Cycle News Staff | September 21, 2017
2018 Kawasaki KLX250 EFI First Look – Kawasaki introduced new 2018 KLX250 dual sport and the big news is that it’s now fuel-injected. It also gets more adjustable suspension and a new look with the new Camo Edition.
2018 Kawasaki KLX250 EFI First Look
Kawasaki Release:
The KLX250 motorcycle is built to take riders to new places. Borrowing notes from the KX line and Kawasaki’s racing heritage, this 2018 street legal, dual-purpose motorcycle is designed to cut through the busy traffic of an inner city or climb up a back trail to see the city from a beautiful view. The long awaited return of one of Kawasaki’s most versatile motorcycles, the 2018 KLX250.
- New Fuel Injection system
- 43mm 16-way adjustable front suspension
- Uni-Trak 16-way adjustable rear suspension
- New Digital Camo offering
- Stainless-steel exhaust
- Sharp, aggressive bodywork
The 2018 KLX250 motorcycle receives a new fuel injection system for improved starting at all elevations, fuel efficiency and performance. The KLX250 motorcycle is the ideal platform for riders seeking a less expensive, lightweight dual purpose motorcycle that is capable off-road.
STYLING
- KX-inspired two-piece radiator shroud
- Off-road fenders
- Sharp taillight design for increased visibility
- Digital instrumentation
2018 Kawasaki KLX250 EFI First Look
The KLX250 features aggressive styling that is sure to turn heads whether riding in the city or off the beaten path. Upon first glance you’ll notice the aggressive front cowl, front fender and two-bulb headlamp design. A sharp taillight further contributes to the aggressive styling. Taking cues from the KX family, the KLX250 motorcycle features two-piece radiator shrouds and KX-style fork guards, which help protect the inner tubes from rocks and brush.
An all-digital instrument console gives the rider at-a-glance information. Features include a digital bar-graph tachometer, digital speedometer, clock and dual trip meters. Fuel-injection and low-fuel warning lamps are also included.
Dual high-capacity Denso radiators like those used on KX motocross bikes deliver superior cooling efficiency and contribute to space and weight savings. The radiators are very slim and feature tightly packed cores and a fin design for excellent heat dispersion.
ENGINE
- New Fuel Injection (FI) system
- Stainless-steel exhaust system
The engine of the KLX250 motorcycle is a modern, lightweight and compact, 250cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine with a wide torque band, pulling from down low. The new KLX250 features a new fuel injection system, for improved fuel efficiently, improved starting in a variety of conditions and better performance and throttle response. The FI system utilizes an ultra-fine atomizing (10-hole) injector. The result is a very smooth engine character, especially in the rpm range most used in day-to-day riding.
With an electric starter and Kawasaki Automatic Compression Release (KACR), which automatically lifts an exhaust valve during engine cranking, starting the KLX250 is a breeze. Precise control of ignition timing by the digital CDI also contributes to easy starts and reliability under extreme conditions.
The engine has low reciprocating weight, thanks in part to the use of a cam lobe for each valve, with shim-under tappet arrangement, which also contributes to better efficiency during high rpm. A lightweight piston, piston pin and connecting rod allow power-producing revs. With a bore and stroke of 72.0 x 61.2mm, the engine displaces 249cc. The engine is mounted low in the frame, contributing to a low center of gravity. Flat-top piston and pent-roof combustion chamber deliver a 11.0:1 compression ratio.
The engine of the KLX250 engine features an electro-fusion cylinder, which is an ultra-hard coating that offers superior heat transfer and less weight. It also contributes to engine reliability: the coating holds lubrication well, resists abrasion and seizure, and allows a tight piston-to-cylinder clearance for increased horsepower.
Its smooth engine is due in part to a gear-driven engine balancer, providing smooth power delivery from idle to redline. On long rides this means greater rider comfort and less fatigue. The KLX250 motorcycle also features an all-stainless steel exhaust system, with a honeycomb catalyzer located in the muffler.
Gear ratios facilitate smooth shifting through the rpm range and help with increased performance off-road and on. A revised shift drum offers an improved shift feeling, ensuring gears firmly engage.
2018 Kawasaki KLX250 EFI First Look
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
- Fully adjustable suspension
- 43 mm inverted cartridge fork
- Gas-charged rear shock
- Front wheel travel of 255mm and rear travel of 230mm
The box- and tubular-section high-tensile steel perimeter frame of the KLX250 motorcycle creates a slim, lightweight package, which offers both great cornering performance and straight-line stability. The 26.5-degree caster angle and short wheelbase contribute to quick handling, while the high rigidity of the frame increases straight-line stability. The lightweight, highly rigid aluminum D-section swingarm also contributes to reduced unsprung weight and rigidity.
The 43mm inverted cartridge-style front fork comes with 16-way compression damping adjustment, adding incredible adjustability for a variety of riding conditions. The cartridge provides consistent damping force by minimizing aeration of the fork oil. Uni-Trak rear suspension provides great road holding ability and bump absorption. The gas-charged shock with remote reservoir has 16-way compression and rebound damping and fully adjustable preload adjustability.
Front wheel travel of 255mm and rear travel of 230mm creates a comfortable street ride and makes the KLX250 a capable off-road machine on the trails. Footpegs are positioned close to the bike’s centerline for a slim riding position conducive to both on- and off-road riding.
WHEELS AND BRAKES
- 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels
- Front 250mm disc and 240mm rear disc
The KLX250 features a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel, for great handling and plenty of tire options. Great wheel rigidity care of thick spokes (4.0mm), which contributes to lighter, smoother handling and offers greater durability for off-road riding.
Front and rear disc brakes offer impressive stopping performance, with a twin-piston caliper gripping a 250mm disc up front and a single-piston caliper gripping a 240mm disc in the rear.
2018 Kawasaki KLX250 EFI First Look
KAWASAKI KLX250
Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $5,349
Availability: The 2018 Kawasaki KLX250 is available for purchase early October, 2017
KAWASAKI KLX250 Camo Edition
Color: Matrix Camo Gray
MSRP: $5,549
Availability: The 2018 Kawasaki KLX250 Camo edition is available for purchase early October, 2017
