Two rides a Stable make?

I have been doing some serious looking and research and contemplating on just what I want. Basically have come to the conclusion that there is not ONE bike that will do all of it, so I guess I am going to be adding one title to my lock box.
I Love my KLR 650 and have it so close to fit just me. I know with some tweaking of the dog bones (I have an Uncle with a lathe and know a retiree from Flatland Racing) and some spring or shocks I could finish it out. The one thing I can't change is the weight, and as much as I ride alone and spots I get to only to turn around...well I need another option. Many are aware now as I have been that this needs a top end overhaul and will get a big bore, hopefully over the winter.

Hope to leach on the wealth of knowledge I know is here so, here is some I have looked into found and considering.

KLR250: Have found a few around for around 2k. I should have stolen Marc's for a zip around but just never got to it...YET! I did sit on it at Teter Rock and it felt just right as far as seat height so + there. 22HP and weight and me (125lbs) should be equation for a fun ride. Marc made one comment that sceered me though..."You don't have to worry about the rear tire getting squirrelly" Does that mean I can't? Maybe just the rider? (No offense Marc ) I would be nice to be able to grab a bit of front brake, lean a bit and turn and go on a dime. Even if required a bit of muscle to just lift the front over a puddle, lip, rock or log. Kickstart only is not by any means a deal killer but...@ buck n 1/4 getting old and frail enough that if she is stubborn..she just might win the battle. Another thing to consider is parts/mods/etc. Since the run ended in 2005, how much support is there still for this bike.

KLX250: This is where I was thinking I was going especially seeing it was the successor to the KLR,  however, at closer to 3k for what I have found out there, and riding a CRF250 at the stampede, and the KLX being a bit less powered...has me even more skeptical that it will fit the bill. Then when I found numbers like 18 HP :O

DRZ400s: Have seen a few of these and know that there are ways to adjust the ride height and @ 37-39HP? Right in the range of the KLR650. Even excited me more when I found out it is the exact same bike as a KLX400 but with Kaway colors and badge. Seems to have had a long run so parts and mods should be NP, but again, weight and seat height... Still have only found a few under or around 3k which is about the budget I am planning on leaving some for my 650.

KL250: I have seen the name in some posts and heard it mentioned while on some rides but had NO Clue what the hell it was. The Super Sherpa! and I found one, in KS! This bike sounds too good to be true. 2009 2300 miles, 26HP seat height is perfect 280 some lbs wet. 2.5k and it is in Ks :O Love the paint scheme as well and the lowered front fender is a cheap easy fix, (just let Marc go to sleep and I swap mine for his, I'll even replace his turn signal ) My main concern would be the limited runs and getting parts/mods n such.

Not a Yamaha fan really, mainly cuz I just don't know anything about them but, I know Suzuki and Honda make some same class bikes as those I have mentioned and not against looking at anything anyone might know of that fits the bill.

Appreciate and thoughts, advice, knowledge and whatever ribbing is deserved.

Scott

Since you're trying to get away from weight, don't get a DRZ.  Go with one of the others you listed.  What I like about the KLX, is that you can install a 350 kit if you want.

Since you're trying to get away from weight, don't get a DRZ.  Go with one of the others you listed.  What I like about the KLX, is that you can install a 350 kit if you want.

I seen one listed that said was bored to 350..? Does that leave any room on the cylinder wall?

https://tulsa.craigslist.org/mcy/d/2007-kawasaki-klx250-enduro/6283986750.html

Google Bill Blue KLX351, and you'll see pics.   

Holy crap, they in Wichita...do you know if they will do the work?

Just my 2 cents. The klr250 and super sherpa are perfect bikes for you, as me we are called " inseamed challenged"  KLR250 engine was also used in the Mojave ATV so parts are easy to find. The only parts that are hard to find are the plastics, you can look on ebay, there are a number of places that will sell them from time to time, but if you are looking for new, thats pretty hard. as for the super sherpa, I was really looking at on, as I liked the rear disk, air cooled and digital dash. But I find it harder to find aftermarket parts, like racks for it, klr250 is easier to find them. as for power, the 22HP on the klr250 will pull me at 84mph at redline(9500) the engine will pull to 11,000 rpm's but I do not go above redline. If I put a 16 tooth center sprocket on the front it will pull past 90mph. To me this is pretty good for a 250. You could find the older 85-88 cams, they will give you 28HP.
I was also looking at a CFR230L, DR200, and XT225/250. XT250 2014 on are fuel injected. I have heard great things about them, only bad I have heard about the xt225 is the frame was a bit weak, and had cracking problems, maybe because the bike only weighted 238 dry. xt250 is like 280 dry, my klr is 252 wet.
You are more than welcome to ride mine , anytime you want. I can say I have no plans on replacing it or moving on to another size. I love the bike so much, ride to work everyday, and on the weekends as you know. in town I get 67-70MPG on the dirt I get 80, and on the highway doing 60 I get 62MPG.
One;y problem people say about the klr is the valves have to be checked every other oil change. To be honest, I can do the valves almost as fast as I can change the oil, so it is very easy.
As for power in the turns, I like the power it has, I can nail it in a turn if I want the rear to come out, but it isn't like a KTM 530 or a dirt bike with the front wheel off the ground in a sliding turn.
Feel free to ask any question you have, anytime, as for the fender, you could put a SM fender on, there only like $30.,It will be what I do to mines soon.
Marc

Thanks for chiming in Marc and I WILL take you up on that offer.
Have you seen or rode a Sherpa?
The one other thing I noticed about the KLX is that damn strap right where I would park my skinny ass

I did read about the Mojave as well and actually have worked on one at the shop. Guy found it cheap at an auction and I was ready to make an offer. Great lil quad!

Is the KLR prone to flats or just the rider

He use to install them so I don't know why he wouldn't. 
Almost all the frames are relatively weak on smaller cc dual sports.  I mean if you commute and cruise gravel roads and weigh less than 200lbs, you'll never have a problem, but if you weigh more and start getting a little more aggressive and hitting lots of minimum maintenance roads you could create a stress fracture.  I've read that the KLX frame is weak, but I have yet to have a problem with my old KLX300.

Rite On Savage thx. I got the # just might give him a call.

This looks like a deal....?

https://topeka.craigslist.org/mcy/d/2002-kawasaki-klr-250/6278821726.html

This looks like a deal....?

https://topeka.craigslist.org/mcy/d/2002-kawasaki-klr-250/6278821726.html

Texted the guy on this one got a reply it just sold 

It's only me that gets the flats. "It's the way I ride man !!"

If u want to come down and take my klr for the weekend. Let's me know.
I have not rode a kl250.

Maybe I should have put "WTB" in the title?