Segment:
Dual-sport motorcycle, trail bike
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, casual trail riders, light commuting
Key Competitors 1996:
Honda XR250, Yamaha XT225, Suzuki DR250
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC, two-valve
Suspension Design:
Telescopic front forks, Uni-Trak rear suspension
Frame Type:
Semi-double cradle steel frame
Braking System Front:
Hydraulic disc brake
Braking System Rear:
Drum brake
Engine Mechanical:
Top end, bottom end, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust system
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch, gearbox, final drive chain and sprockets
Chassis Suspension:
Frame, front forks, rear shock absorber, swingarm, steering system
Brakes:
Front disc brake system, rear drum brake system, hydraulic lines, master cylinders
Electrical System:
Ignition system, lighting, charging system, battery, starter motor, wiring diagrams, switches
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Mikuni VM28SS), fuel tank, fuel lines, petcock
Emission Controls:
P.C.V. system, exhaust system components
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain lubrication/adjustment, spark plug service, air filter cleaning
Engine Repair:
Top end rebuild (piston, rings, cylinder), valve adjustment, decarbonizing, carburetor overhaul
Transmission Repair:
Clutch plate replacement, gear inspection, bearing replacement
Suspension Service:
Fork seal replacement, fork oil change, rear shock absorber inspection/replacement
Brake Service:
Brake pad replacement, caliper service, master cylinder rebuild, brake fluid flush
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnosis of lighting, ignition, charging system faults using wiring diagrams
Carburetor Tuning:
Adjustment of idle speed, mixture screws, jetting recommendations
Wheel Tire Service:
Spoke tensioning, bearing replacement, tire mounting/balancing
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and chassis overhauls
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed troubleshooting charts and symptom-based diagnostics
Rebuild Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for major component rebuilds
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC, single cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
72.0 mm x 61.2 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower Approx:
28 HP @ 7500 rpm (estimated, varies by market tuning)
Torque Approx:
20 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm (estimated)
Carburetor:
Mikuni VM28SS, constant velocity
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
1.8 L (1.9 US qt)
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SE, SF, or SG classification motorcycle oil
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition (CDI)
Method:
Electric start and Kick start
Transmission Type:
Constant mesh, 6-speed sequential
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-disc, cable-actuated
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific gear ratios (e.g., 1st: 2.500, 2nd: 1.778, 3rd: 1.333, 4th: 1.100, 5th: 0.917, 6th: 0.750 - typical values, confirm in manual)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Refer to manual (typically integrated with engine oil)
Overall Length:
Approximately 2,200 mm (86.6 in)
Overall Width:
Approximately 830 mm (32.7 in)
Overall Height:
Approximately 1,210 mm (47.6 in)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 126 kg (277.8 lbs)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 135 kg (297.6 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
10.0 L (2.6 US gal)
Front Suspension Travel:
275 mm (10.8 in)
Rear Suspension Travel:
260 mm (10.2 in)
Front Tire Size:
80/90-21 48P
Rear Tire Size:
100/90-18 56P
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle, not subject to automotive crash testing standards)
Braking System:
Front disc, rear drum for effective stopping power
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals for visibility
Frame Construction:
Durable steel semi-double cradle frame for rider protection
Ergonomics:
Designed for rider control and comfort during off-road and on-road use
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,000 km (1,800 miles) or 6 months
Oil Filter Replacement:
Every 3,000 km (1,800 miles) or annually
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 2,000 km (1,200 miles) or 3 months
Spark Plug Service:
Every 6,000 km (3,600 miles) or annually
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 6,000 km (3,600 miles) or annually
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Every 1,000 km (600 miles) or monthly
Engine Oil Grade:
SAE 10W-40 API SE, SF, or SG
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant with distilled water (50/50 mix)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, fork seals, brake pads, drive chain and sprockets, carburetor jets (due to fuel quality)
Potential Problems:
Carburetor gumming if left unused for extended periods, valve seat wear over very high mileage, front fork seal leaks
Manufacturer:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Motorcycle & Engine Company
Brand Focus:
Known for performance-oriented motorcycles, including dirt bikes and sportbikes
Klx Lineage:
The KLX series has a long history of dual-sport and off-road motorcycles, emphasizing versatility.
1996 Klx250 Positioning:
Represented a robust, user-friendly dual-sport offering for its era, balancing trail capability with street legality.
Production Period:
The KLX250 model line has been in continuous production with various updates since the early 1980s.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Japan
