Dual-Sport Motorcycles
2012Kawasaki KLX 250
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The 2012 Kawasaki KLX 250 is a lightweight dual-sport designed for novice and intermediate riders seeking affordable off-road capability. Known for its approachable ergonomics, manageable 138 kg weight, and reliable electric starter, it excels as a beginner-friendly platform for trail exploration and commuting. Its compact dimensions and accessible 890 mm seat height make it ideal for shorter riders gaining confidence.
- Capacity
- 249.0 ccm
- Engine
- Single, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 117.0 kg
- Seat height
- 890 mm
- Power
- 21.5 HP (15.8 kW) @ 7500 RPM
What’s new for the 2012 Kawasaki KLX 250
vs the 2011| Spec | 2011 | 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Single disc. Two-piston hydraulic caliper | Single disc. Dual -piston hydraulic caliper |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Single disc. Single-piston |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built primarily for trail riding, technical single-track, and light dual-sport adventures rather than speed or highway cruising.
- Built for
- A nimble, torque-light single that rewards momentum-based riding, precise line choice, and enthusiasm for standing on the pegs over raw power.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders seeking sustained highway speeds, long-distance touring comfort, or a bike that carries a passenger with ease.
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 usEngine
- Capacity
- 249.0 ccm
- Power
- 21.5 HP (15.8 kW) @ 7500 RPM
- Torque
- 20.5 Nm (2.1 kgf-m) @ 7000 RPM
- Engine type
- Single, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.1838 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 72.0 x 61.2 mm
- Compression
- 11.0:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Ignition
- CDI
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
- Lubrication system
- Forced lubrication, wet sump
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
- Clutch
- Wet mDouble disk, manual
Performance
- Top speed
- 118.0 km/h (73.3 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1430 mm
- Overall length
- 2200 mm
- Overall width
- 820 mm
- Overall height
- 1205 mm
- Seat height
- 890 mm
- Dry weight
- 117.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 138.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 7.70 litres
- Ground clearance
- 285 mm
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Perimeter, high-tensile steel
- Front suspension
- 43 mm upside-down telescopic fork
- Rear suspension
- New Uni-Trak
- Front wheel travel
- 255 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 230 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 26.5°
- Trail
- 105 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc. Dual -piston hydraulic caliper
- Front brakes diameter
- 250 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. Single-piston
- Rear brakes diameter
- 240 mm
- Front tyre
- 3.00-21
- Rear tyre
- 4.60-18
Other
- Color options
- Black
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 | 2001 | 2005 | 2008 | 2012 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 249 cc | 249 cc | 249 cc | 249 cc | 249 cc |
| Dry weight | 117 kg | 117 kg | 117 kg | 117 kg | 117 kg |
| Seat height | 885 mm | 885 mm | 889 mm | 890 mm | 890 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 7.5 L | 7.5 L | 7.7 L | 7.7 L | 7.7 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki KLX 250?
The 2012 Kawasaki KLX 250 has a Capacity of 249.0 ccm (15.19 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki KLX 250 have?
The 2012 Kawasaki KLX 250 has a Power of 21.5 HP (15.8 kW) @ 7500 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki KLX 250 have?
The 2012 Kawasaki KLX 250 has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki KLX 250?
The 2012 Kawasaki KLX 250 has a Torque of 20.5 Nm (2.1 kgf-m or 15.1 ft.lbs) @ 7000 RPM.
How much does the Kawasaki KLX 250 weigh?
The 2012 Kawasaki KLX 250 has a Dry weight of 117.0 kg (257.9 pounds).
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