Introduction
Sticky Street Rubber Meets Lightweight
Dual-Sport; Big Fun Can't Be Far Behind
Type "big fun in a small package" into your internet
search and it might take you straight to the Kawasaki KLX™250SF
supermoto. Based on Kawasaki's critically acclaimed KLX250S dual
sport on/off-road bike, the SF dials up maximum on-road fun with
sticky street radials mounted on 17-inch wheels, a shorter seat
height, a bit less suspension travel and a big front brake. It's
"just" a 250, but its light weight of just 302 pounds
means the KLX250SF packs the sort of performance you'd expect
from something bigger and more expensive. Few motorcycles - of
any size or price - are capable of out-cornering it.
Compared to the KLX250S dual sport, the KLX250SF has reduced
wheel travel at both ends, placing the center of gravity lower
for improved on-road handling and enhanced straight-line stability.
This also results in a more planted feel in corners and a lower
seat height. The change in setup offers a firmer ride than the
250S, thanks to a change in front fork oil level and revised
damping settings for both the fork and shock.
These changes provide a reduction in pitching motions during
braking and acceleration, and help the rider hold a consistent
line during aggressive on-road cornering. At the same time, the
suspension is still supple enough to soak up most road surface
irregularities and offer a smooth ride. The KLX250SF's fully-adjustable
suspension features 16-way adjustable compression and rebound
damping on both the 43mm inverted cartridge-style front fork
and the UNI-TRAK® rear suspension. Wheel travel is 9.1 inches
front and 8.1 inches rear, which strikes a happy medium between
long-travel off-road designs and short-travel sportbikes.
The KLX250SF's short wheelbase aids its already outstanding ability
to hold tight lines, and its rigid box-section perimeter frame
provides excellent transitional response, thanks to its rigid
steering head. Complementing the chassis is a lightweight aluminum
swingarm with a highly-rigid D-shaped cross section and KX™
racing-type chain adjusters for precise chain adjustment.
The KLX250SF employs convenient electric starting for its compact,
liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine. The 249cc
engine is mounted in a lightweight, high-tensile steel perimeter
frame to deliver a low center of gravity and superb maneuvering
on tight roads. A gear-driven engine balancer keeps engine vibrations
at bay for greater comfort and less fatigue on long rides.
A 34mm semi-flat slide Keihin CVK carburetor contributes to quick
throttle response and precise power delivery. It also helps provide
outstanding fuel economy. An evaporative emissions system allows
the KLX250SF to meet strict CARB regulations, making it eligible
for sale in all 50 states.
A six-speed transmission provides optimum gearing for most occasions
and helps the rider keep the 249cc engine at its optimum rpm.
A 39-tooth rear sprocket extends its high-speed capabilities
beyond those of the KLX250S dual sport.
Negotiating urban traffic or blasting around a tight race track
highlights another strength of the KLX250SF - it keeps its cool.
Incorporating dual lightweight high-capacity Denso radiators
and a shallow-footprint cooling fan provides an ample antidote
to potential heat issues.
Seventeen-inch aluminum wheels offer great handling, improved
stability and the aggressive on-road performance sought by urban
commandos and canyon carvers, as well as the ability to mount
a wide range of sportbike tires. Aggressive riding on pavement
demands powerful, fade-resistant stopping capabilities, and the
KLX250SF delivers with a massive, 300mm semi-floating petal disc
up front clamped by a twin-piston caliper. The rotor is 4mm thick
for increased rigidity, efficient heat dissipation, and optimum
fade resistance. A single-piston caliper squeezing a 240mm rear
petal disc complements the big front brake.
Aggressively styled bodywork finishes the package, with a comfortable
seat and a KLX-specific handlebar that offers good leverage so
riders can flick the light KLX250SF side to side, or hold a tight
line with a minimum of effort.
