Kawasaki KLX300 VS Honda CRF300L - Dirt Bike Magazine

[@Matthew-zw9su]

I have put 6000 miles on my klx in 10 months, mostly offroad. It has great trail manners at moderate speeds. Fuel controller, secondary throttle plate removal, larger airbox intake, and this thing has way more grunt. I have done several four to six day self supported trips mostly offroad. I am a former A class racer who thinks about the kove 450 rally or the crf450rl. But, I do not need them. This bike is good enough.

[@Mjr1348]

I have both 2021 Crf300l and just about to pick up a 2024 KLX 300. I’m 62 and still playing in the dirt. ✌🏻

[@jimpostier1113]

Do tell us how you like it!

[@jimpostier1113]

@@jon3340 I think the CRF is ever so slightly better on the highway and might cruise a little easier. I tried both last week and ended up going home with the Honda. I loved them both! That said, they are not street bikes. Unless you get a mini windshield, 55-60 gets windy. I prefer 40 mph on the dirt roads :)

[@Mjr1348]

It’s kinda weird how these 2 bikes are so alike , but yet different. I’ve been trying to get past my breakin miles so I’ve been on the KLX a lot lately. I like the ergonomics better on the KLX and it seems I can throw it around better on and off road.

[@jimpostier1113]

@@Mjr1348 Did you find a good windshield for your CRF? I’m looking for one. I may follow your lead and also get a KLX - the r version for strictly trail times. Leaning into the mid-life crisis ;)

[@Mjr1348]

@@jimpostier1113 no why would I ?!?

[@Beeswax106]

Yamaha and Suzuki should join the club.

[@gothops154]

Yamaha needs to bring back its WR250

[@zepcrazyfre]

Yamaha is far too Pro-Rider/Enthusiast driven but Suzuki should ABSOLUTELY have already been President of the club lmao the DRZ is actually pretty good though but I’d rather cruise and trailblaze on an RMZ450 smhlmao

[@Beeswax106]

@@zepcrazyfre I agree, but the DRZ is old tech andnot available in Europe. In fact, Europe has only the CRF300L, not even the KLX300, i belive due to emissions.

[@kennyg5619]

@@zepcrazyfre the drz is essentially a race motor like the crf450rl The 300s are more street motor with a much longer service interval.

[@BaldKiwi117]

Yes more competition means more choices for us riders :)

[@tieoneon1614]

Best comment u ever given at the end about the $13k dual sports! If u have any kind of enduro experience, these are very capable trail bikes with just tires/sprockets. Plus giving u the freedom to literally ride anywhere. Im selling my KDX cuz my KLX does everything better besides hard enduro that needs to be trucked to.

[@fireye0889]

The KLX 300 is a very fun bike. Long maintenance intervals and dead reliable. I have a KLX 250 with Delkevic exhaust, tuner and KDX snorkel. Zero problems in thousands of trail miles and thousands of back road miles getting to trails. Lots of sand hill climbs and log/water crossings. My friend a stock 300. I got tired of wrenching instead of riding with Euro stuff. For trails that aren’t extremely difficult for a mediocre rider like me there isn’t a better bike.

[@tieoneon1614]

I went back to a KLX250 too, had one in '18. Picked up another after a lot of enduro bikes, got tired of them and being limited on riding areas. U should take the airbox lid off, HiFlo Filtro filter, and cut the back fire screen out. I had the previous mods u have on my previous KLX, my latter one has WAY more torque cuz of that. Its impressive.

[@dave4510]

I think you are a fantastic rider.

[@Lunarvrr]

Long maintenance intervals is not particularly something good.

[@allans7281]

Personally I think the Kawasaki looks better. Cleaner lines nice ergonomics. When those expensive European bikes will inevitably be on the side of the road , these two bikes will go right by them. I own a 2023 Kawasaki klx 300 and I love it. Fits like a glove

[@steelmilkjug]

How much do you weigh and how tall are you?

[@doctorinvizible2077]

you not from Europe

[@johnharris7756]

Exactly! People always prop up KTM but seem to forget about reliability. It’s like BMW, they are performance machines but have 0 reliability. And hard to get parts for. I love my 300l

[@advorlando9855]

The camo looks awesome!

[@calcrappie8507]

The market is broad for these dual sports. If I was young these would be at the top of my list for entry into motorcycling. Going to class or going out in the desert or woods. I bought the KLX largely because I needed the better suspension in the desert. Fun bikes. I put mine in the back of my pickup and feel good knowing that if my pickup got stuck or broke down way out in the desert, I could get out by riding my dual sport and get some help.

