2024 KLX 300 - Everything You Need To Know! - Cycle News

First ride on the NEW 2024 Kawasaki KLX 300. We tested the standard Dual Sport model and the Supermoto versions to bring you an in depth look at both machines.
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#KLX300 #DualSport #SuperMoto

[@govnor1495]

I have the SM. I've owned everything from a Z125, scooters to big cruisers, Hayabusas, R1 etc. There isn't anything more fun than these

[@cyclenews]

Awesome!

[@jimstenlund6017]

How’s the SM version in the dirt?

[@govnor1495]

@@jimstenlund6017 I live in the city so I have never taken it offroad other than a gravel road. It's like any other motorcycle on gravel roads. It will do it but I wouldn't want to get in mud or deep sand. I like it because you can jump curbs, railroad tracks, cop cars, no problem

[@christopherlimon9304]

@@govnor1495cop cars hahah that’s funny 😂 I’m about to go this week to get my first sm trading in my r1 any first modifications recommendations?

[@CenturionSilver]

I have the 2024 . I've done about everything that can be done to it. Here are the top things to throw away: foot pegs. Handlebars. Exhaust. Mirrors. The rear stock tire is " ok " but the front is garbage on loose gravel roads. Biggest complaint for ME is the seat being too hard and the bike gets super buzzy. My balls go numb after a 30minute ride😅.

[@cyclenews]

All valid points.

[@weldonholdendemayo2093]

Why the exhaust, what was your replacement handlebars?

[@wadewarnock5926]

Just Bought one can confirm its a great bike so far and a lot of the accessories cross over with the previous gen

[@cyclenews]

Great to hear!

[@tieoneon1614]

Crazy good bikes, especially at the price. I had a ton of modded out enduro bikes. And Im blown away how good this bike is with just $40 spent on el cheapo footpegs, a 13t front sprocket, airbox snorkel pulled out and handle bars rolled up/forward. Suspension clickers turned 1 one click on all 3 adjustments. Tires air'd down offroad. Thats it! Very enduro capable cuz of the super smooth throttle, grunty motor, and its a trail bike chassis. And zero vibrations on the pavement.

[@cyclenews]

That's awesome! Great budget-friendly tips that really make a difference.

[@Moises-cl9yh]

What year you have?

[@tieoneon1614]

@@Moises-cl9yh got the '24 now, had 2 different '18 250's that were 95% same bike. And had an '03 KLX300R that shared most its parts too.

[@Funco1979]

Love the look of it - reminds me of the KDX200. I'd like one.

[@mikef3300]

I’d like to test ride the SM version. I would like to see manufacturers bump up the displacement to 500cc though.

[@KingFriday274]

I had the 2021 klx 300 And that new styling looks so much better.

[@cyclenews]

Have to agree with that one!

[@MattPerry]

KLX 600 that would be nice

[@stevesmith756]

Yes!! A modern chassis bike with a 600cc engine. They would sell everyone of them

[@allans7281]

I have the 2023 does the new one have the same suspension? Are the handlebars position higher or lower in relation to the seat than the previous model

[@Chris-lq5yy]

Wish they made this in 450

[@bryanmayes9234]

​@@RedboneUnincorporatedlol he said one of these in a 450 ffs

[@kingdomfunding]

This is great info, thank you

[@cyclenews]

Thanks for watching!

[@Mechanical_Mind]

I had a 2006 KLX250 and kt was awesome for my woods/ trail bike. I had YZ450F for track bike. The KLX250 was so easy and effortless to ride in the trails it was like cheating. I was able to beat 450 riders in tight technical trails. Ofcoure on open straight aways a 450 would slaughter it.

[@wilson5377]

Considering the crf300l and the cost it would take to convert to sm, I'd prefer to wait for the klx300sm... ready to ride, since i don't prefer trail that much. So it comes down to specificity on what one prefers... not what you expect the bike to be. Anyway you choose... drive safe & thanks for the enlightening review. Guess I'm switching to team green asap!😂

[@tylercampion2353]

I just ordered one, super pumped.

[@cyclenews]

Congrats!

[@TokenTombstone]

I have a 2006 KLX 250. Love it.

[@cyclenews]

Awesome!

[@Funco1979]

I've had 3 Kawasaki's and they were all good - none of them gave me any problems (only a broken clutch cable on the KDX 250).