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Features
Single-cylinder 249cc DOHC Engine
- Compact engine design is lightweight and high revving, with
a broad torque curve
- Good mass centralization for superior handling
- Flat-top piston and pentroof combustion chamber deliver an
11:1 compression ratio
- Lightweight piston, piston pin and connecting rod enable higher
revs for maximum power
- Aluminum cylinder features electrofusion coating, which allows
a tight piston-cylinder clearance for greater horsepower and
offers increased engine life thanks to superior heat transfer
and lubrication retention properties
- A gear-driven engine balancer provides smooth power delivery
from idle to redline
- 34mm semi-flat slide Keihin CVK carburetor delivers the optimum
amount of fuel at all rpm, contributing to quick response and
healthy power, as well as good fuel economy
Liquid Cooling
- Dual high-capacity, vertical-flow Denso radiators provide reliable
and efficient engine cooling
- Radiators feature tightly packed cores and a fin design for
excellent heat dispersion
- More consistent engine temperatures allow tighter engine clearances
for quieter running and sustained power, while promoting longer
engine life
- Cooling fan is powered by a shallow-footprint electric motor
Four Valve Cylinder Head
- Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow to for low end
torque and efficient high-rpm breathing for more power
Electric Starting
- Quick and easy push-button starting
- Kawasaki Automatic Compression Release (KACR) automatically
lifts one of the exhaust valves at cranking rpm, for reduced
starting effort
Cleaner Emissions
- An evaporative emissions system that meets strict CARB regulations
means the KLX250SF is available in California too
- Secondary air system helps provide clean emissions
Six-speed Transmission
- Allows engine's full potential to be used
- Provides excellent acceleration as well as relaxed highway
cruising
- Matched to a 14/39 final gearing to enhance its open road performance
Inverted Front Fork
- 43mm inverted cartridge fork offers excellent rigidity and
consistent damping performance
- 9.1-inch wheel travel for increased straight-line stability,
more-consistent handling in corners and a low seat height
- 16-way compression and rebound damping adjustment allows tuning
for differences in rider weight or various terrain profiles
UNI-TRAK® Rear Suspension
- Linkage and damping settings fine-tuned for optimum street
performance and reduced front-rear pitching motion compared to
the KLX250S
- 8.1-inch rear-wheel travel for enhanced straight-line stability,
handling in corners and a low seat height
- Progressive linkage rate provides a smooth ride and excellent
bottoming resistance
- The gas-charged shock features 16-way adjustable compression
and rebound damping and remote reservoir
- Lightweight, aluminum D-section swingarm is highly rigid and
reduces unsprung weight
- KX™ racing-type chain adjusters allow precise adjustment
to minimize drivetrain power losses
Perimeter Frame
- Lightweight, high-tensile steel for amazing rigidity
Easy Ergonomics
- Handlebar offers a relaxed position and effortless control
- Footpegs are positioned close to the bike's centerline
- Seat shape and stiff urethane makes it easier to change seating
position
Aggressive Bodywork
- Headlight and front fender design contribute to the aggressive
look
- Two-piece radiator shrouds
- Rear fender is a two-piece unit featuring a sharp tail light
design that offers increased visibility and further contributes
to the KLX's aggressive styling
Narrow Fuel Tank
- Narrow tank design gives riders maximum comfort and control
without sacrificing capacity
Digital instrumentation
- All-digital instrument console gives at-a-glance information
that includes a digital bar-graph tachometer, digital speedometer,
clock, and dual trip meters
Petal disc brakes
- Front and rear disc brakes offer impressive stopping performance
- Twin-piston caliper grips a 300 mm petal disc up front and
a single-piston caliper grips the rear 240mm petal disc
Wheels/tires
- Features 17-inch wheels like its larger supersport brothers,
for excellent road handling and plenty of tire options
- Low-profile sportbike tires on wide rims contribute to its
easy, neutral handling at low speeds
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Technical Specifications
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled,
DOHC, four-valve single
Displacement: 249cc
Bore x stroke: 72.0 x 61.2mm
Compression ratio: 11.0:1
Cooling: Liquid
Carburetion: Keihin CVK34
Ignition: Digital CDI
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: Chain
Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake / trail: 25.5 degrees / 2.9 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 43mm Inverted Cartridge Fork
with 16-Way Compression and Rebound Damping Adjustment / 9.1
in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: UNI-TRAK® with Adjustable
Preload, 16-Way Compression and Rebound Damping Adjustment /
8.1 in.
Front tire: 110/70x17
Rear tire: 130/70x17
Front brake: 300mm semi-floating petal disc with two-piston hydraulic
caliper
Rear brake: 240mm petal disc with single-piston hydraulic caliper
Overall length: 83.9 in.
Overall width: 31.3 in.
Overall height: 44.9 in.
Ground clearance: 8.9 in.
Seat height: 33.9 in.
Curb weight: 302.1 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 2.0 gal.
Wheelbase: 55.9 in.
Color: Oriental Blue
Warranty: 12 months
MSRP: $5,599
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