Can Kawasaki KLX 300 Keep Up With “Real” Dirt Bikes? - Hatfield McCoy Trails

[@flyovercounty1427]

And then instead of a $75000 13mpg pickup truck to haul the bike you just ride it home on the road hahaha.

[@DudeGuyWho]

Best part!

[@Bug_Man_Semo]

The KLX is the automatic winner. You get to hang out with the homes, ride the trails, and not trailer it. Perfection.

[@charlieb7854]

Finally a vid of someone ripping their Klx300 hard! Thank you!!

[@keithhudspith5245]

Agreed, i see so many reviews but not actual riding, Nolan sure does make it look fun too!

[@m.g.1089]

My dad got one. I've always liked bikes but never got the bug. He let me take his klx out around the property when he bought it and now I have to have one. So much fun. Perfect tool around bike, commuter, short travel, and trail bike. A very casual rider like me can actually hand this this thing.

[@davidskinner2991]

100% getting one next summer! Never thought I'd be a 2 wheel person. But recently bought my step son a TTR-125 and drove it a few times and am like yep I need to get a bike. The KLX-300 is absolutely perfect!

[@astro3202]

U should make some videos

[@lifeisharditsharderifyoure6822]

David, nothing is perfect, except my EX wife

[@geoffreybecker7814]

The 300r is my current and first dirtbike and I love it.

[@chicochico1604]

Just bought a 2023 I can’t wait to get somewhere like this

[@Gearhart45]

You get one ?

[@advorlando9855]

I learned one thing from this video, and that is riding with dual sports will give you a better heads up on stopping with the break lights. If they aren't too muddy.

[@rod1781]

I think the reason the Kawasaki dual sports are better now is because instead of developing the streetlegal version first like in the past they are actually developing trail bikes then just putting street legal acessories that is why their dirtbike counter parts are identical other than the acessories not the Same in past years

[@augustbrante8117]

Hi there I live in Colombia and are choice of dual sports is quite small and the bikes we can get are toqueless. I just found a Kawasaki KLX 300R 2020 for sale looks like new and he has already made street legal for here with lights and turn signals. But Not the ignition or speedometer. Do you think I can get that put on? They dont sell this model where I live. Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions you can give me!

[@billbright1755]

The rider having the most fun wins! 😊

[@Matthew-zw9su]

I finished midpack in a the b class at an arizona harescramble on mine.

[@johndoe2516]

Cool video, I ride a 2020 klx300r and we are headed to Hatfield in March. The bike is a heavy bike coming off my YZ250f, but the torque makes up for it, it’s really only a pain on hard enduro type terrain for me. Now, dual sport speaking I would put this bike above 90% of the competition, especially for the price. Strictly dirt wise, there are bikes with the same and more power that weigh 60 lbs less. But all in all I can’t complain too much, aside from the weight and the narrow foot pegs it’s a beast of a bike! And on the roads the heavier weight does make the bike somewhat safer

[@jollyshrimpo]

Would love to hear about how hatfield went I go all time and I’m thinking about this bike. Also like you I’m coming off an mx bike crf250rx so I don’t know what to expect

[@russ4454]

I’d say the klx300 is as real as a bike gets.

[@Nonplused]

The stock tires are the limiting factor for off road riding on the KLX. You need to replace them before the engine becomes a limiting factor. The KLX lacks power compared to the other bikes in the video, but if you aren't racing it's fine for all but the steepest hills. At my age I find the larger bikes (450's) exhausting to ride. They are either ripping out your shoulders or piling you onto the handlebars. For me, the deciding factor on switching to dual sport is the fact you don't need to trailer it every time you come to a road or want to get some gas. Those look like awesome trails.

[@BrianSmith-ql5nj]

Dunlop d605 are great tires!

[@Nonplused]

@@BrianSmith-ql5nj They are ok. Fine on the road never had a problem, decent on hard trails, but in sand they wash all over and in mud they are near useless. But if you go with an off road knobby then they suck on the road, so it's all about finding a balance that works for you. The Dunlop d605's are a good balance if you are mostly on the road or dry trails.

[@overthehill966]

Your right on the other side of the mountain from me. I don't have my HMT trail sticker yet so I'm stuck riding my KLX300 on the rutted backroads/logging road/trails on the other side of Guyandotte river. Definitely next year.

[@overthehill966]

6 months later, I just got a HMT sticker and have been taking my boy & his KX140 up around the Pinnacle trails. I love the low end power on my 300!

