Recommend a Kawasaki KLX250S Dual Sport/Motard?

**doughpat** · 06-08-12, 10:00

Hi All-
A friend has a like-new (4 years old) Kawasaki 250S Super-moto/Motard/Dual-Purpose (whatever you want to call it--basically a dirt bike with road wheels) he's offered to sell me. This would be my first "serious" bike. I've been riding little scooters for years, in Bangkok and other semi-crazy places, so I'm reasonably confident with my abilities to cope with Jakarta-madness. Its basically just going to be a commuter bike, maybe occasionally take it out of town to find a bit of off-road action (hopefully this isnt too rediculously far away).

So would you recommend this bike? I test-rode it yesterday and it was all-smiles!! Fast (though not rediculous), great riding position (upright), and felt totally solid. The only thing that took some getting used to was the relatively soft suspension--felt mushy and definitely dove when I hit the brakes. I suppose this could either be something I get used to, or something that could be adjusted with some firmer springs. It also has a relatively large turning radius--seemed like the handlebars didnt really move very far, compared to my little scooters. Im concerned that this bike might be a bit big for getting through traffic. I know it wont be particularly comfortable for passengers, being a pretty high-tailed and narrow seat, but that isn't my problem

Lastly--he has the bike registered in his Indonesian friend's name, basically for convenience. I trust the guy completely, but I'm just curious if this is common practice (I'm new here) or will land me into a bunch of trouble when either pulled over by the cops, or go through the process of paying taxes/registering/selling the bike.

**davobali** · 06-08-12, 16:46

this is a good bike , and much safer than a scooter thats for sure . You can adjust the rear suspention , and stiffer aftermarket front springs for the forks can be bought ( but the supermoto version shouldnt really require them as they are slightly stiffer than the trail version . Also an aftermarket seat and 12 litre fuel tank is also available . Note pertamax fuel is recomended for this bike

**Hombre de Maiz** · 06-08-12, 16:59

Are the aftermarket seat and bigger fuel tank available in Bali? I've been looking at this model too.

On the other hand, I was told just a couple of days ago that Husqvarna has an enduro with much better parts that sells for about Rp. 10 million more. What do you know about this?

**davobali** · 06-08-12, 17:25

the parts are not here in indo . Sargent , and corbin make seats (look online and they are not cheap , and as with the tank they are from the USA and need to be posted . There are two tanks available , one fron acerbis about 15 litres (i think that how its spelt ) and there is another better looking 12 L one also available .
The husky TE250 is more of a performer than the kawasaki klx 250 ..., but you pay for it ..., it has higher ground clearance , and is much lighter (108kg dry weight ) and has adjustible front forks and doesnt come out stock as a supermoto ( enduro only ) and comes with a leo vince exhaust (2012 model ) as stock

**doughpat** · 07-08-12, 00:33

Bought it today...riding it tomorrow...will report back. Stoked!

**davobali** · 07-08-12, 07:27

Hombre , the kawasaki KLX250 (supermoto and enduro) is about 67 juta new , and the husky te-250 is about 95 juta new (ballpark figures ) . The te-310 is the same bike with a bored out cylinder head (and bigger piston etc ) but much more expensive due to the luxury tax for bikes over 250cc , but you could buy a te-250 and then buy the parts to convert the 250 to a 310cc thus avoiding the tax .
The kawasaki is made in Thailand , and the Husky is made in Italy . Also to note is there are only 2 husky dealers (bali-jakarta) but there are many kawasaki dealers , this maybe a concern to some for servicing and parts availability .

Also to note with the Kawasaki KLX is the ; apart from the supermoto having 17inch wheel with road tires , it has a stiffer suspention settings , and different sprockets to give it better highway/road speeds . Also its easy to make a rear rack for the KLX ( for lugguge or to fit a Givi box etc) , but is a big hassle to make one for the husky ( unless you buy the TE610 which has an accesory factory fitted rack available )

17 inch Bridgestone BT45 tyres are ready and easy to get for the KLX250 , but for the husky 450-510-630 cc , you may have to seach a bit more . I also recently noticed a brand new KLX150cc with supermoto wheels sporting a pair of PIRELLI TIRES , so these must now be available
...., @ doughpat - salamat jalan dan hati-hati

**davobali** · 07-08-12, 07:46

have a look at this site , for lots of great info on the KLX250 , including manuals for the bike :

http://www.kawasakiforums.com/forum/klx-250s-71/

**Hombre de Maiz** · 07-08-12, 13:05

Looks like the Kawa is the one for me.

**davobali** · 08-08-12, 09:07

Originally Posted by Hombre de Maiz

Looks like the Kawa is the one for me.

Have a good look at the husky before you make a final decision , as every modification you could ever dream of to do on the kawasaki ..., comes stock standard on the husky .

see this site for a good explanation ; http://www.motorcycle.com/manufactur...iew-91322.html

**PhilippeD** · 08-08-12, 09:53

Hombre, just keep in mind, more your motorcycle are high more you need to lean for turn. That make all kind of SM less appropriated for city use.

I had a DRZ-400S modify SM for a short time. I had drop every suspension the most I can, I made my own longer link for the back.

It's a "fun" bike, not practical at all, but definitely you can have lot of fun with this kind of machine