Kawasaki 250 D-Tracker: specifications, photos and reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 is a small displacement motard. The model is considered the most successful among its class. A close cousin of the Kawasaki road bikes, it's good for both urban and off-road use. Reliable and powerful, it will serve its owners for many years with proper handling. The characteristics of the motorcycle, its strengths and weaknesses will be discussed in more detail in the article. Reviews of the Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 will also be presented.

Motorcycle history

The first model was released 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 Kawasaki KLX 250,with only some modified details. Powerful road wheels, brakes and stiffer suspension replaced the former. The fact is that the Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 belongs to the class of motards - motorcycles that are a cross between a cross-country and road motorcycle. Motards are considered an ideal means of transportation for Russian cities, as they have the lightness of cross-country bikes and the cross-country ability of road bikes.

The first series of Kawasaki D-Trackers came off the assembly line from 1998 to 2007, had an 8-liter fuel tank and 30 horsepower. An 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 produced only in the Asian market, in Japan, the release of the D-Tracker was discontinued in 2016.

Specifications for Kawasaki D-Tracker 250

The Kawasaki 250 Supermoto can leave a lot of pleasant impressions when driving on smooth asph alt or off-road. The single-cylinder engine provides good traction at low revs. The declared engine capacity of 249 cubic centimeters gives a speed of up to 150 km / h. However, a comfortable speedometer reading fluctuates around 120-130 km/h.

17 rims with heavy duty brake discs bring the bike to a stop in the shortest possible time. Smooth acceleration and confident maintenance of speed are provided by 24 horsepower. Narrow chassis allow you to drive through traffic jams between cars without fear of catching them. Rear wheel suspension with 9, 1 travelinch provides a perfectly smooth ride. Even speed bumps will hardly be felt at high speed, despite the low seat position.

The 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 you plenty of room to maneuver, and they shift very smoothly and easily. Manufacturers also took care of the durability of the bike: its aluminum cylinder has a special coating that provides a tighter connection between the piston and the cylinder. Thanks to this trick, the life of the engine is significantly increased.

For two on a motard, most likely, there will not be enough space, but one driver will be very comfortable on it. For long trips over 300 kilometers, the Kawasaki D-Tracker is unlikely to be suitable, but there are luxury touring bikes for this.

The D-Tracker is the perfect first bike. For beginners, there will be enough power that is hidden in the motard. Easy handling and excellent brakes will allow you to take the first steps on the track. In an urban environment, he has no equal: he easily passes between cars and does not overheat in traffic jams.

Pros of a motorcycle

D-Tracker does not accelerate to 100 km/h from a stop. It starts smoothly, slowly, but keeps a smooth high speed. Motard dynamics deserves special praise: not every 250 ccthe motorcycle is capable of such agility. Good suspension smooths out bumps in the road. At a speed of 130 km / h, you can easily jump over a speed bump without even noticing it. Since the bike's pedigree includes motocross bikes, it can easily ride on dry ground and light terrain.

If we talk about repairs, then it is not difficult: inexpensive spare parts can be found in almost every specialized store. Since this bike is purchased mainly by beginners, the plastic on it undergoes severe tests, which, by the way, it withstands with dignity. Gasoline consumption is very economical, the tank is enough for about 120-130 km.

Cons

But motard also has disadvantages. First of all, this is the small power of the motorcycle. Experienced drivers say that they lack acceleration speed. It reaches a maximum of 90 km / h on long trips. The motorcycle can accelerate up to 130 km / h, but only on very short stretches of the path. On the other hand, this very specific bike is designed for certain needs, and if you buy it not for its intended purpose (for example, for touring trips or racing on the track), 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 motocross bike. He will not pass through the mud, but get stuck in it. Another disadvantage is the transportation of only one driver. You can put a passenger on, but it will be difficult to ride with him. In the Kawasaki 250, the seat is not designed for twoa person, and the bike will go much slower.

Kawasaki klx 250 D Tracker will undoubtedly show itself from the best side, if you clearly understand 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 drive at 130 and above, it won't work for you.

Price range

The price of a used 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, it will cost about 330,000 rubles.

Main competitors

Kawasaki has collaborated with the Suzuki brand, so the motorcycles of these brands are not competitors. But Honda makes the Kawasaki 250 D Tracker a significant competitor. The Honda CRF 250L is the main contender in the small displacement motorcycle market. Despite the fact that both bikes come from Japan, the differences are quite significant.

Honda enduro motorcycle is positioned as a means of transportation for every day. Designed as a counter to the popular D-Tracker 250, the Honda CRF 250L has very similar features. Tank capacity of 7.7 liters, 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 went to the Honda bike from the legendary line of sports CBR motorcycles. The manufacturer deformed it and reconfigured it forbetter traction from the bottom. That is why the reviews of motorists say that the Honda is more powerful and manageable. But the Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 looks much better. He is a real city slicker. Bright colors and a powerful look make it a home on the streets of the metropolis.

Parts

Before buying any motorcycle, drivers ask themselves: is it difficult to find spare parts for it? This problem is very relevant, because. many bikes are imported from abroad, so parts on them are not easy to find in Russia. What's up with Kawasaki's 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 the owners speak about the motorcycle? Reviews about the Kawasaki 250 can only be found positive. It is called an excellent city bike for beginners. It is easy to drive, maneuverable, so it will be an excellent start for beginner motorcyclists. And the excellent braking system, which instantly stops the bike even at high speed, will save you from collisions and accidents.

Owner feedback on the Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 also confirms that the bike has good flotation: it easily rides off-road. And if you rearrange the standard wheels to wide motards, the motard will be able to overcome difficult terrain.area.

Of the minuses, the owners note the power, which is no longer enough for the second year, and a slight acceleration of the motorcycle. Comfortable driving is possible at speeds up to 80 km / h. On the track, riding the Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 is almost impossible due to the wind that blows the bike to the side. Above 100 km/h, it becomes very unstable.

Results

Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 is a great bike if you know exactly why you're buying it. For beginners and lovers of enduro bikes, it will suit one hundred percent. Reliable, with a thoughtful design and excellent technical characteristics, it will serve its owner for many years. And the low cost makes it very affordable. Many people use it to perform various tricks: the light weight makes the Kawasaki D-Tracker very maneuverable.

But don't put unreasonable hopes on him. The bike is not able to participate in long trips and will not compete with road or sport bikes. The Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 is a great bike for getting around town.