Kawasaki KLX 300 Long - Term Review - Is This Bike For YOU ?

I've had my 2023 Kawasaki KLX 300 for over a year now and have flogged it pretty hard.. On two lane highways, sand and some really chunky off road. I'll give you the pro's and cons of this bike and who I think this bike is best for.
The other bike you might be looking at is the Honda CRF300. Ill touch base on the one main difference, but it's a pretty big difference.
I have another video that covers the modifications and upgrades I have done to the bike.
• Customizing my Kawasak...
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[@fireye0889]

I own a 2020 KLX250 with Delkevic exhaust and an EJK tuner. With 50/50 tires on flat road I hit 88 MPH. With 90/10 Knobbiest I hit 81 MPH. Friend has a 2022 KLX 300, his bike does about the same speeds, but pulls through the midrange a little stronger. I have 7,000 trail miles on mine. I live in the North woods so very different riding than what is in this video. These love to run in the higher rpm range and mine has run perfect with no issues whatsoever. Water crossings, no problem, deep mud, no problem. Spray it off after and all good. It’s gravel backroads to my trailhead. Throttle pinned and 75 MPH for 6 miles straight and the bike loves it. I did take it to Colorado for a week of riding. Baby head rocks with boulders mixed in at over 10,000’ was tough. A 250lbs. bike with more power woulda been nice. My buddy was ride a YZ250 and that bike did well. But for my local riding the bike has enormous maintenance intervals and runs perfect at all times with almost no maintenance. I am a busy person so have limited free time like many. So less time working on the bike means more time riding=best bike ever for me!

[@milestogomoto]

Awesome !! It’s a work horse for sure. Hard to beat for the price as well. Thanks for watching !!

[@fastdude2002]

I have a 2020 Suzuki DRZ 400 and a 2024 KLX 300. All the internet folks say the KLX is better because it has a 6th gear and fuel injected so I bought one to check it out. I can honestly say it gets ignored most of the time as I jump on the DRZ. It comes down to power and torque. The DRZ 400 is so much more powerful that it’s 100 times more fun to ride. I’m 6Ft tall and the DRZ has a bigger frame, less cramped, better suspension, no work needed, the KLX is too soft for a full sized man and I need to re-work it unlike the DRZ. The DRZ is just much more enjoyable, enough power to give you a bit of a thrill while the KLX feels like riding a moped.

[@brandonpoley]

I'm going to get mine in an hour 😊 cant wait!

[@milestogomoto]

Oh Man that's awesome!!!! Congratulations!!!

[@guderian7795]

Congratulations rider!

[@guitarchitech]

Thanks for the review! Probably the same trails I will look for here with my KLX 🤟

[@oblivionguard2286]

Love my KLX, for trails and some smaller town commuting it's great. I take it regularly on my highways posted at 55-65 mph and it works fairly well for me. Was my first bike after a long hiatus and I've been having a blast! I tend to see 60mpg on highways, which is fine where I'm at, but I usually keep a small fuel canister just in case.

[@milestogomoto]

Thanks so much for watching. Be safe !!

[@tieoneon1614]

Beard looking bad azz. Big beard KLX owner here too, and mine would get stringy when riding in the desert heat also. Im on my 3rd KLX, always come back to it after having expensive ADVs and Enduro's. Its just the most comfortable, capable, and reliable set up. Ever. I rip around town and backroads, and put it in truck and go explore remote offroad area's.

[@milestogomoto]

Hahaha awesome !!! The beard always looks so funny sticking out the bottom of the helmet. But at my age , I’ve really passed the age of caring. My girlfriend made me put shoes on cuz I was heading out to Costco in slippers. Oh well

[@tieoneon1614]

@@milestogomoto what sprockets u running? Couldnt tell if u had a pipe either. Im keeping mine quiet but u look about my weight and yours seems to pull pretty good

[@milestogomoto]

Stock gearing and exhaust...

[@osimnod]

Nice, practical review! I have an early 2000s KLX 300 Enduro (not street legal, kick start only) and it's known as "Old Reliable" because it never leaves me stranded. The 300 cc bikes are a great place to start testing your off road skills without the dread of a heavy bike to pick up. If Kawasaki made a 450 thumper with e-start and kick-start back-up, larger fuel tank and center stand they might have an ADV segment slayer. The KOVE 450 could also be a winner if the long-term reliability can be confirmed.

[@milestogomoto]

Thanks so much! A 450 Kawi would be amazing.

[@AdventureGlide]

Good stuff enjoying the channel. New Sub. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@milestogomoto]

Thank you. I’ve watched your videos as well

[@SmokinZen]

I have a KLX300 too I live up the road from where you are. I tell you this bike is so capable for what it is. Not expensive nothing to brag about but it’s fun and that’s all that matters love it.

[@milestogomoto]

You are right on!!! See ya around on the trail....

[@gregdeck2016]

Great review. I'm watching all i can to learn and see how to upgrade from stock. Did you make that phone mount or buy it? Looks like a problem solver

[@milestogomoto]

I’m gonna do another video about mods. That is an adventure spec rally screen. I use a quad lock system to mount my drone controller to the bars

[@rustystubbs242]

All the cons you mention apply to all 250-300cc bikes. Personally I think a DR650 or XR650L the better way to go.

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

Been looking at the KLX300 and the CRF300L … I am kinda short ( 30” inseam and 180 pounds) but I think the suspension is better than that Honda, nit sore about the power or anything else. Thanks for sharing the video and any input on the two bike I mentioned.

