Nice comprehensive review. I'm currently pondering what will likely be my last trail bike and torn between the CRF 250F, the KLX 230R and the KLX 140F. I'm 5'11" @ 193 lbs with a 30" inseam according to my Wrangler jeans. As a lifelong gym rat and rider, I'm still pretty fit at age 67 and just want a fun, relatively hassle free, toy to play with. My last play bike was a clean, very well sorted 2003 KDX 220R that I only paid a grand for. Never should have sold it. Anyway, while the 230 and 250 is more desirable due to size and power, not to mention a massive aftermarket for the 250F, the weight puts me off as things now seem a bit heavier than I remember. 😢 This brings me to the KLX 140F (or G). If I were to go that route, I'd shop for a clean, lightly used bike and do the aftermarket thing. Contrary to your sound advice, I think I'd spring for the SX Parts 188 stroker kit.($1,100) and a quality exhaust. Beyond the new head, larger valves, rev box, etc., the new 63 mm bore and 60.4 mm stroke makes the engine nearly square and that appeals to me for torque and overall engine balance They do offer 3 cams in various grinds and I think stage 2 might be the sweet trail setup. Just wish someone would have already posted such a build and review. Your thoughts? Thanks.
Nice comprehensive review. I'm currently pondering what will likely be my last trail bike and torn between the CRF 250F, the KLX 230R and the KLX 140F. I'm 5'11" @ 193 lbs with a 30" inseam according to my Wrangler jeans. As a lifelong gym rat and rider, I'm still pretty fit at age 67 and just want a fun, relatively hassle free, toy to play with. My last play bike was a clean, very well sorted 2003 KDX 220R that I only paid a grand for. Never should have sold it.
Anyway, while the 230 and 250 is more desirable due to size and power, not to mention a massive aftermarket for the 250F, the weight puts me off as things now seem a bit heavier than I remember. 😢
This brings me to the KLX 140F (or G). If I were to go that route, I'd shop for a clean, lightly used bike and do the aftermarket thing. Contrary to your sound advice, I think I'd spring for the SX Parts 188 stroker kit.($1,100) and a quality exhaust.
Beyond the new head, larger valves, rev box, etc., the new 63 mm bore and 60.4 mm stroke makes the engine nearly square and that appeals to me for torque and overall engine balance They do offer 3 cams in various grinds and I think stage 2 might be the sweet trail setup. Just wish someone would have already posted such a build and review.
Your thoughts? Thanks.