Kawasaki KLX 300 or Honda CRF 300L - Which did I buy and why?

I currently own a middle-weight adventure motorcycle (KTM 790 ADV R) and recently decided to buy a dual-sport motorcycle as well. I had a budget and several other factors to consider which I outline in this video. Earlier this year Honda and Kawasaki launched their 300 cc dual-sport models at a great price point that met my budget and priority needs. Come along for the ride as I share my reasons that many of you may also be considering when purchasing one of these motorcycles or a second one to add to your garage.

[zrtrackerjoe]

I have almost 6, 000 mi on my 2021 KLX and it has been a great reliable bike I've done several dual sport rides and had great times on it

[billwiley]

Generally long term the Honda in the off road/ dual sport category at least in my area of the country would hold a higher resale value for longer. Usually the fit and finish on Honda and Yamaha products is just better than that on the Kawasaki and Suzuki products.
Most riders over about 160 lbs w/gear on will need to upgrade the suspension for any type of remotely capable offroad duty anyway so the big deal on the suspension will not really be in play for many buyers.
And actually for most trail type of riders the higher torque of the Honda engine will be more beneficial in more situations that the higher horsepower on the Kaw. Also where is the weight carried on the two bikes? Just from appearance the Kawasaki may be lighter but it appears its weight may be carried higher than the Honda.
Just another persons opinion and things to consider.

[RedCAMG]

We have amazingly similar situations. I bought a Tiger 900 Rally Pro last year as many of my Harley riding buddies had bought adventure bikes. I quickly realized the off road limitations of both me and the bike. Several months ago I bought a 300 Rally as a side bike to my Road Glide and Triumph. It's about 25 pounds heavier than a standard 300 but part of that is the 1.5 gallons of extrafuel it carries. It has quickly become my go to bike. Being 170 pounds lighter that the Tiger I can take it anywhere. Now my adult son Brandon learned to ride on the Rally so I bought a 300L as well so we can ride together. The two Hondas are similar but also very different, I have aftermarket tires on both along with the usual assortment of addons. I considered the KLX to go with the Rally but figured I would eventually upgrade the suspension on either so I bought the 300L. These are all great bikes and huge fun for small dollars.

[rlogue]

Love my KLX300, I've taken it on a little real tough single track and it did pretty good!

[T.Android]

Both bikes look great and offer adventure and freedom. Got to love it.

[kennymoultrie]

That was my uncle and I at 1:50 sec. I remember talking to you at the hooch run in suches. Great video look forward to seeing you out there again this year !

[mikegunn]

I'm a taller guy 6'4" so I went with the Honda and no regrets so far. I dod end up doing the suspension.

[BlueCollarBeerSnob]

I'm thinking you can't truly go wrong with either of these bikes, BUT I just bought the KLX camo and LOVE me look cool too.

[allans]

Good video I just picked up the Kawasaki KLX 2023 model
Same reasons that you purchased. I’m a veteran rider and I absolutely love this bike I’m so impressed with Kawasaki design right out of the box! Esp the dash, suspension and seat

I’m in Southern California let me know if there’s any rides out here :)
Happy Riding!
Allan

[davidray]

I sat on the KLX300l in the showroom. Ended up buying a 22 KTM 390 adventure. So far it seems great.

[kurtleifken]

I'm 55 years young an I always road a Honda but bought the klx an love it. Low end grunt but fast enough to ride on the road. It's perfect for someone who can't get out every weekend.

[Broxty]

This was an extremely tough decision for me. I'm a huge yamaha guy and with the drop of the WR250r I had these two to choose from.... after going back and forth for 9ver 6 months I finally ordered the CRF300L. Honda just holds value more and people absolutely love them. Kawasaki just isn't as popular, and I want resale value to hold if a WR350r or something comes out.

[HighCountryRambler]

Thanks for the video.
It's ironic how I landed in the exact same place as you. In my younger years I ran hare scrambles and endros mostly on 2 stroke MX bikes. I still have a WR450F which I ran desert scrambles with but for this old guy it getting hard to hang onto. So I added a BMW F700GS ADV bike for dual sport, but man I'm struggling with the size and weight. So it looks like I'll ditch the 450 and go with one of these bikes and like you add some mods.
Everyone says the same thing about the suspension difference, which makes me lean towards the Green Machine as my retirement gift from me to me.... Case closed.

[MotorcyclesOffroad]

Interesting video, and methodology. I did a video where I took both on and offroad side by side and I gave Honda the slight edge over the Kawasaki. Mainly for me it was the transmission, slipper clutch, and the display. I also felt the Honda looks more modern, but I did mention that I like the camo KLX300 graphics. If you get a chance check out the video, I enjoyed yourse btw.

[Elohim]

If I ever consider buying another dual sport with more power I’ll probably go the KLX 300 with that oh so nice camo look to it. 👌🏻

[sboy]

I really like both bikes but am leaning towards the Honda for now..? I know I’ll be riding trails, gravel roads, and around town most of the time BUT undoubtably will do short road trips once in awhile as well. Having selectable ABS is something I want when on the hard roads. I can upgrade the Honda suspension but I can’t add ABS to the Kawasaki.

Edit: Thanks for your time and effort putting this video together! Great job!

[hayvalley]

I love Hondas but between these two bikes, I feel the better adjustable suspension alone puts the Kawi over the top. No doubt that the Honda has better dash, looks, and headlight. Most of that is is just flash, (except for the headlight), not needed. I've also heard alot of chatter about Honda flame out with this model. I bought the Kawasaki, lowered it a bit and will change out the snorkle and headlight. Good to go except for the pipe. I don't want it to be too loud so I'm hesitant on changing the pipe out. Still thinking about it.

[SomewhereInside]

Last trail bike owned 1986 TT225 street legal six speed 280mm ground clearance 98kg dry weight .. $2500AUD new from memory .
Wheelstands at will …jumps no issue, power slides a breeze …rocky hills easy.
Ok only about 90 km cruise speed on road.
Built like a tank .
These bikes are they really better?

[stormyweather]

Great video sir cheers !! Can someone explain what slipper clutch on the Honda does? Thank you in advance

[joepennRR]

I have a 2021 I went with the green because it's more visible