[@milestogomoto]

Thanks for watching. Power is about the same on the two bikes

[@blueforest4589]

292cc is the engine displacement. Didn't know TUSK called their soft luggage "Reckless" like Mosko Moto.

[@milestogomoto]

Yah I know. Couple of slips there.

[@blackflycreations]

One of the best "real world" reviews of the bike I've seen.👍I have a channel and I go on fishing adventures on my bike. I recently bot a Tw200😂 and its just tooo slowww. I have to cover interstate, to get to the back roads, before I can even hit dirt. I love the Tdub for mountain trails but its terrifying between semi trucks etc. I need that 70mph cruise speed with a little passing power cuz I want to start small advneture riding too. Im debating between the KLX300, ktm500exc, CRF450rl or the KTM690 enduro. I sat on the KLX300 and Ktm690 and both felt really good "35ish inch seat hieght".. Any recommendations from you or anyone that reads this is very much appreciated. Sorry for the novel but I can only afford one bike so its a hard debate. Again thank you for sharing, excellent job answering most all my questions. Ride safe, Steve✌️

[@milestogomoto]

Thanks so much for the comments!! I'm looking at the crf450rl or, as someone mentioned in the comments below, that Kove 450... That Kove fots all of my needs and I would probably sell the KLX and my Triumph Tiger 800 xc.. I'm sutre I would end up woith a few more bikes hahah ....Ill check out the channel for sure!!!

[@blackflycreations]

@@milestogomoto Thank you, I forgot about the Kove so that will be on my list now as well. Appreciate you and you got my support👍 Steve✌️

[@jordanfrangquist1474]

Looks like it passes just fine.

[@milestogomoto]

I gave it the " Thumbs up" haha

[@IowasDirtyCivilian]

I stuck between the KLR650, DR-Z400S, and now the KLX300. Ill be going to the dealership this Tuesday to choose one. If only I had enough for all 3.....

[@milestogomoto]

You can never have too many

[@NabiscoAmerican]

I ride mine at 60mph all of time. it's no problem

[@milestogomoto]

Yah 60 is doable for sure. But certainly not comfortable but I guess those are the trade offs. Plus I’m old :) thanks for watching and commenting

[@herbf2700]

I'm about your age so I didn't need an acrobatic bike... I just got a 2024 a while ago here in Utah. I'm in the 'upgrade' phase right now after about 250 miles stock -- Just GOTTA void that warantee!. I'm looking forward to exploring the desert this year. My skills are a little rusty so I'm takin' it easy.

[@milestogomoto]

Awesome. I think you’ll love the bike for the desert exploration! Have fun !!

[@danielgreen7159]

As far as mileage range is concerned, ive gone 130 miles a few times and still had 1/2 gallon left . I also carry an extra gallon in a rotopax container if im at all concerned about how far i might end up going, but haven't actually needed it yet.

[@milestogomoto]

I carry a fuel bladder as well but I haven’t been able to get up near that range. Thanks !!

[@danielgreen7159]

I geared mine up just a little with a 15t sprocket in front that might be part of the reason and I've also done the usual mods . Delkevic exhaust , kdx air snorkle etc. Added benefit is it definitely cruises easier on the hyway.

[@joshdoddadbod]

I really like mine. ECU is on its way back from getting flashed which should add 6hp in the midrange and a couple on the top and bottom end, and of course torque always comes with that as well. Agreed on the tank size. Got the IMS and it gets it to a reasonable range then if i need a bit more i just bring some fuel bottles.

[@milestogomoto]

Thanks so much. I should look into a ECU for it. Best of luck !!

[@blueforest4589]

$400 for 0.7 gallons? Not worth the cost...

[@joshdoddadbod]

@@blueforest4589 agreed. It was worth it for me because I can do a day ride offroad without running out of fuel. I would have preferred a 3 or 3.5 gal tank.

[@blueforest4589]

@@joshdoddadbod I spent $25 for a 5 liter gas container and strapped it to the rear rack. I expanded my fuel supply by 1.25 gallons for just $25 and 5 mins of work. So I can do a day ride off-road without running out of fuel too. 🤑

[@joshdoddadbod]

@@blueforest4589 glad that works for you! I carry some gear with me on my rear rack so want that space clear, otherwise I would have done the same. Enjoy your klx!

[@sokugi8872]

Dual sports r great for learning everything u can about bike handling and body mechanics as well as rider safety out on big roads. The KLX geometry is stable at speed and nimble on singletrack. Horsepower,torque andsuspension can be modded or u learn how to finesse itas a stock bike and like u say its just fine for most riding. If u r willin to swap your rear tire alot ive found the worn out DOT knobbies will give u a smooth commute all week, let u practice drifting a bit easier and force u to hone your skills offroad when u go play afterwork on the way home or whatever. Friday or saturday swap it out for real offroad traction and fun. I leave a full knob DOT on the front always Dual Sport front treads will are useless and dangerous. A false impression of offroad capable. A rear end washout can be planned or controled, we get to choose Front end washout is bad bad bad always, ive never washed my front knobs out on pavement, way too many times on dirt. Thats a solid review of a solid bike, Thanks i love the KLX bikes!

[@milestogomoto]

Thanks man !! Much appreciated.

[@BrianSmith-ql5nj]

Aside from the suzuki dr 650 and the drz 400 this is the only other bike i would consider purchasing and riding daily.

[@milestogomoto]

I'm looking at the Kove 450 but still want to do more research. Thanks for watching

[@scottsheppard6077]

Great review. Motorcycle is definitely not for me. Just sold my KLR 650 adventure.

[@Gregbolso]

ugh what a shame, that 300 should be putting out 30-40hp these days