Kawasaki’s entry into the 250 dual-sport class is a friendly motorcycle that is a capable around-town commuter, as well as a motorcycle that is happy to take you on semi-serious trail rides. With fuel injection and a six-speed transmission, the short-stroke DOHC single is manageable in all situations.
For dual-sport riding, the almost fully adjustable long- travel KYB suspension—10 inches from the 43mm inverted fork, and 9.1 inches with a linkage-assisted shock—is on the plush side.
This is a recreation-oriented dual-sport motorcycle, rather than a racer with lights. Still, with over 11 inches of ground clearance, you can take the KLX250 on technical trails.
As a commuter, shorter riders will be put off by the 35-inch seat height, though that’s the price you pay for the motorcycle to be fully usable off-road. The curb weight is under 300 pounds, which is a plus, and the motorcycle is narrow.
Shod with Dunlop D605 tires that are on the street-oriented side, the 2020 Kawasaki KLX250 works quite well on the twisting paved roads you’ll find separating trails. Disc braking at both ends means predictable deceleration that is fully ready for dual-sport duty.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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