Adventure Motorcycles

2003Kawasaki KLR 250

40 fields on record

The 2003 Kawasaki KLR 250 is a simple, dependable dual-sport bike with a long production run. Its liquid-cooled 249cc single makes 30 hp through a six-speed gearbox. An 855 mm seat, 134 kg wet weight and 11-litre tank make it practical on road and trail.

Capacity: 249.0 ccm
Engine: Single, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 117.0 kg
Seat height: 855 mm
Power: 30.0 HP (22.4 kW)

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What’s new for the 2003 Kawasaki KLR 250

vs the 2002

Spec	2002	2003
Front suspension	Air adjustable hydraulic telescope fork	36mm leading-axle fork
Rear suspension	´UNI-TRAK´ Single Shock System	UNI-TRAK® single-shock system

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?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 855mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with tip-toe one foot on the 2003 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 manual

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1415 mm
Overall length: 2141 mm
Overall width: 856 mm
Overall height: 1210 mm
Seat height: 855 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: steel
Front suspension: 36mm leading-axle fork
Rear suspension: UNI-TRAK® single-shock system
Front wheel travel: 230 mm
Rear wheel travel: 230 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: 90/90-21
Rear tyre: 130/80-17

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	2003	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	855 mm	856 mm
Fuel capacity	11 L	11 L	11 L	11 L	11 L	11 L