The 2014 Kawasaki KLX 140 is a versatile dirt bike with a sophisticated character. It is propelled by a four-stroke, SOHC, two-valve, single cylinder engine with a displacement of 144cc. The engine is brought to life by an electric starter and sends its power to the ground through a five-speed transmission with wet multi-disc manual clutch.

The engine is mounted on a high-tensile steel perimeter frame which sits on 33 mm telescopic front forks and a rear single shock with 5 way preload adjustability. You also get a pair of RK EXCEL aluminum rims wrapped in 70/100-17 front and 90/100-14 rear tires.

Once on board, you are greeted by a narrow seat, comfortable foot pegs and a sporty handlebar. The motorcycle comes with a moderate 30.7 seat height which makes it perfectly suited for short riders too.

Hit the jump for more information on the 2014 Kawasaki KLX 140.

2014 Kawasaki KLX 140

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Kawasaki KLX 140
  • Engine/Motor: Four-stroke, SOHC, two-valve single
  • Transmission: 5-speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Overview

High Performance Has Never Been More User Friendly

Just like its smaller KLX®110 dirtbike cousins, the robust KLX140 will tame the toughest off-road conditions while remaining flexible enough to maximize off-road adventure regardless of rider age or skill level. Its moderate 30.7 in. seat height means the KLX140 will easily fit shorter riders who are looking to ride a real dirtbike.

Thanks to the convenience of its electric start, bringing the KLX140 to life is as simple as pressing the power switch and thumbing its start button. Its power switch includes an internal LED to remind riders when the ignition is on, preventing accidental battery drain. Its smooth and powerful 144cc four-stroke engine is easy to manage via a progressive manual clutch and five-speed, close-ratio transmission. A progressive clutch means that younger and beginning riders can more easily get the hang of shifting and clutch use, and half-clutch can be used at extremely low speeds to simplify the learning process while offering a direct feel and tremendous durability.

The KLX140’s high-revving engine is wrapped in a high-tensile steel perimeter frame covered by KX™-like shrouds, a two-tone seat cover and sharp, aggressive body work. A roomy cockpit, overall control layout and narrow footpeg/frame relationship – including wide and comfortable footpegs – make it easy for riders to move around while aboard with a minimum of effort.

A 33mm telescopic fork featuring custom-tuned spring rate and damping settings handles suspension duties up front. In back, a Uni-Trak® linkage-equipped rear shock featuring 5-way preload adjustability provides a smooth and controlled ride. To provide even greater options for growing riders, the KLX140L’s more advanced, reservoir-equipped shock easily fits the standard KLX140.

RK EXCEL aluminum rims and advanced braking components are another sign this is a serious off-road motorcycle. A large, 220mm front disc and 27mm twin-piston caliper at the front and 186mm rear disc provide exceptional stopping power. Both utilize petal shaped rotors, which help clean the brakes and reduce unsprung weight for better wheel control.

Bottom line? The KLX140 delivers the perfect blend of size and performance, all of which equals big fun for kids and adults alike.

2014 Kawasaki KLX 140 Key Features

• 144cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine is simple to operate and to maintain

• Close-ratio 5-speed transmission makes optimum use of the engine’s power

• Progressive manual clutch offers young riders the chance to master clutch engagement and gear shifting

• Keyless electric starting via a starter button on the handlebar; an LED indicates when the power button is on to help prevent accidental battery drain

• Front 220mm petal disc and large-bore 27mm twin-piston caliper (same size as those on the KX™450F/250F) for strong and easy-to-control braking

• Quiet muffler is equipped with a USFS-approved spark arrester, meaning the KLX®140L can access designated public off-road riding areas

2014 Kawasaki KLX 140 Features and Benefits

Engine

• Reliable and easy to use lightweight engine is simple to operate and maintain

• Engine revs easily and allows riders to use the engine’s full rpm range up to the rev limiter at 10,500 rpm

• Exhaust pipe is curved to achieve optimum length for good power characteristics

