I've read through this forum in some detail, but I still don't see the answer I'm looking for. I'm looking to downsize to a 250 four stroke that will allow me to run forest service roads, two track and single track at a brisk pace . To me, brisk is, I no longer race, so think half to three quarters enduro/hare scrambles pace for a "B" rider. I weigh 200lbs, am 6' tall, and have a 32" inseam.

I'm concerned that the KLX won't have the power I want without a big bore kit etc. and the money to do that will put me in the WR250R (used) range. It's my understanding that the WR has plenty of power, but needs to be kept up in the powerband to perform well. I like a torquey, nimble bike that has enough "grunt" to overcome my indiscretions when they happen.

I'm aware of the Husky and KTM offerings, but don't want to get in that price range and maintenance schedule. I currently have a DR650 as my woods bike and it simply is getting too big for me in the woods.

No intention on my part to "bash"" any brands, nor do I care to hear someone else doing it.

I would simply like to know if the KLX has enough power and suspension to do what I described earlier, as well as to handle the pavement transition from woods to woods? The bike will spend no other time on pavement, but has to be street legal. I've seen some good buys on some KLX's recently and some had mods that seem desirable, but not a big bore version.

I'm open to suggestions and thank any and all of you in advance for your input.

Tom

 

My understanding of what I've red on this board is that the KLX, in his 250 form, is underpowered to most rides coming from bigger displacement bikes.

If I was you, I would go for a WR250R first. If you can't find one locally to give it a try before buying, go on youtube and watch some videos to see how guys handle the "slow" stuff.

If you don't like the bike once you get it, you'll be able to sell it at no loss and buy a KLX.

 

Your scenario fits me almost exactly. Your background and expectations make me think you'll appreciate suspension as well as some decent power. I'd suggest a more specific route. Find an '06/'07 model. They are closest to the off road only KLX300 model and have 11" of travel. This gets you closer to real dirt bike travel, and if you revalve the fork, you get some very good off road quality suspension. Getting the bike used, you've saved the money to do a big bore kit with a pumper carb and still have money in your pocket. What you wind up with is a dual sport bike that more closely mimics a real off road model while retaining that bulletproof dual sport character. This is the route I went with my '06 KLX, and I'm very happy with the results.

The WR250R is a great bike, but it also needs suspension work for optimum performance, and a programmer is pretty much needed if you like a little more punch out of the motor. You have to spend money on both of these bikes IMO if you've been spoiled by riding real dirt bikes in the past.

 

Get the KLX, slap on a full exhaust and jet the crap out of it, and throw away the airbox lid and then swap out the 42 rear tooth for a 45 or a 48 and you're golden. I'm 6-1 and 250 and I am never disappointed in the power. Oh and welcome to the forums.

 

I spent a day on an wr250.I hated the seat ,most uncomfortable I've ever ridden on. I suppose thats fixable, but I fell in love with the klx seat,comfortable all day. wr250 had more top end power, but my uncorked stocker works great for me especially on single track.

 

Wow thats the first time I have ever seen comfortable and KLX seat in the same sentence. LOL I always thought our seat felt like a 2X4 board. hahaha

 

stock klx250 saddle has been comfortable for me too ....and, for what maquette mentioned, the klx250s should be fine with the mods deej mentioned...well, i would probably just swap the front sprocket -1 to 13t instead changing the chain and rear sprocket...(but, i did notice my 13t wears faster than my 15t)...

wr250r is great if you need freeway speed....but, a klx250s with the above mods will perform nearly equally on the dirt, but won't be freeway adequate with the sprocket changes..15t front makes the klx250s freeway capable all day, but it suffers greatly on steep stop and go inclines...the stock 14t front sucks...not enough on on dirt...not enough on freeways...i need my 13t and 15t to swap around...

 

The seat is great if you don't sit on it. I can only take 30 minutes of it sitting down.

 

If you go into it knowing it isn't the most powerful stock bike, you are ahead of most people. That is where most people make their mistake and don't research it. Just because it looks like a dirt bike, doesn't mean it goes like an MX bike.

Now in saying that, go buy a used KLX ( relatively dirt cheap ) and start modding it. Stock it isn't horrible, it just isn't fast. Once you get all the mods, it is one of the best, most reliable little dual sports out there.

My bike will outrun any yamaha dual sport, is faster than a stock KLR650, and can run with my buddies KTM400 up to about 75 mph.

 

I ride with three buddies that ride KTM's, two of them would be solid B riders and the other would probably be an A if he raced. I do ok on my BB351 KLX and would rank myself at an average third fastest (sometimes second, sometimes fourth) out of the four of us. I run the KLX much harder than I think it was ever intended for and wonder what it would be like to have a serious woods bike. Even if i had the 9k to drop on a "serious woods bike" I wonder if I would be happy with it or be able to ride it well . The KLX with the 351 has a ton of bottom, that bails me out all the time. When you said "I like a torquey, nimble bike that has enough "grunt" to overcome my indiscretions when they happen." it sounded like the KLX, although I dont know if I would call it nimble. I do think it is a heavier bike. I cant compare it to the WR, but I can tell you I like the power it makes. None of this is what you asked for, since I'm talking about the modded bike with the 351, but that quote i put up sounded so much like my bike and where you want to ride sounds exactly like where I ride I had to comment. https://www.kawasakiforums.com/forum...t-sweet-38096/
Good luck with whichever you choose. BTW I'm 5'7" 170# so that may make a difference too.
Dan