Motorcycle history
The first model was released in 1998. Unlike many other motorcycles with a displacement of 250 cubic centimeters, Kawasakis are still being produced. The first versions were aimed at domestic use. Since 2003, the production of Japanese motorcycles has been moved to Thailand.
This model is a copy of the Kawasaki KLX 250, only with some modified parts. Powerful road wheels, brakes and a stiffer suspension replaced the previous ones. The fact is that the Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 belongs to the class of motards - motorcycles that are a cross between a cross-country motorcycle and a road motorcycle. Motards are considered an ideal means of transportation for Russian cities, as they have the lightness of cross-country bikes and the cross-country ability of road bikes.
The first series of Kawasaki D-Tracker came off the assembly line from 1998 to 2007, had an 8-liter fuel tank and 30 horsepower. An improved version went on sale in 2008. She had her carburetor and brake discs replaced. But the number of horsepower has decreased to 23. At the moment, the model is produced only on the Asian market; in Japan, production of the D-Tracker ceased in 2016.
Comfort
Not bad for off-road use, unlike sport bikes and road motorcycles. The convenience is that such a bike will be comfortable in the city too. In general, it is difficult to imagine a car more versatile and suitable for a beginner.
An excellent choice for those who need an economical vehicle for all occasions, and who prefer motorcycles to cars.
Almost every review of this motard notes that the model is not suitable for competitions, but is not bad as a training bike for beginners. Of course, compared to many Kawasaki road bikes, the D-Tracker 250 is not nearly as comfortable. But they also note that it is more comfortable than many cross-country options.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=m4lQ09_po4I
Technical specifications Kawasaki D-Tracker 250
The Kawasaki 250 supermoto can leave a lot of pleasant impressions when riding on smooth asphalt or off-road. The single-cylinder engine provides good traction at low speeds. The declared engine capacity of 249 cubic centimeters produces speeds of up to 150 km/h. However, a comfortable speedometer reading fluctuates around 120-130 km/h.
17-inch wheels with reinforced brake discs bring the motorcycle to a stop in the shortest possible time. Smooth acceleration and confident speed maintenance are provided by 24 horsepower. The narrow chassis allows you to pass between cars in traffic jams without fear of catching them. The 9.1-inch rear wheel suspension provides a perfectly smooth ride. Even speed bumps will hardly be felt at high speed, despite the low seat position.
Liquid cooling of the engine reliably protects it from overheating, so even in hot weather you can safely move on the roads without fear of motorcycle breakdown. Six gears give you plenty of room to maneuver, and they shift very smoothly and easily. Manufacturers also took care of the durability of the bike: its aluminum cylinder has a special coating that ensures a tighter connection between the piston and the cylinder. Thanks to this trick, the service life of the engine is significantly increased.
There probably won’t be enough space for two on the motard, but one driver will be very comfortable on it. For long trips over 300 kilometers, the Kawasaki D-Tracker is unlikely to be suitable, but for this there are touring motorcycles with increased comfort.
The D-Tracker is the ideal first motorcycle. For beginners, the power hidden in the motard will be enough. Easy handling and excellent brakes will allow you to take your first steps on the spiritual wheel path. In an urban environment, it has no equal: it easily passes between cars and does not overheat in traffic jams.
Tuning
Tidying up a 2008 motard.
Tidying up a 2011 motard.
In bad weather, raindrops from the wheel reach the top headlight, which is unaesthetically displayed on the appearance of the wing. The dashboard is illuminated in a beautiful blue hue at night.
The saddle is quite a “passable log”; you can ride alone quite comfortably and you can even “throw” a passenger a short distance.
It sits quite comfortably in the passenger seat. Due to the balanced center of gravity, the motorcycle behaves even more stable.
Engine cooling
It is worth paying attention to the liquid cooling system of the engine - it is so harmoniously designed that even in the heat the pilot can easily move long distances. Although the motorcycle, in principle, is not intended for long-range driving
The six-speed gearbox provides the ability to perform various maneuvers on the road.
Another positive point: manufacturers took care of increasing the service life of the aluminum cylinder. It is coated with a special compound that reliably protects it from damage and ensures a tighter adhesion of the piston to the cylinder.
Pros of a motorcycle
From a standstill, the D-Tracker does not reach 100 km/h. It starts smoothly, unhurriedly, but maintains a smooth, high speed. The dynamics of the motard deserve special praise: not every 250 cc motorcycle is capable of such agility. A good suspension smooths out road unevenness. At a speed of 130 km/h, you can easily jump over a speed bump without even noticing it. Since the bike's pedigree includes cross-country motorcycles, it can easily ride on dry ground and lightly rough terrain.
If we talk about repairs, they are not complicated: inexpensive spare parts can be found in almost every specialized store. Since this bike is purchased mainly by beginners, the plastic on it goes through severe tests, which, by the way, it withstands with dignity. Gasoline consumption is very economical, the tank lasts approximately 120-130 km.
Minuses
But the motard also has disadvantages. First of all, this is the low power of the motorcycle. Experienced drivers say that they lack acceleration speed. It reaches a maximum of 90 km/h on long trips. The motorcycle can accelerate to 130 km/h, but only on very short sections of the road. On the other hand, this very specific bike is designed for certain needs, and if you buy it for something other than its intended purpose (for example, for touring or racing on the track), it is foolish to expect good performance from it.
When buying a Kawasaki D-Tracker 250, you need to remember that it is not a real dirt bike. He will not drive through the mud, but will get stuck in it. Another disadvantage is the transportation of only one driver. You can seat a passenger, but it will be difficult to travel with him. In the Kawasaki 250, the seat is not designed for two people, and the bike will go much slower.
