2018 Kawasaki KLX250 Review | First Impressions

The KLX250 makes a great first motorcycle and city commuter, but are there any other benefits to it? Find out in my review/first impressions video and ask any questions you have about it in the comments!
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Track: TEN TOES DOWN - TRACE. & MELLO
Watch: • TEN TOES DOWN - TRACE....
Intro Music:
Reaktor Productions - Reach
Other Music used in this video:
Jeff Kaale: / jeff-kaale

[@MagDumpGuns]

Just wanted to stop in and say thanks for all the KLX content. I’ve been in research mode for a dual sport for months between the WRR, KLX, and CRF250L and was leaning away from the KLX largely because of the lack of good content out there regularly featuring the bike. Your videos have definitely helped sway me in favor of the KLX and I will hopefully be purchasing in a month or so. Keep up the good work!

[@jhmotorclub6916]

Thank you for the kind words! Glad you enjoy the videos, and I was able to help in your decision!

[@flamachiiman]

I’ve looked at every DualSport out there, I’ve settled with the KLX Becuase it has adjustable suspension, the EFI. I was always worried about power and started looking at the DRZ and even the XR650L and the DR650, but when I looked at aftermarket I saw that the KLX has a 351 big bore kit with great reviews and still great reliability, so I could get the power of a drz in a light platform, with EFI and 6 gears, to me it seems like the perfect compromise. The CRF250L is almost the same, but with fixed suspension, and big bore kits only go up to 305cc, KLX is just the better option. There’s so few videos out there about the KLX 250 even after the 2018 update, I feel it often gets overlooked. It’s better on the dirt than it is on the road, but there’s not much content out there for people to see that. People always complain about the power, but you only need so much, you don’t need 40-50hp, not unless your racing, that’s why these dual sport have Low power, for reliability. You should make some videos with the KLX in the dirt, there’s not much out there!

[@jhmotorclub6916]

Very well said! I researched the mods available for the KLX and was amazed at how much potential it has. It's lightweight and runs like a tank. I took it off road in some mud and gravel, and it felt stable. I'm sure it does great on technical trails. I have found some areas around here and should be putting those videos out soon.

[@FedericoComesana]

Why you didn't consider Yamaha WR250R? I'm between that and the KLX.

[@flamachiiman]

Federico Comesaña honestly it’s the price, if you buy new you may aswell get a drz for the same price. when I get home if I can find one for the same price I’d buy it in a heart beat, I think everyone can agree the Yamaha is better if your a taller rider

[@jhmotorclub6916]

@@flamachiimanAgreed, the main reason I didn't go with the WR was the price. If I could have afforded it, I would have gotten a DRZ even though it's a little heavier. For the price of the DRZ and WR, however, you're not too far away from a Husqvarna or KTM. At the time my dealer was selling those for around 7K as well. Like stated above, the WR is better for taller riders and has a better oriented suspension from the factory for off road.

[@flamachiiman]

JH Motor Club you also have to consider your style of riding, lots of these bikes have similar stats but different power bands, if you don’t wanna redline your bike all day don’t get the wr, the crf250L has more bottom end and the klx is mid, mid is also my favorite as I don’t like redlining bikes Becuase I feel like I’m abusing it 24/7, even tho they can handle it, just personal preference

[@mphdesigns19]

Super glad I found this video. My local power sports dealer has one of these brand new for sale and I’ve been mulling it over for a few days now. I think your vid just sold me on it! Also shoutout for having the StreetSpeed717 key tag lol! One of the best youtubers out there!

[@jhmotorclub6916]

Glad I could help! StreetSpeed has always been one of my favorites, hopefully I'll be be able to run him one day with my car in the future

[@yoda4runner137]

I grew up in the Beaverton/Hillsboro area then moved to Atlanta around 10 years ago. It’s cool to see some familiar places around town. Cool bike, ride safe

[@jhmotorclub6916]

That's awesome! There's some interesting places around here. It's cool that this video reached you

[@HotDogofArkansas]

These videos are great, just picked up a new KLX250 based on all your videos.

[@jhmotorclub6916]

Congrats on your new bike!

[@grumpysquid]

What things if any, do you not like about the KLX so far?

[@ludeman]

Damn I wish I my go pro with me on 4/20/2020 I was out riding in the desert and found two coyotes so I chased them for a little while, I got within 20 feet of one and noticed he/she was breathing heavy I did not want to cause too much stress on the animals so I just broke off and let them go on their way. What an amazing event that was, this bike never lets you down, I just wish I could have captured it on my go pro.

