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Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 Full Review

Today, we present to you the outstanding Kawasaki D Tracker 250, fondly referred to as the cream of the crop in the realm of supermoto bikes due to its appealing features that justify its price. It's a model that has captured wide attention, particularly in Sri Lanka, asserting its status as the 'popular choice' among supermoto enthusiasts.

In the likes of Sri Lanka and Thailand, this super machine is known as the Tracker, however, its identity differs elsewhere. Don't be puzzled if in Japan and some other nations, it's referred to as KLX 250D. Why such different names, you ask? We'll discuss more on that in a bit.

The Kawasaki D Tracker 250 is decorated with an impressive set of specifications that illustrate why it's unanimously called 'the best'. The model and make of its engine, its gear-system working in harmony with the well-crafted clutch, and even its unique chassis number, are all aspects that contribute towards making it your value for money bike.

To clarify, it's not an assertion but a fact derived from the bike's features, making our confidence over its superiority far from misplaced. Now, pondering over why it's known by different names in different countries? Intrigued to uncover more about the Kawasaki D Tracker 250's unique traits? Let's delve deeper into its impressive specifications and find out!

If we examine the Kawasaki D Tracker 250 motorbike, a key feature to observe is the chassis number - a unique identifier that changes according to the bike's year of manufacture. This distinctive characteristic ensures the validity and authenticity of the bike and can be used to protect potential buyers from overpriced purchases.

Consider the Kawasaki D Tracker 250, for instance. Its chassis number corresponds accurately with its year of production and enables individuals to confidently invest in an authentic Kawasaki D Tracker 250 without paying unnecessarily high prices.

This correlation between the chassis number and the manufactured year is a significant detail, and learning how to interpret it could be of great asset to potential buyers.

It is distinguishable from other bike models like Hornet, Jade, and XR bikes and it is important to focus on the Kawasaki D Tracker 250's characteristics without these comparisons creating a diversion.

The transitioning designs from 'pointed wings' to 'rounded wings' is a vague reference and needs further clarification. Nonetheless, the focus should remain on the clear distinction of the Kawasaki D Tracker 250 model and its chassis number relationship with the manufacturing year.

High standards of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure are maintained for an optimal reading experience.

 LX250E -315 (1998)

LX250E -321 (1999)

LX250E -331 (2001)

LX250E -350 (2002)

LX250E -A00004 (2003)

LX250E -A04311(2004)

LX250E -A07001(2005)

LX250E -A11177(2006)

LX250E -A18659(2007)


Carb

And also around 1998-2003, this bike came with rounded wings and after that, this bike came with pointed wings. The Tracker X has been designed completely differently from all of these, even in appearance. And also an EFI unit has been used instead of the carb of this bike. We will talk about tracker x in detail later. Now let’s talk about the engine of this bike.


Engine

The Kawasaki D Tracker 250 is a bike predominantly seen in Sri Lanka. This motorcycle features two main versions referred to as D1 and D2 as per the identification on the chassis. Our attention is majorly focused on the D2 model, commonly spotted in this part of the world. Refined to perfection, the Kawasaki D Tracker 250 is powered by a 249CC, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) single-cylinder Four Stroke 4 valve engine. The engine delivers an impressive performance with a maximum power of 29 brake horsepower (bhp).

The bike can reach a top speed of around 150kmph or approximately 93mph. This comprehensive description caters to audiences globally who measure speed in either kilometres or miles. It is this impressive speed that allows the Kawasaki D Tracker 250 to compete fiercely with the SB Tracker and the XR, motorcycles that share a similar market.

The bike's engine, the DOHC, stands for Double Overhead Camshaft, an engine design that improves the motor’s capacity to breathe, increase horsepower and perform better at high speeds. The SB Tracker, a term used for 'Super Bike Tracker', and XR are other motorcycle models that provide stiff competition for the Kawasaki D Tracker 250 in various aspects, including speed, power, and overall performance.

Yet, the Kawasaki D Tracker 250, sporting its powerful 249CC DOHC single-cylinder Four Stroke 4-valve engine, gives its competitors a run for their money on the tracks. However, an in-depth comparison between these bikes concerning their performance, specifications and features could offer more insight into why the Kawasaki D Tracker 250 is a formidable challenger.

