I am considering either the KLX300 or the KLX250S. There are features I like about both. I have even considered the 300 jug and piston on the 250. Question: since the 300 engine and the 250 engine are so close in design, can the 300 be retrofitted with the electric starter from the 250 model? For me, electric start is a major plus when riding in the boonies.
Tracy

 

Hi Tracy,

It may be possible but it would be much easier to start with the 250 and add the 300cc goodies. Nobrakes has written a good post in the 250 forum that covers the how to very well.

It is quite a job to add the electric leg to any bike that is a kick start only bike. As well as the required mechanical changes to the bike, the electrics alone are considerable. Battery capacity, start button etc. And there may be a need to upgrade the alternator and regulator to enable the battery to be charged properly.

I looked into upgrading my DR350 by adding the components from an electric start version of the same bike. It was way to much hassle. Things I hadn't thought of like new engine covers with the cutouts for the motor gearing.

Maybe it's easier on the KLX300 but...............

Electric start was one of the main reasons why the 250 was the go for me. I have bought the 300cc kit and my dealer will fit it when it's in for it's first service. All the important stuff like suspension, brakes, carby and bottom end are the same as far as I can tell. When I'm finished I will have an electric start 300. The bike I wanted all along.

Good luck

 

Thanks, Neil. I was just trying to weigh all the angles.

 

No probs Tracy,

I did so much researc before I picked the KLX250.

Every angle was looked at. New v Second hand, cc, seat hight, electric v kick start etc etc.....
I even did a spread sheet with all contenders on it.
I graded features and benefits and scored each bike.

The KLX250 won.

Positives were 1. Seat hight. 2. Electric start. 3. Price (new). 4. Genuine 300cc upgrade. 5. Reasonable brakes and suspension.

Negatives were 1. Fuel capacity. 2. In standard form power (cc) was not enough.

The bike I wanted was a DRZ400. Waaay Toooooo tall for me.
Next was XR400. mmmm No electric start and still too tall.

I ruled out all the serious race bred bikes. To much maintanence and again too tall.

Looked at the Yamaha TTR250. Good bike. A bit tall for me but still OK. Price and no Genuine cc upgrade path put it behind the KLX.

I nearly bought a DRZ250. But standard exhaust header looks certain to be damaged and still no genuine cc upgrade. And it was more expensive than the KLX but not by much.

The best overall package for me was the KLX250 with a 300cc kit......and so far I'm quite happy with my choice with the 300cc kit and other mods still to come.

You seem to be like me doing a lot of research before deciding.

I'll be interested to see what you end up buying.

Enjoy the journey.