Kawasaki Klr 650 vs Yamaha Xt250
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Kawasaki Klr 650 vs Yamaha Xt250. Kawasaki Klr 650: 40 hp @ 6,000 rpm (2022+ fuel-injected model; carbureted models ~35 hp) hp, 202 kg (wet/curb weight — 2022+ model; earlier carbureted models approx. 193–198 kg) weight, top speed 175 km/h (estimated; note: real-world comfortable cruising is closer to 130–145 km/h), Motoryk rating 7.5/10. Yamaha Xt250: 15 hp @ 7,500 rpm hp, 122 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 120 km/h, Motoryk rating 7.5/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Kawasaki Klr 650
Yamaha Xt250
Horsepower (hp)
40 hp
15 hp
Torque (Nm)
55 Nm
17 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
175 km/h
120 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
202 kg
122 kg
Type
Dual-sport
Dual-sport
Horsepower
40 hp @ 6,000 rpm (2022+ fuel-injected model; carbureted models ~35 hp)
15 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Torque
55 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
17 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
Top Speed
175 km/h (estimated; note: real-world comfortable cruising is closer to 130–145 km/h)
120 km/h
Weight
202 kg (wet/curb weight — 2022+ model; earlier carbureted models approx. 193–198 kg)
122 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
4.5–5.5 L/100km (approx. 18–22 km/L typical real-world average)
2.8 L/100km or approximately 35.7 km/L
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Kawasaki Klr 650
7.5/10
"The world's most capable mediocre motorcycle — buy it used without hesitation."
Pros
+Nearly indestructible engine
+Parts and community support everywhere
+Handles dirt roads competently
Cons
−Doohickey failure kills engines
−Brutal highway vibration
−Suspension embarrassingly basic
Yamaha Xt250
7.5/10
"The most sensible used dual-sport under $4,000, full stop."
Pros
+Nearly indestructible engine reliability
+Cheap parts, easy maintenance
+Comfortable all-day ergonomics
Cons
−Gutless above 55mph
−Stock tires genuinely terrible
−Suspension too soft everywhere
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
