Hello all I'm presently riding a Klr 650 and I find it's a bit large in the bush for my liking.It's a great bike but.... The Klx caught my eye as a potential replacement and my search for info has led me here.I have a few questions I'm hoping folks here will answer.
What year did this model ,250S first appear?
Are there many after market farkles available?
Is there a "big bore" kit available? Is it worthwhile?
I'm 61 and 230 lbs,Will this puppy haul me around?
Most of my riding is mild to medium backroads with the occasional side trip into rougher stuff.Its the side trips where the Klr is too large.When the ground is soft or uneven I can't stop the beast from falling over and then I can't pick it up without help (bad knees). so I'm looking for a smaller ride. Thanks for your help.
Cheers
Bill

 

First off, welcome to the forum. I can tell you that the KLX is a fun bike, and it has been available stateside in the 250S version since 06. Over here in Japan it has been around as a D-Tracker since 98, and there are lots of aftermarket goodies to pick up, both here and stateside. There are also a few big bore options out there, just run a search for 331, 340, 365 stroker, etc. and you will find enough reading to last the week. As for the bike hauling you around, all you will need is a spring upgrade, and it will work for you just fine. You can also do a search here, and look at the sticky right under HOTD, there are lots of links and part info there.

 

for someone coming off a 650 you will definately want a big bore kit. bill blue has one but it's only a 331. i think four stroke works has a 340. even with the big bore you won't get even 30 hp though. the motor will be stronger but nowhere near your 650. what's that 650 weigh? 340.lbs or so? the 250s is going about 278.lbs. in the single track that is HUGE so the lack of outright hp shouldn't be a deal breaker for you since the 250 is going to be so much easier for you manhandle. on the street or fire roads you will absolutely miss that motor. there's no way around it.

 

Bill is also working on a 350 kit, and there is a stroker 365 kit, but it is a little expensive.

 

Hey Cathouse.....any chance you can keep your klr and get a used klx??

At 230 you will need a springs and even with a 340 jug you may be wishing for a little more, but your klr is no powerhouse either. The klx will thump you along but the rpms may be a bit high.

Besides would you take your klr out in this solo? You will on the klx.

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Hey man welcome to KF,, everyone pretty much answered your questions but.. all i have to say that the KLX is really really nimble on the trails and its not that heavy

 

6-1 260 no complaints here, oh and welcome to the forums.

 

What about the KLX400 ala DRZ400? Might be a little better for a bigger guy like you?

I'm 6'1", 175lbs, and it's good in the woods, sluggish on the streets. It's not bad - don't get me wrong, but coming from a 650 you might be looking for more.

What about a Husq 510 or 450? Or the KTM 450EXC / 525EXC?

 

If you are already skilled on the 650, the 250 won't be enough for you. I have had my KLX for 15 months and I am just getting ready for something bigger. I'm only 5'8" and 160 lbs. But from everything I've read/heard your extra 100 pounds won't hold the KLX back too much. If I were you, I'd seriously look at the KTM 450 EXC. If you buy the KLX new and then sell it a year later, you'll lose about $2,000.