The Kawasaki KLX 300 motorcycle extends the playing field with high-grade dual-sport performance. The flagship KLX features strong power and versatile performance for taking over paved streets, back roads, wooded trails, and beyond.
Experience thrills on a variety of terrain with the KLX 300-the possibilities are plentiful on this highly capable dual-sport.
The KLX 300 retains the 34mm throttle body and six-speed transmission, and the compression ratio has boosted a tad to 11.1:1. The cam profiles are the same as the KLX300R off-road motorcycle.
Although the chassis looks identical-it’s a steel perimeter frame-the spec sheet reveals a couple of differences. The KLX300 has 0.2 degrees more rake, and therefore the trail is increased by 0.1 inches. The KLX300 also features a wheelbase that’s extended by 0.4 inches.
Suspension travel and adjustability are unchanged-10 inches of travel within the fork and a touch over 9 inches for the linkage-assisted piggyback-reservoir shock.
The Kawasaki KLX 300’s seat height is 0.2 inches above the KLX250’s. The KLX300 weighs just four pounds quite the KLX250, now breaking the 300-pound barrier.
The odd spec is that the ground clearance, which Kawasaki says is reduced by 1.4 inches to 9.8 inches on the KLX300. once we find out why we’ll update this story.
The Kawasaki KLX 300 is $200 more than last year’s KLX250. That puts the MSRP at $5.599 for the Lime Green version. If you wish the Fragment Camo Gray look, be prepared to distribute $200 for it. We don’t yet know when it’ll hit the showroom floors.
Kawasaki KLX 300 highlights
- Kawasaki’s Digital Fuel Injection System
- Fuel-Injected 292cc Liquid-Cooled four-stroke engine
- Convenient electric start
- Full digital instrumentation
- Updated Radiator for improved cooling efficiency
- Dual-sport tuned long-travel suspension
- On-road dual-sport versatility
Kawasaki KLX 300 Specs:
Engine:
The new Kawasaki KLX 300 Dual-sport is powered by an Enduro-inspired 292cc liquid-cooled DOHC single. The engine features cam profiles sourced from the KLX300R off-road model, an electrofusion cylinder, and ultra-hard coating in the aluminum cylinder.
“The result is a crisp throttle response that complements the motorcycle’s rider-friendly low to mid-range and offers improved engine reliability,” states Kawasaki. A lightweight piston, piston pin, and connecting rod also contribute to power-producing revs. No horsepower and torque numbers have been announced by Kawasaki.
Chassis & Suspension:
The KLX300 features a box-and-tubular-section high-tensile steel perimeter frame that creates a slim, lightweight package. A 26.7-degree caster angle and short wheelbase provide quick handling characteristics, while the lightweight, highly rigid aluminum D-section swingarm also contributes to low unsprung weight.
The 43mm inverted cartridge-style fork handles the suspension up front and comes with compression damping adjustability. A Uni-Trak® suspension can be found on the rear, which is designed to offer good road holding ability and bump absorption.
A gas-charged shock with preload and rebound damping adjustments allows riders to tailor suspension settings to better suit different riding conditions. Suspension travel is 10 inches in front and 9.1 inches in the rear.
Brakes & Wheels:
Stopping performance is delivered through the front and rear petal disc brakes with a twin-piston caliper gripping a 250mm disc up front and a single-piston caliper gripping the 240mm disc in the rear. The KLX300 comes fitted with dirt-friendly 21-inch and 18-inch spoked wheels.
Kawasaki also highlights the new bike’s optimal wheel rigidity which “contributes to light, smooth handling and offers outstanding durability.”
Ergonomics & Instruments:
The KLX300 receives a comfortable handlebar position that 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.
An all-digital instrument panel offers the rider valuable information at a glance. The instrument panel features a digital speedometer, bar-type tachometer, clock, dual trip meters, and a range of warning/indicator lamps.
Accessories:
A handful of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories (KGA) allow riders to personalize the Kawasaki KLX 300 and offer added convenience. Options include a rear luggage rack designed to conveniently secure gear on the back of the motorcycle, handguards, and handlebar pads.
Featuring:
- 292cc LIQUID-COOLED FOUR-STROKE SINGLE WITH DOHC AND FUEL INJECTION
- TRAIL-TUNED LONG-TRAVEL SUSPENSION
- STREET-LEGAL DUAL-SPORT VERSATILITY
- ADDITIONAL VEHICLE FEATURES:
- All-digital instrumentation
- Hassle-free electric start
- Fully adjustable rear shock
Kawasaki KLX 300 Specs:
ENGINE:
- Type: Single-cylinder
- Displacement: 292cc
- Bore x stroke: 78.0 x 61.2mm
- Compression ratio: 11.1:1
- Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 valves
- Fueling: EFI w/ 34mm throttle body
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Final drive: Chain
CHASSIS:
- Front suspension; travel: Compression-damping adjustable 43mm inverted cartridge fork; 10 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted fully adjustable piggyback-reservoir shock; 9.1 inches
- Tires: Dunlop D605
- Front tire: 3.00 x 21
- Rear tire: 4.60 x 18
- Front brake: 250mm petal disc w/ twin-piston caliper
- Rear brake: 240mm petal disc w/ single-piston caliper
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES:
- Wheelbase: 56.7 inches
- Rake: 26.7 degrees
- Trail: 4.2 inches
- Seat height: 35.2 inches
- Ground clearance: 9.8 inches
- Fuel tank capacity: 2.0 gallons
- Curb weight: 302 pounds
- PERFORMANCE
| Frame: | Perimeter, high-tensile steel |
| Front Suspension / Wheel Travel: | ø43 mm inverted fork with adjustable compression damping / 255 mm (10.0 in) |
| Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel: | Uni Trak, gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir, adjustable compression and rebound damping, and adjustable preload / 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Rake / Trail: | 26.7° / 106 mm |
| Steering Angle (L/R): | 41° / 41° |
| Front Tire: | 3.00-21 51P |
| Rear Tire: | 4.60-18 63P |
| Front Brake: | Single ø250 mm petal disc with dual-piston caliper |
| Rear Brake: | ø240 mm petal disc with single-piston caliper |
COLORS:
- Lime Green
- Fragment Camo Gray (+$200)
DETAILS:
| Dimensions (L x W x H): | 2,195 x 820 x 1,195 mm (86.4 x 32.3 x 47.0 in) |
| Wheelbase: | 1,440 mm (56.7 in) |
| Road Clearance: | TBA |
| Seat Height: | 895 mm (35.2 in) |
| Curb Mass**: | 137 kg (302 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 |
| Warranty: | 12 months |
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.
