2008Kawasaki KLX250

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The 2008 Kawasaki KLX250 is a light dual-sport for trail riding and short road trips. Its liquid-cooled 249cc four-stroke single makes 22 hp at 7,500 rpm and 20 Nm through a six-speed gearbox and chain. An 889 mm seat, 138 kg wet weight and 7.7-litre tank make it easy to handle off-road.

Capacity: 249.0 ccm
Engine: Single, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 117.0 kg
Seat height: 889 mm
Power: 22.0 HP (16.2 kW) @ 7500 RPM

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What’s new for the 2008 Kawasaki KLX250

vs the 2007

Spec	2007	2008
Power	29.0 HP (21.3 kW) @ 9000 RPM	22.0 HP (16.2 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Torque	25.0 Nm (2.5 kgf-m or 18.4 ft.lbs) @ 7000 RPM	20.0 Nm (2.0 kgf-m or 14.8 ft.lbs) @ 7000 RPM
Wet weight	132.0 kg (291.0 pounds)	138.0 kg (304.2 pounds)
Fuel capacity	7.50 litres (1.98 US gallons)	7.70 litres (2.03 US gallons)

Other years 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail88%

Cornering60%

City riding40%

Daily riding40%

Touring25%

Two-up15%

Track15%

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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 889mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will not reach the ground comfortably on the 2008 Kawasaki KLX250, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright 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: 22.0 HP (16.2 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Torque: 20.0 Nm (2.0 kgf-m) @ 7000 RPM
Engine type: Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1880 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: 2
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: 889 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: Expanding brake
Front brakes diameter: 250 mm
Rear brakes: Expanding brake
Rear brakes diameter: 240 mm
Front tyre: 3.00-21
Rear tyre: 4.00-18

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	2006	2008	2011	2016	2021
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	—
Seat height	885 mm	885 mm	889 mm	890 mm	890 mm	890 mm
Fuel capacity	7.5 L	7.5 L	7.7 L	7.7 L	7.7 L	7.6 L