2018 Kawasaki KLX250 Announced + Video
After a three-year absence, the Kawasaki KLX250 dual-sport returns for 2018, now equipped with fuel injection. Arriving in showrooms in early October, the 2018 Kawasaki KLX250 is priced at $5,349 for the lime green color, with a special Camo edition priced at $5,549.
The Kawasaki Digital Fuel Injection system sprays fuel from a 10-hole injector, with Kawasaki claiming easier starting, smooth idling and improved performance while consuming less fuel. The electrically started 249cc engine is otherwise unchanged from when we last saw the KLX250 in 2014. The engine is paired to a six-speed transmission with a revised shift drum for a firmer feel when shifting gears.
The engine is mounted to a box- and tubular-section steel perimeter frame. Up front, a 43mm upside-down cartridge-style fork offers 16-way compression damping adjustment. The gas-charged rear shock has a remote reservoir and offers 16-way compression and rebound damping and fully-adjustable preload.
The 21-inch front wheel has 10 inches of travel, while the 18-inch wheel has 9.1 inches of give. A twin-piston caliper is paired to the 250mm front disc while a single-piston caliper is matched with the 240mm rear rotor.
Other features include a digital instrument panel with bar-graph tachometer, and a U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrester, allowing access to designated public riding areas. The KLX250 is also CARB-compliant and legal for the state of California. Claimed curb weight is 304.3 lb. with a full 2.0-gallon fuel tank.
Check out our coverage of the 2018 Kawasaki KLX250 from AIMExpo.
2018 Kawasaki KLX250 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | Lime Green: $5,349 Camo Edition: $5,549 |
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 4-Valve Single |
| Displacement | 249 cc |
| Bore & Stroke | 72.0 x 61.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Injection | Kawasaki DFI |
| Ignition | Digital DC-CDI |
| Transmission | 6-Speed |
| Rake/Trail | 26.5°/4.1 in. |
| Front Wheel Travel | 10.0 in. |
| Rear Wheel Travel | 9.1 in. |
| Front Tire Size | 3.00-21 |
| Rear Tire Size | 4.60-18 |
| Front Suspension | 43mm inverted cartridge fork with 16-Way compression damping adjustment |
| Rear Suspension | Uni-Trak with adjustable preload, 16-Way compression and rebound Damping Adjustment |
| Wheelbase | 56.3 in. |
| Front Brake Type | 250mm Petal Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | 240mm Petal Disc |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.0 gal. |
| Ground Clearance | 11.2 in. |
| Seat Height | 35.0 in. |
| Curb Weight | 298 lb. (claimed) |
| Warranty | 12 months, Kawasaki Protection Plus 12, 24, 36 or 48 months |
More by Dennis Chung
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I didn't know Kawasaki had dropped the KLX250. Glad it's back now. I bought a new 2001 KLR250, and later, a new 2005 KLR650, so have some experience with their dual sports. My KLR250, so far, is the only Japanese bike that hand grenaded it's engine while under warranty. Kawasaki fixed it right, and it went on to be a good bike. Kick start only, but I had the drill down, and with a coulpe of key off priming kicks, that thing would fir off for me with one kick even after sitting for 3-4 weeks in winter. The KLR650 was as comfortable as any motorcycle I've owned over 55 years of riding.
As a 63 year old retired dude, I'd still consider a new KLX250. I also admired the super moto model.
Competition for the 250 Honda. Speaking of the Honda, I looked at a CRF 250L Rally and was surprised at how large it was, pretty much the size of my DR650.