Adventure Motorcycles

1997Kawasaki KLR 250

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The 1997 Kawasaki KLR 250 is a lightweight dual-sport enduro bike ideal for novice and adventure-minded riders exploring both on and off-road terrain. Powered by a reliable 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with a 6-speed transmission, it's celebrated for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and approachable handling. The KLR 250 remains a popular choice for riders building skills and confidence on varied surfaces.

Capacity: 249.0 ccm
Engine: Single, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 117.0 kg
Seat height: 856 mm
Power: 30.0 HP (22.4 kW)

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What’s new for the 1997 Kawasaki KLR 250

vs the 1996

Spec	1996	1997
Power	23.0 HP (16.9 kW)	30.0 HP (22.4 kW)
Top speed	135.0 km/h (83.9 mph)	not listed
Rear brakes	Expanding brake	Expanding brake (drum brake)

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 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with tip-toe one foot on the 1997 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.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 249.0 ccm
Power: 30.0 HP (22.4 kW)
Engine type: Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2564 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

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
Reserve fuel 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 (drum brake)
Rear brakes diameter: 120 mm
Front tyre: 3.00-21
Rear tyre: 4.60-17

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

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	1997	2000	2005
Capacity	249 cc	249 cc	249 cc	249 cc	249 cc	249 cc
Dry weight	117 kg	117 kg	117 kg	117 kg	117 kg	117 kg
Seat height	856 mm	856 mm	856 mm	856 mm	856 mm	856 mm
Fuel capacity	11 L	11 L	11 L	11 L	11 L	11 L