KLX250/300 v KLX450
#1
03-08-2009, 08:23 AM
KLX250/300 v KLX450
Some time ago I upgraded from a much modified KLX250 to a KLX450R.
The 250 had a 300 kit, full Staintune system, Dynojet, heavier springs + 10kg excess weight removed. I thought it was a pretty hot little bike and was a delight to ride.
At first the 450 intimidated me, so I kept and preferred to ride the older bike.
Over the past few months I have become more accustomed to riding the 450. With over 1000km I am still running the original rear tyre which is now totally stuffed.
Today I was out riding with the teenage son of a long lost friend (his father died 6 years ago in a motorcycle accident)
The young bloke was riding the 300 and me the 450. We changed bikes and for the first time I rode the 300 immediately after stepping off the 450. I could not believe the difference – I thought the brakes were binding on it was so unresponsive. The handling was still sweet – I could boss this bike around and as it had good tyres was not sliding heaps like the 450.
The message to all you 250 and 300 riders is that you can never make the old KLX into what the newer bike is. At one time I was going to put a 331 kit + pumper carb on the 300. It still would not have been half the bike the KLX450 is.
The 250 had a 300 kit, full Staintune system, Dynojet, heavier springs + 10kg excess weight removed. I thought it was a pretty hot little bike and was a delight to ride.
At first the 450 intimidated me, so I kept and preferred to ride the older bike.
Over the past few months I have become more accustomed to riding the 450. With over 1000km I am still running the original rear tyre which is now totally stuffed.
Today I was out riding with the teenage son of a long lost friend (his father died 6 years ago in a motorcycle accident)
The young bloke was riding the 300 and me the 450. We changed bikes and for the first time I rode the 300 immediately after stepping off the 450. I could not believe the difference – I thought the brakes were binding on it was so unresponsive. The handling was still sweet – I could boss this bike around and as it had good tyres was not sliding heaps like the 450.
The message to all you 250 and 300 riders is that you can never make the old KLX into what the newer bike is. At one time I was going to put a 331 kit + pumper carb on the 300. It still would not have been half the bike the KLX450 is.
#2
03-08-2009, 08:36 AM
Hi yer down under, bikes a bike set up and maintenance are key 250, 300 ,450,Got a 78 Can-Am 175 Qualifier that would leave all said bikes in my dust. I love my 07 KLX250, trails I ride you would be hard pressed to touch my 250.
#3
03-08-2009, 09:46 AM
Some time ago I upgraded from a much modified KLX250 to a KLX450R.
The 250 had a 300 kit, full Staintune system, Dynojet, heavier springs + 10kg excess weight removed. I thought it was a pretty hot little bike and was a delight to ride.
At first the 450 intimidated me, so I kept and preferred to ride the older bike.
Over the past few months I have become more accustomed to riding the 450. With over 1000km I am still running the original rear tyre which is now totally stuffed.
Today I was out riding with the teenage son of a long lost friend (his father died 6 years ago in a motorcycle accident)
The young bloke was riding the 300 and me the 450. We changed bikes and for the first time I rode the 300 immediately after stepping off the 450. I could not believe the difference – I thought the brakes were binding on it was so unresponsive. The handling was still sweet – I could boss this bike around and as it had good tyres was not sliding heaps like the 450.
The message to all you 250 and 300 riders is that you can never make the old KLX into what the newer bike is. At one time I was going to put a 331 kit + pumper carb on the 300. It still would not have been half the bike the KLX450 is.
The 250 had a 300 kit, full Staintune system, Dynojet, heavier springs + 10kg excess weight removed. I thought it was a pretty hot little bike and was a delight to ride.
At first the 450 intimidated me, so I kept and preferred to ride the older bike.
Over the past few months I have become more accustomed to riding the 450. With over 1000km I am still running the original rear tyre which is now totally stuffed.
Today I was out riding with the teenage son of a long lost friend (his father died 6 years ago in a motorcycle accident)
The young bloke was riding the 300 and me the 450. We changed bikes and for the first time I rode the 300 immediately after stepping off the 450. I could not believe the difference – I thought the brakes were binding on it was so unresponsive. The handling was still sweet – I could boss this bike around and as it had good tyres was not sliding heaps like the 450.
The message to all you 250 and 300 riders is that you can never make the old KLX into what the newer bike is. At one time I was going to put a 331 kit + pumper carb on the 300. It still would not have been half the bike the KLX450 is.
Ummmm, I don't think there are many who are trying to make their KLX250S into a KLX450R or the like. Not everyone buys a bike for the same reason. Some will get the KLX250S as a transitional or starter bike, then end-up with something bigger once they are comfortable. Others will stay with the fully dual sport KLX because it does what they need it to do.
Glad you like the 450R. Ride-on!
#6
03-08-2009, 11:04 PM
Although I have had loads of fun both riding and modifying my KLX, I have been disappointed with it's performance from the very first ride (which was after I bought it, no test rides allowed). I live at 5300 feet and it just has no power. I had it in Oregon two winters ago and it did much better at the lower altitude, but it's still a disappointment. I would love to have a street legal 450 that wasn't too tall in the saddle. I'm old now (52), so I've pretty much given up on the single track action. I've moved on to street and gravel/fire roads. My BMW is a handfull, but it has power to spare. I rode the KLX last Wednesday and when I left the house it was so slow off the line I thought it was broken. I don't plan on any long distance adventure touring or really any freeway action, so the BMW is a bit of overkill. If I could have grabbed a 450 that wasn't too tall (KTM, BMW), I may have gone that route.
I may up the KLX from 292 to 351, just for fun. It's been a reliable, great little bike. Maybe it deserves one more chance...
#8
03-09-2009, 01:28 AM
Off-road-only for the Japanese offerings, though, at least here in the U.S. That's a major selling point, or non-selling point depending on how you look at it, for a lot of people. More and more areas being shut down, having a plate can open up more places to ride legal, forest service roads, for example, and the ability to connect trails with short segments of pavement. Most of my riding would not be possible without the plate.
#10
03-09-2009, 03:49 PM
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Washington
Posts: 21,060
Power is all relative. Happiness is not determined by torque or reel wheel spin. I've had fun on my moped. The KLX after a couple of what I call minor mods is the exact bike I wanted and will never get rid of. Its all good. 