43,669 bikes · 493 makes Add a bikeLog inRegister
Dual-Sport Motorcycles

2012Kawasaki KLX250S

Rate this bike
Click to vote

46 fields on record

The 2012 Kawasaki KLX 250S is an accessible dual-sport motorcycle designed for beginner and intermediate riders seeking versatility on both road and light trail surfaces. Known for its lightweight 135 kg frame, low 889 mm seat height, and forgiving handling characteristics, it excels as an affordable entry-level platform for riders building fundamental skills. The electric starter and modest 7.57-litre fuel capacity emphasize practicality for commuting and weekend adventures.

Capacity
249.0 ccm
Engine
Single, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Dry weight
118.8 kg
Seat height
889 mm
Power
21.4 HP (15.7 kW)
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2012 Kawasaki KLX250S

vs the 2011
Spec20112012
Front brakes Single disc. Two-piston hydraulic caliper Single disc
Other years 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
Speed 21Agility 76Comfort 45Off-road 85Touring 30Road manners 45
Off-road & trail85%
Cornering65%
City riding55%
Daily riding45%
Touring30%
Two-up20%
Track25%
Best for
Designed as a dual-sport machine for trail riding, light off-road exploration, and casual commuting rather than outright speed.
Built for
A playful, nimble single-cylinder trail bike that rewards flickable handling and tolerant, adventurous riding over raw power or refinement.
Not ideal for
Not the right choice for riders seeking highway speed, long-distance touring comfort, or a passenger-friendly setup.

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
At 889mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will not reach the ground comfortably on the 2012 Kawasaki KLX250S, 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 →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Range and running costs

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Based on the published US (EPA-style) fuel economy estimate and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
249.0 ccm
Power
21.4 HP (15.7 kW)
CO2 Emissions
64 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.
CKAXC.249AAD-011
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption
2.73 L/100km (86.2 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions
6.3 CO g/km
Engine type
Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.1801 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
72.0 x 61.2 mm
Compression
11.0:1
Cooling system
Liquid
Fuel system
Carburettor
Starting
Electric
Ignition
CDI
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder
4
Lubrication system
Forced lubrication, wet sump
Torque
Not on record - add it
Transmission
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Clutch
Wet multiplate
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1430 mm
Overall length
2200 mm
Overall width
820 mm
Overall height
1204 mm
Seat height
889 mm
Dry weight
118.8 kg
Wet weight
135.0 kg
Fuel capacity
7.60 litres
Ground clearance
284 mm
Chassis & suspension
Frame
Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Front suspension
43mm Inverted Cartridge Fork with 16-Way Compression Damping Adjustment / 10.0 in.
Rear suspension
Uni-Trak with Adjustable Preload, 16-Way Compression and Rebound Damping Adjustment / 9.1 in.
Front wheel travel
254 mm
Rear wheel travel
231 mm
Rake (fork angle)
26.5°
Trail
104 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Front brakes diameter
250 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes diameter
200 mm
Front tyre
80/100-21
Rear tyre
100/100-18
Other
Color options
Lime Green, Red
Warranty
12

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 200720112012201420182021
Capacity 249 cc 249 cc 249 cc 249 cc 249 cc 249 cc
Dry weight 119 kg 119 kg 119 kg 119 kg 119 kg 119 kg
Seat height 884 mm 889 mm 889 mm 889 mm 889 mm 890 mm
Fuel capacity 7.2 L 7.6 L 7.6 L 7.6 L 7.7 L 7.7 L

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

Rider Reviews

—
☆☆☆☆☆
Be the first to rate

Own one? Add it to My Garage and write an owner review with an Owner badge.

Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki KLX250S?

The 2012 Kawasaki KLX250S has a Capacity of 249.0 ccm (15.19 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki KLX250S have?

The 2012 Kawasaki KLX250S has a Power of 21.4 HP (15.7 kW).

How many gears does the Kawasaki KLX250S have?

The 2012 Kawasaki KLX250S has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

How much does the Kawasaki KLX250S weigh?

The 2012 Kawasaki KLX250S has a Dry weight of 118.8 kg (261.9 pounds).

Shop this bike

Affiliate links

We may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Similar bikes

Same category, weighted similarity

More Kawasaki Motorcycles