2019 Kawasaki Klx 250 Horsepower

my other question is the KLX300 engine vs the KLX300R engine.
both have same bore and stroke and almost the same compression, but they claim something like 5 extra horses for the R, what's the difference between them?
I rode a DRZ400 for 11 years and 35,000 miles,
View attachment 3279434
and can tell you the engine is ANYTHING but smooth!
It's clumsy clunky and primitive compared to the KLX.
Can you find that information and post it here? So far I've never read anything like that and would really like to see it.
Thanks.
I had brief rides on the drz before, need more seat time, but great torque on the dirt, but the vibe actually felt ok in the twisties, it was the handling that felt weird vs my CRF, slack steering it feels like.
I don't know... there is something about that KLX engine I didn't particularly like during my demo ride.
jwwr Adventurer Supporter

Joined:

Jan 1, 2013

Oddometer:

96

How many miles were on the demo KLX? The motor on my KLX is a lot smoother now at 3k miles than it was when new. There is a lot of difference between the KLX new and one broken in for both suspension and motor.
markk53 jack of all trades... Super Supporter

There a difference in that the 300S and SM are street legal and must meet the EPA/DOT requirements for legality. The 300R is off road and has no restrictions. They can program the EFI for max performance instead of meeting EPA/DOT regulations. The difference is in that ECU programming, a less restrictive muffler with a removeable baffle for better flow, and a different throttle body.
In other words, again, tuned for performance, not for the EPA/DOT.
If you like low end torque you don't want a WR250R, they had more of a peaky power delivery. You have to run them "hard", you aren't going to tractor around on them.
The DRz would probably be the best engine, but most complain because of the gear box spread. It requires you run some serious rpm in top gear, because of the five speed. Won't hurt the bike one iota, but riders don't like it. Same with most 250s and 300s, they have to be allowed to rev for best performance. Nature of the beast. Small engines usually

I rode a CRF250R one time, expecting something like a CR125 or close to that of a CR250, but boy was I disappointed. The four stroke versus the two stroke... serious difference, even though both were MX bikes.
I was just joking around, but Honda hasn't made a bike that has interested me. The two I owned were bought on price alone. When they have come out with something that I was possibly interested in they did something dumb that turned me off. Like stripping the cruise control off the F6B.
That makes sense Kawasaki would put the same engine in all three models as it's the most economical thing to do.
Yes, the DRZ400 has plenty of torque compared to the KLX, because there is "no replacement for displacement."
But the DRZ's five speed gearing is ABYSMAL. First to second is wide, second to third is narrow, then for some strange reason third to forth is wide again, and fourth to fifth is wide.

The finely spaced progressively closer KLX gearing is like riding a sportbike compared to the clunky DRZ. The instant I found out Kawasaki made a supermoto I got one and am totally pleased with it.

I've been riding bikes for transportation for 56 years and it's the BEST bike I've ever owned.

Attached Files:

T-34 and ggrant like this.
markk53 jack of all trades... Super Supporter

Sounds good. A lot of companies made/make bikes I'm not interested in, but I gotta respect those who were.
markk53 jack of all trades... Super Supporter

Yeah, it's always been a decent engine. But they do have the different legal aspects that have to come into play on the tuning. It would be interesting if one could put the R model stuff on an S or SM and see what the differences might be.
In earlier times there was found to be tuning differences in the Asian/Australian markets and riders were picking up on some of the stuff to pick up some more horsepower, but it wasn't cheap and easily available at that time.
let's not assume the "33hp" as fact. Would like to see some dyno numbers for the KLX300R.
I also read there is a big difference between the suspension for the R and the dual sport model when it comes to dirt.
I did follow a guy on a KLX300R at my local ohv park, and he looked pretty good on it.
Regarding low end torque, that is only one aspect of the bike, not the whole package.
I have read all the info between the drz and wrr, have short rides on them, but it still comes down to owning it for a couple of month to really see if I personally like it.
well, seems like a good fit for you.
I don't ride my bike for transportation, but if I do, it would not be a 250/300 dual sport thumper for me, traffic is fast here, the little bikes are just struggling in traffic.

I picked up my CRF to give the dirt a try, and surprisingly I really enjoy it for the tight twisties around here, and so far it has been worth it, but I am itching to try something else.
Traffic? What's that?
I ride this canyon road every day,
so the KLX SM is perfect for my lifestyle.

I live in a tiny rural village completely surrounded by miles and miles of two lane winding canyon roads running in every direction.
yeah, the dual sport and supermoto does well in the tight twisties,
those don't look very tight though, I like them tight and rough.
here's a local favorite,

i live very close to this road.
this is an old footage before they repaved and opened all the way to the top.
i also got this ohv park nearby that i ride to,
yes, my little red pig sucks on the single tracks here, could really use a suspension upgrade, but trying to decide whether to spend $$ on the suspension or change bike.
here's a crazy guy taking his klr on this single track, but this was 10 years ago when the trails are in better shape, it has gotten much worse over time.
2:37
I'm also a little 140 pound jockey...
Mine hit 96 with a snorkel, slip on, header, and no tuner.
While the stock engine's horsepower falls off after 8,100 rpm. Mine peaks at 9,100 rpm on the dyno.
The only thing I am missing from that equation is the header... Can you send me a link to the exact one you use? I am assuming it's an FMF megabomb for the klx250? But then again your bike is lowered so it's also getting less wind resistance, and you have also done quite a few weight reduction mods. I wonder what the secret sauce is on your bike? Maybe just variation in engine quality?