Honda CRF300L vs Kawasaki KLX300

[@stevebratten6592]

Hey Yamaha! Where is the WR300R?!

[@ElMCH-vb7xv]

They’re sleeping

[@Getman43]

@@ElMCH-vb7xv just like usual

[@stevebratten6592]

@@jakeviolet2195 could get heavy

[@SmokinZen]

Hopefully next year

[@christopherbassit2757]

@@stevebratten6592 would love to see both

[@patwest1815]

A little warning about the Honda, I think it needs a tighter spring on the kickstand. When you were jump testing it dropped a long way.

[@rmatvmc]

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT 👍🏼 - Wes

[@court2379]

At 9:40, I went back to watch it again thinking that was odd.

[@crypticreality8484]

The Honda needs a lot of help lol

[@thecarcastleable]

Honda used to be quality. Look at their cars over the past 5 yrs. Living on their name is all now

[@larrylund1138]

Your analogy at the end finally explained what you were talking about while riding because you almost never referred to which bike was doing what when you were riding and I almost never knew which bike you were talking about.

[@petezny4343]

Thanks for the great review guys. KLX300 owner here. Foot pegs, luggage rack and Seat Concepts seat and it's been the perfect mini adventure bike. I did also add a proper bash plate and hand guards for the more serious trail riding. And of course a zip tied milk crate for those times she's just an around town run errands sort of bike. Basically one of the best all around bikes I've owned in 45 years of riding those extra cc's make it so much better than the 200s and 250s I have owned. The only time the GS gets pulled out over the KLX is when a lot of highways will be involved.

[@sebastiengreen1517]

I got the crf300l and my father the klx300, I found right off the bat that the klx is vibrating more on the road, the gears a little harder to engage and finding neutral and the display informations are better on the honda. The klx has a lighter feel for sure.

[@CyberDemon1776]

21 KLX 300 here, mods are Richocet skid plate, pro taper RC bend bars, bar risers, tusk hand gaurds, pillow top grips, ims pro pegs, top rack, nelson riggs tank bag, tusk rear fender delete. I absolutely love this bike. It was amazing stock but with the right mods this thing can be a cross country adventure bike thats still a blast on tight trails

[@alupangguam7560]

Any chance you could link me the bars you got? Also, did you experience any cable issues (bar length making the cable too tight) from installing the new bar?

[@AliasTekTV]

The clutch isn’t terrible, it’s a slip/lockup type clutch. Easy pull because light springs but it will lock up/force engagement when you accelerate. Sort of the same concept as a slipper clutch for sport bikes to avoid hard downshifts and lose traction.

[@airadaimagery692]

Clutch pull on my rally is one of my favorite features on the bike

[@joesisti4841]

Yeah that was definitely some dumb commentary on their part imo. Love the slipper clutch on my rally.

[@tracym427]

Love my crf300L but I’m a slow sucky rider that don’t know better. Soft suspension feels nice on the city roads.

[@theEHWAZ]

I was contemplating both bikes. I love Honda and never had a Kawa. Ended up going Kawa due to the reasons you stated in this video and happy I did. Upgraded the footpegs, and handlebar and added Tusk luggage rack. I was not sure I wanted to add the luggage rack due to weight and width but It can easily be removed if I decide to ride single track so I love the flexibility. I've ridden it mainly off-road and after adjusting the suspension twice, I set it right for my weight. The adjustability makes a huge difference especially if I plan to put some luggage weight on it. I liked the Frag Camo vs. the Kawa green or Honda red but that's just my opinion.

[@crypticreality8484]

I want that same bike man

[@V7StudioProduction]

my KLX150L is 5 year old and no issue. Thanks God!

[@NorthWestMotos]

KLX all day baby. Sweet video! KLX300 owner here. My main mods were Tusk wrap around hand guards, Tusk luggage rack, Tusk excursion luggage with large dry bag and it handles all the weight well. Added a custom "DRZ Trashcan" type windscreen and that's helped tremendously to reduce fatigue on longer highway mile trips, but I did several thousand miles without one too. Great bike and I am really loving it so far.

[@rmatvmc]

Sounds awesome! We cant wait to get some real luggage on these bikes!

[@mikesteele1789]

There both made in Brazil or china.i wouldn't waste my $$$

[@ulrichschulze-lunern9954]

​@@mikesteele1789Honda Wird in Thailand hergestellt

[@ludeman]

Can we just all agree both are great bikes

[@eduardomenchaca1916]

Love what kawi has been doing especially by not giving us weak suspension which is the downfall of most dual sports. For the engine, I still prefer the kawi I like the power and it hits and makes it more fun

[@inrptn]

Just got my 2022 KLX300 last week. I weight 150lbs soaking wet and the suspension is absolutely perfect for me. I plan to take it on a BDR next year with 40+lbs of gear. All it needs is a new exhaust (mostly for better sound and tiny bit more grunt) and footpegs and it's ready to rock. It's also very smooth on the highway so far. Much much better than my previous two bikes on the highway, the DRZ400 and DR650.

