Kawasaki introduced the KL250A in 1978 and repeated the same KL250B in 1979. Kawasaki was late to the quarter-liter, dual-purpose model market as Honda introduced the XL250 in 1972. After Honda saw their sales number explode, they quickly invested in major improvements. Yamaha, and Suzuki did the same with their DTs and SPs. Kawasaki As and Bs were competitive when new, but were soon eclipsed by Honda. After 1980, all four brands raced to dominate the market with improved models.

 The KL250 was Kawasaki’s first serious on/off road play bike. The company had an acknowledged reputation for quality. Qualified mechanics will confirm this. If a Kawasaki product failed in some regard, it was usually due to poor owner maintenance. It’s simple air-cooled SOHC 2 valve engine is easy to work on. Long travel suspension (for the time) is comfortable with 13” shocks. 21hp with 14hp of torque pulls from the low end. The exhaust system can justifiably called quiet. The KL is very fuel-efficient. Combine its 2.6 gallon tank with a fuel rate of 78 mpg gives you a range of 202 miles from a full tank. If aesthetics influence you, one has to give the KL a nod-overall it’s beautifully designed. Prices for used KLs run from “here take it!” to around $2500 for one in near new condition. Most fall in the $500 range. Warning-pass on a used KL with bad electrics and doesn’t run. If the first condition exists add $250 to the selling price. If the engine needs a rebuild add $500 to the selling price.

 Production numbers for the early Kawasaki’s A and B models were low which explains why most of today’s aftermarket companies offer very few essential replacement parts other than spark plugs, filters and wear items. The Kawasaki factory has died up as a source for part resellers.

 The one single part most KL250 builders need is the carburetor boot that mounts the carb to the engine. After 44 years, these rubber collars crack and can introduce air directly into the engine. This leans the fuel mix and can burn the engine down. Phil Little is the only source in the western world with new ones.

 Phil Little’s KawasakiKLsOnly.com is a company that is sourcing and manufacturing parts for these 44 year old A and B models. Little’s website offers quality items which can help get your KL back in running condition. Go to his website and discover if his site has the parts you need. A note, the company does not source parts from China. When you contact the company, you will always talk to the owner.

 Some of the un-obtainable or rare parts he offers are;

[ ] Side covers

[ ] Carburetor boots to engine

[ ] Front brake cables which no one has. 54005-1005

[ ] Rear fenders

Some common parts include;

[ ] Oil Filters

[ ] Exhaust Gasket

[ ] Air filters (at the lowest price anywhere)

[ ] Shift and control levers

Parts in development

[ ] Wiring harnesses

Conclusion

It can be difficult to part with old KLs, but there are ways to revive them and make them look as good as new. Find KL250 1978-79 Gear Shift Change Lever, KL250 1978-79 Front Brake Cable 54005-1005, KL250 1978-79 Side Covers, and other spare parts and accessories. You can order replacement parts from our easy-to-use ordering system. Visit www.kawasakiklsonly.com. Email: phil@phillittleracing.com. Call cell 952-607-6063