With the KLX110, Kawasaki is set to deliver the most compact, quick-turning off-road motorcycle destined to beginners. It exploits a user-friendly four-stroke air-cooled engine and a reliable chassis in order to complete with its goal.

 

Introduction

Kawasaki has its special way of introducing a kid to the off-road terrain and it is most likely you’ve already heard about it or even started riding on it. The KLX110 is equipped with a user-friendly 111cc air-cooled, two-valve, four-stroke engine which delivers enough power to properly make the chassis stand out, and your little kid smile.

Versatility is the key as the bike is suitable for children of all ages and manages to be a complete satisfaction for each one of them.

History

Kawasaki first sold and manufactured the KLX110 in the year 2002. The bike quickly became known as the most fun and exciting first off-road motorcycle because it featured a solid and yet easy chassis hosting an 111cc engine delivering the enjoyable rush.

Perfect for initiating children to trail riding, the Kawasaki KLX110 was ideal for father-son incursions into the deeps of the forests. You could actually confuse it with the vegetation as the only color available was Lime Green. Combined with racing styling, the Kawasaki KLX110 blended perfectly in with the environment and managed to satisfy the rider’s every single need.

The only difference concerning color came with the 2008 model year. The bike can now be painted Lime Green or Bright White.

Competition

In every single aspect the Kawasaki KLX110 and Yamaha TT-R110E are much alike. Displacement is the first feature that stands out and makes the TT-R the worst nightmare of this KLX, but when you read about the class-exclusive four-speed automatic gearbox, you know that this one is going to be tough. The Yamaha TT-R110E inspires its exterior design on those famous YZ machines so that the package would be complete and the competition ferocious.

Another motorcycle ready to fight with the trails and against the KLX110 is the Honda CRF100. This bike is equally versatile but seems to enjoy more popularity thanks to its bulletproof four-stroke engine mated to a smooth five-speed transmission. The advantage is easily noticeable when it comes to speed but how does the Honda manage to teach the children this very important lesson? Simply, it offers smaller bikes for starters.

The Suzuki DR-Z125 attempts to attract riders with impressive new styling and a user-friendly behavior. If riders would buy with their hearts, the Suzuki will definitely be their option, and when it comes to handling and power delivery, the Suzuki also seems to manage pretty good so that the Kawasaki would have a strong competitor.

Exterior

A motorcycle’s potential would have never been exploited to a maximum if that bike would have a face only a mother could love. It’s good that we are not facing that situation with the 2008 Kawasaki KLX110 as the bike is carefully designed so that it will look good on the showroom and at home on the trails.

The KLX110 dedicates this result to its race-inspired styling and decals. Either Bright White or Lime Green painted the Kawasaki KLX110 looks aggressive and for the untrained eye, it could easily pass as a motocross machine. In fact, don’t be surprised if you’ll see it on a mini-motocross race track.

No matter the bike’s color, the front and side number plates are white and have the purpose of reminding us of the Kawasaki KX65.

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Test Drive

I would define the KLX110 as being a fun bike for an adult and a real blast for the young rider on its first off-road adventure. The bike’s versatility comes from combining sufficient power with easy handling, and that is what you’ll most appreciate at it.

The simple engine design makes it reliable and compact so you can enjoy riding strong for a pretty long time and with the same levels of satisfaction. Featuring an 111cc, four-stroke, SOHC, two-valve single-cylinder engine, the KLX is perfect for kids seeking the perfect balance between user-friendliness and a strong-pulling thumper. Parents can adjust the speed for their youngsters with the help of a throttle limiter.

What properly values the small engine is the three-speed transmission which features an automatic clutch so you or your kid won’t be needed to pull a clutch lever and shift gears. This makes it ideal for beginners and more fun for the adults.

Kawasaki proves to have taken this bike in serious by implementing a seat situated only 25.6 inches from the ground. It allows youngsters to safely position their feet on the ground when they jump on it or come to a complete stop. And if the situation requires, they can also flatfoot the ground with ease. The seat height determines adults to practically drag their feet on the ground but we also tend to ride these bikes without caution so that is a good thing also when it comes to redirecting the bike fast.