[@sendysent]

Yeah that 6th gear is huge. Can’t wait to pick up a klx 300 to hit some trails.

[@Matt-zn4zp]

Honda CRF 300L with new suspension, you won't be disappointed!!! Absolutely love mine!

[@zachs5912]

What suspension did you go with?

[@broyal_gamers1237]

Wondering the same

[@mototouro]

You mention front brakes on the Honda. The bike's are made in Thailand (I live there) I have found a lot of new bikes coming straight from the factory, which have almost unusable, dangerous, brakes. First thing I did on my two Yamaha's, and Honda (all new bikes btw)was change the brake pads to a better quality, and that was a night and day difference. Hope that helps some people 😊

[@ulrichschulze-lunern9954]

Bei Neuen Bikes muß die Bremse von Konservierung gereinigt werden,und die Klötze einfahren!

[@dantheman4life]

Thanks for making this video guys, we really appreciate it. Stay safe and I can't wait to see more rides from the crew!

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks Dan!

[@Dawgs241]

Owner of a 22 KLX300. I came from sportbikes and midweight cruisers. The KLX300 will cruise on interstate at 70mph with ease, plenty of power. It is also lightweight and can rip off road. IMO, these 300's are the best dual sports to buy today. I went with the klx because it has the superior suspension. With the EJK fuel tuner, KX Snorkel, and Delkevic slip on, this this is a beast!!

[@rmatvmc]

What was the biggest improvement that came from the fuel tuner?

[@Dawgs241]

@@rmatvmc I noticed a little bit better throttle response. The bike rides snappier, if that makes sense. When I put on the Delkevic slip on and the KX snorkel, I initially used the O2 sensor. However, my bike ran a little lean and the exhaust pipe was glowing slightly between the engine and the bend on pipe, but when I installed the EJK and deleted the O2. The bike runs a lot cooler. No more glowing pipe.

[@Muncherou812]

@@Dawgs241 what are your settings for the EJK? Thanks. I have a 2021 KLX300.

[@Dawgs241]

@@Muncherou812 as of right now, I'm using the 3rd setting listed on the EJK instructions, (Base Settings for stage 1 mods with KDX snorkel on. ) bike is running good with this.

[@maverickschukraft588]

I have the 13in delkevic, ejk tuner, tried kdx snorkel but bike runs better with no lid, and removed secondary throttle blade. Mods gave bike some serious grunt and throttle is super snappy

[@globetrotter7778]

I still run my carburated 2010 KlX250S. It was then, just like the 300 is now, an affordable, versatile and reliable machine.

[@darkkingastos4369]

AS a crf 250L owner I gotta say the Honda shines most on back highways and dirt roads. The suspension is smooth for my local roads and I can still break the law and head straight into the woods with no track for flint finding fun 🦴

[@nigel2447]

KLX300 Delkavic slip on, KDX snorkel, secondary throttle removed, PCFC tuned for combo. Racetech gold valves front and rear, .46 kg/mm fork springs, 6.4 kg/mm rear spring. (185lb rider) D606 rear tire, MT21 front. IMS foot pegs. Renthal bars (less sweep than stock) and Zeta off set riser. 14t front 46t rear sprockets. Removal of the secondary throttle (in my opinion) is a must combined with a power commander and the correct tune. The secondary throttle is half closed all the way to 7K rpm, then opens at a linear rate and is full open at 9K rpm, must be for euro/EPA noise or emissions reasons. You will get roughly a 5 HP increase in the 6 to7K rpm range, not any peak improvement at 8K, but the midrange bump for trail riding is well worth it. I do a lot of trail riding in NY, and the above mods make the KLX a really nice trail bike for not a ton of money. A little buzzy at 65 with the sprockets, but way better for the trails. I have ridden some nice bikes (KTMs/Huskeys) and you can't make the inexpensive dual sports one of them, but a couple well thought out upgrades will keep an intermediate rider happy. Thanks for the review. Nice job!

[@JohnnyBoy919]

Sounds like.you got a pretty well sorted out klx. Where about in NY do you ride? I'm from long island, unfortunately not many legal places to ride here.

[@nigel2447]

@@JohnnyBoy919 I am a little east of Albany. Have trails as close as 5 miles to as far as you could go. I want to do some more exploring, got back into bikes because one of my kids wanted to get into it. I said OK, but you have to start in the dirt. I found him a KLX230 and I found the 300, tough to find bikes last year. We did suspension on the 230 also, made both bike much more trail worthy. The racetech stuff makes the bike much more supple over the chop, rocks, roots but still can handle G outs, whoops, and small amounts of air really well - considering what the bike is and it's intended purpose.

