KLX 250 SF

[BlueRidgeKat]

This little bike looks like it would be a ton of fun just to play around with and use as a commuter. Cheap and around 70mpg.

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/kawasaki/2009-kawasaki-klx250sf-review-87863.html

My question to all you technical experts..... would this bike be able to handle a set of heated grips or is any such electrical addition out of the question. I commute often in very cool weather and have been spoiled by heated grips for some time. I could probably research and find the answer but since I'm lazy and all and you guys are so smart thought I'd just ask here first.

[marc11]

I have a 2007 KLX250s, basically the same engine and electrical system.  The biggest different may be the digital dash vs the older style analog on my KLX, not sure if that adds any draw or not.  Anyway, I can run my Gerbings heated jacket with no problem, however, anything more than that may be an issue.  So, heated grips, which pull less than the Gerbings shouldn't be an issue at all.

And yeah, if the SF is HALF as fun as the "s" version on the road it is a blast, especially when you fix the gearing and restriction issues.

[BlueRidgeKat]

Anyway, I can run my Gerbings heated jacket with no problem, however, anything more than that may be an issue.  So, heated grips, which pull less than the Gerbings shouldn't be an issue at all.

That answered my question. Tires and wheels are about the only difference in the two bikes. Thanks alot marc11.

[Brad1445]

I have a 2007 KLX250s, basically the same engine and electrical system.  The biggest different may be the digital dash vs the older style analog on my KLX, not sure if that adds any draw or not.  Anyway, I can run my Gerbings heated jacket with no problem, however, anything more than that may be an issue.  So, heated grips, which pull less than the Gerbings shouldn't be an issue at all.

And yeah, if the SF is HALF as fun as the "s" version on the road it is a blast, especially when you fix the gearing and restriction issues.

I priced aftermarket exhausts, I think I want to to the highly touted drill the can and open airbox stuff.
I must be blind because I cant find the details on how to perform this procedure.

Also, which way did you go with the gearing.  I need top speed, I have hit 87mph I dont want to lose any top, but I'm guessing as most people you geared lower?

[mugwump58]

I run a pair of Gerbing Classics and a heated bib on mine. If I dial in about 3/4 the system has no problems. I picked up an aux tank for it which works great, however I have to take it off if I run with the Dirtbagz. I'll get that system modified to work this winter. Finally picked up a jet kit for it but that will have to wait till this winter, back ordered for ever.

It can run over 70 in stock trim but has no umph at all.

Do not run with a snorklectomy if you don't have it jetted! I did for about 15 seconds last winter, yikes!

It's great fun but it will make you want that new 2007 950 KTM Supermoto that has been languishing at the dealer for how many years now?

Make sure you are ATGATT as this bike may bring out your inner stupid. Don't ask me how I know.

[BlueRidgeKat]

Anyone put hand guards on theirs? What kind? Pics?

[marc11]

Okay for gearing, if you want top speed drop one tooth in the front.  The bike wont pull redline in 6th, dropping a tooth makes 6th much more usable to the bike and helps with off the line.

A great and CHEAP exhaust mod is to get a KLX300r muffler with a Four Stroke Works header and jet kit.  Will cost you well under $200 and will offer the power to rival any aftermarket system costing twice as much, but still be on the quiet side.  If you want to go the stock route what you do is (search KLX300 Free Mods in google for the specific details, most any mod for a KLX300 works with the 250:

1) get a long 1/2 drill bit and extension, run it through the tailpipe and just keep drilling until there are no more plates to go through.
2) remove the snorkle and install a DJ jet kit.
3) There is a crankcase vent hose on the bottom of the airbox, it has a tiny hole, you remove the hose and enlarge the hole to equal the diameter of the vent hose, clean out the shavings and attach the vent hose again.

I run Arcebis hand guards, no pics, but you wouldn't want to see them, they are all destroyed from multiple crashes!

[mugwump58]

Power Mad hand guards work and yes they do offer protection for the bike when it slides down the road. Admittedly they are a little bit of a pain to install but you can all the pieces parts easily from them for umm when it falls down in the driveway, yeah that's it it fell in the driveway....

[Brad1445]

Thank You Marc

[BlueRidgeKat]

I have not really been able to find anything bad about the bike. Its a solid little 250 and should be a great commuter and alot of fun to play around with. My local dealer has a new left over black 09 for $3800, just dont see how you could go wrong with that price. The little thumper will pay for itself over the years on the daily commute.

[marc11]

Agreed  

[motociclista]

I have not really been able to find anything bad about the bike. Its a solid little 250 and should be a great commuter and alot of fun to play around with. My local dealer has a new left over black 09 for $3800, just dont see how you could go wrong with that price. The little thumper will pay for itself over the years on the daily commute.

I have absolutely NO need for a fourth motorcycle, but I am also tempted by the deals on these little supermotos.

A few months ago, I stopped in a dealer about 100 miles from my house, just to take a break on my ride home, and the salesman told me they bought a dozen 2009 models and were selling them for $3,299!

Now, I see one dealership here in Ohio is advertising a new 2009 leftover for $2,999!

[BlueRidgeKat]

I have absolutely NO need for a fourth motorcycle, but I am also tempted by the deals on these little supermotos.

A few months ago, I stopped in a dealer about 100 miles from my house, just to take a break on my ride home, and the salesman told me they bought a dozen 2009 models and were selling them for $3,299!

Now, I see one dealership here in Ohio is advertising a new 2009 leftover for $2,999!

Indeed the prices are really amazing when you look at the MSRP of $4999.

The smaller bikes are just so much fun. I have 15k on the little XT225 now and its been totally trouble free (air cooled not liquid cooled like the KLX250's). Even run it on the interstate from time to time and it will keep up, not going to pass anybody but it will go with the flow of traffic. It was cold natured until it got warmed up like they say the KLX 250's are. I changed the main jet from stock which I think was #122 to a #130 which cured the problem. Anyone know what the stock jet is on the KLX and what would you recommend going up to??

[marc11]

I'd have to check but I am pretty sure with the stock set up you move to a DJ 128 or 132 with a slip on.  But these are Dynojet sizes.

[mugwump58]

My stage 1/2 from DynaJet was back ordered for months.... really.

[Ramming Speed]

I just bought a KLX250SF this weekend, used, 430 miles,  2009, mint.

Renazco does seats for this, bandbmoto.com does skid plates, and Bill Blue does big bore kits with carb.  Bark Busters with finger fairings, of course.

The question is where to find a package rack?

[mugwump58]

Most KLX S stuff fits. I've gotten stuff from Turbo City Dirt Bagz fit nice and I got an aux tank from B and B moto. Sorry I've lost the link. I'll look for it. Unfortunately you can't run the dirt bagz and the aux tank at the same time. I'm gonna get the mounts for the bags "fixed" the winter so it'll all fit.

B and B Moto

DBZ

[marc11]

Twisted Throttle and Happy Trails sell racks and luggage set ups for the newer style KLX as well.

[Ramming Speed]

Thanks for the help.  New enough has racks, too.

Now to finish break in and remove chicken strips gradually.