Unpacking the distinction between the D1 and D2 chassis numbers, it is intriguing to delve into the manufacturing history of the Kawasaki D Tracker 250. These chassis numbers are not merely identifiers but tell a fascinating tale of the bike's evolution and engineering milestones. This historical context will inevitably enrich our understanding of the D1 and D2 models' distinctive features.

Clutch and Gear

The Kawasaki D Tracker 250 is fitted with a 6-speed gear system and a wet multiple-disc clutch. These are integral parts of a bike's operation, and it's worth discussing them in more detail. The gear system works hand in hand with the clutch to ensure smooth transitions during movement, which significantly influences a rider's overall experience. However, the materials and specific technologies behind these parts also contribute to their performance.

For instance, D1 engines of certain models sometimes experience gear jams. This is not a bike defect, but usually a consequence of insufficient maintenance. Proper upkeeping of these components is crucial, especially as the bike advances in years – remember, too, that the Kawasaki D Tracker 250 bikes in question are over a decade old. Effective maintenance practices range from ensuring that the gear system and clutch are adequately lubricated to regular checks and replacements of the clutch plates and discs.

Let's explore an example of how a lack of maintenance could lead to a gear jam. Hypothetically, if the engine oil isn't regularly checked or replaced, this could result in a lack of necessary lubrication for the gear system to function smoothly. Over time, this could cause a gear jam. To circumvent this issue, one must often check and replace the engine oil to maintain the gear system's optimal performance.

For owners or riders dealing with these issues on older Kawasaki D Tracker 250 models, this kind of knowledge can prove indispensable. If you own an older model, look out for signs of gear jam and consider the above maintenance tips as regular practices. We cannot stress enough the importance of clear communication – technical terms, if any, should be explained thoroughly. It's vital to ensure the readers of all backgrounds understand the information.

 

Design

The meter panel of the Kawasaki D Tracker 250 offers more than your average Supermoto (SM) motorcycle, displaying Speed, ODO, and Trip, with an added RPM reading specifically available in the 'Tracker X' model. The absence of a fuel gauge, commonplace in most SM motorcycles, might be perceived as a limitation. Therefore, prospective owners would benefit from vigilantly monitoring the fuel level, at least until one becomes familiar with the bike's consumption rate. Nestled within these features is a line denoting the year 2004 - known as the 'Perimeter'. While the term 'Perimeter' may sound obscure, it plays a critical role in the functionality of the bike. A more thorough explanation is certainly warranted to broaden one's understanding of this feature. Moving onto the motorcycle's fuel capacity, it is equipped with an 8-litre tank, which shouldn't pose much of a problem in terms of refuelling frequency. To culminate, the key note here is to familiarise oneself with these unique bike features and their significance to ensure an enjoyable riding experience.

The side stand switch of this bike can be shown as another important feature of this. Due to this side stand switch, if you try to move forward using the gear while the motorcycle is stationary, the engine will automatically shut down. This side stand switch doesn’t work on most trackers, and if you don’t fix it quickly, you might get into trouble.

Fuel Supply

The internal workings of an engine are fascinating, especially when it comes to the D1 and D2 engines' fuel supply. What defines the D1 is its unique reliance on a traditional carburettor for fuel supply. On the other hand, there's a shift in the D2 engine, manufactured starting from 2002. It utilises a sophisticated Keihin CVK34 sensor carburettor.

The Keihin CVK34 isn’t just a fancy piece of hardware; its usefulness shines through its high performance and exceptional fuel efficiency for D2 engines. It's worth exploring why this specific carburettor was chosen: could it be owed to its compatibility with the engine design, or perhaps its contribution to the overall engine efficiency?

Let's not forget the Tracker X model, which is an exemplar of fuel economy. Impressively, the Tracker X, outfitted with an EFI unit, manages to achieve around 45 kilometres from just one litre of fuel. It's not only about the distance; the EFI unit also contributes to optimising fuel usage for superior performance. Hence, the combination of D2 engines, Keihin carburettors, and EFI units results in minimalist consumption and maximal output.

