2013 Kawasaki KLX250S | Preview

2013 Kawasaki Dual Sport

For 2013, Kawasaki returns with its light and nimble KLX250S as a carryover model with new color/graphic schemes.

Tipping the scales at just under 300 lbs., Kawasaki's 250 dual sport provides an optimal platform for a wide range of riding styles, from light commuting to the tightest of trails.

The KLX250S is powered by 249cc single enclosed in a lightweight, high-tensile steel perimeter frame, the combination yielding a low center of gravity that translates into better maneuvering on tight trails.

The engine breathes through a durable, 34mm semi-flat slide Keihin CVK carburetor that provides "easy to use response and a broad, smooth power delivery - not to mention fantastic fuel economy."

An aluminum engine guard that protects the crankcase, and dual lightweight, high-capacity Denso radiators and an electric fan provide ample cooling.

The engine, which features an electric start, is hooked to a refined six-speed transmission that's geared for use on the trail and the highway, the transmission featuring an advanced shift cam design for positive shift feel and consistent gear engagement.

Featuring a short wheelbase for quick turning, the chassis is complemented by lightweight aluminum swingarm employing a highly rigid D-shaped cross section; KX racing-type chain adjusters allow for precise chain adjustments.

Up front, the KLX250S features a 43mm inverted cartridge-style front fork with 16-way adjustable compression damping and 10-inches of travel. Out back is a Uni-Trak linkage-type rear suspension that has 16-way adjustable compression and rebound damping, providing 9.1-inches of wheel travel. The bike rolls on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels that feature 4mm-thick spokes for off-road durability.

Stopping the 2013 KLX250S are twin-piston calipers squeezing a 250mm semi-floating petal-shaped disc up front and a 240mm petal-shaped disc at the rear.

Finishing the dual-sport package is aggressive bodywork complemented by a custom seat filled with firm urethane and a carefully chosen handlebar pull it all together for long, comfortable days on- and off- the road.

Following are the highlights, specs, color options and MSRP for the 2013 Kawasaki KLX250S.

2013 Kawasaki KLX250S Highlights:

Key Features

• On- and off-road capability means maximum versatility
• 249cc engine is liquid cooled for long engine life
• Adjustable 43mm fork offers excellent rigidity and consistent damping
• Adjustable Uni-Trak rear suspension helps ensure a smooth ride and great handling
• Fully digital instrumentation has easy-to-read speedometer and tachometer
• Starting is easy with push-button electric start
• Six-speed transmission provides the right gear for any situation
• Brakes feature petal-style discs for superior stopping power

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 clearance between piston and cylinder for greater horsepower and 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
• Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow, to boost low-end torque while providing improved high-rpm breathing efficiency for more power
• 34mm semi-flat slide Keihin CVK carburetor delivers the optimum amount of fuel at all rpm, resulting in improved throttle response, greater power and excellent fuel economy
• Meets strict CARB regulations, so it's available in all 50 states

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

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

Exhaust System

• Secondary air system helps provide clean emissions
• USFS-approved spark arrestor lets the KLX®250S access designated off-road public riding areas

Six-speed Transmission

• Allows engine's full potential to be used
• Provides excellent acceleration as well as relaxed highway cruising

Inverted Front Forks

• 43mm inverted cartridge fork offers excellent rigidity and consistent damping performance
• 10.0-inch wheel travel means straight-line stability, great handling and a low seat height
• 16-way compression damping adjustment allows tuning for differences in rider weight and terrain

Uni-Trak Rear Suspension

• 9.1-inches of rear wheel travel for straight-line stability, great handling and a low seat height
• Progressive linkage rate provides a smooth ride and excellent bottoming resistance
• The gas-charged remote-reservoir shock features 16-way adjustable compression and rebound damping

Diamond Frame

• Lightweight, high-tensile steel for amazing rigidity
• No downtubes, for lower engine placement and lower center of gravity as well as ample ground clearance
• 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

Enhanced Ergonomics

• KLX-spec handlebar for a more relaxed position and effortless control
• Footpegs are positioned close to the bike's centerline
• KLX-spec seat shape and foam make it easier to change seating position

Bodywork

• Aggressive headlight and front fender design
• Two-piece radiator shrouds styled like the KX motocross line
• Rear fender is a two-piece unit featuring a sharp taillight design that offers great visibility and further contributes to the KLX 250S' 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, including a digital bar graph tachometer, digital speedometer, clock, and dual trip meters

Petal-Shaped Disc Brakes

• Front and rear disc brakes offer impressive stopping performance
• Twin-piston caliper grips a 250mm petal-shaped disc up front
• 240mm rear petal-shaped disc for great power, feel and feedback

Wheels and Tires

• Fat, 4mm spokes for greater off-road durability
• Tires with small tread blocks for longer tire life and increased grip on asphalt

2013 Kawasaki KLX250S Specs:

• 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: 26.5 degrees / 4.1 in.
• Front suspension / wheel travel: 43mm inverted cartridge fork with 16-way compression damping adjustment / 10.0 in.
• Rear suspension / wheel travel: Uni-Trak® with adjustable preload, 16-way compression and rebound damping adjustment / 9.1 in.
• Front tire: 80/100x21
• Rear tire: 100/100x18
• Front brake: 250mm semi-floating petal disc with two-piston hydraulic caliper
• Rear brake: 240mm petal disc with single-piston hydraulic caliper
• Overall length: 86.6 in.
• Overall width: 32.3 in.
• Overall height: 47.4 in.
• Ground clearance: 11.2 in.
• Seat height: 35.0 in.
• Curb weight: 297.7 lbs.
• Fuel capacity: 2.0 gal.
• Wheelbase: 56.3 in.

2013 Kawasaki KLX250S Color Options/MSRP:

• Lime Green / $5,099
• Bright White / $5,099