Adventure Motorcycles

1985Kawasaki KLR 250

41 fields on record

The 1985 Kawasaki KLR 250 is a lightweight enduro designed for beginners and budget-conscious riders seeking dual-sport versatility. Its liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine delivers modest power while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency and reliability. The bike is best known for its approachable nature, affordable pricing, and capable off-road performance on unpaved terrain.

Capacity: 249.0 ccm
Engine: Single, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 117.0 kg
Seat height: 856 mm
Power: 27.0 HP (19.9 kW) @ 9000 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 1985 Kawasaki KLR 250

vs the 1984

Spec	1984	1985
Power	17.0 HP (12.5 kW)	27.0 HP (19.9 kW) @ 9000 RPM
Top speed	133.0 km/h (82.6 mph)	143.0 km/h (88.9 mph)

Other years 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail78%

Cornering40%

City riding70%

Daily riding62%

Touring30%

Two-up30%

Track5%

Best for: A lightweight dual-sport for trail riding, fire roads, gravel and commuting. Happy on dirt and back lanes, with enough tarmac ability for short road links.
Built for: Cheerful, unintimidating and rugged. The liquid-cooled DOHC single revs willingly but stays gentle, rewarding easy exploration rather than speed.
Not ideal for: Not for highway distance riders, two-up tourers or anyone wanting speed or sporty tarmac cornering; the small carbureted single runs out of breath quickly.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 249.0 ccm
Power: 27.0 HP (19.9 kW) @ 9000 RPM
Engine type: Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2308 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 74.0 x 58.0 mm
Compression: 11.0:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Kick
Ignition: CDI
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Wet sump
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, multi disc

Performance

Top speed: 143.0 km/h (88.9 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1415 mm
Overall length: 2140 mm
Overall width: 855 mm
Overall height: 1210 mm
Seat height: 856 mm
Dry weight: 117.0 kg
Wet weight: 134.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 11.00 litres
Ground clearance: 270 mm
Oil capacity: 2.00 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Aluminum
Front suspension: Air adjustable hydraulic telescope fork
Rear suspension: UNI-TRAKÂ® single-shock system
Front wheel travel: 229 mm
Rear wheel travel: 229 mm
Rake (fork angle): 28.5°
Trail: 117 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 212 mm
Rear brakes: Expanding brake
Rear brakes diameter: 120 mm
Front tyre: 3.00-21
Rear tyre: 4.60-17

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1984	1985	1989	1995	2000	2005
Capacity	249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches)	249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches)	249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches)	249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches)	249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches)	249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches)
Dry weight	—	—	—	—	—	117.0 kg (258.0 pounds)
Seat height	—	—	—	—	856 mm (33.7 inches)	856 mm (33.7 inches)
Fuel capacity	11.00 litres (2.91 gallons)	11.00 litres (2.91 gallons)	11.00 litres (2.91 gallons)	11.00 litres (2.91 gallons)	10.97 litres (2.90 gallons)	10.97 litres (2.90 gallons)
Color options	—	—	—	—	—	Aztec Red