Super Sherpa VS KLX250S?

[NinjaBob]

I appreciate all the replies. I owned a KLR650 for about 18 months and 7000 miles. It was too heavy for a dirt bike and did not get the MPG I was hoping for. My commute is now only 40 miles instead of 70 and all back roads, no Interstate. 70 mph and 70 MPG seems like a grat combination. I live in a hilly, rural area with lots of gravel/dirts roads (with some water crossings) I am itching to explore. I def. do not want anything bigger than a 400.

[vamcman]

Hey Bob; I am pretty much in the same category as you claim to be as far as dirt riding experience. I recently bought a an '09 KLX250S and I'm very happy with it. By the way , I am 71 YO. I don't do any single track but mostly gravel and back roads. I owned a DRZ400S a couple of years ago and for me this bike is much more enjoyable. Acceleration is leisurely so say the least but you can cruise at 60 to 65 without too much strain. Just don't plan on any interstate riding or passing many other vehicles. I ended up lowering the DRZ but at 5'10, the stock seat height on the KLX is very manageable.

It will be interesting to see how the new 250 Honda compares but if you want to start enjoying DS riding before Fall, i think you would be very happy withe the KLX.

[NinjaBob]

Thanks. I missed out on the Sherpa and now have my sights on an 06 KLX with only 1100 miles but it will have to wait until I am back from STAR. I no Kawasaki updated the KLX since 06, anyone know the major changes?

[TN2Wheeler]

Thanks. I missed out on the Sherpa and now have my sights on an 06 KLX with only 1100 miles but it will have to wait until I am back from STAR. I no Kawasaki updated the KLX since 06, anyone know the major changes?

Bob, The newer bikes have a digital instrument cluster and different plastics. I don't think there were significant mechanical changes.

Jim Randall

[NinjaBob]

Thanks Jim, that's good to know.

[BlueRidgeKat]

now have my sights on an 06 KLX with only 1100 miles but it will have to wait until I am back from STAR. I no Kawasaki updated the KLX since 06, anyone know the major changes?

This pretty much covers all the changes on the KLX250S for 2009, nothing there worth passing up a 06 with 1100 miles in my opinion.
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photo...ki-KLX250S.htm

All the 250's I have fooled with new or used need some minor carb mods for cold starting and optimal performance. You can quickly find the mods and adjustments that work best on a bike specific forum from experienced owners. Chances are this may have already been done on an 06.

I moved up (or was it down?) to a DR650 a little over a year ago and have put 14k on it. I've been happy with it as far as its highway and long distance capabilities compared to the XT225 I sold but miss the 225's lighter weight, higher mpg for commuting and the 6 speed transmission, oh and the comfortable stock seat. Ran the 225 on the interstate a number of times at 70 mph so its doable if needed for a short sprint. I think the top speed on the KLX250s is 75 actual (not indicated). For what you describe, I see no reason you would not be pleased with a KLX250.

[NinjaBob]

Thanks Kat, I'm gonna go for it if it's still available when I get back from Avon.

[dpippin]

Thanks. I missed out on the Sherpa and now have my sights on an 06 KLX with only 1100 miles but it will have to wait until I am back from STAR. I no Kawasaki updated the KLX since 06, anyone know the major changes?

Bob

I just stumbled onto this thread.
I have a KLX250S and use it for dual sport riding.
It's really not the best for riding on the road but will handle it to get to the good riding.
For off road it's excellent.

I've done quite a few modifications to make it easier to ride and more reliable.

You can check out some information I've put together here;

http://dpippin.com/klx/

Fell free to give me a call if you need more information.

Doug

[NinjaBob]

Great info Doug!

[NinjaBob]

Today I drove to San Antonio and picked up a 2009 KLX250S I bought on Ebay. Only 431 miles on it. Paid $2950.