[@jhmotorclub6916]

That is a crazy event! The fact you got that close to them is really cool!

[@JGJessome]

I have owned the 2017 CRF 250l and then I sold it and bought the 2018 KLX 250 and I think the KLX is an all around better bike its lighter and has more power with adjustable suspension and I also owned the 17 CRF 250l RALLY which I thought was way under powered and way to heavy and super soft suspension after 2 months I sold it because I did not like driving it off road it kinda just sucked off road .I really like the KLX 250 both on and off road. (but the big bore kit sounds fun)

[@grumpysquid]

Awesome feedback thanks. I was considering the CRF also but it seems so heavy. Do you know the cost of the KLX big bore kit?

[@terryturk6813]

I just bought this sale bike color and all.thanks for the info.its very much appreciated

[@jhmotorclub6916]

Glad I could help!

[@N11kon]

oh boy this motorcycle seems like so much fun!

[@jhmotorclub6916]

After nearly 3 years, I have not found another bike that offers the amount of fun the KLX does in combination with how easy it is to ride and plow through obstacles.

[@mitchellarpin339]

Thanks man!

[@Dave-rk2nl]

you made a lot of sense my friend, it feels like you can through it around better than the honda...and the drz feels like a pig...im buying this on..thanks man

[@jhmotorclub6916]

Glad I could help! Let me know if you have any other questions. Subscribe for some more videos of it!

[@grumpysquid]

How many of you also compared to XT250? Great video content and presentation btw

[@jhmotorclub6916]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@redbilly5972]

Where did you get the skid plate?

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

Dont kno how to spell it exactly, but i really like the sound of the delkiavic on the klx!

[@noahprieto4048]

Hopefully I will get this for my birthday. If not I’m saving up now

[@jhmotorclub6916]

Wishing the best, it's a good choice!

[@demon817]

You can now sell it and move up to the KLX300SM and yes that bike works on trails just a little slower but on the road BAM.

[@azmendozafamily]

Great review. Considering the KLX250 or a z400 as a 1st bike.

[@jhmotorclub6916]

Thanks for watching! Both are great bikes, just depends on what you're going to do with it. Commute long distance on the highway? Offroad? Use it as a toy? If you only need it for light offroad, the Z400 could be a great option for a Scrambler!

[@Razierra]

i almost bought a z400 but the insurance would’ve been way more on it. they told me 300 or lower to keep the insurance price low

[@robertsalyers1351]

I picked the Kawasaki z400 much better all around bike for City and Highway unless you have to go off road...I went to the Dealership to buy a 250 Duel sport and saw the z400 sat on both and was like...the z400 is what I want to buy I Love my Kawasaki z400

[@ludeman]

I have the 2014 KLX I wish I had Fuel Injection. But yeah this bike makes you want to be a hooligan

[@jhmotorclub6916]

It does it so well! It's a blast

[@traptechniques2964]

hey man, can you post the link for the mirrors you bought? i just got a 2020 klx250 and bought some that didnt fit :/

[@jhmotorclub6916]

The link I have is broken. They are Kawell under bar mirrors / bar end mirrors. Most bar ends will work. Then, you can just clamp them to the handlebars.

[@traptechniques2964]

@@jhmotorclub6916 appreciate you brother!

[@Thatcanadianguyhey]

where can I buy those mirrors?

[@jhmotorclub6916]

It appears that these mirrors have been discontinued. My link for them is broken. Any 7/8" bar end should work. Then, you just clamp them to the handlebars

[@SavHabitz]

Where did you get those side mirrors?

[@jhmotorclub6916]

Off of Amazon! www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002GTKAHQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=revzoot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B002GTKAHQ&linkId=c9280dce4ec36462e168951a9fe41580

[@chaseshiver6956]

Just bought a 2018 myself and absolutely love the bike. I do have a question for you though. The bike I bought only had 150 miles on it. I have noticed the bike will cold start every single time but when the bike is hot I have problems starting it sometimes. Have you ran into this issue at all or anyone watching this video?

[@jhmotorclub6916]

Congrats! Yes, it is an issue that others have had. Some people raise the idle. I fixed it by doing stage 1 mods. More specifically, the EJK controller helps with the stalling

[@chaseshiver6956]

@@jhmotorclub6916 I'll have to look into that. Thanks for the reply. Is this something you got done when servicing the bike or did you do it yourself?

