Long term KLX250S review - Page 3

HighwayChile · 12-07-2005, 08:09 PM

yes, it would be good to confirm it.

bmwhd · 12-07-2005, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dazdconfsd

That would be intersting as the radiator shrouds are different and the 300's stock tank gets some of it's extra capacity by being were the 250's radiator fan is.

I saw both sitting next to each other at a dealer while I was picking up parts. I was looking at details like these out of curiosity.

I too was hoping the 300R tank would fit but I doubt it. The frame cross members are different.

bmwhd · 12-08-2005, 09:33 AM

I ordered the Dual Star flashing LED tail light today. It's made for the KLR650 but it's a direct fit for many other bikes (I have one on my Bonneville America too).

I measured the KLX tail light internals last night and it should be no problem.

This unit is expensive but it's the brightest and most noticable I've ever seen on a bike. Way better than those cheapo replacement LED bulb clusters.

I get many positive comments from my riding buds on this unit. It's a small price to pay for not getting rear ended at a traffic light. Plus it saves watts!

The Pelican 1200 I ordered will be delivered tomorrow...Hmm...mounting options to consider...

PackMule · 12-08-2005, 09:57 AM

This is the bike I wanted my KLR250 to be...

I'll be staying tuned.

Cauldron · 12-08-2005, 12:00 PM

Here is a comparison between the new klx and the old klr.

Just for comparison...

..........KLX ------------KLR

Weight: 262 ------------258

Gastank: 1.9 gal --------2.9 gal

Wheelbase: 56.5" -------55"

Trail: 4.2" --------------4.61"

castor: 26.5 ------------28.5

seat height: 34.8" ------33.7"

redline: 10,500 ---------9,500

Cat conv.: yes ---------no

Clearance: 11.6" -------10.6"

Forks: 43mm -----------36mm

Now for the things that are the same:

All gears in transmission
3
2
1.5
1.25
1.050
.904

compression ratio
(11-1)

6 speed

Now the weird thing is the final drive.

KLR has a 15/44 and a 17" rim
KLX has a 14/42 and a 18" rim

This looks to be the same...

The other big differences have to do with the type of frame and the size and adjustability of the shock and forks.

Not that this is a small thing...

PackMule · 12-08-2005, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cauldron

Here is a comparison between the new klx and the old klr.

Just for comparison...

..........KLX ------------KLR

Weight: 262 ------------258

Gastank: 1.9 gal --------2.9 gal

Forks: 43mm -----------36mm

Now for the things that are the same:

compression ratio
(11-1)

6 speed

The other big differences have to do with the type of frame and the size and adjustability of the shock and forks.

Not that this is a small thing...

Don't forget the Magic Button, on the KLX.

Thanks for that comparo. Guess my KLR doesn't fall short as many places as I thought it does. I think the dirtbike-looking forks on the KLX are what give me the impression that it's much more dirt worthy.

Though, if the KLX is undersprung like just about every other bike from Japan, guess even that might not make such a difference (vs. springing my bike correctly).

Maritimer · 12-08-2005, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwhd

I've no hope of this generating the interest of Eeyore's great ULY thread but since a number of folks have expressed interest in the new (to the US market ) '06 KLX250S, I'll post my ownership experiences here.

I've been looking at this bike since the first early announcements a couple of months ago. I'm looking forward to a continuation of your experience with the bike. I'm 6'0" and about 210# with slightly longer legs, so I'm looking forward to seeing how well you fit the bike and if it will haul you around well.

If I get the bike it will complement (not replace) my DL650. I'm looking at using it almost exclusively off-road (and the pavement between the trails). Aftermarket dual-sporting is getting tricky here in Nova Scotia, so I want a factory street legal bike. I hope this is it.

