Sticky Street Rubber Meets Lightweight DualSport; Big Fun Cant Be Far Behind


Type big fun in a small package into your internet search and it might take you straight to the Kawasaki KLX250SF supermoto. Based on Kawasakis critically acclaimed KLX250S dual sport on/off-road bike, the SF dials up maximum on-road fun with sticky street radials mounted on 17-inch wheels, a shorter seat height, a bit less suspension travel and a big front brake. Its just a 250, but its light weight of just 302 pounds means the KLX250SF packs the sort of performance youd expect from something bigger and more expensive. Few motorcycles of any size or price are capable of out-cornering it.


Compared to the KLX250S dual sport, the KLX250SF has reduced wheel travel at both ends, placing the center of gravity lower for improved on-road handling and enhanced straight-line stability. This also results in a more planted feel in corners and a lower seat height. The change in setup offers a firmer ride than the 250S, thanks to a change in front fork oil level and revised damping settings for both the fork and shock.


These changes provide a reduction in pitching motions during braking and acceleration, and help the rider hold a consistent line during aggressive on-road cornering. At the same time, the suspension is still supple enough to soak up most road surface irregularities and offer a smooth ride. The KLX250SFs fully-adjustable suspension features 16-way adjustable compression and rebound damping on both the 43mm inverted cartridge-style front fork and the UNI-TRAK rear suspension. Wheel travel is 9.1 inches front and 8.1 inches rear, which strikes a happy medium between long-travel off-road designs and short-travel sportbikes.


The KLX250SFs short wheelbase aids its already outstanding ability to hold tight lines, and its rigid box-section perimeter frame provides excellent transitional response, thanks to its rigid steering head. Complementing the chassis is a lightweight aluminum swingarm with a highly-rigid D-shaped cross section and KX racing-type chain adjusters for precise chain adjustment.


The KLX250SF employs convenient electric starting for its compact, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine. The 249cc engine is mounted in a lightweight, high-tensile steel perimeter frame to deliver a low center of gravity and superb maneuvering on tight roads. A gear-driven engine balancer keeps engine vibrations at bay for greater comfort and less fatigue on long rides.


A 34mm semi-flat slide Keihin CVK carburetor contributes to quick throttle response and precise power delivery. It also helps provide outstanding fuel economy. An evaporative emissions system allows the KLX250SF to meet strict CARB regulations, making it eligible for sale in all 50 states.


A six-speed transmission provides optimum gearing for most occasions and helps the rider keep the 249cc engine at its optimum rpm. A 39-tooth rear sprocket extends its high-speed capabilities beyond those of the KLX250S dual sport.


Negotiating urban traffic or blasting around a tight race track highlights another strength of the KLX250SF it keeps its cool. Incorporating dual lightweight high-capacity Denso radiators and a shallow-footprint cooling fan provides an ample antidote to potential heat issues.


Seventeen-inch aluminum wheels offer great handling, improved stability and the aggressive on-road performance sought by urban commandos and canyon carvers, as well as the ability to mount a wide range of sportbike tires. Aggressive riding on pavement demands powerful, fade-resistant stopping capabilities, and the KLX250SF delivers with a massive, 300mm semi-floating petal disc up front clamped by a twin-piston caliper. The rotor is 4mm thick for increased rigidity, efficient heat dissipation, and optimum fade resistance. A single-piston caliper squeezing a 240mm rear petal disc complements the big front brake.


Aggressively styled bodywork finishes the package, with a comfortable seat and a KLX-specific handlebar that offers good leverage so riders can flick the light KLX250SF side to side, or hold a tight line with a minimum of effort.


Riders seeking supermoto handling and modern engine performance in a lightweight motorcycle designed for exciting street rides will find it at their local Kawasaki dealership. The KLX250SF offers serious capabilities in a fun, easy-to-ride package, regardless of where the adventure takes it.


Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.
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: 25.5 degrees / 2.9 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 43mm Inverted Cartridge Fork with 16-Way Compression and Rebound Damping Adjustment / 9.1 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: UNI-TRAK® with Adjustable Preload, 16-Way Compression and Rebound Damping Adjustment / 8.1 in.
Front tire: 110/70x17
Rear tire: 130/70x17
Front brake / rear brake: 300mm semi-floating petal disc with two-piston hydraulic caliper / 240mm petal disc with single-piston hydraulic caliper
Overall length: 83.9 in.
Overall width: 31.3 in.
Overall Height: 44.9 in.
Seat height: 33.9 in.
Wheelbase: 55.9 in.
Ground clearance: 8.9 in.
Fuel capacity: 2.0 gal.
Curb weight: 302.1 lbs.
Color: Oriental Blue
Good Times™ Protection Plan: 12, 24 or 36 months
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 offers 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
34mm semi-flat slide Keihin CVK carburetor delivers the optimum amount of fuel at all rpm, contributing to quick response and healthy power, as well as good fuel economy
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
Cleaner EmissionsAn evaporative emissions system that meets strict CARB regulations means the KLX250SF is available in California too
Secondary air system helps provide clean emissions
Six-Speed TransmissionAllows engines full potential to be used
Provides excellent acceleration as well as relaxed highway cruising
Matched to a 14/39 final gearing to enhance its open road performance
Inverted Front Fork43mm inverted cartridge fork offers excellent rigidity and consistent damping performance
9.1-inch wheel travel for increased straight-line stability, more-consistent handling in corners and a low seat height
16-way compression and rebound damping adjustment allows tuning for differences in rider weight or various terrain profiles
Uni-Trak Rear SuspensionLinkage and damping settings fine-tuned for optimum street performance and reduced front-rear pitching motion compared to the KLX250S
8.1-inch rear-wheel travel for enhanced straight-line stability, handling in corners and a low seat height
Progressive linkage rate provides a smooth ride and excellent bottoming resistance
The gas-charged shock features 16-way adjustable compression and rebound damping and remote reservoir
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
Perimeter FrameLightweight, high-tensile steel for amazing rigidity
Easy ErgonomicsHandlebar offers a relaxed position and effortless control
Footpegs are positioned close to the bikes centerline
Seat shape and stiff urethane makes it easier to change seating position
Aggressive BodyworkHeadlight and front fender design contribute to the aggressive look
Two-piece radiator shrouds
Rear fender is a two-piece unit featuring a sharp tail light design that offers increased 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 300 mm petal disc up front and a single-piston caliper grips the rear 240mm petal disc
Wheels/TiresFeatures 17-inch wheels like its larger supersport brothers, for excellent road handling and plenty of tire options
Low-profile sportbike tires on wide rims contribute to its easy, neutral handling at low speeds