Long term KLX250S review

[DoctorIt]

Originally Posted by charleshmosesii

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?

Here's what works for me:

(the view outside my window at the moment)


Unfortunately, I don't think that will help you.

[Caribou Aqua Buddha]

Hi Todd, I did not realize you bought one till I saw your sig line yesterday. Anyway I had been thinking about one too. I love the KLR but even it is too big for some of my routes.
Only downside I can see is the perimeter style frame may prevent the aftermarket from making a larger tank.
I will read this whole thread later and see what fuel range is.
It is nice to see another D/S based on a high tech off road type bike.

Jay

[bmwhd]

Originally Posted by bentspoke

Hi Todd, I did not realize you bought one till I saw your sig line yesterday. Anyway I had been thinking about one too. I love the KLR but even it is too big for some of my routes.
Only downside I can see is the perimeter style frame may prevent the aftermarket from making a larger tank.
I will read this whole thread later and see what fuel range is.
It is nice to see another D/S based on a high tech off road type bike.

Jay

IMS makes a 3.2 gallon tank for the KLX300R that might be made to fit. The differences in frame cross member placement can be seen in these two drawings from Kaw's parts website. First the KLX300R:



Now the new KLX250S:

[Sleepy Weasel]

Originally Posted by bmwhd

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

Know what you mean... I'm in Lewisville and was thinking I might take the Sherpa to work until I saw a big sheet of ice right where I have to make my first corner. If you get ready for a ride, let me know, eh?

[bmwhd]

Added a Pelican 1200 to the OEM luggage rack today. The 1200 is tiny for a top box (I had a 1500 on my KLR) but perfect for this bike. I just wanted a bit of space to carry paper work, cell phone, camera, etc. that would be waterproof and lockable.

I used 1/2" diameter rubber coated bands with 1/4" clevis pins, some big rubber and metal washers, and hair pin cotters.

Here are some photos:

[PackMule]

Nice job with the case.

Can you take a pic with the factory tool kit in there, just for comparison? Thanks!


Edited to add: Just noticed the pouch in front of the case -- is that where the tool kit is? Is that rack stock or accessory?

[John E Davies]

Originally Posted by bmwhd

Added a Pelican 1200 to the OEM luggage rack today.
I used 1/2" diameter rubber coated bands with 1/4" clevis pins, some big rubber and metal washers, and hair pin cotters.

Very slick installation - the case does look great on that little bike. I assume some padding goes over the exposed hardware...?

The clamps are referred to in the aviation industry as Adel clamps - the aluminum ones are pretty durable, but have been known to fatigue through vibration and then crack. If they are steel you have no worries - but inspect them routinely, or after a fall, if they are alloy.

There is a similar thread about the new 250 going on at KTM Talk - the owner has installed lowering links and is looking for more modification possibilities. Note that you have to be logged in there to read any posts.

http://ktmtalk.com/index.php?showtopic=141504&st=0

John Davies

[bmwhd]

Originally Posted by PackMule

Nice job with the case.

Can you take a pic with the factory tool kit in there, just for comparison? Thanks!


Edited to add: Just noticed the pouch in front of the case -- is that where the tool kit is? Is that rack stock or accessory?

Yes, that little pouch in front is for the OEM tool kit. The tools are in water-resistant rubber/plastic pouch inside that vinyl pouch.

I ordered the case without foam since it's cheaper that way but they sent the one with the full foam kit. I use the 1/2" thick piece for the bottom, the egg crate piece that fills the lid, and the perimeter foam box (after removing the center section) around the edges. I'll take another picture of that soon. Any and all the foam pieces can be removed to add a bit of space.

[bmwhd]

Originally Posted by John E Davies

Very slick installation - the case does look great on that little bike. I assume some padding goes over the exposed hardware...?

The clamps are referred to in the aviation industry as Adel clamps - the aluminum ones are pretty durable, but have been known to fatigue through vibration and then crack. If they are steel you have no worries - but inspect them routinely, or after a fall, if they are alloy.

There is a similar thread about the new 250 going on at KTM Talk - the owner has installed lowering links and is looking for more modification possibilities. Note that you have to be logged in there to read any posts.

http://ktmtalk.com/index.php?showtopic=141504&st=0

John Davies

Thanks for the tip on the clamps John. These look to be steel but I'm not sure. I'll keep an eye on them. Also, I'll check out the KTM forum link. More information is always good!

[bmwhd]

I used my spare Garmin direct wire cord and RAM handle bar mount to set up the KLX to be able to use my Streetpilot 2720 tonight. I also added my Gerbing battery cord so I can (carefully) use my heated gear on the bike.

I also did the first oil change tonight. KLX300R owners will sympathize with me when I say that Kawasaki really dropped the ball on the oil filter design. While very similar to the KLR650, it's much smaller and relies on a spring to snug the filter up against the cover (see attached). The spring is loose and almost impossible to keep in position as you re-assemble the filter and cover. After an hour of futzing around, I finally remembered the grease trick and glued that sucker in place with a very small dab while I put back together.



I have now managed to bugger up the threads on both side panel/seat retaining bolts. The supplied bolts are too short and are recessed too far into the side panel to get started easily. Minor nits to be sure but it reminds me of why I wish companies would force engineers to do some hands-on maintenance on the bikes they design.

[slideways]

Lay the bike on its side when installing the new oil filter. It makes the problem with the spring staying in place disappear.

[bmwhd]

Originally Posted by slideways

Lay the bike on its side when installing the new oil filter. It makes the problem with the spring staying in place disappear.

That was my next option. Now I know

BTW, anyone know who makes this bash plate? I've seen pictures of several KLX250s and KLX300s with it mounted but can't find a source:

[GaM]

Well my KLX 250 finally came in, they're prepping it today, probably pick it up tomorrow.

[compman21234]

I wanna know where to get a skid plate for my 06 KLX250S, like the one pictured, too.

[bmwhd]

Here are a few shots of my Garmin 2720 mounted on the bike and some of the Brake! LED tail light array. This is the KLR650-specific unit that Dual Star sells but fits the KLX250S tail light assembly perfectly if you invert it.

I used a RAM U-bolt mount and medium arm for the 2720:



It looks huge there in these photos but it really is placed perfectly and rock solid



Here's the LED array. It really is plug-n-play.





Here are some daylight shots in full on sunlight of running and brake light. It's much brighter than the OEM 1157 bulb.





And some of both at night. It's almost painful to look at in the flesh. It also can be set to flash before coming on solid with the brake.