the KLX engine is bulletproof. not sure what you're talking about there. a lonnnnggg time ago, there were cam chain tensioner problems, but were addressed in 2003 and that was just for the KLX300. I had a 2006 KLX 250. the only problem I ever had was it was a bear to start at times, downright awful and the worst of any bike I ever owned. Just when you got ready to sit it on it's sidestand and grab a hammer to smash in the tank it would fire. the only other problem I have with the bike is it's lack of power. ride one to make sure it has enough for your needs, whoever you choose it for. the KLX250S is not legal in CA, so you can't buy a brand new one there. I considered the TE250 after selling my KLX a month ago, but at $6199 otd for another 250 I said no. even though the TE would rip the KLX a new bunghole with the same displacement, I wanted more torque so I bought a DRZ400SM. It rips hard and has a ton of torque. I love it. do a search on here to hear more about how much I love it. it has twice the power of a stock KLX. tell the Husky dealers to f-off if they're marking those bikes up that much. they'll have them until next fall for that price. a dealer in Omaha quoted me otd on a TE450 at $6899 brand new '07.

 

the KLX400 is just a kawasaki branded Suzuki DRZ400 up to '03 I believe, not certain on year. it's an awkwardly tall enduro bike that is as bulletproof as the KLX250 but with a much larger aftermarket. it has old style conventional forks on the enduro version and dual-purpose version. I got the same bike in supermoto trim. The SM comes with inverted RM forks, a 1.5" lower seat height, and of course theoem Excel SM wheels/tires. It doesn't put out 50 horse, but subtract 15 and you've got a pretty powerful stock bike. You can buy the same bike in dirt/street legal trim as well. They make 3 versions of the bike. One full enduro, one dual-purpose like the KLX, and the SM which is what I have. The SM came out in '05 for USA.