Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree25Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #46  
Old 13 Dec 2017
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Acerbis sell a 14 liter (3.7 US gallon) tank but I think it is for the older KLX?
Not your bike. Have you verified this?

Maybe there is a way to "adapt" the older tank to your bike? Possible? Dunno
Dirt Bike Gas Tanks - Kawasaki Gas Tanks - KLX250 - JustGasTanks.com

I'm sure you already looked at this so sorry, no real solutions.

The Fuel Bladders are a good idea! Only fill them when you need them!

Hope for the Future?
Keep in mind that Kawasaki USA are once again importing the KLX250S into USA. So, there is a chance that one of the several aftermarket tank manufacturers will produce a bigger tank for the current KLX250S model.
Acerbis, Clarke, IMS. Maybe one of them will do a bigger tank?

Reply With Quote
  #47  
Old 13 Dec 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 53
Yeah the 14l Acerbis is for carburated older models. I have the 2009 Efi Version and already did some research on mounting an older tank on the new model. As far as I got to know, it not possible because too much workaround has to be done. I have no problem with fitting and changing stuff but it seems to be too much to change. If anyone knows a solution, feel free to comment


I hope as well that in near future one manufacturer sells a bigger aftermarket tank.
Reply With Quote
  #48  
Old 25 Jun 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
The Fuel Bladders are a good idea! Only fill them when you need them!
I bought a 2018 US FI 250KLX. I'm coming up on 1000 miles. I love this bike! Granted, I just got my motorcycle license last year at age 51, so I don't have much to compare it to, but I also bought a leftover 2016 Versys 650 last year. That's a fun bike to ride and a bit more comfortable to ride than the KLX250, but not by much. I bought a Sargent seat for the KLX, which isn't exactly cushy, but I did 240 miles one day a couple weeks ago, and I think 400 miles a day on good roads would be fine with the Sargent seat.

Back to fuel bladders. Yeah, the 2.0 gallon tank is small. The low fuel light goes on when you have about 0.6 gallons left. I've ignored it for about 15 miles and I still haven't put more than 1.63 gallons in at a fuel up. I'm getting pretty awesome mileage with the bike though. This is based on the odometer readings (not GPS), but still great (averaging 78 MPG): My KLX 250 (Kawasaki KLX250) | Fuelly

I've been thinking that I may just get a 1 or 2 gallon Giant Loop fuel bladder and use it when needed. It would strap nicely on top of the GL Torngat dry bag that I plan on using on trips, then tuck it underneath when empty. I'll probably carry a 1.5l Primus bottle on a regular basis to eliminate the stress of riding with the fuel light on for lots of miles. I wish the GL fuel bladders didn't have black outer casings though; I understand that it would end up looking filthy over time if it was a lighter color, but having the sun beating down on a black bag filled with gas doesn't seem like a great idea. I realize that GL doesn't market them to be used as I'm describing. Anyone have experience with the GL fuel bladders?
Reply With Quote
  #49  
Old 25 Jun 2018
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Sounds good, glad you're liking the bike.

One tip I can offer to reduce "stress" is to run your bike DRY ... so you know exactly how far you can go on a tank. Of course, once the light comes on, grab a 1 gallon gas jug and strap it on ... then ride, see how far you can go. Only way to fly. Really nice to know for peace of mind when on the road in remote areas.

I think you might be really surprised at just how far you'll end up going!

Also, since Kawi just started selling the KLX again, I'd keep a close eye on the after market fuel tank companies ... see if anyone is making a larger tank for your bike. Main players in USA:

Acerbis
IMS
Clarke
Safari

Those are the main ones I'd watch ... or contact them to see if they have plans to produce a bigger tank for your bike. Both the Honda and Yamaha 250 dual sports have choices of aftermarket tanks.
Reply With Quote
  #50  
Old 22 Dec 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: East of the Peak, Colorado
Posts: 19
I just purchased a 2009 KLX250S for the wife. She spent two years riding a TTR230.... and then we graduated her to a Versys-X 300. She loves her 300 and does well riding dirt/gravel roads, but she has missed her TTR.... so I purchased her this KLX.

We are going to use the bike on camping trips to explore the local areas.

I've got to figure out the fuel range issue. We are going to ride the White Rim Trail in Utah this coming spring and that is a 145 mile loop. I wish I could find a 4 gallon tank for the bike, but cannot find anything larger than 3.0 gallons.
__________________
Colorado John
http://adventuresonmotorcycles.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #51  
Old 22 Dec 2019
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
I suppose I know the answer, but I wonder what is better about the old KLR250 than the 300?

I decided it was not worth the expense the IMS (or whoever) tank for the modest capacity increase. A $10 can from Walmart did me for the amazing WRT (below) and exploring the Southwest and Baja.
I would assume the newer efi KLR now sold in the US might have a better range.
Attached Thumbnails
Kawasaki KLX250s As a D/S Tourer - My Report-p1150960.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #52  
Old 22 Dec 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: East of the Peak, Colorado
Posts: 19
Yeah... at nearly $300.... it is hard to justify a gas tank that only increases from 2 gallons to 3 gallons, but I might have to do it. I hear that it is common for these little KLX's to get 40mpg riding off-road. If that is the case, I will need closer to 4 gallons to comfortably complete the WRT loop.

I do have one of these, so if I spring for the 3 gallon tank, I have my 4 gallons.


__________________
Colorado John
http://adventuresonmotorcycles.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #53  
Old 22 Dec 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: East of the Peak, Colorado
Posts: 19
__________________
Colorado John
http://adventuresonmotorcycles.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #54  
Old 22 Dec 2019
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
If you're keeping the bike a while (I wasn't) it's a worthwhile investment to save faffing with containers.

I find it hard to believe a KLR250 – a much under-rated machine – could get as low as 40 USg. In dunes maybe.
Mine was a ropey but averaged mid-70s US, or 125 miles to a tank.
For the most part the WRT is easy – GS12s were doing it.
I seem to recall topping up from the can when I got back to the 191.

It's also one off the most spectacular day's off-roading on the planet, topped off by a good feed in Moab. But you probably know that ;-)
Reply With Quote
  #55  
Old 23 Dec 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: East of the Peak, Colorado
Posts: 19
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post
I suppose I know the answer, but I wonder what is better about the old KLR250 than the 300?
I don't have the old KLR... I have the 2009 KLX250S. But with that said....

To answer your question...... I'll start with about 100lbs less weight. That's a big deal off-road. She rides the heck out of the Versys 300.... This past fall, running about 35 miles of canyon twisties... I had to run her down and slow her down, as she was running 15-20 mph over the speed limit and wasn't paying attention to the speedo.

Off-road, she got to where she could really throw around that little TTR230. She likes the lower weight and nimbleness of a dirt bike, rather than an adventure bike, when doing a lot of off-road work.


__________________
Colorado John
http://adventuresonmotorcycles.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:50.