Segment:
Dual-sport motorcycle, lightweight, off-road capable with street legality
Target Audience:
Beginner to intermediate riders, commuters, recreational trail riders
Competitors:
Honda CRF250L, Yamaha WR250R, Suzuki DR-Z250
Versatility:
Adaptable for both on-road commuting and off-road trail riding
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke, single-cylinder with fuel injection
Suspension Setup:
Long-travel inverted front forks and adjustable rear monoshock for off-road capability
Purpose:
Provide detailed instructions for maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting, primarily for professional technicians but accessible to informed owners.
Engine Mechanical:
Top end (cylinder, piston, valves), bottom end (crankshaft, connecting rod), lubrication system, cooling system
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (EFI), throttle body, fuel pump, fuel injectors, evaporative emission control system
Ignition System:
Ignition coil, spark plug, ECU control, sensors
Transmission:
Clutch system, gearbox (gear shifting, internal components), lubrication
Suspension:
Front fork (inversion, damping, seals), rear shock absorber, linkages, adjustments
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brake systems, calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, bleeding procedures, pad replacement
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), lighting, starter system, fuses, relays, ECU diagnostics
Chassis Body:
Frame, subframe, wheels, tires, handlebars, footpegs, body panels, seat, fuel tank removal/installation
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain maintenance, brake fluid changes, coolant checks, valve clearance checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, error code interpretation (if applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Component disassembly, assembly, and replacement procedures with torque specifications
Rebuilds:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Adjustments:
Clutch lever, throttle cable, suspension settings, idle speed
Depth:
Comprehensive, intended for professional technicians but accessible to skilled DIY mechanics with appropriate tools
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes diagnostic procedures and potential troubleshooting steps for EFI systems
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve single
Displacement:
249 cc (249.7 cm3)
Bore X Stroke:
72.0 x 61.2 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.0:1
Fuel Delivery:
Digital Fuel Injection (DFI) with dual throttle valves
Horsepower Approx:
Approximately 20-23 HP (stock, varies by market and measurement)
Torque Approx:
Approximately 14-16 lb-ft (stock, varies by market and measurement)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane or higher recommended
Fuel Tank Capacity:
2.1 US gallons (7.9 Liters)
Transmission Type:
Constant-mesh 6-speed return
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-disc, cable-actuated
Final Drive:
Sealed chain drive
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios documented in the manual
Transmission Oil Type:
Kawasakilubricant SAE 10W-40 (or equivalent API SG, SE)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approximately 1.7 US quarts (1.6 Liters)
Overall Length:
Approx. 86.8 inches (2205 mm)
Overall Width:
Approx. 32.3 inches (820 mm)
Overall Height:
Approx. 49.4 inches (1255 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 57.1 inches (1450 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 11.0 inches (280 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 253.5 lbs (115 kg)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 282.2 lbs (128 kg)
Front Tire Size:
80/100-21 51P
Rear Tire Size:
100/100-18 59P
Wheel Type:
Spoked wheels
Wheelbase Type:
Standard motorcycle wheelbase
Crash Test Results:
Not applicable to motorcycles in the same way as cars; manual focuses on mechanical safety and operational integrity.
Brakes Type:
Dual hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear)
ABS Availability:
Not available on standard KLX250S models for these years.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, LED tail light, turn signals
Frame Construction:
Semi-double cradle steel frame for durability and rigidity
Infotainment System:
Not applicable; this is a minimalist dual-sport motorcycle with no integrated infotainment system.
ABS:
Not equipped with ABS.
Efi:
Digital Fuel Injection (EFI) with dual throttle valves for improved throttle response and fuel efficiency.
Connectivity Features:
Not applicable.
Dashboard:
Digital LCD display for speedometer, odometer, trip meter, clock, and indicator lights. Analog tachometer.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 4,000 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months
Oil Filter Replacement:
Every 4,000 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months (concurrent with oil change)
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 2,000 miles (3,000 km) or 12 months; replace as needed
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 8,000 miles (12,000 km) or 24 months
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 2 years (or as needed)
Engine Oil Type:
Kawasaki Genuine Motorcycle Oil SAE 10W-40, API SG or higher, JASO MA approved
Engine Oil Capacity:
1.8 US quarts (1.7 Liters) upon disassembly, 1.6 US quarts (1.5 Liters) after draining and refilling
Coolant Type:
High-quality ethylene glycol-based antifreeze coolant (50% mixture with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Efi System:
Occasional reports of minor hesitation at certain throttle positions, often addressable with ECU reflash or sensor cleaning.
Suspension Seals:
As with many long-travel suspension systems, fork seal leaks can occur with heavy off-road use; regular inspection is advised.
Clutch Wear:
Normal wear and tear on clutch plates, particularly with frequent hard use or improper adjustment. Manual provides clutch inspection and replacement procedures.
Spark Plug Fouling:
Can occur with excessive short trips or improper fuel mixture; manual covers spark plug inspection and replacement.
Kawasaki Legacy:
Kawasaki has a long history in motorcycle manufacturing, with a strong reputation for performance and innovation, particularly in off-road and dual-sport segments.
Klx Lineage:
The KLX line has evolved from earlier dual-sport and off-road models, with the KLX250S representing a modern iteration focused on usability and updated technology.
Key Updates Pre 2009:
The KLX250S received significant updates prior to 2009, notably the adoption of fuel injection and an inverted front fork, differentiating it from earlier carbureted models.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.
Sales Status:
The 2009-2010 models were part of a successful generation of the KLX250S, catering to riders seeking a capable and versatile dual-sport machine.