The Kawasaki klx 250 D Tracker will undoubtedly perform at its best if you clearly understand why you are purchasing it and for what purpose. It is ideal for beginners and lovers of small cubic capacity. Lightweight, maneuverable, powerful two-wheeled transport will be a reliable means of transportation. If you want to go 130 or more, it won't suit you.
Main competitors
Kawasaki has collaborated with the Suzuki brand, so motorcycles from these brands are not competitors. But Honda provides significant competition to the Kawasaki 250 D Tracker. The Honda CRF 250L is a major contender in the small-capacity motorcycle market. Despite the fact that both bikes come from Japan, their differences are quite significant.
The Honda enduro motorcycle is positioned as a means of transportation for every day. Designed as a counter to the popular D-Tracker 250, the Honda CRF 250L has very similar features. Tank volume is 7.7 liters, 1-cylinder engine with 4 valves and fuel injection. But why do some motorcyclists consider it more powerful than the Kawasaki?
It's all about the engine, which the Honda bike got from the legendary line of sports CBR motorcycles. The manufacturer derated it and reconfigured it for better traction from the bottom. That is why reviews from motorcycle owners say that the Honda is more powerful and controllable. But the appearance is much better on the Kawasaki D-Tracker 250. It is a real city slicker. Bright colors and powerful appearance make it a home on the streets of the metropolis.
Which of the modern trio is better, Yamaha WR250R, Kawasaki KLX250S or Honda CRF250L?
Don't conclude that the Kawasaki KLX250S or Honda CRF250L are bad motorcycles compared to the Yamaha WR250R. Not at all. Each of these motorcycles is worth the money. Yamaha is more expensive, but also better and more technologically advanced.
But how do these motorcycles feel on the move? Kawasakis and Hondas give the impression of more soft devices and are probably better suited for beginner riders. Despite the fact that the engines are weaker than on the Yamaha, they pull better at the bottom, but the WR needs to be constantly revved. The suspension is noticeably inferior to the Yamaha, but on the other hand, the seat height is significantly lower, which is also a plus for beginners. The Yamaha is more powerful, has better suspension, and is generally better made than the Kawasaki, especially in details and is approximately on the same level as the Honda and is suitable for more experienced and demanding riders. I’ll also add that in practice, of course, there is a difference between these motorcycles, but it is not drastic.
Spare parts
Before buying any motorcycle, drivers ask themselves: is it difficult to find spare parts for it? This problem is very relevant, because... Many bikes are imported from abroad, so parts for them are not easy to find in Russia. How are things going with the Kawasaki brand D-Tracker 250?
Spare parts for this motorcycle can be easily found in almost any city in Russia, especially large ones. If for some reason the required part is not available in the service, you can order it from Asia or America. But there are always spare parts for the most common breakdowns.
Appearance
Like other motards, the main parts are open.
It looks stylish when combined with a typical motocross bike frame. The wheels, of course, are spoked, not cast, because the engine is not particularly strong and the motorcycle does not need extra weight. The original white color of the main part of the frame goes well with the black color of the seat and metal parts.
The headlight at the front is small and square. The Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 is distinguished by large rounded mirrors that are located high. This is convenient given the fact that on such bikes you usually don’t have to bend down much, and they are not designed for this in principle.
Kawasaki D-Tracker 250: reviews
How do its owners respond to the motorcycle? Reviews about the Kawasaki 250 can only be found positive. It is called an excellent city motorcycle for beginners. It is easy to control and maneuverable, so it will be an excellent start for beginner motorcyclists. And an excellent braking system, which instantly stops the bike even at high speed, will protect you from collisions and accidents.
Owner reviews of the Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 also confirm that the bike has good cross-country ability: it can easily travel off-road. And if you swap the standard wheels for wide cross-country ones, the motard will be able to overcome difficult terrain.
Among the disadvantages, owners note the power, which ceases to be enough in the second year, and the slight acceleration of the motorcycle. Comfortable driving is possible at speeds up to 80 km/h. Riding the Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 on the track is almost impossible due to the wind, which blows the bike to the side. At speeds above 100 km/h it becomes very unstable.
What do the owners say?
Many people advise buying a new bike rather than a used one. This recommendation is, of course, valid in any situation where the bike is still in production.
Owners note good maneuverability, ease of operation, maneuverability and low maintenance costs. This is natural, because since the equipment is still being produced, it will not be difficult to get spare parts if something happens.
Around 150 thousand Russian rubles - that’s how much such a motard costs. And many owners do not regret paying this money. They note that the cost corresponds to the characteristics and is acceptable for such a motorcycle. This price makes the equipment affordable for many.
As for the speed, of course, there are no delights. According to the description of the owners, the equipment is capable of quickly covering sections of rough terrain, but this does not reach the sporting level. However, few consider this a disadvantage. It would be strange to make claims against technology for its inability to do something for which it is not intended.
Those who have been riding motocross bikes for a long time and have ridden the Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 notice that they are no longer interested in this option. However, according to them, for beginners in motocross, this and many other motards are a good choice for the role of training equipment for learning.
In conclusion, the Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 is a good bike for different situations. This technique, judging by the reviews, is well suited for both urban environments and average off-road conditions; for beginners in motocross, this will be a good help
However, already established athletes are unlikely to pay attention to this model
Results
The Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 is a great motorcycle if you know exactly why you are buying it. It is one hundred percent suitable for beginners and lovers of enduro bikes. Reliable, with a thoughtful design and excellent technical characteristics, it will serve its owner for many years. And the low cost makes it very affordable. Many people use it to perform various tricks: the low weight makes the Kawasaki D-Tracker very maneuverable.
But you shouldn’t place unreasonable hopes on him. The bike is not capable of long trips and will not compete with road or sports motorcycles. The Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 is a great bike for getting around the city.
