Hi,

I'm a big fan of the KLX250 supermoto version (KLX250SF) for its a light weight bike with a big look and almost trouble free. Mine is a 2014 fuel injected version and now has taken 28k km.

The supermoto version is more comfortable for the ride I did, which roughly 70% on hard tarmac and 30% off-road. The difference of rake angle made the bike handling better on curvy roads compared to the pure d/s version.

The main mods I did to my bike:
- replace the front 17 inch wheel to a 19"
- windshield
- offroad lights
- replace the factory seat with a Sargent touring seat (this really make huge difference)
- add a rack for top luggage and side bags or panniers
- aluminum skid plate

The KLX250 is an awesome bike in my opinion, especially when you are traveling in the South East Asian countries where many attractions are hidden at remote distances from the highway.

My only problem is of course the very short tank range of about 150km due to the small fuel tank capacity. To overcome this I have to bring a couple of 1 liter fuel bottles for spare fuel. There are some aftermarket fuel tanks available with significant fuel carrying capacity, but they are very pricey.

Overall, I'm very happy to have a KLX250sf as my D/S Tourer

I am VERY interested to talk to you about this setup. Specifically tires, windshield, seat, etc. Are you able to PM me? If not I would like to give you my email address. Thank you.

Talking of KLX 250S, for 2018 Kawa USA will finally be selling the efi model we had'/have in Europe and Asia for years.
Not sure if it is just a paint makeover or more to it.

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Morocco Overland 4 (2025) • Trans Morocco Trail

Well, I still hope that there is going to be a bigger aftermarket fuel tank

Beginning 2019 I start for my second trip (Germany to South Africa and back) and I am still having issues with carrying enough fuel. The biggest aftermarket tank only holds 11 Liters (3 Gallons?!), which is surely not enough.

Until now I had the stock fuel tank and 7l as reserve (9€ Canister on ebay), but I was quite annoyed by that setup. Now I am thinking about buying 2 of these Fuelbladders an mount them left and right next to the fuel tank. Mounting them back on the rear frame is not an option. The frame is already fully loaded with gear and quite weak. ;D

Acerbis sell a 14 liter (3.7 US gallon) tank but I think it is for the older KLX?
Not your bike. Have you verified this?

Maybe there is a way to "adapt" the older tank to your bike? Possible? Dunno
Dirt Bike Gas Tanks - Kawasaki Gas Tanks - KLX250 - JustGasTanks.com

I'm sure you already looked at this so sorry, no real solutions.

The Fuel Bladders are a good idea! Only fill them when you need them!

Hope for the Future?
Keep in mind that Kawasaki USA are once again importing the KLX250S into USA. So, there is a chance that one of the several aftermarket tank manufacturers will produce a bigger tank for the current KLX250S model.
Acerbis, Clarke, IMS. Maybe one of them will do a bigger tank?

Yeah the 14l Acerbis is for carburated older models. I have the 2009 Efi Version and already did some research on mounting an older tank on the new model. As far as I got to know, it not possible because too much workaround has to be done. I have no problem with fitting and changing stuff but it seems to be too much to change. If anyone knows a solution, feel free to comment


I hope as well that in near future one manufacturer sells a bigger aftermarket tank.

I bought a 2018 US FI 250KLX. I'm coming up on 1000 miles. I love this bike! Granted, I just got my motorcycle license last year at age 51, so I don't have much to compare it to, but I also bought a leftover 2016 Versys 650 last year. That's a fun bike to ride and a bit more comfortable to ride than the KLX250, but not by much. I bought a Sargent seat for the KLX, which isn't exactly cushy, but I did 240 miles one day a couple weeks ago, and I think 400 miles a day on good roads would be fine with the Sargent seat.

Back to fuel bladders. Yeah, the 2.0 gallon tank is small. The low fuel light goes on when you have about 0.6 gallons left. I've ignored it for about 15 miles and I still haven't put more than 1.63 gallons in at a fuel up. I'm getting pretty awesome mileage with the bike though. This is based on the odometer readings (not GPS), but still great (averaging 78 MPG): My KLX 250 (Kawasaki KLX250) | Fuelly

I've been thinking that I may just get a 1 or 2 gallon Giant Loop fuel bladder and use it when needed. It would strap nicely on top of the GL Torngat dry bag that I plan on using on trips, then tuck it underneath when empty. I'll probably carry a 1.5l Primus bottle on a regular basis to eliminate the stress of riding with the fuel light on for lots of miles. I wish the GL fuel bladders didn't have black outer casings though; I understand that it would end up looking filthy over time if it was a lighter color, but having the sun beating down on a black bag filled with gas doesn't seem like a great idea. I realize that GL doesn't market them to be used as I'm describing. Anyone have experience with the GL fuel bladders?

Sounds good, glad you're liking the bike.

One tip I can offer to reduce "stress" is to run your bike DRY ... so you know exactly how far you can go on a tank. Of course, once the light comes on, grab a 1 gallon gas jug and strap it on ... then ride, see how far you can go. Only way to fly. Really nice to know for peace of mind when on the road in remote areas.

I think you might be really surprised at just how far you'll end up going!

Also, since Kawi just started selling the KLX again, I'd keep a close eye on the after market fuel tank companies ... see if anyone is making a larger tank for your bike. Main players in USA:

Acerbis
IMS
Clarke
Safari

Those are the main ones I'd watch ... or contact them to see if they have plans to produce a bigger tank for your bike. Both the Honda and Yamaha 250 dual sports have choices of aftermarket tanks.

I just purchased a 2009 KLX250S for the wife. She spent two years riding a TTR230.... and then we graduated her to a Versys-X 300. She loves her 300 and does well riding dirt/gravel roads, but she has missed her TTR.... so I purchased her this KLX.

We are going to use the bike on camping trips to explore the local areas.

I've got to figure out the fuel range issue. We are going to ride the White Rim Trail in Utah this coming spring and that is a 145 mile loop. I wish I could find a 4 gallon tank for the bike, but cannot find anything larger than 3.0 gallons.

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Colorado John
http://adventuresonmotorcycles.blogspot.com/

I suppose I know the answer, but I wonder what is better about the old KLR250 than the 300?

I decided it was not worth the expense the IMS (or whoever) tank for the modest capacity increase. A $10 can from Walmart did me for the amazing WRT (below) and exploring the Southwest and Baja.
I would assume the newer efi KLR now sold in the US might have a better range.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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Morocco Overland 4 (2025) • Trans Morocco Trail

Yeah... at nearly $300.... it is hard to justify a gas tank that only increases from 2 gallons to 3 gallons, but I might have to do it. I hear that it is common for these little KLX's to get 40mpg riding off-road. If that is the case, I will need closer to 4 gallons to comfortably complete the WRT loop.

I do have one of these, so if I spring for the 3 gallon tank, I have my 4 gallons.

__________________
Colorado John
http://adventuresonmotorcycles.blogspot.com/

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Colorado John
http://adventuresonmotorcycles.blogspot.com/