Honda CRF300L vs Kawasaki KLX300 (Now That I've Ridden Both Off Road)

The Honda CRF300L and Kawasaki KLX300 are two of the best values in dual sport motorcycles. Both are capable, easy to ride, incredibly reliable, and affordable for most riders. For new and intermediate riders looking for the best entry level dual sport motorcycle, KLX 300 vs CRF 300L is quite a dilemma. On paper, Honda CRF300L vs KLX300 is a dead heat. But once you ride both the KLX and the CRF, how do they actually feel? Which of these beginner dual sport motorcycles is the best choice?

I've now spent extensive time both with the Honda CRF300L off road and the Kawasaki KLX 300 off road and I am ready to give my complete and honest opinion about which is best beginner dual sport.

At the end of the day, KLX300 vs CRF300 is a close match for a reason. These bikes are basically the same. There's honestly very little reason to choose one over the other because the feeling of riding both dual sports off road is the same. They're both capable but slow, bulletproof but undersprung, and inexpensive but with a clear limitations both on and off road.

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Disclaimer for reasons: I am not a professional journalist, expert motorcycle rider, or a mechanic. These videos are for entertainment purposes and represent my personal opinions and experiences. I'm just a dude who isn't even good at riding or making videos, so be smart and don't risk life or limb trying to follow my example or advice.

[DorkintheRoad]

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[HillbillySnake]

As someone that has also had the chance to ride both, I agree completely. You can literally pick “do I want a red bike or a green bike?” and either way you’ll have a great bike that’s so similarly matched to the competitor that it doesn’t matter.

[alfshether]

At 66 years old I sold my heavy adv bikes (3) and bought a 2018 250 Klx. Heavier shock and fork springs along with power upgrades and it dragged my 240 lb carcus through the woods with fun and made using 6th gear on the hwy possible. This year at 70 years young I added a 2023 Klx 300, with the same mods and now have a very capable adv/dual sport that I can pick up when things go sideways. Both the Kawasaki and Honda are a great platform for reasonable purchase price that can be upgraded to be much more capable with not huge dollars. Dealer choice was the determining factor. Ride happy, Alf.

[bmotomo]

For someone closer to the weight the suspension is calibrated for, the KLX suspension is way better. Front and rear. And can be ridden way more aggressively off road. The 300l on the other hand, has the best power delivery. And a transmission with perfectly matched grear ratios to go with it. Those are the two biggest differences I noticed between the two. I had a 2021 KLX. And my brother has the 300L. Both of us have been riding/racing dirt bikes for thirty plus years. There something about these bikes that I feel make them a lot of fun no matter your skill level. The are just so user friendly. And both bike make noticeably more power with a fuel tuner and free flowing exhaust. The Honda suspension can easily be upgraded too. If you can get past the fact that for pure fun, you dont need to ride the highest performance bike. Either of these can do a lot more than most people think they can.

[joethompson]

I would say, if you are a heavier rider, then the KLX's adjustable preload (rear) and compression (front/rear) tip the scales (I'm 240lbs +) Great review!

[Kenny_C]

Recently purchased my very 1st bike having never rode before. Bought the KLX300ds and absolutely love it. Your gear reviews and videos have been a big help.

[twowheeledadventures]

Considerations: For light adventure riding, the CRF300L has longer valve check intervals and larger, after-market fuel tank availability. KLX has "usable" suspension, unlike the CRF which needs to be replaced.

[rebman]

Probably the best advice I've heard from any reviewer on these and similar bikes. Stop worrying about the tiny details. Big picture; just go get one and ride! I'm going Kawasaki. I have a Z900, and Kawis are on sale to the end of June (if buying new) and Hondas are damn near impossible to find right now, new or used. Many used prices are equal to new; crazy.

[danshobbies]

I just picked up a KLX 300 a few weeks ago. I love it and it handles my 6 foot 295 pounds just fine. I’m very impressed actually.

[Darth_DMack]

I'm a "big guy" too, 6'3 / 255 pounds. I ride a 2019 BMW R1250GS Adventure and love it. But, I'm looking to get into a light small displacement trail bike to really hone my off road riding. These two bikes have my attention! I realize at my weight, I will have to work the suspension. This video really gave me some insight! Love your channel!

[zavaz]

This is nice to hear. I had been researching both and leaning towards the CRF, but they appear to be non-existent, at least in my part of the country, New England. About 6 weeks ago, I found a KLX at a dealer in MA (I live in VT) that hadn't been sold already (they sell out within a day or two of being posted on a dealer's website; I'd already missed a couple). I've been happy with the KLX and it's nice to know that the differences aren't worth agonizing over.

[KLX-Rider]

Excellent points made! Since they are so similar, & a win / win, I decided to buy the 2024 KLX 300 (lime green) as my first bike because I really like the look over the Honda. There's something about that green that just grabs me. I can also say that this will NOT be the only bike I buy. I have been infected with the love of riding, the love of bikes & wish I had gotten one decades ago, not waiting until I was 54 years old. Thanks for all you put into making these videos, they truly are helpful & APPRECIATED!

[Michael_Shay]

I'm a newish rider on a CRF250L Rally and it's my first bike. Honestly I wouldn't have known the suspension was bad if nobody said anything. I may have felt something was a bit off but not known exactly what but I don't think I would've known. Just because I have no point of comparison. I've ridden my bike, a TW200, and a DRZ400 for about 5 minutes. Realistically a new rider is gonna be happy with whatever bike they get because they're just happy to be on a bike.

I think you're right when you say get whatever one you can get the best deal on. Also with the Honda, get the one that you can find near you. The Honda dealerships in my city still have a 1+ year wait time on these bikes. Whereas I've actually seen KLXs in stock at places.

[zrtrackerjoe]

I finished the last power mod on my KLX and totally wish they could just sell it this way. Noticeably different from stock. 10400 miles worth of fun!

[bluhoss]

I started with a BMW 850gs and bit off more than I could handle. I purchased a 300L and I'm having a blast building my dirt skills. Loved the BMW and may go back to it after I become more proficient on the dirt. Love the 300L right now.

[jwaller]

I bought the KLX300 because it became available first. My buddy waited and got the CRF300L. Both of us were just beginning off road riding, though we both had 20+ road experience. Not much between them. I still think the CRF300L is the clear winner for road and maybe the better do-it-all bike. But the KLX300 crashes better when riding off road. I never had to replace anything from dropping my KLX (which happened a lot as I was an inexperienced dirt rider). My buddy was always breaking things like plastics, gear levers, rear brake lever, etc. The black camo on the KLX does a good job of hiding scratches and stuff that would be obvious on the green one or a red CRF.

[wherewithalmoto]

Please don't try the blindfold test, might be fun to watch but don't really want to see what would happen 😂

[airadaimagery]

I totally agree. I’ve owned both Honda and Kawasaki motorcycles for more than 40 years now, and in my opinion, they have both always been great reliable bikes. That said, I do like having a fuel gauge on a bike that I ride on the Hwy. C’mon Kawasaki!

[GrotrianSeiler]

Really loving my new KLX. What a great bike. Has surpassed all expectations. All for $7400 out the door. Great fun!

[curtishouser]

Probably not what most people want to hear that are looking to make a purchase but probably the best opinion. Well done.