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I like it but it’s gonna take more motor than that to get me where I want to go. My nearest trails are quite a long way down the highway and that 250 would be screaming trying to maintain a good highway speed. 55-65mph would wear me out most likely. I could be totally wrong if it has a tall 6th gear. But I gave up riding Harley’s and I’m tired of hauling a quad around in the truck to ride it. I want something I can ride to and from the trails

[@jhmotorclub6916]

I can ride at for about an hour and a half at those speeds, if that is any help. When it is uncorked and with the big bore it does pretty well.

[@robertsalyers1351]

Would this make a good commuter bike would it be good for going back and forth to work 22 miles one way with speeds from 35 mph to 60 mph

[@ludeman]

Yep, just get road tires because you will kill your knobby tires fast!

[@TheTWhite]

I had an '06 version, totally a fine commuter for that.

[@robertsalyers1351]

@@ludeman thanks

[@robertsalyers1351]

@@TheTWhite thanks

[@theartist8634]

does it have a fuel indicator on the gage or just a low fuel light?

[@jhmotorclub6916]

No fuel level gauge, just an indicator and light for when it gets low. The reserve seems to be about 0.7 gallons.

[@theartist8634]

@@jhmotorclub6916thx for the info still not a deal breaker though

[@jhmotorclub6916]

@@theartist8634 No problem! I am enjoying it for my needs so far

[@wurdhomez]

which dealer? I'm up in North Portland and thinkin about getting a klx250 this summer (unless i can find a used crf250l at a deal)

[@jhmotorclub6916]

I got mine from Motosport Hillsboro at the end of the model year. I'm thinking that's why I got a good deal on it.

[@wurdhomez]

@@jhmotorclub6916 awesome thanks, yeah that's a good idea. Gonna be hard to be patient at a time like this lol

[@jhmotorclub6916]

Lol that's true. My friend just picked up a Camo KLX for 6k there. Motosport takes care of their customers. Best of luck on your search!

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I love Kawasaki green 👍. I tend to always choose Kawasaki just because of that color lol. Of course they do make perhaps the finest small engines in the world . It's the reason most gasoline lawn and farm equipment is powered by Kawasaki engines . John Deere uses Kawasaki engines only. All the others at least offer a model with a Kawasaki . Briggs Straton, Kohler engines have been dominated by Kawasaki for years now

[@jhmotorclub6916]

Kawi squad! I actually did not know that about all the other small engine brands. That's some cool info!

[@Parkerishott]

What’s the insurance like on the klx 250?

[@jhmotorclub6916]

It's pretty reasonable, around 40 dollars a month.

[@bannoch]

I’m saving up for a 2020 Klx

[@Steveuploads]

did you get it ?

[@bannoch]

@@Steveuploads lol no, my trucks transmission went out and I’ve been fucked ever since

[@trentoncoleman9319]

r there turn signals on it

[@jhmotorclub6916]

There sure are!

[@michaelgarvey6831]

Sent this feed back to Kawasaki and hope they implement the suggestions to improve the motorcycle. 3 days ago I bought a 2018 KLX 250 with 1136 miles from Columbia Powersports in Columbia SC and have ridden it 220 miles so far on dirt roads, trails and the street. I like the motorcycle and have some feed back on it to make it better on future models. 1. It would be nice to have more power and less weight. Why can't you increase the engine to at least 350 cc displacement and add dual counter balance shafts for less vibration, tune it for more top end power, basically build it a 1/4 scale ZX1400 engine and make it perform as such? Also put the motorcycle on a weight reduction plan. 2. Make the seat wider and longer and more padding for more comfort, I am cramped sitting all the way back to the tool pouch. 3. Lower the seat height, mine measures 36" at its lowest point, I am 5'10" and I am tippy toes at the lowest point on the seat. 4. Soften up the suspension, on washboard roads my teeth chatter and my head bounces around in my helmet and I am heavy at 180 lbs. 5. Increase the gas tank capacity.

[@jhmotorclub6916]

Couldn't agree more on these things. I was able to get a few of them fixed but if Kawi could implement some of these things from the factory, it would be the ultimate dual sport

[@matthew3136]

No speeding through WAshington Square! Lol.

[@jhmotorclub6916]

Lol! The speedometer is overrated 😂

[@takingu2skoo]

What oil do tou use???

[@jhmotorclub6916]

I use Kawasaki's 10W 40

[@takingu2skoo]

@@jhmotorclub6916 and oil filter???

[@chance8679]

How many valve this bike have 2 or 4?

[@jhmotorclub6916]

The bike has 2 exhaust valves and 2 intake valves, so 4.

