Have you considered a used 2006-2007 ? Personally, I don't like the new suspension travel on either the new KLX or WR.....almost 2 inches front and rear...cmon...that's more street oriented IMO.

There are so many hardly used used dirt bikes and ATVs that I wouldn't even consider a new one now. Nice new used KLX with possible accessories and then add a 300 kit and still have money left over.

 

I don't much buy used bikes. I ride a lot, but I'm no mechanic. There's nothing like new! Financially speaking, however, you are correct. IF you get what you think you're getting. I like new.

 

im 25 years old, been riding "streetbikes" since i was 19. I just recently was in the market for a "dual sport" to get more into the off-road adventuring on trails etc,etc..

I was looking at 3 and couldnt make up my mind. The 3 bikes- 08' Suzuki DRZ400s(blk of course),08' Yamaha wr250r,09' Kawasaki KLX250s.

At first i kinda ruled out the klx b/c i didnt think that it would have the power i wanted..coming from riding 1000cc and 600cc streetbikes...

I got to sit on and see each bike.I personallyloved the looks of the kawi the most,and i had enough money to pay for all of it in cash,and it was mine with 0 miles on it.

To make this short and sweet, let me tell ya i feel this thing has plenty of power for whatever your gonna be looking to do with it. It doenst have that throw you in the back of your seat power,but it more so smoothly gains speed,and pulls throughout all the rpms to redline. Im sure with a pipe and rejet,couple cheap other mods this thing would be a sick little 250 dual sport.like others have claimed.

It depends on what kind of riding your looking for too, i was just riding in the woods the other day and couldnt get out of 2nd gear, but i was still having a blast.Plenty of power for ripping around small woods trails.

Can not go wrong with a KLX-period.


-ry

 

+12 or whatever on the WR.

I have no real complaints about my KLX, I actually love it. I think the horribly over restrictive stockexhaust it a real shame. I run a modified stock pipe that I am happy with (not loud for one), but even with that I think the WR looks like a nice machine in comparison.

It is a great time to buy. A few years ago this class was nearly empty in the US. Now you have 2 nicechoices even in this niche market. I'm sure you will enjoy either choice.

 

Were I riding primarily off-road, I'd be more tempted by the KLX. However, I'd still lean pretty heavily toward the WR. In addition, since I ride mostly street, the WR has that much more appeal. I, too, have had the litre bikes and open-class bullet bikes, among others. While power is not everything, if I can get more of it, plus FI, adjustable suspension, 26K valve adjustments, etc., it just makes more sense.

I'm glad you like your KLX, though. I have no doubt it's a great bike. I would not feel at all hampered if that's what I had, or got. However, starting from scratch, it just doesn't make the best sense to not go towards the WR.

I have naught against either bike. Heck, the XT250 has its own advantages. They're all good bikes. You just gotta' match 'em up to what you want.

 

The difference in regular and premiumis substantial, as much as I ride. If only in my head...Yes, the WR is in the lead. The KLX isn't dead, though. It has its strong points, if only by beinga Kawi and being a grand cheaper. Nostalgia is not lost on me.

 

WR wayyyyy too tall for me

 

There's no contest down here, as I've mentioned before.
WR = $10000 AUS, KLX = $6500 AUS.
It should be WR Vs KTM.

$10000 AUS

VS $10000 AUS


No contest IMHO.

 

It's hard to compare the KLX, WR and KTM.
IMHO they are quite different.
KTM - designed as primarily a dirt bike that can do a bit of work on the road if needed. A genuine race winner out of the box. If I was taller and younger, this would be my choice.
WR - designed as a modern day all-rounder. Good for plenty of road and dirt miles. Probably the future. IMO the best road going bike out of the 3. Low maitenance and EFI. What more do you want? (Not cheap here in Aus)
KLX - designed in the early 90's. Highly regarded dual purpose bike back then. Still a competent ride today but it's not fair to put it along side the others.

Ride them all and pick the one YOU like and that suites your needs.
And be happy that we live in times where there is so much choice.

 

Neil has very good points. A year ago, the only choice in a factory street legal ride was the KLX-250S. The KTM was close but, it was more of big bore thumper oriented ride and priced out of reach for most KLX-250S riders. Kawasaki reinvigorated the 250cc dual sport market with a competent dirt worthy ride that wasn't previously available.

Yamaha saw that niche take off and capatilized on it. The various WR's offer superior rides from the factory for the Super Motard, dual sport, and true off road uses. They really have a good factory ride on their hands. Kawasaki really needs to offer a factory 300cc model to be competitive with Yamaha and bring some of their Japanese spec models to this side of the Pacific.