[@JohnnyBoy919]

@@nigel2447 That's awesome, wish there was more riding here. My cousin has a cabin in ohio NY where I go a couple times a year to ride.

[@FlyApeRally]

Im in love with the green one.

[@EOTG_AK]

I do like how quiet they are. Would love a 450-500 class off road focused dual sport that purred like that.

[@bluezhawg2104]

KTM makes one.

[@TheSmokingMustache]

​@@bluezhawg2104Yea, but the parts are more expensive (whole bike is really) and not AS reliable as the jap bikes on average.

[@palpinter4204]

@@bluezhawg2104 No they don't . Just the engine clutter from my 501 is more than the engine+ exhaust note of the 300L

[@mikegunn3152]

I'm a big guy 6'4" 300lbs. I have KTM 690 enduro r a YZF450R and XL150L. I test drove the KLX300L and the Honda 300L. I ended up buying the Honda 300L. Spent the extra money on the suspension. I absolutely love it. Did a couple performance mods. Original dyno was 22hp at the rear tire. After mods 31hp at the rear tire. Stock positions KLX all the way. Upgraded Honda hands down. Also who leaves anything stock ?

[@joshdoddadbod]

All the klx needs is the aftermarket to make a 3-3.5 gallon tank available.

[@tieoneon1614]

Interesting that the Kawis chassis, motor, and suspension is from 1995. They just added EFI in 2018 and the older 300r jug in '21. It may be older, but works very well still and keeps the price down. I love that they did just EFI {mostly} on the KLX and KLR cuz all the old gen accessories still fit the chassis

[@DmitriyAdv]

Cheap and cheerful! I truly believe that this segment is where most fun is had on a motorcycle

[@danpluso]

I learned on a CRF250L, switched to a KLX250S a year later (the Honda wasn't mine) and the KLX250S was way better offroad. I'd recommend the Honda if you are riding in the city and want a cool looking dirt bike or maybe plan to take the odd logging road here or there. Or if you plan on more highway driving. The Honda was definitely nicer on the highways. But as a dual sport where dirt is usually a priority, the KLX250S is way better. I haven't tried the 300s but it seems like all the same applies for these models too. Not surprising as they are probably the same, just bored out. I now ride a KTM 300 XC two stroke but I'd still like a dual sport for exploring logging roads or moto camping. Was wanting a WR250R, but those were discontinued so I hope Yamaha comes out with a new 300 dual sport soon.

[@DavidSkelhon]

Had 250 versions of both. The Kawasaki is way better off road, thanks to its suspension. The Honda was smoother on the highway though, but liable to snatch off idle, unlike the Kawasaki which chugged along nicely without slipping the clutch. The Honda was a 2016 and the Kawasaki a 2019.

[@threebikes]

Thanks for the great video and real-world review. I purchased a 2022 KLX300 and did a few modifications to it to help it’s dirt riding performance which I have detailed on my KZbin channel video. The modifications I chose to do helped solve a lot of the issues you were dealing with on your KLX300 review.

[@rmatvmc]

What upgrade would you recommend doing first!? We may or may not have a build coming...

[@threebikes]

@@rmatvmc I think the answer depends on what you will use the dual sport for most of the time. If you will ride it in the dirt mostly like I do with very little street riding except to get to the trail (moderate single track and some hill climbs), then I would say the first thing would be some better dirt oriented tires (90% dirt, 10% street rated tires, a.k.a DOT dirt tires) with possible some heavy duty tubes. If money isn't an issue with this dirt oriented build, then I would say go Tubliss front and rear with the DOT dirt tires. The second thing I would do is new ProTaper bars, because as soon as you drop the bike in your dirt riding adventure there is a 100% chance the bars will break or bend. The third/fourth item would be replacing the foot pegs with some wider ones and skid plate. If you are using the bike for more of an adventure bike (commuting to work possibly with some fire road mellow dirt terrain), then the first thing I would replace would be the seat with a Seat Concepts seat. Followed closely by the second item to change which would be the bars (see reason above), then the third would be a rack system on the back of the seat to hold down storage systems to aid in the commute or other mild fire road camping adventures. Yes, I answered more than you wanted, but I was answering (proactively) your question for people that may be interested in what to upgrade for the 2nd and 3rd priority.

[@rcvg69420]

Wow the shock on the crf is kind of outrageous, lol. It's like they forgot to put oil in it. Really wanting one of those KLXs now. Looks like a great true dual sport bike.

[@Funco1979]

The 2024 KLX300 is a beautiful looking bike and looks every bit as good as the Honda. Everyone seems to praise the KLX suspension and criticize the CRF suspension.

[@Deertracks123]

They both need replacement springs front and reat.

[@randypower]

Fun to watch -- nice work! I cringe at the term "entry level" thrown about freely because it implies you'll grow up and want something better. I prefer "budget" because maybe that fits your budget and/or riding needs and style.

