Kawasaki KLR250

Military Motorcycle [ 1984 ]

The Kawasaki KLR250 series motorcycle formed a quick-reaction force for elements of U.S. Special Forces and Marine Corps.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 05/14/2019 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

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The motorcycle has provided land forces with a special means of traversing varied terrain in short order. Such vehicles have been used in the fast reconnaissance, message delivery, fast attack, and light cargo hauling roles since the motorcycle proved itself a viable instrument in the fighting of World War 1 (1914-1918). Various special forces services worldwide make use of motorcycles today and these products are often based on civilian marks though modified to meet the rigors of military service. The Kawasaki KLR 250-D8 series is a motorcycle of note - having been used by American special forces as well as the USAF and USMC - and has proven itself a robust battlefield performer.

The motorcycle weighed in at nearly 260 lb but maintains a lightweight classification. It sported a conventional two-wheeled motorcycle arrangement, sprung wheel units, and headlamp at front. The rear sides could hold hard cases for transporting sensitive cargo. Overall length is seven feet and range is out to 210 miles on paved roads. Power was served through a Kawasaki 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine developing up to 28 horsepower. Militarized civilian motorcycles generally saw various modifications enacted including noise and heat signature reductions, improved suspension systems, low light service headlamps, and reinforced structures.

The initial KLR 250 model debuted in 1984 and was succeeded by the KLR 250-D8 in 1991. The KLR 250 series itself has been replaced by the Kawasaki KLR 650 models - marked as M1030 B1 in the U.S. military inventory.©MilitaryFactory.com

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Specifications

Service Year

1984

Origin

Japan

Crew

1
CREWMEN

Production

4,200
UNITS

Kawasaki Heavy Industries - Japan

(View other Vehicle-Related Manufacturers)

Australia; Canada; Chile; United States

(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)

Length

7.0 ft
2.14 m

Width

3.0 ft
0.9 m

Height

4.3 ft
1.3 m

Weight

364 lb
165 kg

(Showcased structural values pertain to the base Kawasaki KLR250 production variant. Length typically includes main gun in forward position if applicable to the design)

Powerplant: 1 x Kawasaki 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine developing 23 to 28 horsepower.

Speed

80.8 mph
(130.0 kph)

Range

62.1 mi
(100.0 km)

(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the base Kawasaki KLR250 production variant. Compare this entry against any other in our database)

None save for any personal weapons carried by the operator.

Supported Types

Graphical image of the M3 Grease Gun submachine gun

(Not all weapon types may be represented in the showcase above)

None.

KLR250 - Base Series Designation; model of 1984

KLR 250-D8 - Improved military model of 1991

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