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Kawasaki KLX250 (2009-current)

Detail	Value
New price	£4,284
Used price range	View Kawasaki KLX250 bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	249cc
Power	22bhp
Top speed	72mph
Insurance group

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

Kawasaki has revived a dead class of motorcycle – the cheap and cheerful trail bike. Soft power, a novice friendly chassis and low running costs are completely at odds with the hardcore enduro styling. It’s as happy getting back and forth to work every day as it lolloping along green lanes.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The liquid-cooled single dates back 20 years, and feels like it. Power is modest, but there’s no danger of it ever catching you out. 70mph is just about flat out – it seems Kawasaki restricts the engine in the upper gears, as it seems to lose its ability to rev in fifth and sixth. You have to be very brutal with it off-road to get the wheel-spinning, and combined with the whisper-quiet standard exhaust it won’t offend rambler as you cross the countryside.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The standard dual purpose tyres are fine on the road, though struggle with very loose or wet surfaces. The suspension is very soft and pitches back and forth, though it means it deals with potholes very well. Heavier riders will need to up the preload to stop the suspension bottoming out off-road. Again, more suited to sedate off-roading rather than hammering around an enduro course.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The KLX is a simple machine – the LCD dash give the basics, the only storage is a small canvas bag on the tail and the seat isn’t really up to big miles or two-up use – it has pillion pegs, but they’re a token gesture and the bike struggles. But that’s fine – it doesn’t pretend to be a sophisticated machine. As long as you’re not expecting R1200GS levels of kit, then it does exactly what it promises. Compare and buy parts for the KLX250.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

From a distance the KLX is a smart machine, but look closely and the details is cheap. It doesn’t take much off-road use to damage the finish either – boots rub paint through and everything quickly looks scruffy. MCN’s test bike has suffered two mystery electrical faults too – though that’s likely to be unique to this bike rather than a widespread issue.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

If bike prices hadn’t been forced up by the poor exchange rate, the KLX could have been a bargain, but at a quid under £4000 it’s a pricey way to get a soft, basic trail bike. It’s hard to recommend it to anyone – commuter riders would be better off with bikes like Kawasaki’s own Ninja 250R. Off-road riders will be happier with something more up to rigorous riding. The KLX is a pleasant bike – but it’s hard to identify who should buy one. Find a Kawasaki KLX250 for sale.

Insurance group: n/a

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2009: New model

2011: KLX250 White introduced [£4,539]

Specifications

Top speed	72mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Power	22bhp
Torque	15ftlb
Weight	138kg
Seat height	890mm
Fuel capacity	7.7 litres
Average fuel consumption	mpg
Tank range	miles
Insurance group

Engine size	249cc
Engine specification	DOHC 4v liquid-cooled single cylinder four-stroke, six gears, wet clutch
Frame	Steel perimeter
Front suspension adjustment	Compression damping
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, compression damping, rebound damping
Front brakes	250mm disc, twin-piston sliding caliper.
Rear brake	240mm disc, single-piston caliper
Front tyre size	3.00-21
Rear tyre size	4.60-18