[@allans7281]

“Always more fun to ride a slower by fast than a faster bike slow”

[@mylifeinthailand8751]

I fitted DRC wide pegs to my KLX250, made a massive difference

[@SmokinZen]

Thanks for making a comparison like this it made me go with the KLX300

[@rmatvmc]

Good choice! We love that bike! - Wes

[@savillecreations8046]

Have a Honda 300l on order. Just an average rider but if the suspension becomes an issue, I guess I'll be spending another $1,000. But it's the overall package is why I purchased the Honda...more linear power, ABS option, looks etc. So if you decided not to have ABS, upgrading the suspension on the Honda puts you only a little higher than the cost of the KLX. But I suspect at least half of the Honda owners will never have a suspension concern. Thanks for the video.

[@itz_brando_yo]

I’m looking into getting one of these bikes and I feel the same way. With upgraded suspension, the Honda has everything else. The KLX is a little bit more expensive already anyway. Would love to see a video on what you think of the bike when you get it!!

[@savillecreations8046]

@@itz_brando_yo hey Brandon. I haven’t gone into any discussion of my thoughts and impressions but here is a short video of my first ride. So far I love the bike. I wouldn’t mind more power but it still is great. I have been traveling a lot and haven’t yet had the chance to take it off-road. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWKUmIuYa96rfK8

[@itz_brando_yo]

@@savillecreations8046 awesome man thank you!!! I’m going to give it a watch right now. 🤙🏻

[@rossta78ify]

Nice video! KlX owner here. It's a can't go wrong dual sport and doesn't need tons of upgrades. Foot pegs are a must! PMR makes some really nice racks, I have the whole set. Hand guards are a nice add as well as taller bars or risers. Looking forward to get some exhaust and a tuner to get a little extra grunt. Oversize tank would be nice too. Our range is slightly limited.

[@furr666]

does your KLX have enough torque to lug up hills in low rpm, say in 2nd or 3rd gear? I really want a 300 but am worried hey are noticeably underpowered in the off road

[@rossta78ify]

@@furr666 There are tons of variables to consider. I'm 250 lbs do I feel a lack of power at times...certainly. but for the most part yes, I pull hills reasonably for my riding style. If I'm lacking, I just drop a gear. You don't get much better unless you get a dirt only machine.

[@robertturnbow4299]

I have really enjoyed my 2009 klx250s. I am seriously considering the klx300 as it has a little more grunt than my 250. The other option is the drz400s which has a lot more grunt.

[@z33tanner]

Wow that jump test footage really shows how much softer the Honda is and the kickstand can't stay up? Cmon Honda they know better. KLX300 looks like a perfect first dual sport for me.

[@hiltonmcconnell2563]

Have the Honda 300 L and do like it a lot but changed tires before I picked it up. 73 so don't ride like you do but for what I do is great but would like to change the rear suspension I just don't know to what. I did put AXP bash plat and AXP rear tack on with a ammo plastic ammo box 17"x 17" x 8" I do like the ammo box over my proper boxes much lighter and $17.00 compared to $460.00 Also went with hand guards and a protector for the rear break cylinder Rear tire Dunlop D606 and front wanted Pirelli M16 but still weighting to get one so Kenda big block for now. Put a big foot on the kick stand and added 3/4 " spacer. ( found kink stand way to short. had to be carful parking on even a slight slope, ) Thanks for the Video I went with Honda over Kawasaki thinking it would be much less cost upgrading the suspension over up grading the engine. there is a graft that shows the horse power and torque of each side by side and one look at that shows that the Honda winds hands down, even so Kawasaki had a bit more at peak the Honda has much more usable. Can't find the chart right now but the bough have the same to a point the Kawasaki flattens out and Hondas keeps going up steady Then at high rev Kawasaki spikes and pass Honda but just for a bit then they bough drop off, Up grade the suspension on the Honda and you will have a clear winner.

[@dirtwheels6679]

If you mainly ride dirt the KLX is much more responsive with one tooth less on the countershaft. It still handles the street pretty well.

[@alupangguam7560]

Won't that eat up the chain slider much faster?

[@dirtwheels6679]

@@alupangguam7560 Probably but I never had a problem. It saves the clutch for trails off-road though.

[@bobbeck8697]

Thank you gents. Excellent riding and review. I've been looking at both and have leaned towards the green. This was helpful. I thing the main thing will be those tiny pegs. I'm 63 so not looking for a crazy bike. Just fun on gravel roads in retirement.

[@DirtRider22a]

My vote is for the klx…now to watch the video and see what you concluded

[@nickifiedperformance]

KLX cam mod! made a huge low end difference on my 250 im sure its the same on the 300! other then the power it was a great little bike

[@squizzy10100]

I'm from Australia, the Honda was the only one available as a dual sport for me(the klx300 doesn't have abs so isn't road legal in aus) but yeah the suspension is but I have had the bike 9months and I only ride single track through the forestry in my area and have only bottomed it out once jumping over a big log. But cause it's low end torque I can keep up with my mates on their ktm 450s in single track

[@MrMountain707]

Didn't realize ABS was required in Ozyland. That means most motorcycles are illegal then? Or is this a law only for new bikes sold?

