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Enduro Bikes

1981Kawasaki KL 250

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The 1981 Kawasaki KL 250 is a lightweight enduro machine perfectly suited for novice riders and trail enthusiasts. Its economical single-cylinder engine and manageable 132kg weight make it accessible and nimble off-road. Known for reliability and simplicity, the KL 250 became a popular choice for learning fundamental dirt bike skills.

Capacity
246.0 ccm
Engine
Single, four-stroke
Gearbox
5-speed
Wet weight
132.0 kg
Seat height
Not on record
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Power
17.0 HP (12.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 1981 Kawasaki KL 250

vs the 1980
Spec19801981
Power 17.0 HP (12.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM 17.0 HP (12.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Top speed 113.0 km/h (70.2 mph) 111.0 km/h (69.0 mph)
Wet weight 140.0 kg (308.6 pounds) 132.0 kg (291.0 pounds)
Other years 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 22Agility 67Comfort 35Off-road 78Touring 30Road manners 30
Off-road & trail78%
Cornering45%
City riding40%
Daily riding35%
Touring25%
Two-up15%
Track15%
Best for
It is built primarily for light off-road trail use and enduro-style riding rather than speed or long-distance travel.
Built for
It has an honest, no-frills mechanical character typical of 1980s air-cooled trail bikes, valuing simplicity and durability over performance.
Not ideal for
This bike is not suited to riders wanting highway touring comfort, high top speed, or modern braking and suspension performance.

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

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
246.0 ccm
Power
17.0 HP (12.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Engine type
Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.1288 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke
70.0 x 64.0 mm
Compression
8.9:1
Cooling system
Air
Fuel system
Carburettor
Valves per cylinder
2
Lubrication system
WET SUMP
Torque
Not on record - add it
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Performance
Top speed
111.0 km/h (69.0 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wet weight
132.0 kg
Fuel capacity
10.00 litres
Seat height
Not on record - add it
Dry weight
Not on record - add it
Ground clearance
Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
Front suspension
air operated
Rear suspension
adjustable twin
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Expanding brake
Rear brakes
Expanding brake
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 19801981198219831984
Capacity 246 cc 246 cc 246 cc 246 cc 246 cc
Fuel capacity 10 L 10 L 10 L 10 L 10 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki KL 250?

The 1981 Kawasaki KL 250 has a Capacity of 246.0 ccm (15.01 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki KL 250 have?

The 1981 Kawasaki KL 250 has a Power of 17.0 HP (12.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM.

How many gears does the Kawasaki KL 250 have?

The 1981 Kawasaki KL 250 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

How much does the Kawasaki KL 250 weigh?

The 1981 Kawasaki KL 250 has a Wet weight of 132.0 kg (291.0 pounds).

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