2011Kawasaki KLX 250S

Rate this bike

43 fields on record

The 2011 Kawasaki KLX 250S is a lightweight enduro bike ideal for beginner and intermediate riders seeking affordable off-road capability. Known for its reliable 249cc four-stroke engine, composed handling, and fuel-efficient carbureted design, it excels on trails and provides an accessible entry point into dirt biking. Its liquid-cooled, DOHC powerplant delivers predictable performance across varied terrain.

Capacity: 249.0 ccm
Engine: Single, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 118.8 kg
Seat height: 889 mm
Power: 21.4 HP (15.7 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

Other years 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2019 2021

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail85%

Cornering65%

City riding55%

Daily riding45%

Touring30%

Two-up20%

Track25%

Best for: Designed as a dual-sport machine for trail riding, light off-road exploration, and casual commuting rather than outright speed.
Built for: A playful, nimble single-cylinder trail bike that rewards flickable handling and tolerant, adventurous riding over raw power or refinement.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders seeking highway speed, long-distance touring comfort, or a passenger-friendly setup.

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

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 889mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will not reach the ground comfortably on the 2011 Kawasaki KLX 250S, with a relaxed knee angle of around 140 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 249.0 ccm
Power: 21.4 HP (15.7 kW)
EPA Certificate No.: BKAXC.249AAD-009
EPA CO Emissions: 6.3 CO g/km
Engine type: Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1801 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 72.0 x 61.2 mm
Compression: 11.0:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Ignition: CDI
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, wet sump
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multiplate

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1430 mm
Overall length: 2200 mm
Overall width: 820 mm
Overall height: 1204 mm
Seat height: 889 mm
Dry weight: 118.8 kg
Wet weight: 135.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 7.60 litres
Ground clearance: 284 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Front suspension: 43mm Inverted Cartridge Fork with 16-Way Compression Damping Adjustment / 10.0 in.
Rear suspension: Uni-Trak with Adjustable Preload, 16-Way Compression and Rebound Damping Adjustment / 9.1 in.
Front wheel travel: 254 mm
Rear wheel travel: 231 mm
Rake (fork angle): 26.5°
Trail: 104 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. Two-piston hydraulic caliper
Front brakes diameter: 250 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 240 mm
Front tyre: 80/100-21
Rear tyre: 100/100-18

Other

Color options: Lime Green, Ebony

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	2011	2013	2015	2017	2021
Capacity	249 cc	249 cc	249 cc	249 cc	249 cc
Dry weight	119 kg	119 kg	119 kg	119 kg	119 kg
Seat height	889 mm	889 mm	889 mm	889 mm	890 mm
Fuel capacity	7.6 L	7.6 L	7.6 L	7.6 L	7.7 L