The all-new Kawasaki KLX300SM takes the fun to the streets fully Super-Moto style. Staying faithful to its roots, the all-new KLX300SM street-focused lightweight Super-Moto motorcycle comes ready with all the tools necessary to deliver an exciting riding experience.
Smooth power delivery and crisp throttle response help riders maneuver through stop-and-go city traffic, navigate country back roads, or experience the exhilaration of Super-Moto racing at their local track.
The KLX300SM was developed alongside the KLX®300 dual-sport and features similar DNA, including many shared engine and chassis components. Where the models differ is overall styling and intended use.
While the KLX300 dual-sport is equal parts on-road and dirt, the KLX300SM receives a number of Super-Moto-inspired componentry. This includes 17-inch front and rear wheels paired with street tires, Super-Moto tuned suspension, and aggressive styling. These differences establish the KLX300SM because of the ultimate lightweight Super-Moto.
For riders trying to find a sporty model that keeps to the streets, the all-new KLX300SM lightweight Super-Moto is quick to steal the scene with equal parts performance and attitude. This Super-Moto’s ability to carry a decent line around a corner will have riders smiling in their helmets, whether riding laps around the track or carving through city traffic.
Kawasaki KLX300SM Highlights
- 17-inch front and rear wheels
- Powerful fuel-injected 292cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine
- Electric start
- Super-Moto tuned long-travel suspension
Kawasaki KLX300SM engine:
The new KLX300SM is powered by a Super-Moto-inspired 292 cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine with a rewarding spread of power across the rev range. The engine features cam profiles sourced from the KLX®300R off-road model, and electrofusion cylinder, and ultra-hard coating within the aluminum cylinder.
The result’s a crisp throttle response that enhances the motorcycle’s rider-friendly low to mid-range and offers improved engine reliability. a light-weight piston, piston pin, and rod also contribute to power-producing revs.
The engine has low reciprocating weight because of the utilization of a cam lobe for every valve, with a shim-under tappet arrangement, which also contributes to raised efficiency during high RPM. With a bore and stroke of 78.0 x 61.2 mm, the engine boasts 292 ccs.
Rider comfort on longer trips is additionally increased partially to the engine’s low mounting point, which effectively lowers its center of gravity. A flat piston and pent-roof combustion chamber deliver an 11.1:1 compression ratio.
The fuel injection system contributes to reliability starting during a wide selection of conditions and electric start makes firing up the KLX300SM a breeze. Optimized ignition timing and a gear-driven engine balancer also contribute to a smooth engine with a simple to use power delivery, providing maximum rider comfort during long trips.
Several updates to the radiator deliver superior cooling efficiency, including the utilization of dual radiators and slimmer radiator sizing. An innovative radiator fan cover directs hot air down and far away from the rider, significantly increasing comfort when stuck in heavy traffic or riding in warm conditions.
Gear ratios on the new KLX300SM facilitate shifting for optimal performance on and off the race track. The KLX300SM features a honeycomb catalyzer and a secondary air system for cleaner emissions, alongside a spark arrester.
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
The KLX300SM features a box-and-tubular-section high-tensile steel perimeter frame that makes a slim, lightweight package, offering maneuverability and excellent control at the track or on the road. A 26.7-degree caster angle and short wheelbase provide quick handling characteristics, while the high rigidity frame ensures a composed ride.
The lightweight, highly rigid aluminum D-section swingarm also contributes to low unsprung weight. The 43 mm inverted cartridge-style fork handles the suspension up front and comes with compression damping adjustability. A Uni-Trak® suspension is often found on the rear, which offers excellent road holding ability and bumps absorption.
A gas-charged shock with preload and rebound damping adjustments allows riders to tailor suspension settings to better suit different riding conditions.
BRAKES & WHEELS
Front and rear petal disc brakes on the KLX300SM offer impressive stopping performance with a twin-piston caliper gripping a 300 mm semi-floating disc up front and a single-piston caliper gripping the 240 mm disc in the rear.
The KLX300SM comes fitted with 17-inch front and rear wheels, for lots of fast-paced riding possibilities. Excellent wheel rigidity contributes to light, smooth handling and offers outstanding durability.
