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2012 Kawasaki KLX™140L
Going from minibike to a full-sized machine can sometimes be a tricky transition. And for novices, making that jump can be difficult indeed. But now there’s a motorcycle that bridges the gap nicely – Kawasaki’s KLX™140L. Featuring 19” front and 16” rear wheels fitted to the standard-spec KLX140, the L-model is the ideal machine for more experienced or longer-limbed fans of smaller displacement machines. And with its more performance-oriented, reservoir-equipped rear shock, there’s plenty of performance for everyone. As always, the standard KLX – with 17” front / 14” rear wheels – is a first-rate option for novices and smaller riders.
Pricing/Color Information
Features
All
At a glance... - 144cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine is both simple to operate and to maintain
At a glance... - Close-ratio transmission makes optimum use of the engine’s power
At a glance... - Progressive manual clutch offers young riders the chance to master clutch engagement and gear shifting
At a glance... - Rear shock with piggyback reservoir has fully adjustable preload, four-way compression damping and 22-way rebound damping
At a glance... - Keyless electric starting via a starter button on the handlebar; an LED indicates when the power button is on to help prevent accidental battery drain
At a glance... - Front 220mm petal disc and large-bore 27mm twin-piston caliper (same size as those on the KX450F/250F) for strong and easy-to-control braking
At a glance... - Quiet muffler is equipped with a USFS-approved spark arrester, meaning the KLX140L can access designated public off-road riding areas
144cc Air-Cooled, Single-Cylinder Engine - Reliable and easy to use lightweight engine is both simple to operate and to maintain
144cc Air-Cooled, Single-Cylinder Engine - Engine revs easily and allows riders to use the full rpm range up to the 10,500 rpm rev limiter
144cc Air-Cooled, Single-Cylinder Engine - Exhaust pipe is curved to achieve optimum length for good power character
144cc Air-Cooled, Single-Cylinder Engine - The quiet muffler is equipped with a USFS approved spark arrester, meaning the KLX140L can access designated public off-road riding areas
144cc Air-Cooled, Single-Cylinder Engine - Oil-moistened air-filter is washable, reusable, easily accessed and highly effective in dusty situations
144cc Air-Cooled, Single-Cylinder Engine - 31.5” seat height accommodates taller riders
Electric Start - Starting is via a (keyless) electric starter button on the handlebar
Electric Start - Orange LED light activates when the power button is depressed, indicating that power is “ON”
Electric Start - Digital CDI ignition helps ensure quick, reliable starts
Carburetor - Oval piston-valve Keihin PB20 carburetor features several Kawasaki-original modifications to provide stable fuel delivery under rough off-road conditions
Carburetor - Partitions in the float chamber keep the fuel from sloshing excessively and an umbrella around the main jet traps fuel when jumping
Carburetor - Dual air vents help provide a stable fuel supply and eliminate hesitation even when the bike is at extreme lean angles
Carburetor - Needle valve is suspended on a spring that acts like a shock absorber
Carburetor - Float material is rubber instead of plastic
Close-Ratio Transmission - Close gear ratios help the KLX’s acceleration performance
Close-Ratio Transmission - Like the KX models, the shift lever features a ball bearing to ease shifting and has a folding tip for less damage in a crash
Progressive Manual Clutch - Manual clutch offers young riders the chance to master clutch engagement and gear shifting
Progressive Manual Clutch - A spring damper in the clutch gives it a 2-stage engagement that permits half-clutch use when riding at extremely low rpm or idling speeds, and helps provide direct clutch feel and better durability
Box-Section Perimeter Frame - Ready for the off-road abuse, the highly rigid, KX™-inspired high-tensile steel perimeter frame uses the same upper tubes as the KLX250S