[@squizzy10100]

@@MrMountain707 it's only in new bike but only for road bikes or bikes that are dual sport or adventure(so that's how husky and ktm etc get away with it cause their bikes are classed as road legal enduro bikes) but not only new bikes if a motorbike dealer buys a second hand dual sport or adventure bike that doesn't have abs to either have to get a abs system installed on it before reselling It or sell it as just a dirt bike(which is gonna make the price of second hand bikes sky rocket cause the dealer won't keep the charge from their pocket it will either be taken off the trade in price or added to the sale price :/

[@MrMountain707]

@@squizzy10100 oh yeah that probably ads an extra grand to any bike then. That sucks

[@squizzy10100]

@@MrMountain707 yeah I know glad I just bought the crf300l so I didn't have to worry about it lol

[@dolf3288]

@@squizzy10100 the Honda also has a 2 year warranty in Oz vs 6 months for the Kawasaki so good choice

[@someguy9440]

Sweet video with some actual off-road use. One area for improvement - on the radio you sound like twins, and i can't tell what bike you're commenting on. Instead of "this bike" it would help alot to remember to say this Honda, or this kawi etc. Again great vid. Cheers 👍

[@TomorrowIsNow]

Love your Videos! Please do an adventure build on the KLX 300 like your other adventure builds.

[@trashpandatrailadv]

We here at TrashPanda Trail & ADV support the verdict of the KLX, it rocks luggage out of the box and aside from the styling and a few ergonomics is the better bike. You just got to learn to live in that 'power band', if you let her eat she will go where you want. Also can I have a job?

[@larryjones2563]

Great review guys. I could see the suspension on the KLX was better. Sure like the looks of the CRF though. Such a tough decision for me.

[@Tony-zp8xn]

I have a 300L Rally and I agree, the light clutch is super easy, but crap feedback. I swapped it out with a Zeta adjustable ultralight perch and 3-finger lever. I have it set to its lightest setting and it has much more feel, while still being pretty light and comfy. I do wish the stock suspension was better, but it does provide a very cushioned ride. Unfortunately, it also sags like crazy when loaded down, because it's so under sprung. A top rack with a tailbag and some rackless saddlebags is definitely the way to go. The upgraded headlight, larger front brake disc, larger fuel tank, and the windscreen were very compelling factors in my choice of the Rally.

[@michaelanderson3771]

Kwaka's have always had the edge in the suspension but laking in engine compared to the Honda. Your comparison has confirmed that again. Spend the money upgrading the Honda suspension and you have a great bike for trails or dual-sport and Mild single track. As other Aussies have said KLX = No ABS so won't be sold in Aus. Both are great bikes bit little options in Aus as Honda or Safety cone or Husky or the Suzy DRZ 400 great review - looking to see what you do to upgrade both as competent Adventure Dual sport bikes.

[@coltonowens2742]

Its funny seeing everyone praise the KLX for suspension. I found the limits on mine pretty fast, rocking some pretty gnarly single-track and rough shit in warner valley. Allthough its cool that I pushed a mild mannered trail bike as much as I did.

[@alupangguam7560]

Then try to imagine how fast you'd find the limits of the CRF...

[@coltonowens2742]

@@alupangguam7560 I think I'll just stick with my YZ125 :) KYB SSS GOAT

[@trailsandtires1457]

Would love to see you guys do a head to head build of the two of them. I've been debating a CRF 300 knowing I would need to immediately pour money into suspension

[@rmatvmc]

We're working on one! What are some of the upgrades you guys want to see??

[@marcochavane3124]

@@rmatvmc Rally Raid or YSS suspension on the Honda with fork cartridges. For the price difference between the bikes purchase price you can add springs or valving to the KLX since it's already adjustable.

[@trailsandtires1457]

You both felt like the KLX was the way to go, but I feel like that was driven by the suspension. If you upgrade the suspension would the CRF be the way to go? ECU flash? Also would love to see you guys do them up as a small bore adventure bike and do a multi day trip.