Thanks for the information and keep it up!
Alan

BikePilot · 12-08-2005, 07:02 PM

For the record none of my jap dirt bikes have been under sprung, but all the jap dual sport bikes have been on the soft side that I've ridden. I actually had to go with lighter springs on my CR front and back to get full travel on a HS course. Stock, the only way I'd see full travel was royally screwing up a large jump (I race MX and HS).

bmwhd · 12-08-2005, 08:34 PM

While that's an interesting read on the spec comparison, I think it's a tad mis-leading. The suspension and frame on the KLX make it a whole different animal than the KLR250 despite the similarities on paper.

BTW, ride reports on hold until the frickin' ice is off the streets (at least it never lasts very long here).

ADVJake · 12-08-2005, 09:29 PM

Sticking the KLX300 head on this, with the 6th gear, would it be a better highway tourer than the drz400?

gybeman · 12-09-2005, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwhd

...going on tonight. Got Pro Taper bars and Cycra pro bend hand guards. Pics to follow.
BTW, the stock bars are plugged on the ends so hand guard installation would be a challenge on them.

If they are the same plug as the 300's, no prob. Just drill or pop them out. I cut 1" off the end of the bar for woods riding anyway and have EE ones on mine.
Re: your new bars
I thought the stock bars were too swept back and needed to be straighter. Your new ones are approaching cruiser bike territory.

bmwhd · 12-09-2005, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gybeman

If they are the same plug as the 300's, no prob. Just drill or pop them out. I cut 1" off the end of the bar for woods riding anyway and have EE ones on mine.
Re: your new bars
I thought the stock bars were too swept back and needed to be straighter. Your new ones are approaching cruiser bike territory.

I tried drilling. There was a 1/4" thick washer tack welded in the end with some kind of bar stock behind it. I got tired of drilling and quit since I knew I wanted taller bars anyway.

I think the photo is misleading. Those bars have the exact same sweep and width as the stockers. They're just 1.5" taller.

BikePilot · 12-09-2005, 07:56 AM

Might as well go with some protapers

I've never yet started a ride with stock bars and finished with them in the same basic shape as when I started (yes, even on the rare occasions when I didn't crash).

DoctorIt · 12-09-2005, 08:30 AM

when some used examples of this bike pop up in the summer, I think i'll be buying.

Like vivverid pointed out, unfortunately, in MA we don't have the luxury of converting bikes like DRZ-E's. This little dual sport with a magic button is just what the doctor ordered for getting into the deep twisty places where the GS gets a bit overwhelmed.

charleshmosesii · 12-09-2005, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoctorIt

when some used examples of this bike pop up in the summer, I think i'll be buying.

Like vivverid pointed out, unfortunately, in MA we don't have the luxury of converting bikes like DRZ-E's. This little dual sport with a magic button is just what the doctor ordered for getting into the deep twisty places where the GS gets a bit overwhelmed.

That was my original thought, doc, but I can't wait damnit! I just can't! Do you have a prescription you could write me for this ailment?

12-07-2005, 08:09 PM	#31
HighwayChile greetings from Wa state Joined: Aug 2003 Location: Bow, WA USA Oddometer: 4,096	yes, it would be good to confirm it. __________________ “I would rather wake up in the middle of nowhere than in any city on earth.” .....Steve McQueen

12-08-2005, 09:33 AM	#33
bmwhd ^OP God Bless Texas Joined: Dec 2003 Location: Texas Oddometer: 1,469	I ordered the Dual Star flashing LED tail light today. It's made for the KLR650 but it's a direct fit for many other bikes (I have one on my Bonneville America too). I measured the KLX tail light internals last night and it should be no problem. This unit is expensive but it's the brightest and most noticable I've ever seen on a bike. Way better than those cheapo replacement LED bulb clusters. I get many positive comments from my riding buds on this unit. It's a small price to pay for not getting rear ended at a traffic light. Plus it saves watts! The Pelican 1200 I ordered will be delivered tomorrow...Hmm...mounting options to consider... __________________ Todd R. '78 R80/7 '06 FJR1300A *"Gentlemen, gentlemen, be of good cheer, for they are out there and we are in here!" - Robert Culp, attributed by Hugh Hefner as the official slogan of the Playboy Mansion*

