The Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 is a small-capacity motard. The model is considered the most successful among its class. A close relative of Kawasaki road bikes is good for both urban and off-road environments. Reliable and powerful, it will serve its owners for many years when properly handled. The characteristics of the motorcycle, its strengths and weaknesses will be described in more detail in the article. Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 reviews will also be presented.
Motorcycle history
The first model was launched in 1998. Unlike many other motorcycles with a volume of 250 cubic centimeters, Kawasaki is still being produced. The first versions were focused on domestic use. Since 2003, the production of Japanese motorcycles has been moved to Thailand.
This model is a copy of the Kawasaki KLX 250, with only a few modified parts. Powerful road wheels, brakes and stiffer suspension replaced the previous ones. The fact is that the Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 belongs to the class of motardas - motorcycles, which are a cross between a cross and a road bike. Motardas are considered an ideal means of transportation for Russian cities, as they have light cross-country and cross-country road bikes.
The first Kawasaki D-Tracker series left the assembly line from 1998 to 2007, had an 8-liter fuel tank and 30 horsepower. The improved version went on sale in 2008. She had a carburetor and brake discs replaced. But the number of horsepower has decreased to 23. At the moment, the model is available only in the Asian market, in Japan, the release of D-Tracker ceased in 2016.
Technical specifications Kawasaki D-Tracker 250
Supermoto Kawasaki 250 can leave a lot of pleasant impressions when driving on smooth asphalt or off-road. The engine with one cylinder provides good traction at low speeds. The declared engine capacity of 249 cubic centimeters produces a speed of up to 150 km / h. However, a comfortable indicator of the speedometer ranges from 120-130 km / h.
17-inch wheels with reinforced brake discs stop the motorcycle in the shortest possible time. Smooth acceleration and confident maintenance of speed are provided by 24 horsepower. Narrow chassis allow you to drive in traffic jams between cars, without fear of hooking them. A 9.1-inch rear suspension provides a perfectly even ride. Even speed bumps at high speed will almost not be felt, despite the low location of the seat.
Liquid cooling of the engine reliably protects it from overheating, so even in the heat you can safely move on the roads without fear of a motorcycle breakdown. Six gears give room for maneuver, in addition, they switch very smoothly and easily. Manufacturers also took care of the durability of the bike: its aluminum cylinder has a special coating that provides a more tight connection between the piston and the cylinder. Thanks to this trick, the life of the engine is significantly increased.
Most likely, there will not be enough space for two on a motard, but it will be very comfortable for one driver on it. For long trips over 300 kilometers, the Kawasaki D-Tracker is hardly suitable, but for this there are touring motorcycles with increased comfort.
The D-Tracker is the perfect first motorcycle. For beginners, there will be enough power, which is hidden in the motard. Easy handling and excellent brakes will allow you to take the first steps on a two-wheeled track. In an urban environment, he has no equal: he easily rides between cars and does not overheat in traffic jams.
Motorcycle benefits
From the place of "D-Tracker" does not pick up speed of 100 km / h. It starts smoothly, slowly, but it keeps a smooth high speed. Motard dynamics deserves separate praise: not every 250 cc motorcycle is capable of such agility. A good suspension smoothes out irregularities in the path. At a speed of 130 km / h you can easily jump over a speed bump without even noticing it. Since there are cross-country motorcycles in the pedigree of a bike, it can easily ride on dry ground and in rugged terrain.
If we talk about repair, it is simple: inexpensive spare parts can be found in almost every specialized store. Since this bike is mainly bought by beginners, the plastic on it undergoes severe tests, which, by the way, it withstands with dignity. Gasoline consumption is very economical, the tank lasts about 120-130 km.
Minuses
But minuses are also present in motard. First of all, this is a small motorcycle power. Experienced drivers say 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 small segments of the path. On the other hand, this very specific bike is designed for certain requests, and if you buy it for other purposes (for example, for tourist trips or racing on the highway), it is foolish to demand good work from it.
When buying a Kawasaki D-Tracker 250, you need to remember that it is not a real cross-country motorcycle. He will not drive through the mud, but get bogged down in it. Another disadvantage is the transportation of only one driver. You can put the passenger on, but traveling with him will already be difficult. In the Kawasaki 250, the seat is not designed for two people, and the bike will ride much more slowly.
Kawasaki klx 250 D Tracker will certainly show its best side if you have a clear idea of why you are buying it and for what purpose. For beginners and lovers of small cubic capacity, it is ideal. Lightweight, maneuverable, powerful two-wheeled transport will be a reliable means of transportation. If you want to ride at speeds of 130 or higher, it will not suit you.
Price range
The price of a supported Kawasaki 250 ranges from 100-200 thousand rubles. You can buy a motorcycle in optimal condition for 150 thousand. If you buy a new model, then it will cost about 330,000 rubles.
Main competitors
Kawasaki collaborated with the Suzuki brand, so motorcycles of these brands are not competitors. But the Honda Kawasaki 250 D Tracker is notable competition. Honda CRF 250L is the main rival in the market for small-sized motorcycles. Despite the fact that both bikes come from Japan, the differences between them are very significant.
Enduro-motorcycle "Honda" is positioned as a means of transportation for every day. Designed to contrast the popular D-Tracker 250, the Honda CRF 250L has very similar characteristics. The volume of the tank is 7.7 liters, a 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 that got the Honda bike from the legendary CBR motorcycle line. The manufacturer deformed it and reconfigured it for better traction from the bottom. That is why the reviews of car owners say that the Honda is more powerful and manageable. But the appearance is much better with the Kawasaki D-Tracker 250. He is a real city dude. Bright colors and powerful appearance make it yours on the streets of the metropolis.
Spare parts
Before buying any motorcycle, drivers ask themselves a question: is it difficult to find spare parts for it? This problem is very relevant, because many bikes are imported from abroad, so the details on them are not easy to find in Russia. What about the Kawasaki D-Tracker 250?
Spare parts for this motorcycle can be easily found in almost any city in Russia, especially a large one. If for some reason the necessary part was not in the service, you can order it from Asia or America. But there are always spare parts for the most common breakdowns.
Kawasaki D-Tracker 250: reviews
How do owners speak about the motorcycle? Reviews about the Kawasaki 250 can only be found positive. It is called a great city bike for beginners. It is easy to drive, maneuverable, so it will be a great start for beginner motorcyclists. And an excellent braking system that instantly stops the bike even at high speed will protect it from collisions and accidents.
Owner reviews of the Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 also confirm that the bike has good cross-country ability: it easily rides off-road. And if you rearrange the standard wheels to wide cross, the motard will be able to overcome difficult terrain.
Of the minuses, the owners note the power, which is no longer enough for the second year, and a small acceleration of the motorcycle. Comfortable riding on it is possible at speeds up to 80 km / h. It’s almost impossible to ride the Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 on the track due to the wind that blows the bike to the side. At speeds above 100 km / h it becomes very unstable.
Summary
The Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 is a great bike if you clearly know why you are buying it. For beginners and fans of enduro bikes, it is one hundred percent suitable. Reliable, with a thoughtful design and excellent technical characteristics, it will serve its owner for many years. And low cost makes it very affordable. Many people use it to perform various tricks: the small weight makes the Kawasaki D-Tracker very maneuverable.
But do not lay unreasonable hopes on him. The bike is not able to participate in long trips and will not withstand competition with road or sports bikes. The Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 is a great city bike.