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SPECS · PICS · RATING
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Review of the 2006 Kawasaki KLX 250 R:The real thing. |
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Author: Matt, the guy who rides his bike all winter., 2007-06-17, viewed 194 times. | ||||||
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As seen on TV! | ||||||
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I´ve put some 5400 miles on my 2006 klx, and am quite satisfied with it. The few problems I´ve had include a turn signal mount bracket which broke loose from the rack, silly plastic handguard broke immediately, a broken chain guide, and the license plate, which broke off while playing motocross. I´m on my second set of tires. The stock tires performed well on and off road; they were a good compromise. The back tire drove 2000 miles, and the front about 4000. I put five hundred ice screws in the replacement tires, and ran it all winter. I recommend more. When it´s less than twenty degrees or so, I found it necessary to remove the seat, and hold my hand tightly over the air intake in order to start it cold. The suspension works well, but the bike is heavy for motocross style riding. The brakes are sufficient, but the front brake line balloons with pressure on the lever. The six speed transmission works well, but I did find that the shift lever gets loose on the shaft occasionally. The capable, liquid cooled DOHC 249cc engine is limited by restrictive exhaust, and combined with the higher gearing needed for highway riding, it feels a little weak in stock form. There are widely accepted modifications which can improve the power output with little monetary input. See ADVrider.com for more. The handlebars might bend, and the speeodmeter glass may break if ridden upside down, but it handles abuse quite well. The bike cruises at highway speeds comfortably, though hills and headwinds have a noticable effect. The kickstand safety switch might short out if submersed. With it removed, and the carb vents rerouted upwards, I´ve inadvertantly driven mine through water up to the seat. I thanked God when I made it back across, of course, but still think about doing it again, just to get a picture. With a 122 main jet, the worst mileage I´ve gotten is an even 54 mpg. That was top gear, full throttle up a mountain pass, on the highway, with extra gas and a backpack. The best mileage I´ve recorded was 59.9 mpg. That included offroad riding and city driving, not trying to conserve fuel. The fuel system, including carb, holds exactly two gallons. The summary: light, economical, fun to ride enduro. Great on trails, as well as in the city. Minimal fuel capacity keeps you from sitting on the seat too long,while emission requirements and gearing help to maintain responsibility. The only bike in it´s class. A real dual purpose motorcycle. Overall score: 88.5% |
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