[@chance8679]

JH Motor Club Thanks bro

[@FedericoComesana]

Hey beside the suspensions. Could you compare the WR250R with this KLX250 please? I mean.... HP, torque, mpeg, aftermarket accessories, etc?

[@jhmotorclub6916]

Sure, I can make a video on it soon, but here are some of the things I know off the top of my head. Stock form, the WR makes more HP. I think 24-26. I've seen the KLX around 20 HP. In terms of MPG, they are pretty similar. My friend has a WR, and we both get around 60 MPG, or 100-120 miles per tank (depending on how hard the bike is ridden). Now, aftermarket accessories. If you're after power, the KLX has a lot of backing behind hit from the carbureted models. You can do cams, big bore, and the stuff I did. The 351 big bore is tough to get to work; however, the 331 big bore can be made to work with the current fuel controller setup. Also with the KLX300R coming out, we should be able to get the 300 cylinder for the 250. The WR also has a lot of great mods. You can do pretty much everything you can on the KLX, except I haven't heard of a big bore larger than a 290 and I haven't heard of cams for it. So, in my opinion you get more bang for your buck modding the KLX. Other people can chime in if they have more knowledge about the WR than me, though. I can tell you that my friends that have WR's have ridden my KLX and say that the powerband hits hard after 6K. Hope that helps until I get the video out

[@flamachiiman]

JH Motor Club wr has a 310 big bore I don’t think there is one bigger than that

[@jhmotorclub6916]

@@flamachiiman Oh okay, thanks. Didn't know that

[@jamiehaggett5586]

How tall you have to be to flat foot ???

[@jhmotorclub6916]

I'm about 5'10" and have a 32 inch inseam and can get about half of my foot down (a little bit more than the balls of my feet). Another consideration is I weigh about 205 which loads the suspension down when I am on it. I would say someone at about 6 foot could flat foot it, however I find myself often going to one foot even though I can touch both feet. Hope that helps!

[@jamiehaggett5586]

JH Motor Club I’m 5’8 188

[@jhmotorclub6916]

@@jamiehaggett5586 You should be okay then. If you feel it's too tall you can always get a low seat, lowering links, play with compression, etc. However, I don't think you would have an issue

[@kennethjohnson6223]

I know of one avail 2018 with 612 miles $4000.... I wonder what would be the least seller would go? I much rather have a 450 in the $4k or less range ... also know of a 2012 4380 miles $3,500......both are like new

[@jhmotorclub6916]

EFI plays nicer in any type of climate and altitude. The carbed one has solutions for ignition timing at the moment. So, it has a bit more potential for modding, but the 2012 will be a dog out of the box.

[@bwxmoto]

Cool bike! Hey man what are those mirrors?

[@jhmotorclub6916]

Appreciate it! They are Kawell under bar mirrors. www.amazon.com/Kawell-Motorcycle-Davidsons-Kawasaki-Cruisers/dp/B002GTKAHQ

[@bwxmoto]

JH Motor Club Nice! Never thought of mounting bar-end mirrors like that. I’ll give it a try on my TW200 👍

[@jhmotorclub6916]

@@bwxmoto I always worried about drop my bike and breaking the bar end off, so I figured under the bar would still provide good visibility

[@bwxmoto]

Yeah I think that might work. I have some fold out ones on my hand guards but they are pretty tiny and hard to see anything out of. They look cool, but I'll run some under the bars if I can make it work!

[@theartist8634]

which honda did you compare it to?

[@jhmotorclub6916]

I was talking about the CRF250L in the video, I forgot to mention it by name specifically

[@Frog_the_man]

Do you think that Kawasaki changing to klx300 in 2020 will fix the power problem.

[@jhmotorclub6916]

I think that it be close to being an almost perfectly balanced motorcycle. Uncorked, the 300 will make great torque and decent power. I think it is only coming out as an off road bike for now. So, if you can convert them in your state it would be almost perfect for me. If you can't, you'll eventually to be able to get the 300 cylinder and piston and upgrade the 250 just like the carbureted models. However, the 250 has 331 and 351 big bores for it now.

[@flamachiiman]

hoping for that klx550! since they ended the klr.... rip klr

[@jhmotorclub6916]

@@flamachiiman That would be awesome! Hopefully a KLX450 even to compete with the CRF450L, I'd be in for that

[@flamachiiman]

oh wow, when was that anounced?? for 5600 bucks too... i wanna see some reviews when it comes out... would be a sweet conversion

[@jhmotorclub6916]

@@flamachiiman The KLX300 was announced last month, I think. I know it was recent

[@mr.terwilliger5728]

Seems like you went up to 70 mph pretty easily though. It wasn’t like you would have to be worried about traffic behind you

[@jhmotorclub6916]

Oh yea, it doesn't hold up traffic. The only thing power-wise in stock form is the ability to pass at speeds. You can cruise there and not bother anyone as long as you please though

[@ludeman]

@@jhmotorclub6916 I keep at about 60 on mine, I do have the carb tho.

