First ride: Kawasaki KLX150L

After putting Kawasaki’s new entry-level KLX150L through its paces in both an urban setting and as a paddock basher for more than three weeks, the little learner-approved dual-purpose motorcycle surprised me in more ways than one. Sure it won’t get the hairs on your chest to stand up, but it’s fun to ride and downright addictive to swing a leg over -- especially when you know you can ring its neck without the fear of losing your license.

The KLX150L is built off the KLX150 platform, but now offers increased off-road performance due to larger motocross-sized front and rear wheels. While Kawasaki Australia is heavily marketing it as more of an urban runabout, it can still tackle smooth dirt roads and paddocks.

KLX150L IN BIKE SHOWROOM

Powered by an electric-start 144cc, air-cooled, SOHC, two-valve single-cylinder engine, power is not abundant, but it pulls as hard as an engine this size can. Producing a claimed 12hp at 8000rpm and 11.3Nm at 6500rpm, a moderate amount of revs are needed to get the KLX150L moving, but once away there is enough zip in the engine to out-accelerate most cars into the buffer zone and comfortably hold speeds between 60-80km/h. With a top speed just on 100km/h I wouldn’t recommend venturing out onto any highways, instead opting for suburban and lower speed roads. Off-road there is just enough power to get the rear sliding in first gear through corners, allowing riders to experiment at relatively slow and safe speeds.

Power delivery is gentle and linear, while the fueling is smooth throughout the entire rev-range. The handlebar-located choke is very easy to operate and cold morning starts see no hesitation in the engine firing up immediately. It doesn’t take long for the little engine to warm up and, once the choke is off, will see the revs drop into a nice, smooth single-cylinder pulse.

Admittedly, the five-speed gearbox isn’t handling much power but it is silky-smooth while still being direct. The clutch pull is extremely light -- which is welcomed, as this engine requires a helluva-lot of shifting to get the most out of it. Neutral is also easy to find at a stop.

With a seven-litre tank and a measured fuel consumption of 3.1lt/100km, visits to the bowser are rare and infrequent -- you should see north of 200km from a full tank. The fuel tap is also easily accessible.

The single 240mm front disc, pinched by a twin-piston caliper, offers an acceptable level of retardation but is the KLX150L’s weak link. Power could be a little stronger, but that isn’t the deal-breaker -- it is the front lever’s very spongy feel. The rear 190mm disc griped by a single-piston caliper helps bring the KLX150L’s braking just above par with its adequate power and feel. I don't see it as much of an issue on a bike like this, but the KLX150L is void of anti-lock braking.

Usually on cheaper bikes poor suspension is the chink in their armour, but the KLX150L’s 33mm non-adjustable front fork and five-way preload adjustable monoshock does a very admirable job both on the road and dirt.

With 175mm and 190mm of wheel travel front and rear respectively, the bouncy bits soak up off-road bumps and broken-up country roads well. The larger diameter wheels offer good ground clearance and not once did I bottom out the suspension -- sure I wasn’t hucking it off what I would a 450, but it is not designed for that. What it is designed for off-road it does well.

On the road the steering is light and precise, while the IRC trails tyres do a good job of instilling confidence in the KLX150L’s handling -- it really is an easy bike to ride both on road and off. The KX-inspired two-tone seat is super-grippy and offers an acceptable level of cushioning. All the rider-controls are spaced well and at 182cm I did not feel cramped on it. The super-wide handlebar makes flick-ability exceptional, and it’s also rubber-mounted for reduced vibrations. The long stalk mirrors offer good visibility of the past.

The high 875mm seat will make it a little difficult for shorter riders to be able to get two flat feet on the ground at standstill, but the low claimed kerb weight of 115kg allows rider tippy toes to provide enough support, control and confidence while at a stop.

The simple dash features an analogue speedometer, odometer, indicator, neutral and high-beam lamps. On the rear cowl is a handy tool bag that features everything necessary for quick on-the-go maintenance -- and with a motorcycle as basic as this even the most amateur spanner spinner could possibly fix the problem.

At $4899 rideaway with a 12-month factory warranty, the KLX50L is an absolute bargain for a motorcycle newbie, or a more experienced rider who wants a cheap daily urban-commuter or weekend paddock basher.

The KLX150L is not going to give you your speed fix or put the butterflies in your stomach into a frenzy, but it is going to get you from A to B cheaply, reliably and in style, while also giving you the option of riding via checkpoint C off-road.

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 12hp (8.6kW) at 8000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 11.3Nm at 6500rpm
Economy: 3.1 litres/100km (measured)

TRANSMISSION
Type: Five-speed
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Perimeter, steel
Front suspension: 33mm telescopic fork, non-adjustable, 175mm travel
Rear suspension: Single shock, five-way adjustable preload, 190mm travel
Front brakes: 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear brake: 190mm disc with single-piston caliper
Tyres: IRC trails -- 2.75-21 front, 4.10-18 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed curb weight: 115kg
Rake: 26.5 degrees
Trail: 107mm
Seat height: 875mm
Wheelbase: 1340mm
Fuel capacity: 7 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $4899
Colour: Green/white
Bike supplied by: Kawasaki Australia, www.kawasaki.com.au
Warranty: 12-month, unlimited kilometres