[@cyclenews]

That's great to hear.

[@patricknavin2189]

Right on. The camo grey looks like the one.

[@cyclenews]

Pretty cool right?!

[@patricknavin2189]

yessah. kinda matches the 06' camo ruckus i have@@cyclenews

[@russellbaker9459]

Yeah I’ve shortlisted this bike as an alternate to a KLR 650 for its off road prowess…I’m 260lbs, can this bike do 60-70miles an hour without feeling like I’m wringing its neck?

[@cyclenews]

60 yes, 70 you'd be pushing it.

[@fudk_off1312]

Anyone know if the delkevic exhaust are compatible?

[@Losangelesmotorcycles]

they are , they are pretty much the only ones who make it for this bike,

[@wheeliewadethiesen2946]

I currently have a 2017 WR 250 I don’t know why Yamaha quit making one of the best dual sport bikes for the price totally bulletproof. I got 17,000 miles on it now so I’m looking for something to equal it but can’t spend a lot of money it just might be the KLX 300. I work for Yamaha and can get anything. Yamaha makes for 35% off. I’m sure they’ll probably make a 450 or a 300 when I retire. 😡

[@chrisvozza6530]

That 2024 does look wayy better

[@DualSportDoug]

100 times better with the new headlight and tail light design

[@cyclenews]

Wish they would've done it sooner!

[@RickyJr46]

I hope Kawasaki bring these on their 2024 demo tour!

[@davidhunter801]

I just retired and moved to a rural area with 80% dirt/gravel roads. The paved roads are very twisty and hilly. I'm an experienced road rider with no dirt experience. Thinking of getting a dual sport to explore my new neighborhood, don't plan on any offroad riding. How would the KLX do for me?

[@cyclenews]

That seems like a a great recipe for a mid-level dual sport like this.

[@user-jf8tc9sc3r]

This is a perfect bike for what you described! I have a 2018 KLX250.

[@scubasteve9449]

That’s basically what I use it for. Around town and fire trails and dirt road exploring. I have the 2023 version. I have no regrets

[@calcrappie8507]

Need a KLX 1200. Just following the logic of this thread.... Actually, I own a 2019 KLX 250 with the camo and blacked out engine and it's a great little desert bike!

[@johnmclaughlin4802]

How much do you weigh ?

[@jimstenlund6017]

My Chinese 150 has a fuel gauge and gear indicator.

[@cyclenews]

Nice

[@eastsidelegend385]

Needs fuel gauge at least

[@cyclenews]

Agreed

[@user-jf8tc9sc3r]

My KLX 250 goes at least 100 miles per tank...I don't need a fuel gauge, I just fill up before I get to 100 miles.

[@Weltbummler23]

Wonder what it takes to swap the motor with the new 390 duke motor. I dont trust ktm to make the 390 enduro R and the next gen 390 adv looks likely too heavy

[@Rick-qf5de]

KTM engines are junk short short lifespan , high maintenance... Garbage.... !!!

[@fendermon]

I'm a bit concerned about the exhaust tip being the size of a pencil. That can't be a good thing ..right? How much did the gubberment choke this poor thing, and what does it take to properly fix it? Thanks

[@joekavalauskas8767]

The gov might mandate a catalytic converter and emission that force lean running engines, but also back pressure is important to retain power. Just look at the looped yoshis on groms.

[@fendermon]

@@joekavalauskas8767 Thanks

[@mudhutproductions]

Really? You're not going to mention that beautiful teal plastic set on the SM that you can't get on either the dual sport or 300R?

[@KentwoodWarrior]

How does it feel compared to a WR250R?

[@cyclenews]

Been a while since we rode that one, but obviously this is the 300 over the 250.

[@Rick-qf5de]

It really needs the 400cc parallel twin ninja engine... I would consider one then.... ???

[@cyclenews]

That would be awesome, similar to what they did with the Eliminator, but for dirt.

[@truckacabrarex9831]

Yes

[@morkzorckerborg5000]

zx4rr powertrain would sell like hotcakes

[@ll-hw4xn]

Rode a Wr250x fully tuned and stuntkitted for 8yrs. Its the only bike I miss. This looks like a copy of the wr250r/x. Only question is if its a cheep knockoff or an upgrade? The wr250 was a high priced bike for the size but 100% quality. I beat the piss out mine for 8 years. More wheelie miles than 2 wheels and did all mods and nothing broke I live in sweden and rode it every day without ice so 2-3monthes in 1-5cellius. I even did a tour to norway on it with lugage 2500kms no problrm. Best bike ever anyone had bothe?