[@jonathansheeder5153]

Sold. I rode most of the systems there on 4 wheelers. That thing does fine. The outlaw trails may be a challenge. I'm getting one.

[@bassfishingwiththeantichri2921]

I got a CRF and it seems like the KLX has more grunt and it sounds better if that’s stock. My last name is Hirasaki and I’ve been called Kawasaki half my life so I never dared ride one. (Singing) “Hirasaki on his Kawasaki.” So I always rode red.

[@mr.terwilliger5728]

You have the best riding videos on the net, I wish I had a pack of riding buddies like you guy. Rock on!

[@stevieturner2615]

I love my old 250 it'll haul azz,97/98. Mph I can pull in behind semis and cruise 80 mph for long time,the seats for teenagers lol I'm making mine thicker

[@thevoxofreason8468]

I did some of the toughest trails there on a DR650... once... on a bet. Never again.

[@collinmc90]

Sweet video. I've got a TW200 right now and I absolutely love it but sometimes it leaves ya wanting a little more. especially with the suspension. Thinking I might upgrade to a klx 350 in the future and do a few mods. tires/suspension and whatever feels right.

[@HappyHermitt]

Ive loved those for a long time. I never owned one though. I'd like to. Or even the XT.

[@Wutbuttonshoots]

I bought. Tw two years ago. Got the klx last year. It’s a good transition for a guy getting back into riding like myself.

[@edr3774]

Impressive considering you have been using stock tires

[@BrianSmith-ql5nj]

Dunlop D 605 tires are great!

[@d_ward4871]

Rrrrrrrrrrr got a brand new 2022 klx 300 in my basement and it’s January, in New England need spring to come now !

[@dawudgt]

I made a big mistake getting the Versys X 300, just 150 miles on it and I’m completely regret. I’ll trade tomorrow and get the KLX 300

[@markselzler4279]

I have both and the two each has a purpose. I don't trailer with the Versys on long hauls and I am amazed with some of the trails I have encountered on the Versys and come out unscathed....just a little slower. Can't beat it on the highway as a small adventure tourer.

[@Randy_Cox]

Great vid. 90% rider and 10% bike. Keep rippin dude thanks for sharing the vid.👍

[@Davmm96]

Moments like 4:18 makes me wish I had the KLX 300 instead of the versys for trails. sucks to lift when rubber is higher than the rest of the bike :P

[@cheeseballs3825]

These bikes look like so much fun for the price. Thank you for the video!

[@allans7281]

Greetings from Southern California you’ve got some great trails out there in Virginia. Different is you can go hit the road and get lunch -they can’tGreat camera work I feel like im ridn there with you guys. Kawi klx 300 DS baby!! Represent!!

[@dREaDneck_Moto]

Those trails look awesome, and the KLX seems like it did just fine. Time for some red loctite on those skid plate bolts.

[@Dishsoapbomb]

Blue loctite seems like it would be more ideal would it not?

[@dREaDneck_Moto]

@@Dishsoapbomb I'd be OK with red or blue. Guess it depends on how often you're taking it off.

[@TheWesternPacific]

Other than lacking a bit of snap on the throttle, I thought the klx went pretty well. And you can ride around a softer throttle response

[@xylem8186]

And once you mod it with a EJK and Pipe this is basically none existent, I have a KLX450 Dirt bike and a KLX300SM obviously the throttle on the 450 is better, However I dont find the 300's lacking anymore.

[@spincitydan5751]

@@xylem8186 is the klx fast? how about compared to the 450?

[@xylem8186]

@@spincitydan5751 not even close, completely different engines and power ratios. The KLX will go around 130 Kmh respectively and I’d say the 450 would do 160 maybe 170 I don’t have a Speedo on it just feel. But the 450 has way more low end torque, if you are looking for a stunt bike don’t even look the 300’s way it will do wheelies no problem in 2nd but don’t expect power wheelies, all clutch ups. And you run out of gear extremely fast.

[@andyridesbikes]

Loving these videos! KLX300 is on my radar for next summer!

[@discoveror9576]

I think that crowding (competing with) others is reckless and dangerous. It would be nicer (less stressful) if you gave each other some working room.