ERGONOMICS
For the new model, the KLX300SM motorcycle receives a narrow handlebar style with comfortable positioning that adds aggressive styling and puts the rider in a relaxed and upright position to deliver an easy to control ride. Foot-pegs are also positioned closer to the bike’s centerline for an optimal riding position.
Complementing the new KLX300SM adventure capabilities is a fine-tuned seat design for added comfort on longer rides and a 33.8-inch seat height for increased stability when stopped.
INSTRUMENTS & STYLING
The KLX300SM features modern styling that is guaranteed to turn heads in the city and at the track. The new sharp front cowl and headlight design give the bike an aggressive touch. Its rugged design includes a mounted Super-Moto style rear fender and sharp taillight that contributes to the motorcycle’s bold theme.
Additionally, the KLX300SM mirrors have sharp lines contributing to a more modern and aggressive look.
An all-digital control panel offers the rider valuable information at a glance. The control panel features a digital speedometer, bar-type tachometer, clock, dual trip meters, and a variety of warning/indicator lamps.
ACCESSORIES
A handful of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories (KGA) will allow riders to personalize the rugged look of the Kawasaki KLX300SM and offer added convenience. Rear carriers are designed to conveniently secure gear on the back of the motorcycle when it’s time to escape for a quick day trip or overnight adventure.
The accessory hand guards add an aggressive look while also blocking the wind from the rider’s hands. Handlebar pads are also available for an even more aggressive look.
COLORS
The KLX300SM Super-Moto model comes in the Lime Green/Ebony and the Oriental Blue/Ebony colorways.
QUICK FACTS:
- The KLX300SM is built on the all-new KLX300 dual-sport platform, which is based on the KLX250 platform that was heavily revised in 2018.
- Powering the KLX300SM is the 292cc DOHC motor that’s 43cc larger than the KLX250.
- The Super-Moto arrives with a steel perimeter frame and short wheelbase for quicker handling.
- Stopping the KLX300SM is a twin-piston caliper squeezing a 300mm semi-floating disc up front, and a single-piston caliper squeezing a 240mm rear disc. Other highlights include an all-digital instrument panel and a 33.8-inch seat height.
SPECIFICATION POWER:
| Engine: | 292cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 4-valve single |
| Bore x Stroke: | 78.0 x 61.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel System: | Fuel injection: ø34 mm x 1 |
| Ignition: | Digital CDI |
| Starting: | Electric |
| Lubrication: | Forced lubrication, wet sump |
| Transmission: | 6-speed, return |
| Clutch: | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| Final Drive: | Chain |
PERFORMANCE:
| Frame: | Perimeter, high-tensile steel |
| Front Suspension / Wheel Travel: | ø43 mm inverted fork with adjustable compression damping / 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel: | Uni Trak, gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir, adjustable compression and rebound damping, and adjustable preload / 205 mm (8.1 in) |
| Rake / Trail; | 25.0° / 70 mm |
| Steering Angle (L/R): | 41° / 41° |
| Front Tire: | 110/70-17M/C 54S |
| Rear Tire: | 130/70-17M/C 62S |
| Front Brake: | Single semi-floating ø300 mm petal disc with dual-piston caliper |
| Rear Brake: | ø240 mm petal disc with single-piston caliper |
DETAIL FEATURES:
| Dimensions (L x W x H): | 2,145 x 790 x 1,145 mm (84.4 x 31.1 x 45.1 in) |
| Wheelbase: | 1,435 mm (56.5 in) |
| Road Clearance: | TBA |
| Seat Height: | 860 mm (33.9 in) |
| Curb Mass**: | 138 kg (304 lb) |
| Fuel Capacity: | 7.7 liters |
| Instrumentation: | LCD screen with digital speedometer, bar-type tachometer, clock, dual trip meters, and a range of warning/indicator lamps |
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES:
- Wheelbase: 56.5 inches
- Rake: 25 degrees
- Trail: 2.8 inches
- Seat height: 33.9 inches
- Ground clearance: 8.5 inches
- Fuel tank capacity: 2.0 gallons
- Curb weight: 304 pounds
About the author: Michael Parrotte was the Vice President of AGV Helmets America, and a consultant for KBC Helmets, Vemar Helmets, Suomy Helmets, Marushin Helmets, KYT Helmets, Sparx Helmets. In addition, he is the founder and owner of AGV Sports Group.