[@user-bt1pz8kq1j]

希望台灣能引進，川崎綠真的很好看。

[@Mr.WS6]

I would of bought to take back & fourth to work but no fuel guage or gear indicator....have to pass lol. Almost there with this bike.

[@linharesxt]

🔝

[@cyclenews]

👍👍

[@DualSportDoug]

I'm tempted to sell my DRZ and replace it with the KLX.

[@fastdude2002]

You will be disappointed with the lack of power compared to your DRZ, I know from experience. Fuel injection, 6th gear cannot make up for the huge downgrade in power and acceleration.

[@DualSportDoug]

@@fastdude2002 Telling it like it is, is exactly what I needed to hear. I sat on a KLX yesterday and found a few things I didn't like about it. There doesn't seem to be aftermarket parts to fix the issue, so it really makes more sense to keep my DRZ. My DRZ is problem free even though it's 22 years old and has 19k miles on it, so there's probably no good reason to replace it. I think I just have gotten sucked into the desire to get a shiny new object in my garage.

[@fastdude2002]

@@DualSportDoug I actually have both. I bought a new DRZ in 2020 and I recently bought a 2024 KLX300 even though it’s similar to the DRZ I just wanted to try one out first hand long term. As I said the power and torque is way better on the DRZ. The only real advantage I see on the KLX is it is a little lighter which I like when riding single track. Overall I enjoy riding the DRZ more. I’m going to use the KLX as my beater off road bike and take better care of my DRZ. I also just bought a new KTM 390 Adventure which should be an interesting bike to take moto camping, National Forest exploring, etc. I see you just bought a Tenere, very nice! I almost bought one as I really like the Tenere but decided to try out the KTM for a while. A Tenere may still be in my future if not a KTM 890 Adventure once I get bored with the 390 Adventure. Enjoy your bikes👍

[@wb7942]

Top speeds?

[@cyclenews]

Probably around 65 mph

[@kaidenpalladino8202]

@@cyclenewshey nice review! i own the 2022 klx 300sm i have a slip on, KDX snorkel intake, paired with an egk tuner, Im around 130 pounds and have topped out around 98 mph!

[@chriswells1440]

90 mph at 214 lbs

[@BoyFindsTako]

You guys, check out Suzuki’s RM600SM it’s a KLX300SM on steroids

[@TokenTombstone]

How high are you right now?

[@user-wu8db2qj3v]

Bottoms out every time you get the tires off the ground. Couldn't stand my CRF250L

[@cyclenews]

We feel this suspension is much better than the CRF-L.

[@stephenlnoe]

No gear indicator? What?? come on.. No fuel gauge? just why?

[@jeffsadowski7759]

At least the fuel one, right? Is knowing exactly how much gas you've got worth saving 80 bucks?! That's why everyone is buying a honda. To think they are paying the chief designer more than 6 figures to make this decision. I'll do a better job for half price. Then, they can use that money to put a gas gauge in..lol 😂

[@KentwoodWarrior]

Trip meter you street nerd

[@Jayjewelerofficial]

Why is this priced more then a ninja 500 if the ninja haves more tech and speed 🙃

[@stinkothestooleater4490]

Because they're completely different motorcycles, built for entirely different purposes.

[@govnor1495]

Not the same kind of bike but the KLX300SM is going to be more fun than any Ninja and I've owned several.

[@jimstenlund6017]

Because of competition. The beginner street market is🔥now.

[@donhoyt7518]

I prefer dirt oriented demeanor

[@stevesmith756]

This bike needs to be a 650

[@cyclenews]

Just don't take away the 300.

[@motofunk1]

KLX 300lbs

[@cyclenews]

In that case it would be the KLX 302 lol

[@tieoneon1614]

Thats the sweet spot for these dual sports. Any lighter and they are skittish on faster dirt roads, and get blown around by wind on highway. An average man with a little muscle has no problem picking them up or throwing around on single track.

[@kevindunnell7150]

Is this a bike review channel or a music channel? FFS.

[@cyclenews]

Thanks Kevin, glad you enjoyed!