The Kawasaki KLX250 weighs ~147kg wet (estimated), has a seat height of 890mm and 284mm of ground clearance, and makes 22hp. Expect Not officially published, for a range of Not officially published from its 7.7-litre tank.
8/10
Holloway Green Lane Score
A cheap, light and genuinely capable trail bike that is ideal for narrow, muddy lanes, with soft suspension and modest power on the road links. Rider ability, terrain, weather and tyre choice still move the real answer more than the bike alone does.
Used only2009 onwards, used only (final UK year not confirmed)
~147kgWet weight
890mmSeat height
Not officially publishedReal-world range
Holloway ratings
Four separate scores, not one blended number, so you can see what's actually driving it.
Beginner friendliness
5/5
Road usability
1/5
Technical off-road capability
4/5
Green-lane suitability
4/5
Full specs
PriceUsed only
Years made2009 onwards, used only (final UK year not confirmed)
Engine249cc
Power22hp
Torque20.5Nm
Weight (wet)~147kg (estimated from 138kg dry plus a full 7.7L tank)
Seat height890mm
Fuel tank7.7L
Real-world rangeNot officially published
EconomyNot officially published
Wheels (f/r)21" / 18"
Ground clearance284mm
Suspension travel (f/r)Not officially published
ABSNo
Traction controlNo
Ride modesNo
Service intervalCheck the handbook
Licence requiredA2
Stock tyre sizes (f/r)80/100-21 / 100/100-18
Where the Kawasaki KLX250 sits
Wet weight against ground clearance for every bike in the finder that publishes both. Light and tall, top left, is where the easiest green lane bikes sit. Tap a dot to open that bike.
Figures are manufacturer claims. Clearance is measured differently by different makers, so treat small gaps as a draw.
Will your feet reach?
The Kawasaki KLX250 has a 890mm seat. Enter your inside leg for a rough idea of how much foot you'll get down when stopped.
A rough guide only. A wide seat needs more leg than a narrow one, the suspension settles 20 to 40mm under you, and boots add a little. Many bikes offer a low seat or lowering link. Sit on one before you buy.
Tyres that fit the Kawasaki KLX250
It runs a 80/100-21 front and a 100/100-18 rear. 7 tyres in our Tyre Finder are made in at least one of those sizes, ranked by green lane score.
Sizes are for the standard UK model and can change between model years. Check the size on your own tyre sidewall, and ask your dealer before fitting a different size. Our size lists come from maker and retailer listings and can miss sizes, so a tyre shown for one end may still be made in your other size. Check the maker's size chart.
The KLX250 is a simple single in a light dual-sport chassis with a 21 inch front wheel and 18 inch rear. It is easy to pick up, easy to ride standing up and happy to squeeze through tight gates on narrow byways. MCN says it is light, narrow and capable off-road, but the standard tyres struggle on loose or wet ground, the suspension is soft and the engine feels dated. It is happiest on slow lanes with short road links.
Pros for green laning
Very light for a road-legal bike (estimated 147 kg wet), so a dropped bike in a rut is easy to lift.
Narrow and easy for new riders, and A2 licence friendly at about 22hp.
284 mm ground clearance (US spec) and 21 inch front wheel give real off-road ability.
Cheap to buy, tax and run, with simple parts that are easy to maintain.
Cons and limitations
Only about 22hp, so 60 mph road links feel slow and tiring.
Soft suspension that pitches under braking and needs extra preload for heavier riders.
Small 7.7 litre tank limits range, and a dealer listing quotes about 120 miles.
Standard dual-purpose tyres struggle on wet, loose lanes.
Before taking it seriously off-road: Off-road tyres, handguards and a sump guard, with fuel planning around 100 miles. To buy used, check: for modifications such as derestriction or altered gearing (reported on some UK listings); chain and sprockets; the carburettor and idle; cracks in the frame or subframe from heavy use; and leaking fork seals.
Remember: a rank here assumes reasonable stock tyres and a competent rider in decent conditions. The right tyres, or the wrong weather, can move a lane from easy to genuinely hard regardless of what bike you're on. Check a lane's own difficulty and hazards on the map before you go, don't rely on a bike score alone.
Find where to actually ride it
Browse legal green lanes and byways across England and Wales, filtered by difficulty, on Holloway's map.
