I'm new to the forum, I have an 05 klr 250 with many mods. It runs much better than stock. I would like something a little more dirt worthy and with more low end torque. My question is, am I waisting my time with the KLX or am I on the right track. I am 5'6" and 175lbs., so seat height is my biggest concern, not power.

 

you'll love it! it is a great bike. ive had all kinds of bikes and this is my favorite. they do make lowering links to lower up to 1.75" i think.

 

I'm 5'6" 185# and just put on a set of 1" lowering links and it made a substantial difference in my ability to balance the bike when stopped. For $25 shipped you can get a set on e-bay, check my post a little ways down there's a link to the auction.

 

You're on the right track. The KLX250S is not going to give any serious low end torque as delivered. With the basic mods this bike is acceptable.
Wasting your time? It all depends on you your needs are.

 

Over the weekend i rode a klr 250, I have the klx... what a world of difference, the klx runs stronger, and has alot better suspension.

 

my advise from my experience... go to a dealer and take one for a ride.... to be honest im sure 99% of every1 on this board has grown to love their klx's, but it wasnt until after doing mods to wake the bike up that they really liked the bike.. now that i have my mods done (except for jetting) im happy with the bike... if i had rode it before purchasing it, i dont think i wouldve bought it.

 

If seat height, not power, is really your main driver, then you need to give serious consideration to the Yamaha XT225. I am the last guy that wants to steer you away from the KLX. I love mine, but the XT225 has the lowest stock seat height of any available dual-sport. I think the stock height is at least an inch or two lower than the KLX. I had an XT225 for 2 days. It was a nice bike, but I am just too big for it (5'10" and 240#) so I took it back and got the KLX. I knew the XT225 would never work for me, but for someone of your stature, it could be a good fit.

With all of that said, I don't think the XT225 is nearly as setup for dirt as the KLX. If you can get the KLX to work for you height-wise, then you will have a much more solid bike for offroad performance.

 

heh, forgot to add my height and how the bike sits with me... im 5'8" ... tippy toe'n it... im fine unless i stop on off camber trails or spots with deep depressions... already cost me a turn signal when i stopped to help a friend on a nasty downhill trail.. 50 clams for a new one lol
but in the end i think the best advice any1 can give is get to a dealer and ride one... its the only way you'll truly know.. good luck.

 

Based strictly on power, if I would have test drove it first, I don't know if I would have bought it. But I have accepted it for what it is and what it isn't, and overall I have a good time on it and enjoy the bike.

 

Yeah, I was seriously expecting a lot more power when I first bought it... I was pretty disappointed, but my other choice was CRF250X, and I still think I got a great bike for the price of the KLX250S... The CRF costs a lot more and is not street legal. CRF would also need more frequent maintenance due to the high strung motor.