I am looking for a 250cc bike to use as a lightweight dual sport for exploring much of Colorado's back country. At present, after much research, I'm leaning toward Kawasaki's KLX250S. Why not the Yamaha, you ask? Great question. The XT250, which is the Yamaha I'd be interested in, is too expensive; almost $6k new. And they don't pop up used around here, often.
Here's the 2009+ KLX250S. Specs look good (27HP, 280 lbs wet and a 35" seat height):
![Image](http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/photogallerys/83574Kawasaki_KLX250S_stat2.jpg)
In addition to the KLX, I've also entertained the KLR250, the CRF250 and CRF230, and the XT225.
For those of you with some experience in this front, what do you think of the KLX, do you see any other options that I'm missing, and what would you recommend? My preference is for a bike under 300 lbs, wet.