[@copisetic1104]

I don’t know why people think the KLX 300 is not a great trail machine! Bring your KTM or any other overpriced bike out to Moab, my KLX has a carb kit, pipe, and air filter upgrade and that’s all. I’ve ridden this bike around Moab for years, have never been left behind or embarrassed by anything on the trail. And it gets me home every time. All this crap about the KLX is not up to snuff is pure BS. BTW that trail your on is like the trails we ride just getting to the knarly stuff.

[@briand9513]

Those guys on the KTMs etc in the video could never ride to those bikes potential anyway. I ride an old XR650l dual sport in much worse areas and awesome single-track. These trails they are riding looked like groomed roads compared to what I'm normally in lol.

[@donlieurance7790]

Looks like epic trails! I just recently bought a klx300. I love it !!!!! Can’t wait to hit the trails with it. You have gave me all the right info on what up grades I need. Thanks!!! Keep up the great videos!!!! Love the channel!!!!

[@allans7281]

I’ve got a kawi 300 DS as well Terrific bike feels lighter than it is

[@onthetrailtv]

There’s some pretty good single track at pinnacle creek. Check it out next time you’re there.

[@johnnymartinez733]

Does youe bike have alot of upgrades? Cool stuff man good content and good fun riding 👍🏻

[@AJ-2-Toke]

Bike sounds great, nice rpm range looks aswome for someone who might be newer to intermidiat and just a aswome toy for an expert to throw around on and off road.

[@painsrides]

We have a group going to Hatfield-McCoy in a few days, our bud "KLX Matt" will be doing just fine on his 300... Matt on that KLX "dual-sport" gets it through everything we do on our "real" dirt bikes...only thing is we look alot cooler getting through everything 😎..... 😂🤣

[@painsrides]

@@777trader8 Yep, the KLX is best on-road of our bikes, the enduros are just not meant for asphalt.. But, we all haul our bikes to riding locations, incl. KLX Matt..

[@painsrides]

@@777trader8 The SM would be a fun scoot.. I don't do too much road riding but when I do I like it to be in the lap-of-luxury & coolness on my Victory Cross County .... 🤣

[@Aen0nVal3ntine]

Definitely had fun on watching. Thanks. Now im thinking of having one lol

[@papitxrtle1212]

He deserves more subscribers

[@stevestretch6052]

Awesome trails!

[@zr2trackerjoe]

Out of curiosity are you running a KDX snorkel and what are your EJK settings?

[@DartWinger]

I think you just convinced me to get one of these!!

[@NolanRides]

I do love mine!

[@markgriffin9287]

Never been on pinnacle but used to run my 400 Honda down there as a teen. Such a blast!

[@brumfiba]

Brb moving to West Virginia real quick

[@DDogOfCascadia]

This excites me to take my 300SM to similar trails in WA.

[@kayhanyegenoglu]

Looks like stock front tires. Which rear tire did you use? What were the tire psi?

[@brockt6891]

Great video! These trails are similar to the ones I ride on in Central PA. Looking to possibly upgrade from a hawk 250 dlx to a KLX 300 just like the one in your video… wondering how well it does on tarmac as I ride on roads to get to the trails.

[@Wutbuttonshoots]

Ever ride Osceola mills?

[@WheelieBad]

Where are you riding in pa?

[@brockt6891]

on the many dirt roads and trails all around Loganton, PA@@WheelieBad

[@Mkik41]

Hello . What is your choice about 250 cc Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki motorcycles for adventure?!

[@thumpertv_]

Ripping it with the KLX

[@andrewbisbee9251]

I really like those levers. what kind are they ? great videos

[@outdoors-gs9td]

i just broke 265 miles and its really starting too loosen up and go! i need trails closer bye! lol

[@MikeLasruk]

6:00 is riding with high beams on a thing?

[@Jake_Towne]

Do these clutch levers fit a 2024 kawasaki 300 KLX??

[@stoplogicmotorsports]

A KLX 300 is a very dirt capable dual sport. I think all of the manufacturers but Honda has been notching the scale towards dirt the last few years anyway

[@jonellwanger7258]

Japan bike, chances are it’s going to be pretty damn good. 1 in 4000 might have an issue. The chinese amazon garbage are iffy. 1 in five might be good.

[@nicolaslauzier4123]

Hey Nolan whats is your skid plate model ? I am looking for one on my KLX300. By the way it’s not the ride it’s the rider that’s why you don’t have problem following motocross

[@guerrillatrailcoalition6768]

Where are the trails? All I see is a bunch road riding where the I would expect the KLX to shine. Hard enduro machines like Betas, Huskies, and KTMs are WAY overkill for backroads like that.