[@nigel2447]

@@rmatvmc This would be for a 90/10 trail vs street focused upgrade comparison. I posted earlier, but do the KLX similar to this: Delkavic slip on, KDX snorkel, secondary throttle removed, PCFC tuned for combo. Racetech gold valves front and rear, .46 kg/mm fork springs, 6.4 kg/mm rear spring. (185lb rider) D606 rear tire, MT21 front. IMS foot pegs. Renthal bars (less sweep than stock) and Zeta off set riser. 14t front 46t rear sprockets. You will get a big boost in midrange with the secondary throttle removed and retuned with the Power Commander FC. Racetech upgrade is top-notch, $850 if you can turn your own wrenches. It is still an inexpensive Japanese Dual sport, but it is a great trail bike now and the suspension is fantastic. Good (for what it is) midrange punch now. The secondary throttle really hinders the bike. For the CRF: You will have to do a rear shock replacement and a complete cartridge kit for the forks. Probably $2k minimum. Optimize tires, gearing, ergonomics stuff ... to make the eval level. You could do a tuner, but the Honda has good midrange out of the box. You will have to do back to back dynos (especially if you do any engine/tuner mods) to quiet the silliness of thinking either that either bike makes a lot of power or that one substantially out powers the other, tuner or no tuner. Thanks, hope you do it, as either of these bikes with some careful upgrades can handle some fairly rough offroad, just not at the pace that the European offerings can.

[@1979augistine]

@@rmatvmc ecu flash and pipe and header and intake high flow air filter and put both threw the dyno to see who gets the most benefit from being upgraded 😀

[@dcptiv]

We dont get the KLX300 here in Australia. We only have the KLX300R that does not have a headlight so cannot go on the road. The dealers are not happy because apparently I'm not the only person who wanted 1.

[@milo8425]

Yeah the first thing I did was swap the fork spring and shock on the 300L. $500.

[@IAF7]

No 2 strokes 😒 what happens with Yamaha enduro DT 175, DT 250 and DT 400. O no I'm 50 years late. 😔 Great video 👍

[@rmatvmc]

The world needs more street legal 2 strokes! - Nick (1970 Yamaha CT175)

[@ryanmoore686]

I still want to pick up a crf300l. Hinda has always had light suspension especially in the front

[@itz_brando_yo]

Hey guys, I loved this video!!! Really highlighted what you need to know about the bikes! I love that you didn’t put any specs in. There’s way too many videos already lol. I have a question. Would you say with upgraded suspension that you’d prefer the CRF over the KLX?

[@rmatvmc]

To be honest, yes I would prefer the CRF with better suspension over the KLX. The engine is better. It vibrates less and pulls harder with a more linear power delivery... Not to mention the updated bodywork and looks. If you did decide to upgrade suspension you'd be well over another $1K into an entry level/ budget bike. You couldn't go wrong with either of these bikes but stay tuned for our light ADV setup and comparison of these bikes! We just finished filming it and it should give you more insight and experience with the bikes. - Wes

[@itz_brando_yo]

@@rmatvmc thank you!! I really appreciate the in depth response from you Wes! Looking forward to the new video!

[@CajunEscapades]

I love watching these great comparison videos. And I love my 2021 300L. Even tho I'm a Kawasaki fan

[@EdwardGottschalk]

Great video guys, multiple Husky owner, 2t and 4t, kinda been interested in the Honda cuz its seems like such a fun affordable package. Your opinions seem very good and balanced and I see the first comments are in favor of the Kawi. I'd offer a slightly different suggestion. I would rather upgrade my suspension then motor, which I've done in the past. Soo for me, brakes, springs, clutch are easier reworks then engine character. Soo probably would still pick the Honda, gonna improve brakes and clutch on either regardless...

[@sam45malone]

I just got the 300 L I completly disagree with most these guys the Honda is way faster acceleration and top end just a few upgrades and it’ll be my perfect bike

[@airadaimagery692]

I heard your praises and your complaints, but I didn’t see you do any on one bike that you couldn’t do on the other.

[@Dave-sw2dm]

I have a '21 KLX300SM in my stable. Would have considered a Honda 300 rally had one been available when I was looking.

[@DirtyDovi]

I've always been a bit bias towards Honda, but, in this case.. I'd have to say, I'd still go with my WR250R any day! 🤘😂

[@frios011]

Both very good bikes for what they have to offer. You can’t go wrong with either one. I’m a Kawasaki man myself, so my choice is obvious.

[@mamjack6134]

Good off road comparison but..... They are duel sport , safe to say a lot of people will use commuter bikes. Which one pulls better at highway speed? Vibration at road speeds?

[@darkkingastos4369]

KLx for dirt... Honda for EVERYTHING else... I'd take the Honda around the world but I'd only take the KLX for single track fun. Aftermarket parts are more numerous for the Honda as well.. I got over 40k miles on my Honda crf250L now and the motor is still smooth

[@ReDD0311]

Rocky Mountain is the only company that could get me to work retail

[@hiltonmcconnell2563]

If you are doing up grades could you do the rear suspension first on the Honda then do s test ride before changing the front, Heard the rear alone make a huge difference. Would like your opinion on it.

[@jrodriguez8216]

Really enjoyed this review. Would love a review between the Yamaha XT250 and Honda CRF LS 300 (low suspension). This would be a great video for those of us short stature just starting off road riding. Please.

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks for your feedback! Much appreciated!

[@Oskar_CII]

Que lástima que la Kawasaki no llegue a España. Buen vídeo!