So, whether you are a motor enthusiast or just interested in how things work, understanding the differences and the relationships between D1 and D2 engines, Keihin CVK34 sensor carburettors, and EFI units can open up a new world of knowledge.

If we talk about the chassis of this bike, only in 2004 you can see a chassis with a silver colour, and in other models, we can see a black chassis and this is an Aluminum Diamond frame. The total weight of this bike is measured as 128kg.

 

Suspensions

If we talk about the suspension of this bike a 43mm USD shock is used in the front and it has been changed from time to time depending on the year of production as silver, black, and gold, and the suspension body of this bike can also be changed.

For the back of this bike, a Mono shock has been used, and here too the colour has changed to yellow, silver, and red and it can be adjusted to 16 sizes. The seat height of the stock model (which has not undergone any modification) is about 880mm (35 inches) and someone under 5.6 feet may cause some difficulty in handling this motorbike.

Breaks and Tires

Delving into the specifics of this motorcycle, particularly the Kawasaki D Tracker 250, we'll start with the braking system. The front part of the bike uses a Nisin 2-piston calliper braking system, which simply means it has a brake disc of 250mm managed by 2 pistons inside the caliper. This complex mechanism is responsible for controlling the brake pads, playing a critical role in the bike's overall braking performance. At the rear end, a slightly smaller disc size of 230mm works in conjunction with a single-piston Nisin calliper, making for a balanced braking system that ensures rider safety.

Moving on to the bike's tyres, we're looking at a size of 110/70-17 for the front, and 130/70-17 for the rear. This numerical representation defines the tyre's width in millimeters (first number), the aspect ratio of the sidewall to the width (second number), and the rim diameter in inches (third number). This combination ensures the superior balance and handling of the bike even at high speeds.

Furthermore, the Kawasaki D Tracker features 17-inch rims which are adorned with spokes, a classic aesthetic feature for off-road or adventure bikes. The original rims are from the Excel brand, a leading name in the industry. However, as the bike models have evolved, variations in rim types are quite visible now. It's worth noting here that spoke-adorned bikes like the Kawasaki D Tracker 250 can be a bit expensive to maintain due to potential costs associated with accidental damages.

This brief overview of the Kawasaki D Tracker 250 doesn’t delve into all aspects such as its gear system, clutch mechanism, fuel supply system, design, suspension, or its manufacturing history. These details will be explored in the subsequent sections, thereby providing a comprehensive review and analysis of this motorcycle.

The Kawasaki D Tracker 250 commands an impressive legacy, emerging as a significant contender in the world of motorcycles. With origins rooted in Japan from 1999 to 2003, the D Tracker 250 represents a seamless blend of innovation and evolution.

This motorcycle, fundamentally designed on the renowned KLX Big Wheel model, underwent a series of gradual upgrades. Following its genesis phase in Japan, the D Tracker 250 began its assembly journey at Kawasaki's factories in Thailand. Over the years, the D Tracker series has seen the replacement of the D1 with the D2, followed by the transition from the D2 to the X, and eventually culminating in the KLX motorbike.

Notably, the Kawasaki D Tracker 250 should not be construed as a brand-new entrant to the market, but rather a refined version of an already popular machine. While carrying the signature of its predecessors, this bike also charts its own unique path by offering models fitted with 125cc and 150cc capacity engines. The D Tracker 150 previously came under our discussion, underscoring the broad diversity this line offers.

The design elements of the Kawasaki D Tracker 250 continue to be its major drawcard. However, specifics regarding the gear systems, clutch, fuel supply, suspension, brakes, and tyres will further enhance understanding of this formidable machine. Unfortunately, the current outline of the bike has left these crucial particulars untapped.

In conclusion, far from being just a standard motorcycle, the Kawasaki D Tracker 250 is an emblem of Kawasaki's commitment to innovation and performance. By moving the spotlight to the technicalities and specific features of the model, a more complete picture emerges – one where the Kawasaki D Tracker 250 takes centrestage with its powerful performance and striking deals.

Until the next post, be safe and keep riding.

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