The suspensions are comfortable thanks to 4.3 inches of travel up front and 4.2 at the rear. Because this bike is addressed to youngsters, anyone weighing more than 130 pounds is advised to go look for the much needed suspension upgrades. For its target, the KLX represents the perfect choice.

Thanks to its compact design and low center of gravity, the Kawasaki KLX110 is very easy to handle, behavior noticed by every single kid that expressed its impressions while I was trying to find more personal impressions fresh from the trails. Because the bike doesn’t require shifting, the kids can concentrate more on getting familiar with it, and enjoy it more and more every day.

I’m a bit heavy for it and I still managed to ride with no more or less than 40 mph, so an enthusiastic rider which gained confidence can easily take it up to 45-50 mph. This speed is truly satisfying for the given category and really makes the bike sell.

When it needs to come to a stop, the rider can rely on the front and rear drum brakes which provide all of the needed stopping power and are proof of the fact that what comes “fast”, must stop fast also. There is no need for disc brakes as long as the kids are satisfied and the parents stay off of them.

Everyone will feel nice on the 2008 Kawasaki KLX110 as this motorcycle is tough enough for the fully grown person and perfect for the anxious young rider.

Price

Marketed with an MSRP of $1,749, this KLX teaches a lesson about affordability to the other bikes in its class. More than once, I had the pleasure of seeing both father and son riding the exact bike and having lots of fun together so who knows, maybe it will be your case too.

Conclusion

The Kawasaki KLX110 seems to have carefully followed the recipe that always delivers successful beginners motorcycles: position the seat low in the lightweight frame, get yourself a small torquer and get it limited for the eventuality in which a speed junkie tries to push it above its capabilities.

In other words, the KLX110 is not just a good off-road motorcycle, it is the best decision you’ve ever made concerning an off-road motorcycle.

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SPECIFICATIONS

 

Engine and Transmission

Displacement: 111cc
Type: Four-stroke, SOHC, two-valve single
Bore x stroke: 53.0 x 50.6mm
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Cooling: Air
Carburetion: Keihin PB18
Ignition: CDI
Transmission: Three-speed with automatic clutch
Final drive: Chain

Chassis and Dimensions

Frame: Backbone frame, high-tensile steel
Rake / trail: 25.5 degrees / 2.1 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 30mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 4.3 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Swingarm with single hydraulic shock / 4.2 in.
Front tire: 2.50x14
Rear tire: 3.00x12
Front brake: Mechanical Drum
Rear brake: Mechanical drum
Overall length: 61.2 in.
Overall width: 26.0 in.
Overall height: 37.6
Ground clearance: 7.5 in.
Seat height: 25.6 in.
Dry weight: 141.1 lbs.
Wheelbase: 41.9 in.
Fuel capacity: 1.0 gal.

Other

Color: Lime Green / Bright White
Good Times™ Protection Plan: 12, 24 or 36 months
Warranty: 6 Months

Features:

-Low 25.6-inch seat height

-Four-stroke, single-cylinder engine is user-friendly for entry-level riders yet fun enough for advanced riders

-Lay-down engine design for low center of gravity

-Three-speed semi-automatic transmission with centrifugal clutch provides entry-level riders with shifting experience, but without the distraction of clutch actuation

-Engine starts only in neutral for added safety

-Screw-type throttle limiter allows parents to monitor and control their child’s speed

-Large engine stop switch is within easy reach on the handlebar

-30mm telescopic conventional fork with 4.3 inches of travel

-Single hydraulic shock with 4.2 inches of travel

-14-inch front and 12-inch rear knobby tires provide good traction off-road

-High-tensile steel backbone frame is strong yet lightweight

-Sporty-looking fuel tank, seat, shrouds and number plates are same as the KX65 motocross bike

-Strategically placed heat shields provide extra protection from the exhaust pipe

-U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrestor comes as standard equipment

-Available in two color options –Lime Green or Bright White