[@four2fourmoto241]

Where’s that YZ250 2stroke you picked up? Using that for track only?

[@NolanRides]

Yeah mostly for the track but didn’t take it on this trip because I don’t have an oversized gas tank for it. I did take it on a shakedown ride a few weeks ago to make sure everything was good on it and it rips but I didn’t film it, for sure looking forward to making some videos with it soon though for especially with weather cooling down!

[@dualsportoutdoors]

That skid plate is exactly why I Loctite my stuff

[@pdbordelon]

I may have missed it but are you still on original stock tires?

[@taugerz6150]

I’m going from a 2001 cr250 to a 2022 klx300, hope I get the same feeling as a dirtbike, I don’t do nothing crazy just ride in trails so I think this might work for me

[@samueldarr5114]

Did you get the bike yet? Currently on a 99kx250 and was looking at one of these bikes. I do simple trail riding and hillclimbs every now and then. How do you like it?

[@elia3043]

Same situation for me. On a '15 yz250 but I'd like something more all-round that I can put more seat time on.

[@donproper3632]

Most of the people I see on those so-called real bikes are putting around on a big vibrating rattling 2-stroke that could probably be faster on a TTR 225

[@mikem9953]

You’re a good rider. What gear are you able to pull wheelies in? A few years back I had a new WR250r and off road, lower traction, I had a hard time wheeling in 2nd, with the clutch, and geared down a tooth up front. 3rd gear wheelies, no way Anyway, I turn 59 years old this coming weekend and was thinking about getting back into dual sport riding again, and looking at a new KLX 230 (remember my age) and just wondering for an old crappy C rider if it’s worth the extra grand (that I don’t have) to get the 300 over the 230? Nothing used around my area. Thanks, Mike

[@NolanRides]

I do the wheelies mostly in 2nd gear. Ive never rode a 230 but I can say I love my 300. It seems like the 230s would be a bit lower to the ground if that's something you'd like.

[@ramonhernandez3900]

What wheels and tires are you running??

[@ChrisSandstorm]

Great video! What are those aftermarket levers? Do you like them?

[@NolanRides]

Here’s a link yes they have been good for me I have fell a few times with them to and no problems amzn.to/3ljr9zi

[@johnstiles6663]

I’m sure there’s a simple explanation but can someone explain why the tiny backpacks?

[@NolanRides]

It’s just a camelback with some water and space to keep a spare spark plug or whatever

[@SmokinZen]

What gear were you in most of the time

[@scottjackson163]

Multiple comments & questions. It seemed to me that a lot of the time you (and and your riding buddies) were not in a standing position, in places where standing would be the recommended technique. Were you running the stock tires on that KLX? Apparently, there was no appreciable performance difference - at least on green & blue trails - between the KLX and the “real dirt bikes.”

[@NolanRides]

We are riding for around 8 hours a day and all for fun so yes we definitely sit sometimes haha, yup stock tires and worn down at that! She surprised me I was pleased for sure👍🏼

[@allans7281]

How was the stock seat on the Kawi

[@PWalden762]

I need one of these! I have a 1998 KTM 200 EXC, got it a few months ago and it is the first time I've had a bike since being a kid (15 years ago). It is a lot of fun, and it does remind me of the two strokes I had as a kid. But, now the nostalgia has worn off and I just want to ride a lot, and I am noticing a lot of the drawbacks of a carbureted 2-stoke from 1998. I smell like premix after riding, it sucks on the road, I'm always wondering when I'm going to have to rebuild the engine (no idea when it was done last), the ideal jetting changes in different weather, it gets terrible milage and range, plus you always have to have premix oil with you. And then there's the two stroke power deliver/touchy throttle in general, which is fun on easy terrain but kind of terrifying on technical stuff. It also has some headshake, which they are kinda known for. Plus, I never feel like I am riding to its potential (I'm not very good) It is a hell of a dirt bike but give me this low maintenance, EFI, smooth, comfortable beast any day!

[@justhesolution]

It’s a Kawasaki of course it can hang 💪🏽

[@austinrayburn9756]

Are those the trails by rock house

[@johngallenstein1467]

Seems like it kept up just fine!

[@MrTeeskee10]

Nice!!..getting 1 in december

[@jackrabbit8703]

Rider skill 90% bike10%....nice vid.