[@joshpecker4352]

I'm 5'6 would I be fine

[@jhmotorclub6916]

You should be alright. I am able to get about half of both of my foot down and I'm about 5'10". I almost always use one leg to balance though when I'm stopped anyways. So, you shouldn't have much of an issue

[@hectorcervantes5260]

@@jhmotorclub6916 did you lower the suspension the most posible? or you are using it standard fron factory

[@jhmotorclub6916]

@@hectorcervantes5260 I'm at the stock height from the factory.

[@cl1514]

I'm 13 and I'm looking for a dirt bike that goes at least 70mph what do you recommend

[@jhmotorclub6916]

When I was 13, I was looking at the KLX140. I didn't need to go that fast, just have some decent torque. The KLX140 has a decent amount or even the KLX230 now. Torque will be a lot more fun off road than speed.

[@cl1514]

@@jhmotorclub6916 I have the klx140L

[@FilthyForce]

@Justin Rios why discourage him like some sort of asshole? tell that kid to get out and ride more!

[@directedbysteve6549]

How about off road review?

[@jhmotorclub6916]

I have one called "KLX250 playing in the DIRT | Off Road Impressions" on my channel

[@philipfreeman72]

SPROCKET change if you ride street .

[@jhmotorclub6916]

I plan on getting a 13T countershaft to help out a bit with wheelies and off road trails

[@grumpysquid]

What sprocket number if all I do is streets?

[@SolomonsMartialArts]

this bike would be great all around with a 400cc 250 is good off road but in real life highway no power. if you ride city and off road you re ok. but for areal dualsport bike you need 400 to 650cc highway 2 up .....

[@jhmotorclub6916]

I agree, the extra cc's would be nice for passing. However, the 250 does fine cruising at 65, just can't pass very well. It responds to mods well though. With stage 1 mods and a big bore it would be almost perfectly balanced on power... just gotta deal with the vibrations.

[@SolomonsMartialArts]

@@jhmotorclub6916 yea but how much all the mods? I have xr65OL stock it s so much torque and power.

[@jhmotorclub6916]

@@SolomonsMartialArts Approximately $1,300, I'm sure the 650 does have a lot more torque. I think the market is different between the two bikes, however. Someone will get a 250 to learn and have fun on, or they want a lightweight bike. They may not want to sacrifice any of these qualities, so instead of getting a new bike they will just upgrade the 250 to fit their needs.

[@HWG-wm8ld]

If you want highway type speed, don’t waste money on pipes and whatever else you think will add NOTICEABLE power, only cubic centimeters will do that. Play with your sprocket sizes.

[@silverback7659]

I allways tell people to just loose 20lb if you want more power on these small bikes

[@tacomafan7488]

Im 5.10 and i fell more comfortable on yama xt250 then klx.

[@ludeman]

Yeah I have both my son loves the XT but I am 6.1 and the XT feels very cramped to me. It is a fantastic bike! both are!

[@grumpysquid]

Wait so the XT is better for taller guys? I’m 5’8/175 will I be ok for either bike?

[@tacomafan7488]

grumpysquid you ll be just fine!

[@grumpysquid]

Tacoma FAN why do you feel more comfy on the XT instead of the Kawi?

[@8jrr8]

My 2019 will do 85+ easily with just the air box lid off.

[@jhmotorclub6916]

I don't doubt it, I hit 82 on mine with a little more to go. I only have the FMF slip on. We'll see how it does with Stage 1 mods

[@brettjones2714]

Do you have problems running to lean. I would like to do this but worried about burning the piston..

[@8jrr8]

Brett Jones runs just fine

[@brettjones2714]

@@8jrr8 I'm in oz with the carby model so I'm not sure i can remove the lid , maby I'll try removing just the snorkel . Thanks..

[@audiogarden21]

No it doesn't. Put a Speedo Healer on it, make the necessary corrections, then get back to us.

[@ludeman]

Yeah the seat is plank of wood ha ha

[@jhmotorclub6916]

That is certainly true! Lol

[@jcoats5529]

Under powered and lack of after market parts

[@PaulLorenzini-ny2yw]

CARB and the EPA, nope, you suck, they told me, you are the devil behind Climate problems.......4