Arriving locally in late June/early July, the 2010 Kawasaki KLX250SF supermoto looks set to ruffle a few feathers thanks to sharp pricing and an edgy design.
The learner legal Kawasaki is priced from an $7,299 (plus on-road costs), and builds on the highly-lauded KLX250S dual sport dirt bike, delivering an added dose of street smarts.
It features a digital instrument cluster and is powered by a 249cc water-cooled single cylinder four-stroke engine. The carburetted engine has four-valves and is mated to a six-speed gearbox.
New 17-inch wheels shod with street tyres combine with a lower 860mm seat height, firmer suspension with less travel and a big wave-pattered front disc brake. Weighing just 137kg (including a full tank of fuel), the green Supermoto should be fairly agile.
According to Kawasaki, "Few motorcycles - of any size or price - are capable of out-cornering it." Bold words indeed. Who knew a single-cylinder supermoto could out corner a Suzuki GSX-750?
One of the main rivals for the newly launched 250 Kwaka Supermoto include the Yamaha WR250X Supermoto, but at $10,899 it's commands a premium of more than $3000. Larger capacity opposition in the same ballpark would include the Suzuki DR-Z400 SM, which retails for $8990.
The Kawasaki KLX250SF Supermoto sports new look bodywork and handlebards, and could be surprise hit for the green brand.
In related Kawasaki news, the motorcycle company has made changes its insurance products, delivered in conjunction with Swann Insurance.
Taking effect from June 2 2010, Kawasaki's 'Motorcycle Insurance' and 'Weekend Rider Insurance' products have been tweaked to deliver more value to customers. Simply put, the new insurance packages now coverage additional riding gear, up to $4,000 worth.
According to the press release, "These enhancements allow customers to claim on protective safety items such jackets, pants, riding boots and gloves as well as the riders' helmet and gear bags, all of which provide Kawasaki customers with a unique product in the industry."