[@MrThejunkman]

A 250cc dual sport is enough, which is why there is still a market for em!

[@AirborneMOC031]

And you'd be lying to say it wasn't enough - simply because you don't enjoy the ride unless your bike without any dual sport luggage on it has the rear wheel throwing a roost every foot of the ride.

[@Nine_883]

CRf was a hard bike to get when it was first released. I tracked the Honda truck and bought one cash about an hour off the truck. I was definitely disappointed with the power. That’s just the way they are. Low power bad suspension. I had fun for a few thousand miles and it got stolen in St Louis. Got paid good with insurance and bought a used MT09 with low miles. I have not given up on dual sports, but I needed it to go just a little faster for interstates. T7 is what I might get next year.

[@dirtbikehombre7987]

Plastic is pretty fragile on the KLX. Scratches easy and breaks even easier. Replacement is currently only offered by OEM and a shroud alone is in the $150 range. Hopefully with the sales explosion this bike is going through, it will continue to create demand for an aftermarket for this platform.. but golly Kawi it was long in the tooth when it hit the ground.

[@raymondpexton5440]

I have an XT250 and is a total blast

[@OscarSchneegans]

It's a lot easier to upgrade suspension and brake components than an engine.

[@ruffnarbobnar5960]

I have been a fan of honda pretty much my whole life but in the sphere of 4wheelers/atv. I'm ready to purchase one of these 2 but I just don't know what to go with. I feel like I'm over thinking it but I want the best bang for my buck. So after watching the video. Leaning to kawasaki but what would I be spending to try to mod a bit more power into the bike? Subbed and liked keep it comin

[@Sunahvagun]

I know the feeling, I own a honda ridgeline and a honda pioneer SXS . When I was looking for a dual sport the crf300l was going to complete the package . In saying that I bought the klx for the sole reason I wanted to buy a bike that I can ride for a long time without dumping money in to. Now if you have money to burn then the crf300l with a upgraded suspension will probably be your best choice.. also depending on the riding you do, if you want to ride mostly on the street then the soft suspension will work , but that was never my intention. I love my klx300!!

[@mediocreman2]

I have no problem upgrading the Honda after buying it. It will be better than the Kawasaki after suspension and brakes are changed. It has the better engine and obviously better electronics from watching that speedo. It will probably be more reliable overall. But the price ends up being a bit absurd. By the time you do that, you're into XR650L pricing.

[@tedantares2751]

Did you guys mention in the video how much you weigh and how tall you are? I skipped a few minutes, so I may have missed that. Could you put your approximate weights and heights in the description? Thanks!

[@rmatvmc]

Yo! I'm 5'11" and 165lbs. Kobee is roughly 6'1" and 175lbs - Wes

[@Muscleupsanddangles]

I'd take either but I'd love the Kaw I think

[@kryoutube6113]

Great comparison and video. For those that have ridden the klx250 and klx300… is it worth it to move to a klx300?

[@threebikes]

Most of the videos that I’ve seen that answered your question basically said that if you recently purchased your KLX250, there was no reason to rush out and get a KLX300. They recommended just to ride your KLX250 for a while and then see what comes out in the next couple years, possibly improvements to KLX300 or Yamaha bringing something out?

[@kryoutube6113]

@@threebikes Thanks. This aligns with what I have heard as well.

[@Gary_carlquist]

250 2 stroke will be my all time favorite bike

[@colmhaughey7001]

Suggest replace the complete clutch assembly using a CBR300 parts kit game changer for the 300L

[@alupangguam7560]

So plan on replacing the CRF's suspension and the clutch...as well as the black painted steel exhaust. Or just get the KLX.

[@Un-Burdened]

13t sprocket on the KLX makes it pull much better out of corners and up hills.

[@simonjmeyers]

The move up to 300cc came with better reliability characteristics more than anything. They've moved more road direction than dirt with the 300. Honda makes a CRF450L, but compare the service needs/intervals.

[@mart7404]

sadly they both remain elusive and are almost impossible to locate for purchase. good review guys thanks

[@wsl5585]

Great feedback. It was like I was on a test ride. Although, a dealer would not let me take their bike where you guys rode. I would buy the KLX but I'm a loyal Honda guy. Over the years I've had a XL, XR, CR and CRF. I'll just have to pay more than the KLX to upgrade the 300L's suspension. Thank you for doing this video.

[@DaddySizeIt]

Honda was king 30-40 years ago. I rode red as well but don't be loyal. Makem earn it. Kawasaki was always my least favorite of the 4, but the KLX300SM is calling my name.

