Ok, so how big of a transformation can some 17-inch supermoto wheels and retuned suspensions do to a top notch motorcycle ready to hit the off-road? If the engine and frame are the right units to be kept (and in this case, they are), you’ll be surprised of the radical transformation.
Without a doubt, the KLX250SF introduces a whole new kind of excitement and the fact that at its base is the same 249cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve single cylinder engine that is properly valued through a six-speed gearbox can only mean that Kawi is 100% confident in this powerplant’s capabilities. The frame remains the same semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel unit as the bike is pretty much out to do the same things as the S version, but without the same results off the road.
Light (302.1 lbs with all the fluids included) and user-friendly, the SF is very easy to get used to so it is mainly addressed to beginners and/or female riders who search for an economical, easy to maintain and relatively cheap commuter.
2009 Kawasaki KLX250SF
The KLX250SF, although carbureted, meets CARB regulations thanks to an ingenious evaporative system that reduces emissions so it seems that fuel injection isn’t the only recipe after all. Also, the Keihin CVK carburetor ensures immediate throttle response as well as healthy low and midrange torque, making it perfect for urban exploiting.
Riding on the freeway is mainly ensured by the sixth gear although the bike isn’t quite built for that. Wind protection is not a thing worthy to brag about and the fairly narrow seat will determine most riders to go and search for comfier aftermarket units. Ok, so it is the proper commuter as long as the distances aren’t that long, but this is the kind of bike that always remembers to you the reason for which you bought it and I’m praying that it wasn’t commuting on long distances. You’ll be perfectly able to hit the track on this thing and only then and there see what it’s made off.
Another great thing that the SF borrows from its dual sport sibling is the digital dash, making the bike look much more expensive than $5.3 grand.
Competition
2009 Honda CRF230M
What’s not that great about the all-new KLX super motard is the fact that Honda has been there first with their CRF230M. Also present in the manufacturer’s 2009 lineup, the CRF stands out thanks to those 17-inch wheels wrapped up in street rubber and thanks to an overall aggressive look even though we’re pretty confident that Honda could have done better. Kawasaki did and ended up with the 33.9 inches high seat while Honda achieved a seat height of only 31.7 inches so you can get your conclusions from there. Both bikes feature electric starters and suspensions that are tuned for supermoto, but CRF’s air-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke, SOHC; two valve engine displaces only 223cc. Thankfully, this too is mated to a six-speed gearbox.
Although featuring a slightly smaller engine, the 2009 Honda CRF230M has a wet weight of 276 lbs and that makes it as competitive as the Kawasaki as long as the rider goes easy on the burgers.
With an MSRP starting at $5,399, the 2009 Honda CRF230M is slightly more expensive than the class’s new entry.
2009 Yamaha WR250X
The 2009 Yamaha WR250X is at the moment a class leader and it is addressed to taller riders who have thrown a leg over a few motorcycles in the past. With a seat height of 35.2 inches and a fuel-injected 250cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC; 4-valve motor, this thing is built for the track, but Yamaha had the kindness to add a headlight and mirrors and call it street legal. The MSRP of $6,190 sets this bike it up against the 2009 Suzuki DR-Z400SM rather than the Kawasaki and Honda models.
2009 Kawasaki KLX250SF
Among the above mentioned, the all-new Kawasaki KLX250SF qualifies for the best looking quarter-liter supermoto from two simple reasons: it features a low seat without sacrificing the overall compact look and those aggressive KLX250S lines. Ok, those are three reasons, but it’s even better.
The 17-inch standard spoked wheels with petal-style discs–300mm up front and a 240mm rear one – ensure that the bike is easily distinguished as being an SF while the mudguards, that sharp front fenders, angular headlight and instruments housing are all stating that this bike means serious business.
Like in the case of most supermoto bikes, that single-cylinder engine is there for everyone to see as the side panels only cover part of the narrow gas tank and the two radiators. The seat is also narrow which isn’t that much of an advantage if planning to spend a great deal of time on it, but it does the job.
