The days of settling for cramped ergonomics and limited performance aboard simple one-sized machines are over. With its 19” front / 16” rear wheels and advanced rear shock, Kawasaki’s KLX™140L dirtbike is the ideal match for more experienced or longer-limbed fans of small displacement off-road machines. Its more elementary sibling; the 17” front / 14” rear KLX140, is a first-rate option for novices and smaller riders.

Starting is an easy affair; just press the power switch, thumb the KLX140L’s start button and let the fun 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 and aggressive body work. The 140L’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 up front by a 33mm fork with spring rate and damping settings specific to the KLX140L, while its aluminum shock includes a piggyback reservoir, fully adjustable preload, 4-way compression and 22-way rebound damping to suit high speed operation by heavier riders.

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 a 186mm rear rotor grace the KLX140L with serious stopping power. Both utilize petal shaped discs, which help clean the brakes and reduce unsprung weight for better performance.

Designed to be beginner and novice friendly with a roomy layout and enough performance to suit more-advanced riders, the KLX140L delivers an ideal blend of small stature and big potential that simply equals fun for kid to adult riders.

Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.

Electric start
- Starting is via a (keyless) electric starter button on the handlebar
- Orange LED light activates when the power button is depressed, indicating that power is “ON”
- Digital CDI ignition helps ensure quick, reliable starting

Carburetor
- Oval piston-valve Keihin PB20 carburetor features several Kawasaki-original modifications to provide stable fuel delivery under rough off-road conditions
- Partitions in the float chamber keep the fuel from sloshing excessively and an umbrella around the main jet traps fuel when jumping
- Dual air vents help provide a stable fuel supply and eliminate hesitation, even when the bike is at extreme lean angles
- Needle valve is suspended on a spring which acts like a shock absorber
- Float is rubber instead of plastic

Close-ratio transmission
- Close gear ratios help the acceleration performance of the KLX
- Like the KX™ models, the shift lever features a ball bearing to ease shifting and has a folding tip for less damage in a crash

Progressive manual clutch
- Manual clutch offers young riders the chance to master clutch engagement and gear shifting
- A spring damper in the clutch gives it a 2-stage engagement that permits half-clutch use when riding at extremely low rpm or idling speeds and helps provide direct clutch feel and better durability

Box-section perimeter frame
- Ready for the off-road abuse, the highly rigid, KX-inspired high-tensile steel perimeter frame also uses the same upper tubes as the KLX250S
- Aluminum swingarm offers light weight, strength and a hairline finish like on the KX machines
- KX-style chain adjusters allow precise adjustment of the chain

Superior suspension
- 33mm telescopic front fork has spring rates and damping settings specific to each model
- Intended for a higher average speed, the KLX140L features a rear shock with piggyback reservoir with fully adjustable preload, 4-way compression damping and 22-way rebound damping

KX-style wheels
- Strong, high-grade die-cast hubs that offer the same durability as those found on the KX
- Durable, lightweight RK EXCEL aluminum rims on the 19/16-inch front/rear wheels

Petal disc brakes front & rear
- Front 220mm petal disc and large-bore 27mm twin-piston caliper (same size as those on the KX450F/250F) for strong and easy-to-control braking
- Rear brake uses a 186mm petal disc gripped by a 27mm single-piston caliper
- Rear brake master cylinder features a large-volume, unitized reservoir that contributes to stable braking and helps ensure sufficient fluid pressure is maintained – even when the brake pad wears down
- In addition to helping reduce unsprung weight, the wave shapes of the petal discs help clean the brake pads for more efficient braking performance

Ergonomics
- Combination of the flat surface of the frame’s box-section, long footpegs mounted close to the bikes’ centerline and no kick-start lever add up to good grip and a high level of machine control available to the rider
- Footpeg/frame relationship is modeled after the KX for maximum leg grip
- Handlebar is rubber-mounted for reduced vibration transferred to the rider’s hands
- Two-piece upper triple clamp and handle clamp fosters easy aftermarket handlebar installation
- Raised pattern on half of the surface of the grips just like the top-class MX racers
- Two-tone seat cover has a slip-resistant top surface for good grip when seated and smooth sides for excellent rider mobility when standing

Sharp, aggressive bodywork styling
- Box-section perimeter frame, with advanced styling similar to that found on the KX racers
- Two-piece shrouds with ventilation holes inspired by the top-of-the-line KX race machines
- Fuel tank cover provides a flush transition from tank to shroud, and contributes to the high level fit and finish
- Eye-catching box muffler design protrudes as little as possible from behind the side cover, and features a plastic muffler end-cap that offers a surface cooler to the touch than steel