First Look: Kawasaki KLX140

Click the following link for a video of Kawasaki’s Russ Brenan, reviewing some of the features of the Kawasaki KLX140, as well as the bike in action. Click the following link for more photos of the Kawasaki KLX140.

We’d bet that nearly everyone still has a fond memories of the bikes that they learned to ride on. For most kids it was probably something in the 50cc, 70cc and 110cc range. For adults, it might be a 125 or something larger. But years from now, we’re guessing that Kawasaki’s all-new KLX140 will have been their first bike. Kawasaki has had their well-known 110 for years, and it’s been a classic both in the playbike and pit bike arenas. But the all-new140 is definitely a step up in both size and performance, and features some KX-inspired design elements, though it’s highly unlikely that you’ll confuse the mild buzz of the 144cc engine for anything resembling the exhaust note from one of the full-race KX models.

Touring The Bikes

Actually, there are two models here; a standard 140 with a 17-inch front wheel and 14-inch rear, and the L model that features a 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheel. The 140 has about a 31-inch standover height, while the L model runs about an inch taller. The two bikes go for $2,699 and $2,999, respectively.

The 144cc Powerplant is new to the off-road world, though it has spent time in different applications in Asian markets. It supplies a reasonable amount of very controllable power…perfect for beginning riders, and it’s matched up with a five-speed transmission. The clutch is a full manual setup, versus the auto clutch on the 110. Like many of the bikes in this category, the 140 comes with electric start, which makes things simple for beginning riders. While the muffler has a somewhat odd shape, we love the quiet exhaust note, as well as the spark arrester.

The chassis is constructed of high-tensile steel, and uses a perimeter-style design. The 33mm forks offer just over seven inches of travel, which is matched by the travel in the rear. The L model features a shock with a piggyback reservoir and compression and rebound adjustments. The smaller-wheeled version uses a standard shock, though the piggyback model can be fit onto it as well.

The swingarm is aluminum, rather than the steel found on most of the bikes in this price range, and also uses block-style adjusters, rather than the cam-style adjusterand while some competitors opt for a front disc only, the KLX KLX140 has petal discs both front and rear. It also features die-cast hubs and RK Excel rims.

On Board The 140

Kawasaki’s goal for the 140 was to build the ultimate play bike, with better power, a better chassis, superior suspension and brakes than their competitors. They also sweated details like modifying the Keihin PB20 carburetor for more stable fuel delivery in off-road conditions, and adding a spring damper in the clutch to give it a progressive two-stage engagement and permit half-clutch use when riding at low speeds.

There’s no doubt that they built a fun, easy-to-ride bike. Even (ahem) larger riders will have fun on them, without the folded-up-and-stuffed-on feel that you get on the 110 (or smaller) pit bikes.

So, to review…excellent for beginning riders? Definitely. Good as a bike for a girlfriend or wife? You bet. Even better as a bike that you can, “…borrow just for a minute,” while they’re not looking, to race against your friends? You bet.

2008 Kawasaki KLX2008 Kawasaki KLXTM140 and KLX140L Specifications