Im looking to get a bike to run around town and also save on gas and miles on my truck. I have been looking and found these two models (KLX250SF & WR250X) to be fun yet economical. Im open to any answers, comments, recommendations you have.
Thanks, Brandon
I have had a KLX 250 for the last 3 years.
Here's the deal. The WR is probably the better bike out of the box. It has fuel injection, and makes more power than the KLX, but is also heavier. It has Yamaha reliability, but the KLX has a history, and it's a good one.
Mods for the WR are limited (but it does make good power stock), and the bike is VERY expensive. You can probably find a good late model (maybe not an SM) KLX for $2500, and a nicely modified one with big bore, and WR power for a little more. Hi-po parts for the KLX are fairly plentiful, and pretty reasonable. A KLX 300 barrel, and piston are a simple bolt on, with big bore kits to 351cc available reasonably.
Both are fun, reliable bikes, so you can't go wrong with either. I don't regret buying my KLX.
I want a WR250X... That way I have have two WRXs!
Thanks for your insight. How does it handle on the highway or at highway speeds? Im just wondering because on nice days I may use it to commute 50 miles a day.
Thanks, Brandon
I'd think the higher performance motor in the WRX would be a more comfortable commuter, but in the end neither has more than 50hp.
They won't have more than 30 hp.
My commute is 60 miles, and I've done it, but neither are good highway bikes. Mine is alot more comfortable at 50 mph than 70.
Alright, there are alternative routes that I can take that would allow for a 50-55 mph commute, so it wont be that bad hopefully. Thanks Again for your input.
Brandon
I've got the R version of the Yamaha, and its my only vehicle. Its quite comfortable running 70mph all day long until you get tired of putting gas in it. I had 17k+ on my first one before it was stolen, and close to 11k on the current one (since late january) and all I've ever had to do is put gas in it, change the oil, keep the air filter clean, and keep tires on it.
Not sure what mods you're looking for in addition to the numerous pipes, programmers, the two different big bore kits (one's even a GYTR part), two big tank options (3.1 IMS, 3.5 Safari, soon a 4.5 IMS), and suspension bits from Race Tech. There's even a freakin turbo kit lol.
A friend has a KLX with a 300 barrel on it, and its close to my bike's stock performance. It is significantly cheaper as well. But it can't run electrics like mine can (GPS, heated grips, heated jacket socks and gloves). And I never have to mess with jetting (fuel injection).
The WRX is better but more expensive. The KLX is cheaper but pretty close in performance. Can't go wrong with either.
Im not really looking for performance, but I say that now, knowing myself I will try to squeeze every ounce of energy out of the bike in some way or another. I went to our local dealers for Yamaha and Kawasaki, and well the sales reps I think are going to make the choice for me. Yamaha sales reps were acting as if I don't deserve to own/ or ride. and the Kawasaki sales reps were more welcoming and willing to help me get started with riding.
Do yourself a favor, and look at used. As far as the Kawi, you can probably get a good KLX at 50 cents on the dollar, or about a third of the price of a new WR. I don't know about used WR's
It's not like a few year old KLX is all used up. Jetting is no big deal. Everything you need to know is out there, and it's a set it, and forget it deal. I don't know what programmers cost, but jets are $3 
This is pretty typical of what's out there.
minor threadjack:
I have a few friends with KLRs which seem to be the "dual sport" version. Is the KLX the "street legal dirtbike" version?
Looking at my needs/wants in a bike...I've decided I'd be better off with the "street legal dirtbike" optioned bike than I would be with a dual sport.
Thanks,
Clem
Used to be the KLXs were non-street-legal dirtbikes. Oh how I lust for a KLX650-based motard...
But in the modern parlance, I think your assessment of model designation is on target.
The 2006+ KLX250 is the street legal version of the competition enduro/hare scramble KLX300
So my next question is would it be wise to get an older model dual sport then just put street/ road tires on rather then the knobby tires. I don't really have any intention of taking it off road. I have a trail 70 that I get my fix from.
Would this be a good deal?
Thats a good deal at $1900.
Here's some good reading for ya too http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/11/7752/Motorcycle-Article/2010-250-Dual-Sport-Motor...
There are good SM tires for 21/18" wheels, there are decent knobbies for 17's. Either are fine. Its nice to have the options, which is why dual sports are great.
Forgot one more nice thing about the WR250R/X, its electrical output. It was sure nice to be able to run my heated jacket, gloves, socks (heaven!), and grips on full blast with a GPS when the temps dropped into the low 40's and high 30's on my 200 mile ride to visit my g/f this weekend.
Those are some great deals.
If I could get a WR for $3k, I might buy it, and sell my KLX.
I recently picked up a TTR250. Its a trail bike that the previous owner went through the trouble of making street legal.
I don't know much about the KLX or WR, but while researching my new bike I came across a forum post from a former WR owner. He's a guy who races enduros and hare-scrambles. He had a new-ish WR250, but hated it and sold it to buy an older TTR250. He said the WR made more power, but it was all up top and had no torque and he hated the way it reacted in tight trail situations. So he picked up a TTR 250 that, despite its old-school tech, made much more torque down low and made him much happier.
I've never ridden a WR or any other 250 but considering this guy's post, maybe you'll want to look at some torque/hp graphs of the bikes you're interested in and factor that info into your buying decisions.
Also, look up "Supermoto sportsman" setups. That's the 'motard class that uses the stock 18/21" wheel sizes. You'll find some good info on what street/performance tires to run.
Finally, I"ve had my TTR250 at 70mph for an hour or more on the highway. Its buzzy, but fine. And it will get up past 85mph for plenty of passing power. This is all indicated speed on whatever speedo the previous owner put on the bike, but it seems relatively accurate. And you can always change the sprockets to deal with the type of riding you do.
Kenda K761's look good for 80% street application on 18/21 rims
