trenace
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posted September 18, 2005 10:19 PM
 Edited By: trenace on 18 Sep 2005 23:20
New Kawasaki KLX250 Street Legal Dual Sport
From Motorcycle-USA.com:
Kawasaki has more than just one all-new 250cc thumper for 2006. Not only did it completely revamp its championship-winning KX250F, but it has also added a
completely new 249cc machine to its list of dual-sports, the street-legal KLX250.
Protected by aluminum engine guards, the 4-stroke, DOHC 4-valve motor rests in a high-tensile steel perimeter frame. Bore and stroke on the new KLX engine is
72 x 61.2mm, in which lies a flat-top piston and 11:1 compression ratio. Fuel is delivered by way of a semi-flat side, 34mm Keihin carburetor that includes a
throttle-positioning sensor. Though its compression is much less than that of say, a kickstart-only KX250F, Kawi engineers equipped the little dual-sport
with electric start and an automatic compression release for added ease of use.
A 43mm inverted fork provides 11.2 inches of travel and can be adjusted to suit a variety of terrain with 16 compression-damping adjustments. A Uni-Trak shock
gives up 11 inches of travel. Coupled with a 26.5-degree rake angle and a suspension directed at moderate off-road use, the KLX should land in the middle of
the road in the handling department; probably a good place for a dual-sport to be.
KLX owners will enjoy clean styling that Kawasaki says is based off the KX250F race model. Overall, the bike has a sporty look in the same attention-grabbing
lime green and black as the motocross line. A 34.8 inch seat height makes the 250 somewhat comfortable for around-town riding, while the transition from
the saddle to the 1.9 gallon fuel tank is more curved than a KXF model for a less aggressive posture. The cockpit delivers information to the rider in the form
of an analogue speedometer and tachometer, odometer, trip meter and a variety of warning lights.
Kawasaki's newest offering in the world of dual-sports provides a small, relatively nimble steed for street or dirt riders looking to expand their horizons. While the
KLX probably isn't best suited for freeway road trips, getting across town will be a breeze, especially if you know the back roads.
"Even though it has signals and a horn, the KLX can still do it in the dirt for all you rowdy commuters."
"Comfortable yet aggressive ergonomics make for a versatile machine. The KLX250 could be a hit with short-range and beginner dual-sporters."
  
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squidlydiddly
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posted September 19, 2005 10:11 AM
Looks like a great, capable entry-level DS bike. Obviously blows the doors off of the Yamaha & Honda options in the class.
Like the KLX400, is this a dupe of the Suzuki DR-Z 250? Or is that love affair over?
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sagot
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posted September 19, 2005 10:22 AM
Nothing like the DR 250. What bike is old tech. Still air cooled.
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squidlydiddly
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posted September 19, 2005 01:52 PM
Thanks Scott, but I wasn't referring to the DR (200).
I recall that Suzuki has a small displacement 'Z' model, though unavailable in Canada... but hey, WTFDIK?
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trenace
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posted September 19, 2005 03:45 PM
Edited By: trenace on 19 Sep 2005 16:50
I don't believe so but cannot say absolutely for positive at this point.
The previous situation with the KX-250F and the corresponding Suzuki was that Suzuki had designed the engine, Kawasaki the frame, and Kawasaki manufactured I believe both bikes -- the Suzukis were rebadged Kawasakis but with engine design originating at Suzuki.
This bike's engine may carry over design elements from then, but is described as a new engine, so think it's fair to say it's a Kawasaki-designed bike now, as well as Kawasaki built. But I haven't specifically confirmed all this.
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squidlydiddly
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posted September 19, 2005 04:27 PM
Thanks Trenace, thats the info I was looking for.
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sagot
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posted September 19, 2005 09:32 PM
So is there a DRZ 250 S? Reason is I whant one...
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fish_antlers
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posted September 19, 2005 09:44 PM
my understanding is that Suzuki and Kawasaki officially parted company, so my guess would be the answer is no.
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nedragr
Zone Head
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posted January 13, 2006 05:37 PM
Bought my 14yr old boy one, just waiting on the 17's, ala D Tracker!!
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shortcircuit
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posted January 14, 2006 04:34 AM
http://www.suzukicycles.com/News/NewsItem.aspx?id=b2d23b61-b9b3-4724-aa73-1dbb2f089003
Text from link:
'New Era of Suzuki/Kawasaki Alliance
In August, 2000 Suzuki Motor Corporation and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced an "Alliance". This Alliance was formed to help in parts sourcing, platform production of OEM units, and joint development of new products. And some of the benefits from this Alliance, such as product line-up expansion, came to us instantly.