• Quiet muffler is equipped with a USFS-approved spark arrester, meaning the KLX140 can access designated public off-road riding areas

• Air filter is washable, reusable, easily accessed and highly effective in dusty riding conditions

• Oval piston-valve Keihin PB20 carburetor features several Kawasaki-original modifications to provide stable fuel delivery under rough off-road conditions

• Partitions in the float chamber keep the fuel from sloshing excessively, while an umbrella around the main jet traps fuel when riding on rough terrain or jumping

• Dual air vents help provide a stable fuel supply even when the bike is at extreme lean angles

• Needle valve is suspended on a spring, which acts like a shock absorber

• Float material is rubber instead of plastic

• Close gear ratios help the acceleration performance of the KLX140

• Shift lever features a ball bearing design for easy shifting like KX™ models, and has a folding tip for reduced crash damage

Chassis

• Box-section perimeter frame features advanced styling similar to that of the KX racers

• Two-piece shrouds with ventilation holes inspired by the top-of-the-line KX race machines

• Fuel tank cover provides a smooth transition from tank to shroud, and contributes to the high level fit and finish

• Eye-catching box muffler design protrudes as little as possible from behind the side cover and features a plastic muffler end-cap that offers a surface that’s cooler to the touch than steel

Superior suspension

• 33mm telescopic fork has spring rates and damping settings specific to each model

• KLX140 rear shock features 5-way preload adjustability and a Uni-Trak® linkage

• More advanced KLX140L rear shock and reservoir can be mounted on the KLX140 for faster riders

Ergonomics

• Flat-shaped box-section of frame, long footpegs mounted close to the bike’s centerline and no kick-start lever combine to offer riders better feel and control

• Footpeg/frame relationship is modeled after the KX models for maximum leg grip

• Handlebar is rubber-mounted to reduce vibration felt by the rider’s hands

• Two-piece upper triple clamp and handlebar mounts allow easy installation of aftermarket bars

• Raised pattern on half of the handgrip surface improves rider grip and comfort

• Two-tone seat cover has a slip-resistant top surface for improved grip and smooth sides for excellent rider mobility when standing

Specifications

Engine type

Four-stroke, SOHC, two-valve single

Displacement

144cc

Bore x Stroke

58.0 x 54.4mm

Cooling System

Air

Carburetion

Keihin PB20

Compression ratio

9.5:1

Ignition

CDI

Transmission

Five-speed with wet multi-disc manual clutch

Final drive

Chain

Frame Type

High-Tensile steel, box-section perimeter

Rake/Trail

27 degrees / 3.3 in.

Front suspension / wheel travel

33mm telescopic fork / 7.1 in.

Rear suspension / wheel travel

UNI-TRAK® linkage system and single shock with 5-way preload adjustability / 7.1 in.

Front Tire Size

70/100-17

Rear Tire Size

90/100-14

Front brakes / rear brakes

Single 220mm petal disc with a dual-piston caliper / Single 186mm petal disc with single-piston caliper

Overall length

71.7 in.

Overall width

31.1 in.

Overall height

41.3 in.

Wheelbase

49.6 in.

Ground clearance

9.3 in.

Seat height

30.7 in.

Curb weight

205.0 lbs.

Fuel capacity

1.5 gal.

Color Choices

Lime Green

Warranty

6 months base warranty

Good Times™ Protection Plan

12, 24, or 36 months

Price

$3,099


Verdict

The Kawasaki KLX140 is a well built motorcycle with top spec components. Its air-cooled SOHC two-valve motor has a simple design and delivers a non intimidating power off-idle and through the wide midrange. However, once you get close to the red line, the extra punch is starting to be felt pretty nicely.

Kawasaki never disappointed us when it comes to stability and handling and the KLX 140 makes no exception. Its suspension setup is quite good, with smooth movement through the stroke and the 7 inches of rear wheel travel are more than enough to keep you out of trouble on any type of terrain.

You also get an outstanding stopping power and the $3,099 price tag is also pretty decent for a bike of this quality.