2009 Kawasaki KLX250S

A leaner, meaner and greener lightweight dual-sport machine The fun doesn't have to stop at pavement boundaries when riding Kawasaki's street legal KLX250S. This lightweight dual-purpose motorcycle is equally at home on the pavement or off-road and always ready for your next adventure. Now, thanks to significant updates that saw refinements made everywhere from its improved braking prowess to its aggressively styled bodywork, the KLX250S is more fun than ever.

A compact, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine displacing 249cc, the KLX250S features convenient electric-starting. The engine is mounted beneath a lightweight, high-tensile steel perimeter frame to deliver a low center of gravity and enhanced maneuvering on tight trails.

A gear-driven engine balancer means reduced engine vibration for greater comfort and less fatigue on longer rides. The 34mm semi-flat slide Keihin CVK carburetor boosts throttle response and contributes to improved power. It also helps to provide increased fuel economy. The addition of a new evaporative emissions system allows it to meet strict CARB regulations, making the KLX250S eligible for sale in all 50 states.

Further refinements appear in the transmission. Closer ratios between 5th and 6th gear enhance the KLX250S' high-speed off-road capabilities, while a reshaped shift cam offers a more positive shift feel and promotes firmer gear engagement.

The rigors of off-road motorcycling dictate additional protection for the exposed underside of most machines. The KLX250S comes standard with aluminum engine guards to protect its crankcase during off road adventures. Negotiating tight terrain also highlights another off-road reality - heat. The incorporation of dual lightweight, high-capacity Denso radiators and a shallow-footprint cooling fan is an ample solution to potential heat issues.

The rake was increased a degree to 27.5 to boost straight-line stability, which is further enhanced by the rigid square-section frame. Thanks to its short wheelbase, the stability improvements didn't sacrifice any of the 250S' outstanding nimbleness or turning aptitude. At the other end of the chassis, a new lightweight aluminum swingarm employs a highly-rigid D-shaped cross section and features new KX racing-type chain adjusters for precise chain adjustment.

For 2009, the KLX250S received revised damping settings and reduced wheel travel at both ends, plus an all-new rear suspension linkage. These modifications help to increase straight-line stability, give a more planted feel in corners and make it easier for riders to reach the ground. The 43mm inverted cartridge-style front fork and Uni-Trak rear suspension both come with 16-way adjustable compression damping and offer 10.2-inches and 9.1-inches of travel, respectively.

New wheels feature 0.5mm thicker spokes for increased wheel rigidity and enhanced off-road durability. The KLX250S also offers upgraded stopping power from a twin-piston caliper and a 250mm semi-floating petal disc up front and a larger 240mm petal disc at the rear.

Finishing off this reworked package is a completely new set of aggressively styled bodywork, a re-shaped seat with firmer urethane, and a handlebar with a straighter profile.

The KLX250S offers serious capabilities in a fun, easy-to-ride package, regardless of where the adventure takes 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.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft and utility vehicles through a network of more than 1,500 independent retailers, with an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in power products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 2,400 people in the United States, with 400 of them located at the Irvine, California headquarters.