In 1984, Kawasaki debuted a pair of new dual-sport models that quickly proved to be major hits with the motorcycling world. The larger of the models was the KLR600, which was bumped up to 650ccs, where it remains to this day as one of Kawa’s best-selling models, and (as of 2015) the best-selling dual-sport period. The smaller of the two on/off-roaders was the KLR250, which remained in production unchanged until 2005 when it was replaced by the KLX250S.
At the heart of the KLR250 was a four-stroke, four-valve, DOHC, 249cc single that put down a claimed 28 horsepower (from ’85-’89, the ’90-’05 models made a claimed 23hp) and 16.5ft-lbs of torque. Stock suspension on the 250 only had to contend with the bike’s sub-260 pound dry weight, consisting of a UNI-TRAK monoshock in back and an “air-adjustable” hydraulic telescopic fork up front. The quarter-liter KLR was not only a hit with the public, but the model also became a favorite for various police and military operations as well thanks to its lightweight and resilient nature.
This particular 1995 KLR250 has been left mostly stock with the exception of an FMF slip-on pipe, new grips, and aftermarket indicators. Aside from a broken horn, everything on this example is said to be fully operational thanks to a recent overhaul that included an oil-change and carb cleaning. The odo currently reads 8,800 miles, and at the moment the bike is registered non-op though the title is clean. A new set of tires and tubes were also added, along with a new seat cover.
By far my favorite aspect of this Kawa is its ridiculously ’90s color scheme. The aqua green turquoise plastics and purple seat, frame, and subframe look great, and the yellow highlights really tie the whole thing together and leave absolutely no doubt as to the era in which this bike left the factory.
You can find this 1995 Kawasaki KLR250 for sale here on Craigslist in Simi Valley, California with a price of $1,850.