12-08-2005, 09:57 AM	#34
PackMule love what you do Joined: Aug 2005 Location: New Hampshah Oddometer: 19,441	This is the bike I wanted my KLR250 to be... I'll be staying tuned. __________________ Nate in N.E. Yes, I have a Dakar problem -- that there are 50 weeks of the year without Dakar! They don't expect you to finish. That's why it's the Dakar. -- PPiA Get your sweet Pyndon DakARTwork here Pyndon '13

12-08-2005, 12:00 PM	#35
Cauldron Now in DESMODROMIC! Joined: Apr 2004 Location: Chaingolia Oddometer: 2,841	Here is a comparison between the new klx and the old klr. Just for comparison... ..........KLX ------------KLR Weight: 262 ------------258 Gastank: 1.9 gal --------2.9 gal Wheelbase: 56.5" -------55" Trail: 4.2" --------------4.61" castor: 26.5 ------------28.5 seat height: 34.8" ------33.7" redline: 10,500 ---------9,500 Cat conv.: yes ---------no Clearance: 11.6" -------10.6" Forks: 43mm -----------36mm Now for the things that are the same: All gears in transmission 3 2 1.5 1.25 1.050 .904 compression ratio (11-1) 6 speed Now the weird thing is the final drive. KLR has a 15/44 and a 17" rim KLX has a 14/42 and a 18" rim This looks to be the same... The other big differences have to do with the type of frame and the size and adjustability of the shock and forks. Not that this is a small thing... __________________ and sorry about the D-con sprinkles on your strawberry shortcake.

12-08-2005, 08:34 PM	#39
bmwhd ^OP God Bless Texas Joined: Dec 2003 Location: Texas Oddometer: 1,469	While that's an interesting read on the spec comparison, I think it's a tad mis-leading. The suspension and frame on the KLX make it a whole different animal than the KLR250 despite the similarities on paper. BTW, ride reports on hold until the frickin' ice is off the streets (at least it never lasts very long here). __________________ Todd R. '78 R80/7 '06 FJR1300A *"Gentlemen, gentlemen, be of good cheer, for they are out there and we are in here!" - Robert Culp, attributed by Hugh Hefner as the official slogan of the Playboy Mansion*

12-08-2005, 07:02 PM	#38
BikePilot Beastly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2005 Location: Tampa Oddometer: 10,901	For the record none of my jap dirt bikes have been under sprung, but all the jap dual sport bikes have been on the soft side that I've ridden. I actually had to go with lighter springs on my CR front and back to get full travel on a HS course. Stock, the only way I'd see full travel was royally screwing up a large jump (I race MX and HS).

12-08-2005, 09:29 PM	#40
ADVJake i like stuff Joined: Aug 2004 Location: Sydney, Australia Oddometer: 4,319	Sticking the KLX300 head on this, with the 6th gear, would it be a better highway tourer than the drz400? __________________ "And some guy said, let there be filtering, and we filtered and we saw that it was good, and hours became minutes..."

12-09-2005, 07:56 AM	#43
BikePilot Beastly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2005 Location: Tampa Oddometer: 10,901	Might as well go with some protapers I've never yet started a ride with stock bars and finished with them in the same basic shape as when I started (yes, even on the rare occasions when I didn't crash).

12-09-2005, 08:30 AM	#44
DoctorIt vrooom! Joined: Sep 2003 Location: Springfield, MA Oddometer: 5,656	when some used examples of this bike pop up in the summer, I think i'll be buying. Like vivverid pointed out, unfortunately, in MA we don't have the luxury of converting bikes like DRZ-E's. This little dual sport with a magic button is just what the doctor ordered for getting into the deep twisty places where the GS gets a bit overwhelmed. __________________ Erik Professor for hire.

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