Box-Section Perimeter Frame - Aluminum swingarm offers light weight, strength and a hairline finish like on the KX machines
Box-Section Perimeter Frame - KX-style chain adjusters allow precise chain adjustments
Superior Suspension - 33mm telescopic fork assembly has spring rates and damping settings specific to the 140L
Superior Suspension - Intended for use at a quicker pace, the KLX140L features a rear shock with a piggyback reservoir fully adjustable spring preload, 4-way compression damping and 22-way rebound damping
KX-Style Wheels - Strong, high-grade die-cast hubs offer the same durability as those found on the KX
KX-Style Wheels - Durable, lightweight RK EXCEL aluminum rims on the 19/16-inch front/rear wheels
Petal Disc Brakes Front and Rear - Front 220mm petal disc and large-bore 27mm twin-piston caliper (same size as those on the KX450F/250F) offer strong and easy-to-control braking
Petal Disc Brakes Front and Rear - Rear brake uses a 186mm petal disc gripped by a 27mm single-piston caliper
Petal Disc Brakes Front and Rear - Rear brake master cylinder features a large-volume, unitized reservoir that contributes to stable braking and helps ensure sufficient fluid pressure even when the brake pad wears down
Petal Disc Brakes Front and Rear - In addition to helping reduce unsprung weight, the wave shapes of the petal discs help clean the brake pads for more efficient braking performance
Ergonomics - Combination of the flat surface of the frame’s box-section, long footpegs mounted close to the bikes’ centerline and no kick-start lever add up to good grip and a high level of machine control
Ergonomics - Footpeg/frame relationship is modeled after the KX line for maximum leg grip
Ergonomics - Handlebar is rubber-mounted for reduced vibration transferred to the rider’s hands
Ergonomics - Two-piece upper triple clamp and handle clamp foster easy aftermarket handlebar installation
Ergonomics - Raised pattern on half of the grip surface offers more control and comfort
Ergonomics - Two-tone seat cover has a slip-resistant top surface for good grip when seated and smooth sides for excellent rider mobility when standing
Sharp, Aggressive Bodywork Styling - Box-section perimeter frame features advanced styling similar to that found on KX racers
Sharp, Aggressive Bodywork Styling - Two-piece shrouds with ventilation holes inspired by the top-of-the-line KX race machines
Sharp, Aggressive Bodywork Styling - Fuel tank cover provides a flush transition from tank to shroud, and contributes to the bike’s high level of fit and finish
Sharp, Aggressive Bodywork Styling - Eye-catching box muffler design protrudes as little as possible from behind the side cover, and features a plastic muffler end-cap that offers a surface cooler to the touch than steel
2012 Kawasaki KLX™140L
Specifications
Engine
- Engine
- Four-stroke, SOHC, two-valve single
- Displacement
- 144cc
- Bore x Stroke
- 58.0 x 54.4mm
- Compression Ratio
- 9.5:1
- Carburetor
- Keihin PB20
- Fuel Capacity
- 1.5 gal.
- Cooling
- Air
Transmission
- Ignition
- CDI
- Transmission
- Five-speed with wet multi-disc manual clutch
- Final Drive
- Chain
Chassis
- Suspension Front
- 33mm telescopic fork
- Wheel Travel, Front
- 7.1 in.
- Suspension Rear
- UNI-TRAK® linkage system and single shock with piggyback reservoir, fully adjustable preload and 22-way rebound damping
- Wheel Travel, Rear
- 7.1 in.
- Brake Front
- Single 220mm petal disc with a dual-piston caliper
- Brake Rear
- Single 186mm petal disc with single-piston caliper
- Tires Front
- 70/100-19
- Tires Rear
- 90/100-16
Dimensions
- Rake (Caster Angle)
- 27 degrees
- Trail
- 3.8 in.
- Overall Length
- 74.6 in.
- Overall Width
- 31.1 in.
- Overall Height
- 42.3 in.
- Ground Clearance
- 10.0 in.
- Seat Height
- 31.5 in.
- Curb Weight
- 209.4 lbs.
- Wheelbase
- 50.6 in.
General Information
- Warranty
- 6 months base warranty
- Frame
- High-Tensile steel, box-section perimeter


