2011 KAWASAKI MOTORCYCLES

Equally at home on Forest Service roads as it is on the interstate, the KLR650 is the motorcycle you want when your travel plans take you through all sorts of terrain, off-road or on. Its sturdy single-cylinder engine provides non-stop power and incredible fuel efficiency. Comfortable wind protection and a 5.8-gallon fuel tank ensure that riders can go a long way between stops. An aluminum rear cargo rack has plenty of space to accommodate saddlebags or a tail bag as well. It’s a package that multitudes of riders have flocked to: the KLR650 has been the best-selling dual-sport six years in a row.

With its 249cc liquid-cooled single, long-travel suspension and rugged steel frame, this lightweight machine lets you access the best of both worlds. That compact and powerful four-stroke single-cylinder engine fires right up through the miracle of electric starting, and it mounts nice and low beneath a lightweight, high-tensile steel perimeter frame to provide a low center of gravity and enhanced maneuvering on tight trails. A gear-driven engine balancer keeps it nice and smooth for greater comfort and less fatigue on longer rides. The 34mm semi-flat slide Keihin CVK carburetor provides great throttle response and broad, smooth power—not to mention fantastic fuel economy. The KLX250S meets strict CARB regulations, making it available in California.

There’s nothing like an off road motorcycle that does many things well, especially one that fits a wide variety of riders and skill-sets. And with its mid-sized stature, flexible engine and easy-to-ride nature, Kawasaki’s 2011 KLX™140 is one such multi-talented machine. Smaller riders will love the KLX’s physical size – a touch larger than a typical minibike – and push-button starting, while those a bit taller will appreciate the larger-wheeled KLX140L, which features a 19” front and 16” rear wheel in place of the standard KLX’s 17” front and 14” rear wheels. Both 140s are friendly to beginners and novices, yet both offer a roomy cockpit and enough performance and handling prowess to keep more advanced riders smiling.

The gap between minibike and full-sized machine has traditionally been a wide one. And for novices, making that jump can be difficult indeed. But now there’s a motorcycle that bridges the gap nicely – Kawasaki’s KLX™140L. Featuring 19” front and 16” rear wheels fitted to the standard-spec KLX140, the L-model is the ideal machine for more experienced or longer-limbed fans of smaller displacement machines. And with its more performance-oriented, reservoir-equipped rear shock, there’s plenty of performance for everyone. As always, the standard KLX – with 17” front / 14” rear wheels – is a first-rate option for novices and smaller riders.

Loaded with convenience and safety features including a friendly 26.8-inch seat height, electric start with backup kickstarting, an automatic clutch and throttle limiter, the KLX110 is all about building skills and confidence. And with its torquey 111cc air-cooled 4-stroke SOHC single engine and 4-speed transmission, there's also room for growth. Certain mini motorcycles have taken on sort of a double life over the years, in that adults appreciate them as much as kids and beginners do. So it is with Kawasaki’s KLX™110, which just might be the most versatile mini bike of all time. And it’s easy to see why: The little KLX is simply a blast to ride, packing the sort of confidence-inspiring and easy-to-access performance that makes kids, beginners and more experienced riders grin within their helmets all day long.

The old adage “don’t mess with a good thing” is usually sage advice. But in Kawasaki’s case, “messing” with its legendary KLX™110 minibike is a very good thing. You already know the standard KLX110 – with its reliable four-stroke engine, automatic-clutch drivetrain and electric, push-button starter – is much-loved by kids, beginners and adults for its unreal fun-factor and riding ease. But to expand the KLX110’s envelope a bit – make it even more accessible to even more riders – Kawasaki developed the KLX110L, which incorporates features designed to appeal to a slightly larger, slightly more advanced rider – along with all those adults who love riding the little green bikes.