Motorcycle.com

Built to get you there and back, pavement or not


When the pavement ends, the fun doesnt have to stop if youre riding the Kawasaki KLX™250S. Lights, turn signals and all the other things you need to ride on the street are here, but the KLX250Ss heart belongs in the dirt. With its 249cc liquid-cooled single, long-travel suspension and rugged steel frame, this lightweight machine lets you access the best of both worlds.


That compact and powerful four-stroke single-cylinder engine fires right up through the miracle of electric starting, and it mounts nice and low beneath a lightweight, high-tensile steel perimeter frame to provide a low center of gravity and enhanced maneuvering on tight trails. A gear-driven engine balancer keeps it nice and smooth for greater comfort and less fatigue on longer rides. The 34mm semi-flat slide Keihin CVK carburetor provides great throttle response and broad, smooth powernot to mention fantastic fuel economy. The KLX250S meets strict CARB regulations, making it available in California.


A highly refined six-speed transmission contains the right gear for everything from first-gear offroad crawling through top-gear highway cruising, with an advanced shift cam for positive shift feel and firm engagement.


The rigors of off-road motorcycling dictate additional protection for the exposed underside of the machine: 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 KLX250Ss straight-line stability is enhanced by use of 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 KLX250Ss 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, and provides 9.1-inches of wheel travel.


Strong, 4mm-thick spokes in the 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels provide for excellent wheel rigidity for enhanced off-road durability. The KLX250S also stops hard, thanks to twin-piston calipers squeezing a 250mm semi-floating petal disc up front and a 240mm petal disc at the rear.


Aggressively styled bodywork finishes off this powerful and rugged package, and a custom seat stuffed with firm urethane and a carefully chosen handlebar pull it all together for long, comfortable days on the road and off it.


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.
SpecificationsEngine: 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: 80/100x21
Rear tire: 100/100x18
Front brake / rear brake: 250mm semi-floating petal disc with two-piston hydraulic caliper / 240mm petal disc with single-piston hydraulic caliper
Overall length: 86.6 in.
Overall width: 32.3 in.
Overall Height: 47.4 in.
Seat height: 35.0 in.
Wheelbase: 56.3 in.
Ground clearance: 11.2 in.
Fuel capacity: 2.0 gal.
Curb weight: 297.7 lbs.
Color: Lime Green, Ebony
Warranty: 12 Months
Single-Cylinder 249CC DOHC EngineCompact 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 piston-cylinder clearance 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, contributing to improved response and power, as well as good fuel economy
Meets strict CARB regulations, so its available in California
Liquid CoolingDual 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 StartingQuick 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 SystemSecondary air system helps provide clean emissions
USFS-approved spark arrester allows the KLX250S to access designated off-road public riding areas
Six-Speed TransmissionAllows engines full potential to be used
Provides excellent acceleration as well as relaxed highway cruising
Inverted Front Forks43mm inverted cartridge fork offers excellent rigidity and consistent damping performance; 10.0-inch 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 Suspension9.1 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
All new linkage and revised damping settings reduce front-rear pitching motions
Rear wheel travel reduced to 9.1 in, for increased straight-line stability, improved handling in corners and a lower seat height
Improved Inverted Front Forks43mm inverted cartridge fork offers excellent rigidity and consistent damping performance
Reduced travel to 10.0 in. for increased straight-line stability, improved handling in corners and a lower seat height
16-Way compression damping adjustment allows tuning for differences in rider weight or various terrain profiles
Diamond FrameLightweight, high-tensile steel for amazing rigidity
No down tubes, 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 to minimize drivetrain power losses
Enhanced ErgonomicsKLX-spec handlebar for a more relaxed position and effortless control
Footpegs are positioned close to the bikes centerline
KLX-spec seat shape and foam make it easier to change seating position
BodyworkAggressive headlight and front fender design
Two-piece radiator shrouds styled like the KX motocrossers
Rear fender is a two-piece unit featuring a sharp tail light design that offers great visibility and further contributes to the KLXs aggressive styling
Narrow Fuel TankNarrow tank design gives riders maximum comfort and control without sacrificing capacity
Digital InstrumentationAll-digital instrument console gives at-a-glance information that includes a digital bar-graph tachometer, digital speedometer, clock, and dual trip meters
Petal Disc BrakesFront and rear disc brakes offer impressive stopping performance
Twin-piston caliper grips a 250 mm petal disc up front
240mm rear petal disc for great power, feel and feedback
Wheels/TiresFat, 4mm spokes for greater off-road durability
Tires with small tread blocks for longer tire life and increased grip on asphalt