Kawasaki KLR 250 General Information

Welcome to the unofficial Kawasaki KLR250 information website. If you've just stumbled upon this site you may be asking what a KLR250 is, otherwise maybe you already know what it is and are just looking for more information. Well you've found the right spot. The Kawasaki KLR250 is a dual sport motorcycle that was produced between 1985 and 2005. A dual sport motorcycle is one that very much resembles an ordinary dirtbike but is completely street legal. Many riders choose to go with a dual sport, also known as a dual purpose, because it not only allows them to ride their bike back and forth to work, but also take on interesting offroad terrain when the desire hits them.

The KLR250 is powered by a dual overhead cam (DOHC) 250cc 4-stroke gasoline engine that runs through a six speed manual transmission to a chain final drive. It was produced by Kawasaki in Japan and has been exported to many parts of the world including the United States, Canada, and Europe. During its lifetime it served as a reconnaissance and messenger vehicle for the US Military. Since the military needed a vehicle with a long service life with plenty of available replacement parts Kawasaki chose to keep the little 250 vastly unchanged over the years except for different paint and plastic color combinations. The military version was much like the civilian version except for a few subtle changes including a larger fuel tank, engine case guards, hand guards, tail racks, and camouflage paint schemes.

The KLR250 shares the same basic motor design as its ATV sibling the Kawasaki Mojave KSF250. Although the engines share the same head components the KLR has a six speed transmission as opposed to the KSF's five speed with reverse. Thankfully Kawasaki chose to make these two creatures so similar because although there are very few aftermarket upgrades for the KLR, the aftermarket industry has made many components for the Mojave including jet kits, and high performance camshafts that can be used on the KLR.

During it's 21 year lifespan the KLR has shared the Kawasaki dual sport production line with its big brothers the KLR600 and KLR650. While its larger siblings are chosen more for their highway speed comfort the 250's lighter weight and lower power make it better suited for tight trails and non-highway use.

Like any motorcycle the KLR250 has its good points and its week points. Although this bike is very much like a tractor, it just keeps going and going, it can succumb to engine damage if not maintained properly. The three keys to keeping the KLR Jr, as some like to call it, going for a long time are; changing the oil frequently, keeping an eye on the valve adjustments, and making sure the automatic cam chain adjuster is working correctly. Stay on top of all three and your KLR will live a long happy life.