Today, we are announcing that the Alliance has progressed to a new stage. Since we began selling OEM products from Kawasaki, three years have passed. Over these three years we investigated many factors, such as profitability, sales volume, customer reaction, influence on brand images, and competitiveness of each OEM product. After much discussion followed by careful investigation, we have decided to discontinue the sale of these OEM products.
With the OEM product sales being discontinued, we're announcing that for the 2006 product, the following models will not be available from Suzuki:
RM65, DR-Z110, LT-V700F, M95, and the QUV product.
Discontinuing the OEM products business gives us the opportunity to focus on developing Suzuki's own-design product with Suzuki character and brand image. Suzuki will continue to develop new Suzuki models to replace some of these units in the future.
The RM-Z250 will be produced for 2006. As this is a jointly developed unit, Suzuki and Kawasaki may introduce their own versions of this model with features not being commonly used on both the Suzuki and Kawasaki models. Suzuki Motor Corporation has plans to provide Kawasaki with the OEM product in 2006 as requested by Kawasaki. This will give time for Kawasaki to develop their own models, as well as for Suzuki.
We will keep this Alliance as we continue to review our current status. After a decision is determined for the best business practices, further steps will be taken. Rather than the direct OEM products exchange, it may be more advantageous to consider indirect exchange of their resources so that both companies could keep their brand identities with respect for their loyal customers.
Thank you in advance for your understanding.
Best regards,
American Suzuki Motor Corporation'
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Current '03 GPZ500S, '95 GPZ1100S
Previous: '84 Z1100R (Lime Green), '88 GPZ1000RX
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trenace
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posted January 14, 2006 01:16 PM
Edited By: trenace on 14 Jan 2006 14:01
There seems to be some conflict here, as it's clear the KX250F is a Kawasaki product, and the KLX is described in the first article as being derived from it.
I am not sure if Suzuki's language -- "to provide Kawasaki with the OEM product" -- refers to an entire bike or necessary parts of the bike, which are also "OEM product."
Perhaps nedragr could examine his and let us know -- there should be markings on the bike indicating who really manufactured it. For his and his kid's sake, hopefully he got the real deal.
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nedragr
Zone Head
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posted February 03, 2006 04:58 PM
Haven't found or dug around to find any Suzuki stamps but I will admit she looks alot better now after the transformation!! Gonna lower it alittle bit tomorrow.
Why Kawi doesn't give us access directly to parts out of Japan or import afew D Trackers for the peeps that what them is beyond me??
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Miklos
Expert Class
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posted February 04, 2006 06:01 AM
WOW! What a cool ride for Junior! Looks great Jeff.
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nedragr
Zone Head
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posted May 09, 2006 05:50 PM
Well...this is where it sits for now.....added some D Tracker ebony side panels, along with some fork protectors. Had a buddy cover up the front number plate with black vinal, just for that different look.
This is where I'd like to end up as far as Exhaust goes........Nassert/Beet
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worm~hole
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Miles to go before I sleep....
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posted June 21, 2006 03:27 PM
...wow! awesome scoot! 
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parkedwreck
Parking Attendant
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posted July 29, 2006 06:37 AM
Edited By: parkedwreck on 29 Jul 2006 07:37
Where did you get those great looking ebony plastics?
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nedragr
Zone Head
Posts: 504
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posted July 29, 2006 06:52 AM
Have a small collection of Grey import bikes so I contacted my buddy Toru from TSR and he ordered and sent some over from Japan.
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parkedwreck
Parking Attendant
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posted July 29, 2006 09:14 PM
Nedragr,
Do you have good Kawasaki part numbers for those ebony side panels and fork protectors? Are you willing to part with any of the original parts you are not using?
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nabrxx
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posted August 16, 2006 04:21 PM
How much is that bike...moneywise?
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nedragr
Zone Head
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posted August 16, 2006 05:59 PM
Too much!!!!! but what the Hell......we've spawned another motorcyclist. 
The bike itself retails in the area of $4200/4800. Laced the wheels ourselves using the stock hubs so we got by relitively cheap.....maybe $900 for rims and tires.
Plastics were truely my doing as I seem to lust for the trick Jap stuff we don't get and the KLX was a perfect platform to place a D Tracker on the US shores.
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akzx10r
Novice Class
Posts: 50
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posted August 21, 2006 01:41 PM
nedragr
Did you have to upgrade the brakes at all?
In another post you mentioned you ride your KLR650 90% of the time. Have you also added street specific tires and or nicer looking plastic?
AK
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NORTY
Novice Class
Posts: 47
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posted November 21, 2006 02:57 PM
I paid $629 OTD for my KL-250A1 in 1978...
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