[@wanderingturtleadventures8619]

You have the stock suspension? Also what tires you running? Great video!

[@JoeCole12]

I’d also like to know if that was stock suspension…..

[@JonKelso-xk7ct]

What exhaust do you have on that thing? Sounds so good

[@NolanRides]

Yoshimura

[@that_guy0_0]

Are those the stock tires?

[@seethingsclearlyawaken3424]

KLX KAWs do good. Just need tires and a little gearing.

[@SketchyXC]

Nice man, did you pick "pinnacle" for any specific reason? More bike friendly? I want to get down to H/M one of these days

[@NolanRides]

Not really mostly went with the flow of the group since they’ve been more than me, I do want to make it a goal to hit some of the rougher single track stuff next time if possible but definitely an awesome place to ride and explore!

[@zacharyhart7025]

Stock sprockets?

[@artopure]

Man that guy fell pretty hard

[@jpesicka492]

Every pig has it’s pig pen. The KLX “Couch” 300 was built for these moments.

[@calebsaukkola]

What exhaust are you running?

[@danielmovsesian9635]

Is there a benefit to not having handguards? I saw y'all were split when y'all stopped. I recently bought a KLX300 and trying to figure what bike protection is a necessity for that kind of trail riding. My other bike is a Tiger800XC and I pretty much broke the bank on protecting me and the bike

[@smartass6071]

Hand guards can go a long way in protecting the levers if you drop it. The bars and levers can get trashed if you drop it, and you will drop it sooner or later. Good wind protection as well on those colder rides. Go with aluminum over plastic.

[@carlosrobertson8265]

Protects the levers and your hands, I wouldn't ride without em again. I low sided on a trail on the right side, pinched my hand between the lever and a rock with the throttle stuck open. Did a funny little dance while the bike was trying to do a flat spin until I could get my hand out and my hand hurt for months after.

[@robertdyche3377]

Is that stock exhaust?

[@MrCODEmaster00]

You might wanna get some bolts with a flat head that uses an allen key to install/remove, sometimes the bolts get broken off just by the 5 or so millimeter tall bolt head. I know the KLR650 community does similar for their drain plugs since the skid plate is higher off the ground than the plate itself.

[@alstar300]

Great Video - And as the saying goes, its the Indian not the arrow.

[@seahunter5972]

Those trails look nice.

[@notgnar8506]

Around here we call those "roads".

[@bryson1992]

Those are race bikes that are not even meant to be on a trail, so realistically your bike would be way better for that situation

[@WD-sr8qz]

Your rear tire will last a lot longer than the other bikes.....that motor just grabs gobs of traction!!

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

Holy kaw!!

[@fatbongripz4207]

My KTM 350 keeps up with the 450's just fine. in fact it's probably lighter than a 450

[@edjacobson8480]

What is gas mileage?

[@treetrunker13]

Just curious what tire pressure you ran while on this trail.

[@NolanRides]

Honestly no clue 😂🙄

[@Alaska_MD]

Do NOT change tire pressure from what the engineers designed. I know you see the track guys do it, but they are also wrong. I'm an engineer. Trust me. The rubber [chemistry] is matched to the pneumatic pressure. If we wanted you to run at lower pressures we would have chosen a different compound.

[@treetrunker13]

@@Alaska_MD I appreciate that very much! I never have changed pressure. I’ve just seen guys doing it on videos. Thanks for steering me right.

[@Alaska_MD]

@@treetrunker13 Then you've earned the right to roll your eyes when you see people do it on rocky or sandy trails. Just don't do it too much, or they won't want to ride with you.

[@kensmith3665]

80 percent rider, 20% bike, you are an experienced fast rider, noobs and intermediates won’t or shouldn’t t be thinking of this sort of speed on this weight of bike…. With this suspension, I have one and have been riding off-road for seven years …. As a Noobie/ intermediate I have a KLX250S, these speeds will severely punish any mistakes on a KLX… great bikes but this is outlier riding/ use of one…. Just my humble opinion…. Mileage may vary…

[@steeldriver1776]

Mines on order!

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

His video probably sold thousands of this bike.

[@HappyHermitt]

Those bikes are killer..

[@timschutte6924]

Where the heck are you. These are like trails built by God for the PEOPLE. !!!!! LoL.

[@Audace1400]

What kind of mileage do you get riding the KLX around? Or how many hours of trail riding you get before filling it back up?

[@NolanRides]

Around 60-65 mpg