Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Aside from the weight, this is the biggest fly-in-the-ointment issue on the new Honda IMO. However, I'm not familiar with the spring rates on the Honda, so maybe for this poster the spring rate was a better match than the usually super-soft fork springs on the KLX, and hence it felt like it had better suspension. Still, I think the suspension components on the Honda kind of suck and really limit the off road capability of that bike. Strictly dirt road riders and pavement riders may never notice the difference.

 

My 2012 klx starts fine just cold blooded. When I rode the crf my conclusion was it had terrible bottom end vs the klx and way to heavy for a 250.

 

My 2010 has always started fine.. but like others have said, it's a bit cold blooded. Have to let it warm up real good before turning off the choke.

Rob

 

Nice first post. Do tell more about your impressions.

 

This is interesting....I have had the 09 and 10 KLX. My 09 never had a real cold start problem. Took a little bit more to start when cold but not terrible. Warmed up pretty quick, like a few minutes. I ride year round and have ridden it in the single digits.

Now my 10, which replaced my 09 due to bent frame.... starts ****ty. Even when the temps are good I have to use the choke and it takes a lot more time to warm up before you can ride it. I tried to take it out last week when it was 6 degrees F and it wouldn't start at all... killed the battery trying.

Both bikes stock!

 

Do you still have the '09? Make one good one out of the two.

 

I've had no issues starting my 2012 yet. If the engine is cold, I have to choke it, but if it's warm it starts right up with no choke. Just got it in october though and have only put about 100 miles on it so far.
When I got this bike I was debating on it and the CRF250L. I'm glad I went with the KLX. The non-adjustable suspension on the Honda was a major factor for me. Being a short 5'3" female, I always have to adjust it. Not only that, after sitting on the Honda, it just felt huge. Much heavier and really wide. I wanted something lighter and smaller that I could throw around a little easier.

 

My 09( new to me and was bone stock with 2k miles) i bought 3 months ago has always started easily. It was garage kept and senior owned before i got it on ebay. I live at 2k feet and it gets in the teens at night. I did a DG slip on, Jet kit, 13 tooth, klx300 snorkle cut off below the lid, kouba t screw and a K@N( Ive had a k@n on my suzuki ltf-500f for 12 years with no issues, it never leaves the dirt and I'm on it every day on my ranch). My KLX starts up in a mili second with the choke on, i never turn the gas off.

 

I took all the farkles off and put them on the 10, so it is complete and more. I bought the 10 new with the insurance money from the 09 and got $1500 more than the 10 cost! I kept the 09 for salvage. Sold the 10 body work, rims and some other misc. parts!! The 09 sits in the garage next to my compresser with the engine still in the frame. I just havent got around to finish the dissasembly. besides the frame the front rim was bent slightly and the left side radiator busted. havent checked the forks yet.... I think they are good. The rim is fixt and being used!!