Growing Some Wheels
Photos by Drew Ruiz
Kawasaki has introduced the final bike to complete the KLX family, the KLX140G. It was engineered to help beginner riders transition from smaller bikes to 250’s. It is taking the proven KLX playbike platform and growing it up with bigger wheels so that learning to ride, trying to teach someone to ride or just looking for a fun trail bike to ride has another option in Green.
Right off the bat experienced riders will notice the throttle response is very smooth and the KLX does not have a lot of torque, which is plus for anyone who is learning to ride. But there is still enough power for a more experienced rider to be able to take the bike out and enjoy themselves. Electric start is a plus for this bike because it helps take away the frustration of kickstarting for a novice rider. There is not a kickstarter option and this also helps keep the weight down.
Being that the bike weighs less than some of its larger displacement competitors it is very easy to handle and control through the different obstacles while trail riding but still has enough power to climb hills. Weighing in at a claimed 218 pounds stock the 140G felt very balanced, it did not feel top heavy or like it wanted to drop to the ground when coming around a sharper turn. This is the tallest bike of the KLX family with a 33.8 inch seat height. I’m 5’7” and the bike is still a little on the short side but it is still a comfortable fit, not awkward in the riding positions. The KLX can go straight from the showroom floor to the trails. It is equipped with a spark arrestor in the stock pipe and it is quiet.
Overall this bike is very versatile for the transitional rider. The engine size is an ideal go-between to get a rider to the bigger bike without having too much power to get in the way but enough to get the job done. It’s comfortable to ride and not as cramped as the smaller sized bikes that this displacement engine usually comes in and will take a rider anywhere they want to go! Available in stores already at a price of $3,699. We’ll be putting some more novice riders on the KLX and be working on a full test soon.