The side number plates are painted in the color of the entire bike which is Black and the decals make sure to remind us both the manufacturer and the model name. Fair enough.
Price
For what we’ve come to find, the Honda CRF230M is this Kawi’s strongest competitor and while that has a $5,399 MSRP, the KLX250SF starts at $5,299. For the money, you get a heavier, but more powerful Kawasaki with a slightly higher seat.
Conclusion
2009 Kawasaki KLX250SF
Overall, as its dual sport sibling, the 2009 Kawasaki KLX250SF is a good bang for the buck, a supermoto choice which will most likely prove effective long after riders learn how to ride and which will prove a money saver thanks to the low fuel consumption and cheap maintenance costs. As we’ve seen, alternatives exist, but none is cheaper than this.
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Engine and Transmission
2009 Kawasaki KLX250SF
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
Chassis and Dimensions
2009 Kawasaki KLX250SF Front Wheel
Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake / trail: 25.5 degrees / 2.9 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 43mm Inverted Cartridge Fork with 16-Way Compression Damping Adjustment / 9.1 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Uni-Trak® with Adjustable Preload, 16-Way Compression and Rebound Damping Adjustment / 8.1 in.
Front tire: 110/70x17
Rear tire: 130/70x17
Front brake: 300mm semi-floating petal disc with two-piston hydraulic caliper
Rear brake: 240mm petal disc with single-piston hydraulic caliper
Overall length: 83.9 in.
Overall width: 31.3 in.
Overall height: 44.9 in.
Ground clearance: 8.9 in.
Seat height: 33.9 in.
Curb weight: 302.1 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 2.0 gal.
Wheelbase: 55.9 in.
2009 Kawasaki KLX250SF
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 piston-cylinder clearance for greater horsepower and offers 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
34mm semiflat slide Keihin CVK carburetor delivers the optimum amount of fuel at all rpm, contributing to quick response and healthy power, as well as good fuel economy
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
Four Valve Cylinder Head
Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow to for low end torque and efficient high-rpm breathing for more power
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
Cleaner Emissions
An evaporative emissions system that meets strict CARB regulations means the KLX250SF is available in California too
Secondary air system helps provide clean emissions
USFS-approved spark arrester allows the KLX250SF to access designated off-road riding areas
Updated Six-speed Transmission
Allows engine’s full potential to be used
Provides excellent acceleration as well as relaxed highway cruising
Matched to revised a 14/39 final gearing to enhance its open road performance
Inverted Front Fork
43mm inverted cartridge fork offers excellent rigidity and consistent damping performance
Reduced travel to 9.1 in. for increased straight-line stability, more-consistent handling in corners and a lower seat height
16-way compression damping adjustment allows tuning for differences in rider weight or various terrain profiles
UNI-TRAK® Rear Suspension
Linkage and damping settings fine-tuned for optimum street performance and reduced front-rear pitching motion
Rear wheel travel reduced to 8.1 in for enhanced straight-line stability, handling in corners and a lower seat height
Progressive linkage rate provides a smooth ride and excellent bottoming resistance
The gas-charged shock features 16-way adjustable compression and rebound damping and remote reservoir
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
Perimeter Frame
Lightweight, high-tensile steel for amazing rigidity
Easy Ergonomics
Handlebar offers a relaxed position and effortless control
Footpegs are positioned close to the bike’s centerline
Seat shape and stiff urethane makes it easier to change seating position
Aggressive Bodywork
Headlight and front fender design contribute to the aggressive look
Two-piece radiator shrouds
Rear fender is a two-piece unit featuring a sharp tail light design that offers increased visibility and further contributes to the KLX’s 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 that includes a digital bar-graph tachometer, digital speedometer, clock, and dual trip meters
Petal disc brakes
Front and rear disc brakes offer impressive stopping performance
Twin-piston caliper grips a 300 mm petal disc up front and a single-piston caliper grips the rear 240mm petal disc
Wheels/tires
Features 17-inch wheels like its larger supersport brothers for excellent road handling
Low-profile sportbike tires on wide rims contribute to its easy, neutral handling at low speedsSingle-cylinder 249cc DOHC
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