Been dual sporting for many years with several different bikes, DRZ400, not enough gears, Honda big red pig, self explanatory, and I just sold a massively farkled DR650, all great bikes but I just decided its time to downsize, don't need to go as fast or as heavy.
Decided a KLX250 would be a good place to start, looked at the new one but im not really a fan of too much tech, FI and all the extra wiring that goes with it, carburetors work just fine.
Looking at a used one seems like a good place to start, with the possibility of engine modification and my 200 plus weight (suspension mods), what year KLX250 would be best to start with?

 

Do a search , I'm not sure when they got upgraded, think in 07 but There is some differences .. If you can't find it here .try Wikipedia I'e had a Drz 400 XR 400 XR 350 I loved them all , You may really miss the power .. You should find someone who's willing to let you test ride their bike ..If you do decide on one read up on all the mods for more power .. good luck Keep us posted

 

06 & 07 have more suspension travel, you'll need to get new springs, have the front forks revalved. Get a pumper carb, a few mods and fix a few minor issues and you are good to go.

 

FYI
I believe there was an update in 09, then continued through 2014 and discontinued until the new 2018 model. The new one is fuel injected. The 09 through 14 are pretty much the same.

 

the 2006 is was and is the best year ever! hehehehe

 

Even better than the 2007?

 

Well if I had a 2007 then that would be the best one. lol

 

Of course none of them are as fast as the red '09, but whatever floats your boat!


Edit: OK, on looking back at my post... I can feel a number of you laughing to yourself... but let me point out a few things"

- First of all, the '09 comes with that trick valve cover gasket that dribbles just enough oil to keep the outside of the motor from corroding... that is sure to increase the maintenance interval and also lets you quantify how dusty your ride was so that you know when to clean the air filter.

-Second, the shift star issue ensures that you will be stuck in the most useful gear for the second half of your most epic ride... just think how awesome your clutch skillz will be by the time you make it back to your truck!

- Third... everyone knows that Kawi's are green, so remove all the Kawi graphics and you can tell everyone it is an older model Beta... watch your trail-cred move up about 10 notches!

I'll think of some more benefits later... gotta go find some more beer...

 

Hey Abrams red is definitely the fastest color for a KLX

 

If I would take the time to figure out how to post pics I would show you a pic of my hot rod blue 2010 SF definitely cool ,But red is my one of best color's...