Hello Everyone,

Recently I decided that the best way to explore all the dirt and paved country roads way out here in Kansas was to get a KLX250S and go for it (lots of research beforehand into what is the optimum bike for me). Up to now its all been on 4 wheels.

First, since the last time I was on a motorcycle was once back in 1984, the better part of discretion was to do the MSF riding course (thanks to Motorcycle Training Specialists in Wichita--Mike, Rick & Bryan for their efforts and patience).

Last Wednesday before Thanksgiving I went and bought the bike, a new lime green 2009 KLX250S.

Between then and tonight (Sunday), I've logged 102 miles on the KLX and am thoroughly hooked. Most riding took place today in some ferocious 35 mph South winds with gusts going higher. Can't really say how the bike was since I was getting beat to death by the wind and the new sensations of riding, but all seemed to go OK (helluva lean with crosswinds!).

It's hard to tell from all the wind disturbances, but I don't think that the engine has "loosened up" yet at 102 miles. The plan is to ride the bike stock for 500-600 miles, get accustomed to riding and get the first service check at the dealer, then begin trying to squeeze a bit of power from the various mods on this site and elsewhere.

Ultimate goal is to do day long back country touring when next spring and summer comes around. Until then, I'll plot all of the mods that can be done on the bike for best performance.

Here's looking forward to participation on the forum--

kansas-klx

 

Welcome! The stock KLX250 is sufficient for any beginner, and for many experienced riders as well.

Let me make one suggestion, though....learn to do EVERYTHING about maintenance yourself. Sure, there are decent dealers out there, but, many can't seem to get an oil change done without screwing something up. Face it, the basic tasks are given to the least experienced...and the basic tasks are something almost any monkey can do.

Besides, the more you know about the bike, the better prepared you'll be for the inevitable breakdown you'll experience. That includes being able to change a tube in the field. All these things take experience.

Again, welcome!

 

Great bike to get started on! Bring it up here and we can do some nice riding.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULm-NWjaB7U

 

Now that you invested that much in a bike, invest $500.00 bucks in some gear in case you go down. Padded jacket, boots and riding pants. Just think of it as equal to your health insurance deductible. Also the wife doesn't bitch about safety items like that .

Also since it's a new bike and there's no way it's staying in the garage, a heated jacket and socks will make riding it more enjoyable. You did say Kansas right?

It's a great bike once you get all the mods done.

 

Good choice and welcome to the club. I agree with those above get some good saftey gear and consider doing the maintenence yourself. I can send you the service manual. Also good plan on breaking the bike in then decideing whicn mods you want to do. Remember to change your oil often your bike will thank you for it over the next few years.
Cheers Jim

PS whats this winter thing you guys speak of?????? All I get is "rainey season" and "not so rainey season"

 

Congrats on the new purchase...I just bought a new 2010 mid summer...The black one. It is a great bike and I am in the process of doing the mods as well.

Maninthesea....could you send me a copy of that service manual as well....Thanks

 

Welcome to the forums, and of course the best bike ever!.

 

Isn't Bill Blue located in Kansas? Boy, have you got it made when it comes time to mod your bike.

Just go over and knock on Bill's door, he will have what you need. You can start by looking here: http://bandbcyclerestorations.com/page_4.html

 

I'm pretty sure the 2009 Service Manual is a sticky thread: https://www.kawasakiforums.com/forum...ad.php?t=32247

 

I can't get that link to work...anyone else try it to see if it still goes to my dropbox?