Off-road riders and mini moto enthusiasts dont have to settle for simple one-size machines with limited performance and cramped ergonomics. Kawasakis KLX140 dirtbike with its 17 front / 14 rear wheels has opened the door for a wider variety of riders in the small displacement off-road arena. More advanced or longer-limbed riders can turn to its sibling, the larger 19 front / 16 rear wheeled KLX140L. Both 140s are designed to be beginner and novice friendly, yet offer a roomy layout and enough performance to suit more-advanced riders.

Defying the small-bike rulebook with big-bike capabilities

Off-road riders and mini moto enthusiasts don’t have to settle for simple one-size machines with limited performance and cramped ergonomics. Kawasaki’s KLX™140 dirtbike with its 17” front / 14” rear wheels has opened the door for a wider variety of riders in the small displacement off-road arena. More advanced or longer-limbed riders can turn to its sibling, the larger 19” front / 16” rear wheeled KLX140L. Both 140s are designed to be beginner and novice friendly, yet offer a roomy layout and enough performance to suit more-advanced riders.

Starting is an easy affair; just press the power switch and thumb the KLX140’s start button for the fun to begin. Nobody likes a dead battery, so the power switch contains an internal LED which illuminates any time the power is on, this means there’s never a doubt when the ignition is active. The KLX’s accelerative performance can be attributed to the abundant power flowing from its air-cooled SOHC 144cc engine through the five-speed, close-ratio transmission.

Its manual clutch offers young riders the chance to master full control over shifting. To promote an easy learning curve, the clutch features a spring damper that provides a progressive, two-stage engagement and facilitates half-clutch use while riding at extremely slow or idling speeds. Additional benefits of this system are a more direct lever feel and increased clutch durability.
 
The high-revving, yet quiet, engine is wrapped in a high-tensile steel perimeter frame that is covered by KX™-like shrouds, a two-tone seat cover and sharp, aggressive body work. The 140’s controls, from the grips to the narrow footpeg/frame relationship combined with large footpegs that make it easier for the rider to move around with a minimum of effort complete the KX-inspired design theme.

Suspension duties are handled a 33mm front fork with spring rate and damping settings specific to the KLX140, and the UNI-TRAK® linkage equipped rear shock features 5-way preload adjustability. To provide more options for growing riders, the more-advanced shock from the KLX140L fits the standard KLX140.

RK EXCEL aluminum rims and high-grade die-cast hubs are another sign this is a serious off-road bike. A large 220mm front disc and 27mm twin-piston caliper at the front and 186mm rear disc provide serious stopping power. Both utilize petal shaped rotors, which help clean the brakes and reduce unsprung weight for better performance.
Not catering to existing playbike rules, the KLX140 delivers an ideal blend of small stature and big potential that simply equals fun for kid to adult riders.

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