The Essential Machine

Is there anything as lonely as a single-cylinder motorcycle on a blustery winter’s day?

Bolt upright and tossed around by the wind

I felt alone, but not forsaken.

Am I the only one out here? 

I struggle on the highway, trying not to pull too many revs.

It’s a miserable run.

After an eternity, I start the countdown to my exit.

And the relief of rolling off the highway.

I bang her hard over, sailing down the exit ramp.

No need for braking, the single cuts like a scalpel.

The blustery wind no longer an issue in town,

Just braaping thru gears from light to light.

The mellow aftermarket slip-on makes mechanical music.

 

For me, skinny lightweight singles are pure motorcycle.

There is no fat.

It’s not an ego extension or some twisted fantasy.

It’s all that’s really needed.

The essential machine.

The KLX is no highway hero.

It shines brightly in urban environments,

Is a genteel friend down country lanes,

And an absolute party on dirt roads and trails.

I like the slender two-gallon fuel tank.

Large tanks make awkward, top-heavy motorcycles.

I’ll trade agility over range any day, especially in my corner of the world.

The handling is what you would expect of a dirt bike on the road.

Super light, ultra-narrow, and tall.  The slightest input makes changes.

Quite different from sport bikes and heavy street bikes.

I’m not used to being the center of attention.

Riding across town, little kids shout ‘pull a wheelie!’

Gassing up, a loud Hemi Charger rolls by, “Dawg! THAT JAWN’S LIT!!’ 

Dressed in black, rolling into the Porsche dealership.

The young office hottie said, ‘You look like a bad guy from a James Bond movie.”

Must note the curb appeal of the KLX is massive.

Another advantage to being skinny & light?

You can take it with you.

The KLX is easily squeezed into a minivan, pickup, or bike carrier.

Why ride two hours of crappy highway when you can just offload at the base of some tasty mountain roads?

The KLX250 was my gateway to flat-track racing too. (see our article)

Simply remove the lights and front brake lever, swap tires, and put on number plates.

Everyone knows Kawasaki builds bulletproof bikes.

You’re race ready. No need for safety wiring. 

It’s a very inexpensive way to race.

The KLX is similar to but more docile than a 450.

Experience taught me that Hooligan class or modified street bikes are just too heavy.

Flat track racing is about putting the power down.

Lightweight singles are the real deal.

Truly race on Sunday, ride to work on Monday.

I highly recommend flat-track racing.  

A great way to learn about motorcycle dynamics while getting your competitive urges out.

Why sit in the stands if you can be out there on the track?

I would love to try the 2023 version of the KLX.

Not only more engine displacement (300cc) but, gasp, fuel injection.