klx250s first ride.......thanks Johnny Monsoon

[maxrates]

I picked up my new KLX250s Tuesday May1,....  

I was able to put 98 miles on it about 60% dirt roads in East Texas on Wednesday.

I am totally pleased with this bike. I dont know why there are some that rave about the lack of power...etc.  For the way I ride the bike is perfect. It does exactly what it is designed to ..!  Here are a few points:

Easy starting
Very smooth
Almost zero vibration in mirrors
60 - 70 mph will be no problem after break-in  (I am 6' 210)
Handles mud great....just like a dirt bike
Suspension is just about right. I would not want it any "stiffer" for the dirt roads
Excellent bike !!!!  

My only complaint would be the seat. I have not ridden in a couple of years so maybe I am just "soft".
I may look into a little more padding for the seat.

Thanks...........especially to Johnny Monsoon....................

 
 

[R.Markus]

I really like the one we just bought.  

[Johnny Monsoon]

WOOT!!!!!!!1!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Those are amazing bikes; truly amazing that a bike can be so much of a dirt bike and still be truly road-worthy.  I really want one of my own!

[marc11]

+1 congrats.  Take a quick note, if the bike sits for a few days it is cranky to start up.  It takes a while, a trick is to turn the fuel off and let it run dry until the bike stalls.  Then, the next time you go to start the bike, turn on the fuel, wait a few seconds and hit the starter, it will fire right up within a second.

[Max Wedge]

+1 congrats.  Take a quick note, if the bike sits for a few days it is cranky to start up.  It takes a while, a trick is to turn the fuel off and let it run dry until the bike stalls.  Then, the next time you go to start the bike, turn on the fuel, wait a few seconds and hit the starter, it will fire right up within a second.

+2
 I do the same thing with my KLX, except that I just let it run until it starts to die if you give it throttle. Starts first or second kick.

[Cricket]

I think you one good bike Kawasaki has always made a real good bike. Have lots of fun and watch out for the trees.

P S send lots of reports
 

[bubba zanetti]

Sounds like a great bike. Range with stock tank?

[R.Markus]

Sounds like a great bike. Range with stock tank?

100 miles.

[bubba zanetti]

100 miles.

Is there an aftermarket tank available for this bike yet?

[R.Markus]

Is there an aftermarket tank available for this bike yet?

Acerbis makes a 3.7 gallon (stock is only 1.9, which means it is getting pretty good gas mileage), but rumor has it you can't get all the gas out of it without laying it down on the left side first. This is also the tank  for the KLX300 and it takes some modifications to the 250 to use (rerouting the wiring harness, removing the harness tabs from the frame, and removal of the radiator fan).

Clarke has one that is supposed to be available mid-June, but it has been delayed repeatedly. Personally, I'm waiting for this one since I think they are really researching the best way to build the tank to make all gas usable.

[Albie]

You need to check out the Two Wheel Texans web site. There's a dual sport section there.  

[garry]

Clarke has one that is supposed to be available mid-June, but it has been delayed repeatedly. Personally, I'm waiting for this one since I think they are really researching the best way to build the tank to make all gas usable.

The Clarke 3.9 gallon on my DRZ requires laying the bike on its left side to get gas  trapped on the right side over to the petcock on the left. Kind of like having a second reserve  

[R.Markus]

The Clarke 3.9 gallon on my DRZ requires laying the bike on its left side to get gas  trapped on the right side over to the petcock on the left. Kind of like having a second reserve  

They should just build it like my 640's tank...it has 3 petcocks.

[Albie]

The Acerbis 4.2 gallon tank for the DRZ has 2 petcocks. Much better set up then the IMS or Clarke.

[marc11]

The Acerbis 4.2 gallon tank for the DRZ has 2 petcocks. Much better set up then the IMS or Clarke.

This just makes sense!  I mean, why not add a second petcock and a fuel line with a "T" fitting, what would that add to the cost, $5?

[Albie]

Heck, my IMS didn't even come with ONE petcock. I had to use the one off my stock tank.  

[maxrates]

I had another good ride yesterday. Man the KLX250s is a great little trail bike. It is a big difference from my KLR650....but the KLR seat was much more comfortable.

I am getting about 55 mpg on the KLX.

Has anyone tried to add more padding to the KLX seat ?

Doug
'06 KLX250s
Houston

[Albie]

You might want to look into something like this:  http://renazco.com/

They get great feedback. Somewhat pricey, but a heck of a lot better then "custom" seats from companies like Corbin.

Another thing, you might give the stocker as well as your ass a bit of time to break in.

[JohnWayne]

Has anyone tried to add more padding to the KLX seat ?

Try here www.gutsracing.com for tall seat foam.

[marc11]

Not sure how this would work out, but for my son he started to our grow is KDX50, but wasn't ready for a 110.  So, a raised the shocks and forks (they are adjustable) and gave his seat to a local auto guy to add two inches of foam to it, we also added a non-skid cover.  Cost about $100, but the difference was amazing.  May be worth looking local....

[NJFJR]

Has anyone tried to add more padding to the KLX seat ?

Doug
'06 KLX250s
Houston

Doug, much cheaper to pad your butt. (no kidding) Go find a pair of padded bicycle shorts. The good ones have extra padding right where you need it. The also have thigh padding too, which is nice when you're taking dirt samples.