[@Nonplused]

I have a KLX250. The trick to riding this type of bike is to stay on the throttle "harder for longer", so it's nice to be able to trust your suspension. I will admit it's pretty gutless below 4500 rpm though, so if you want to go anywhere you have to wind it out. I don't know about slipper clutches, I'm not sure I'd want one. I use engine breaking especially going down hills. Would a slipper clutch slip in this scenario? If so I definitely wouldn't want one. Also the way you described the Honda clutch engaging I'm not sure I'd like that because I slip the clutch when times get tough and I am happy with the feel of the KLX clutch, it has a nice progressive travel. I was surprised you didn't like the Honda brakes. I never think about mine on the KLX. I thought all disk brakes were good. I would have thought by now all disk brakes would be sort of the same or at least more than adequate. I'd like to upgrade to a 300 but I don't know if it's worth the money. I definitely would go with the KLX if I did though, I am really happy with the way it rides. The suspension is a bit stiff when riding slow but it seems to smooth out at about 20 km/h. And it is adjustable, so if I wanted to ride slower I could probably find a setting for that.

[@6Twisted]

I bet that feather light clutch on the Honda is really nice for long rides though. The clutch on my 2023 WR450 is kinda stiff so my fingers start giving up by the end of the way. I can't believe how easy the bars bent on the KLX either. I've looped my 450 at over 40mph a few times and never bent the bars.

[@tieoneon1614]

Awesome review, guys! So tired of the Noob riding around on pavement 35mph and calling it a review. Both these bikes benefit massively from sprockets, drop the front 1 or go up 4-5 in the rear cuz neither fully uses all of 6th gear past 80mph

[@alupangguam7560]

Besides its good *usable* suspension, the KLX has a stainless steel exhaust system that will not rust. No noobie slipper clutch too. KLX for the win; no brainer.

[@sayuas4293]

Pro racing bikes have slipper clutches, they are not just for "noobs"

[@alupangguam7560]

@@sayuas4293 Not on any pro racing dirt bike that would be ridiculous.

[@sayuas4293]

@@alupangguam7560 you are wrong

[@maxflight777]

Truly pitiful video quality … what did you use ? I don’t mean to be rude, but this isn’t worth watching

[@lifeoff-road280]

For the money you're spending buying either of these bikes new, you can spend half and get a DRZ400 in good condition that will be better than both in most situations (except maybe long stretches of road).

[@smartass6071]

I had a 2006 KLX250 that I bought new in 06. I liked it just fine but felt it was way under powered. It was very hard to pop the front wheel up when coming up on a pot hole. But it was stock with no upgrades. My question is, how good would the Honda be if you did some shock work on it?

[@JohnWayne-cb1tv]

That was what I wondered about with these 300s. I had a 2006 DR650 that a previous owner changed the sprockets on. The front wheel would come up in first and second just by giving it too much gas. No idea if stock would do the same. Problem was I have a 29 inch inseam and all dual sports feel like horses. I could do wide Jeep trails but nothing too knarly or I would drop it. That's one bike I should have kept.

[@endurotoursthailand9119]

I got Kawa in Thailand , put a 45 or 48 on the rear and it's like a tractor in the hills.

[@NoahWyka]

Great video! I'm at a decision point currently - my '09 KLR 650 doesn't quite do what I enjoy doing off road, but is an awesome gravel-road warrior and I love to camp off of it. I've been looking for a lighter, more maneuverable bike to tackle more aggressive off road riding, and pretty much narrowed it down to the CRF300L or the KLX300. It sounds like Honda has all of the refinement and mechanical reliability aspects I want, but the Kawasaki is better set up for what I want to do. I'm not sure if I want to put extra cash into a Honda to get it to the level a KLX is off the showroom floor... Unfortunately I'm still wrestling with the decision either way.

[@williamguptill8096]

I'm in the same boat, let me know what u do and if your happy with your choice.

[@daverobbins1239]

Noah, your post word for word describes me and my current situation. I'm also throwing the GPX 250 E into my equation as I've read lots off good things about it.

[@aeror115]

The Kx is the bike for me!

[@mylifeinthailand8751]

Great review, I love both bikes but prefer the KLX

[@johncarter9964]

Nice review. Your opinions are valuable due to your experience, Height and weight. Please share these specs.

[@audiogarden21]

WR250R for life.

[@SirMo]

I wish Yamaha didn't discontinue that bike. Such a shame.

[@loganborn_ZL1]

That KLX is definitely better for jumping and just off-roading

[@allans7281]

Strange that Honda upgraded bike everywhere but the suspension, where it really matters. It’s as if it wasn’t for the American market

[@212driller]

I'm still here waiting for a modern 450 dual sport with long maintenance intervals, preferably rally style. I simply cannot believe they don't exist right now.

[@jimbennett2795]

OK HERE IT IS: THE REASON HAS TO DO WITH THE MANUFACTURES PASSING SMOG TESTS They don't change the DR's or any other larger bore bikes now. If the bike is not changed over the years they don't have to pass the current smog test. They are grandfathered in. If they change or add a new bike to the line up it will have to pass today's smog test. NOBODY TALKS ABOUT THIS WHY???