1989Kawasaki KLR 250

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The 1989 Kawasaki KLR 250 is a lightweight dual-sport designed for beginner and trail-focused riders seeking affordable, versatile off-road capability. Its liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine delivers reliable performance across varied terrain, while the compact 134kg frame makes it accessible for riders of all sizes. Known for rugged simplicity and excellent fuel efficiency, it remains a popular choice for novice adventurers.

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

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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.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 856mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with tip-toe one foot on the 1989 Kawasaki KLR 250, with a moderate knee angle of around 95 degrees and a slightly forward 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.

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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 (dry)
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-TRAK® 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	1989	1995	2000	2005
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	856 mm	856 mm	856 mm	856 mm	856 mm
Fuel capacity	11 L	11 L	11 L	11 L	11 L