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Kawasaki KLR250

1984 COLD WAR

History of the Kawasaki KLR250

The motorcycle gave the Army a unique way to traverse a variety of terrains in a short amount of time. As motorcycles proved to be a viable tool in combat during the First World War (1914-1918), such vehicles were used for rapid reconnaissance, communications, rapid attack and light cargo transport. Motorcycles are now used by various special forces around the world, and these products are often based on civilian license plates, albeit modified for the rigors of military service. The Kawasaki KLR 250-D8 series is an exceptional motorcycle that has been used by the U.S. Special Forces as well as the U.S.

Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps, and has proven to excel on the battlefield.

The bike weighs about 260 pounds but still maintains its lightweight classification. It has a traditional two-wheeler layout, spring wheel units and headlights. The back can accommodate a hard case for transporting delicate cargo. With an overall length of 7 feet, the paved road has a range of up to 210 miles.

Power is provided by a Kawasaki four-stroke single-cylinder engine with up to 28 horsepower. Various modifications are commonly made to military-civilian motorcycles, including reduced noise and thermal signatures, improved suspension systems, low-light headlights, and strengthened structures.

The original KLR 250 model debuted in 1984 and was succeeded by the KLR 250-D8 in 1991. The KLR 250 series itself was replaced by the Kawasaki KLR 650 model - designated M1030 B1 in US military inventory.