spec handlebar for a more relaxed position and effortless control
– Footpegs are positioned close to the bike’s centerline
– KLX-spec seat shape and foam make it easier to change seating position
Bodywork
– Aggressive headlight and front fender design
– Two-piece radiator shrouds styled like the KX motocross line
– Rear fender is a two-piece unit featuring a sharp tail light design that offers great visibility and further contributes to the KLX250S’ aggressive styling
Narrow Fuel Tank
– Narrow tank design gives riders maximum comfort and control without sacrificing capacity
Digital Instrumentation
– All-digital instrument console gives at-a-glance information, including a digital bar graph tachometer, digital speedometer, clock, and dual trip meters
Petal-Shaped Disc Brakes
– Front and rear disc brakes offer impressive stopping performance
– Twin-piston caliper grips a 250mm petal-shaped disc up front
– 240mm rear petal-shaped disc for great power, feel and feedback
Wheels and Tires
– Fat, 4mm spokes for greater off-road durability
– Tires with small tread blocks for longer tire life and increased grip on asphalt
2014 Kawasaki KLX250S – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $5,099 USD
Engine:
Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve single
Displacement:
249cc
Bore x stroke:
72.0 x 61.2mm
Compression ratio:
11.0:1
Cooling:
Liquid
Carburetion:
Keihin CVK34
Ignition:
Digital CDI
Transmission:
Six-speed
Final drive:
Chain
Frame:
Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake / trail:
26.5 degrees / 4.1 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel:
43mm inverted cartridge fork with 16-way compression damping adjustment / 10.0 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel:
Uni-Trak® with adjustable preload, 16-way compression and rebound damping adjustment / 9.1 in.
Front tire:
80/100×21
Rear tire:
100/100×18
Front brake:
250mm semi-floating petal disc with two-piston hydraulic caliper
Rear brake:
240mm petal disc with single-piston hydraulic caliper
Overall length:
86.6 in.
Overall width:
32.3 in.
Overall height:
47.4 in.
Ground clearance:
11.2 in.
Seat height:
35.0 in.
Curb weight:
297.7 lbs.
Fuel capacity:
2.0 gal.
Wheelbase:
56.3 in.
Color choices:
Ebony
Lime Green
MSRP:
$5099
Warranty:
12 months
Good Times™ Protection Plans:
12, 24, 36 or 48 months
2014 Kawasaki KLX250S – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: See dealer for pricing in CDN
Engine
Type 4-stroke, Single
Starting Electric
Displacement 249cc
Bore and stroke 72.0 x 61.2 mm
Compression ratio 11.0:1
Valve system DOHC, 4 valves
Fuel system Keihin CVK34 carburetor
Ignition Digital DC-CDI
Cooling Liquid, twin radiators
Lubrication Forced lubrication (wet sump)
Brakes
Front: type Single semi-floating 250 mm petal disc
Rear: type Single 240 mm petal disc
Front: calipers 2-piston hydraulic caliper
Rear: calipers Single-piston hydraulic caliper
Dimensions
Overall length 2,200 mm (86.6 in.)
Overall width 820 mm (32.3 in.)
Overall height 1,205 mm (47.4 in.)
Wheelbase 1,430 mm (56.3 in.)
Ground clearance 285 mm (11.2 in.)
Seat height 890 mm (35.0 in.)
Curb mass** 135 kg (298 lbs.)
Fuel capacity 7.7 litres (1.7 gal.)
Drivetrain
Final drive Sealed Chain
Transmission 6-speed, constant mesh, return shift
Primary reduction ratio 2.800 (84/30)
Gear ratio: 1st 3.000 (30/10)
Gear ratio: 2nd 2.000 (30/15)
Gear ratio: 3rd 1.500 (27/18)
Gear ratio: 4th 1.250 (25/20)
Gear ratio: 5th 1.050 (21/20)
Gear ratio: 6th 0.952 (20/21)
Final reduction ratio 3.000 (42/14)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, cable operation
Frame
Type Tubular semi-double cradle, high tensile steel
Wheel travel: front 290mm
Wheel travel: rear 280mm
Tire: front 3.00-21
Tire: rear 4.60 – 18
Caster (rake) 26.5°
Trail 105 mm (4.1 in.)
Steering angle (left/right) 41° / 41°
Suspension
Suspension, front 43 mm inverted cartridge fork with 16-way compression and rebound damping adjustment
Suspension, rear Uni-Trak with adjustable preload, 16-way compression and rebound damping adjustment
* 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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