Kawasaki KLX 140

The Kawasaki KLX 140 has got a traditional appeal of a proper dirt bike, with minimalist body panels suggesting that the motorcycle stays true to its focus of offering a proper focus on performance rather than visuals.

At the front, the Kawasaki KLX 140 gets a flat white-coloured panel with a high mounted green-coloured fender. The absence of a proper headlamp and turn indicators make this motorcycle unfit to use on open roads. There are rubber gaiters for the front telescopic forks, which add a purposeful look to the front.

The rugged and minimalist look of the Kawasaki KLX 140 is carried forward in its side profile as well. The motorcycle sits high from the ground and has its whole engine uncovered. The small fuel tank is surrounded by sleek-looking cowls, which extend forward in the form of sharp-looking shrouds. These panels come with bold looking body decals, which add some life to the otherwise simple-looking design.

The Kawasaki KLX 140 gets a long single-piece seat, below which sits a broad white looking panel. This panel covers the high-mounted single-sided exhaust and merges well with the side body panel to make it look like a single unit. The tail section of the Kawasaki KLX 140 looks very simple and bare-bones, with just a high-mounted fender above the rear tyre. Here also, the motorcycle lacks the presence of a proper tail lamp and turn indicators. Like a proper dirt bike, the Kawasaki KLX 140 is adorned with rugged-looking off-road spec tyres with broad tread blocks wrapped over aluminium spoke wheels.

The handlebar of the Kawasaki KLX 140 looks flat with minimal controls and switches, thus giving the motorcycle a very simple and functional look. There is no instrument console either, and the KLX 140 gets silver-finished handlebar levers for the front brake and clutch. While the motorcycle lacks several features and essentials, it feels built to a purpose, with great levels of fit and finish.

Sitting on a KX-based perimeter frame made of aluminium, the Kawasaki KLX 140 has a suspension combination of conventional hydraulic telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock with a rectangular swing arm. The long travel and stiff setup for the suspension make the KLX 140 a proper dirt bike to tackle the worst of surfaces. A front and rear disc brake combination in the KLX 140 has been fitted for braking purposes.

Powering the Kawasaki KLX 140 is the smallest engine for a Kawasaki dual-purpose motorcycle – a four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 144cc engine. The engine is paired to a 5-speed gearbox and produces a maximum power output of 12 PS and a peak torque output of 11.3 Nm. For a motorcycle that weighs just 99 kg and has compact dimensions, the power-to-weight ratio of the Kawasaki KLX 140 makes a hoot to ride.

The Kawasaki KLX 140 is an entry-level motorcycle that is designed purely for hardcore riding. To keep the prices in check and serve it as a pure-blooded off-road machine with no limits, the Kawasaki KLX 140 lacks modern safety features.

If you are new to dual-purpose motorcycles and want to hone your skills in riding on off-road terrains, the Kawasaki KLX 140 is a great first stepping stone. The motorcycle has a great chassis and an excellent engine, which though not too powerful, is responsive enough to make it fun while riding. For a small-capacity dirt bike, the Kawasaki KLX 140 has perfect ergonomics, and the lean stance further makes it a great choice as a full-size trail bike.