2023 Kawasaki KLX300 Dual Sport - Dirt Bike Magazine

#adventure #nature #mountains
This week we returned to our roots. It was all about riding small-bore dual-sport bikes. We have the Kawasaki KLX300. The main appeal to the bike is price; it sells for around $5500. It is made in Thailand and more about simple transportation than going fast off-road. The Kawasaki KLX300 has a very different backstory. It’s been blinking in and out of existence since 1994. In its early days, it was one of very few small-bore off-road four-strokes. In technology, it was miles ahead of the Honda XR250R and the Suzuki DR250 of the day, which were both single overhead cam and air cooled. The off-road version of the KLX lasted about 15 years–most of that time as a 300. The dual-sport version KLX250 was introduced in 2006 and lasted until 2014. It disappeared for a brief period and then showed up with fuel injection. The version of the bike you see today came to life in 2021 when the displacement was upped to 292cc. One area where Kawasaki splurged was in suspension. The fork has adjustable rebound damping, and the piggyback shock has adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping. On our scale, the Kawasaki is 282 pounds without fuel.

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[neilouellette]

Dealer near me in Rhode Island has one new 2023 KLX300 left for $5, 699 out the door! Black w/black camouflage. Real tempted.

[zrtrackerjoe]

I hit 9100 miles on my 2021 KLX300. Been a solid bike, very forgiving with regards to maintenance and has taken me all over the Pennsylvania woods. It's no KTM or Husky but will still get the job done.

[wsl]

This video gives me a better sense of what it can do off road. Thank you.

[jdirt]

We need more Japanese 450 dual sports....

[petezny]

Love my 21 KLX300. Not a lot of trails around here, none legal that is, so mine spends 80% of it's time on the road, usually with a green milk crate zip tied on back. Run to the store, spend an hour on the trails, hop three exits on the expressway, jump on a ferry and ride up to good trails in CT; it basically does everything well, not great, but well is usually enough. It's seen the number one spot in the garage occupied by a F850GSA and the current KTM890 and I'm sure it will outlast a few more stablemates, it's a keeper.

[Dave-swdm]

Entertaining video. I owned a KLX250s for 6 years. Bought the KLX300SM in August 2021. I still explore hard pack and gravel roads with it, but it is so much more enjoyable on the street. Put as many miles in one year as I did in six years on the 250.

[seethingsclearlyawaken]

I agree, this bike is a best bang for the buck on/off road bike!

[HighCountryRambler]

I came off a WR450 when I bought the 2022 KLX300, mostly for being able to throw it on the back of the RV and have street AND trail riding ability... I miss the raw power of the 450, but what I don't miss is getting my arms ripped out of their sockets hanging on. At age 67 it's the perfect comfort bike, but trying to wheele over a down tree or creek is nearly impossible.
I upgraded the exhaust and went 3 teeth up on rear gear which helped, and hoping when I dump these stock tires for a Dunlop like these will complete the package.
No regrets from me, although having the ability to carry more than 2.0 gals of fuel would be a huge plus.

[quinnkirlew]

Nice chilled out review for a chill bike. Another pro that could have been mentioned would maybe be maintenance and reliability compared to a race based bike.

[RiggadonDan]

I had a KLX250 and didn't really appreciate it until it was gone. The reliability and comfortable ride are very rewarding, especially when you ride the bike the way it's meant to be ridden. You'll only be disappointed if you expect to ride it like a race machine. The short wheelbase and fairly low weight make it a fun trail bike for slow-medium speed stuff, not to mention urban tomfoolery.

I do regret selling mine since it seems like a bike I could have kept for a lifetime.

[Trollintheroom]

What an informative no nonsense review, well done!

[adamhall]

I love my ‘09 250. Quiet, smooth, goes fast enough to keep up with any reasonable traffic. Nice suspension for anything but all out racing.

Excellent trail bike.

[decibellone]

I used to enjoy motor bikes, but traffic is too scary for me today. But I like these entry level offerings from Honda/Kawasaki/Yahamha... enough power to do what you want to do but if your're brave enough to get into traffic these days you still can. I like trail riding. these bikes may be something to get me back into it.

[brianfeeney]

You Just sold Me on My Next Playbike 🎉
Excellent Straight-Up Review …..
Thank You and continue on with this Stylization in Future Videos !!!!
✨🏍️ 💫

[pinkiewerewolf]

Excellent production quality in this video.

[metalted]

It’s entry level, great bike.
For its price, !!

[justamotorcycleenthusiast]

Saving up to buy one cash. I want a dual sport to use to work in any type weather. Make quick trips to no where.

[driller]

We need modern 400-500cc dual sports with long maintenance intervals from Japan.

[mr.terwilliger]

As close to perfect as you can get, wish it was a 350, but thats ok. the fuel injection and 6 speed is really what sold me.

[calcrappie]

For a fun bike for desert and woods it works fine. Suspension is the strong point, especially the front. It will save your bacon. Street work is pretty good as well. Make a good urban bike because it is very thin and tall for getting between cars etc. Mild mannered for people starting out and the 6 speed box is very smooth.