[@ChrysostomosKaniouras]

Would you say that your opinion for klx transfers over to the 250?

[@calcrappie8507]

@@ChrysostomosKaniouras I own a 2019 KLX 250. Yes.

[@leanit5756]

I absolutely love my '24 KLX300. Been riding DP bikes from Yamaha, Suzuki, and Honda since 1982, including more recently a couple of EXC500Fs and a CRF450L. This Kawi is my favorite for a variety of reasons. If they did nothing other than punch it out to 350cc, added another gallon to the gas tank, installed (much) larger footpegs, and fitted a larger skid plate the bike would be pretty much perfection.

[@johndavidwolf4239]

One point that was not mentioned, is that if you want more dampening on the Honda (of any bike) you can just replace the fork oil with a thicker grade for around $20.

[@cooganbeggs4942]

true. I have an old xr250 and everyone complains about the forks on these bikes. I put in a lower viscosity oil and the difference is night and day! 👍

[@SmokinZen]

I love my KLX300 camo bike does everything I want. Not everyone is about racing it has done well in deep sand with stock tires and for many miles in fact. I did get new pegs risers and handguards nuff. My T7 can take care of the rest of my riding style.

[@jimperry4420]

That camo is a good looking bike

[@JagLite]

Excellent! We don't need more $13,000 dual sports! Well said.

[@markvaughn8096]

Great video, My first bike was a Honda Trail 90 ......... My last bike was a 2012 KLR 650 that I bought NEW and just sold and put over 21,000 miles on with out a single Hic up..... So im sold on KAWASAKI quality and NOW im thinking a KLX 300 will be my next machine to take me into my 70s.... I had a bad Warrantee experience with HONDA on a NEW CB 650 post after my Trail 90 that I don't care to repeat ......

[@jonathanjustman6628]

These are really well-made and profesional videos - thank you for making them!

[@fishstick0071]

I had some mini van turn in front of me and totaled my camo klx 300 plus broke both my legs. Now one has as many screws as the bike had. Watch out for people. I thought I was good at that and still got hit. Stay safe.

[@Hisway1151]

Oblivious always on the phone soccer moms in mini van's should be banned from the road.

[@adv9412]

😢i hope you’re doin better man.

[@tomascali1817]

Sorry to hear that man. You didn’t deserve that. That’s the scary thing about the road. You can be a GREAT driver doing everything you need to. It just takes one person to fuck it up for everyone.

[@BladePressure]

Damn. Sorry man.

[@Lalaafastroli]

im so sorry to hear this....the most dangerous thing about riding motorcycles is other people on the road. best of wishes

[@timberwolfdtproductions3890]

Great review. I’m hoping to buy one of these two bikes in the near future. I have a Harley for the pavement, and I don’t need to do anything crazy in the dirt, I just want a reliable, nimble, relatively light camping/trail bike that I can zip down to the pub on for more beer if I have to. I think either one of these would suit me just fine. I was thinking the Honda had a slight advantage due to slightly better build quality and better clearance, but after watching this I’m leaning towards the Kawasaki. Poor suspension can make a short ride feel much longer. The KLX’s adjustable suspension is a big advantage in comfort and capability, and it seems to me the Honda’s height advantage would be erased under hard compression. I could change footpegs pretty cheaply, but it wouldn’t be worth it to upgrade suspension. Thanks for the great information!

[@Deertracks123]

The kawi needs new springs front and rear it's adjustable but still super soft

[@copisetic1104]

The KLX responds very well to a smith carb kit opening up the air box a free flowing exhaust. I’ve owned one for years, very dependable and torquey. This bike has been all over Moab multiple times.

[@mechcavandy986]

They would be a step down / retirement bike for me. I’m 70 and used to enduro and MX race in the 70s. I started out on a KX 250 prototype and went to a KX 400. From there, a Maico 400 MC when I went pro. Now I’m 70, and arthritis is getting me down. I rode BMW R1100 - 1200 GSA bikes for about 15 years. Last year I traded my 1200 GSA for a 22 Husqvarna Norden 901, because it’s lighter and easier to handle. I’ve ridden it in two dual sport events. I also have a 01 BMW F 650 Dakar. To me, the Dakar is a baby step down. If I sell it,I’ll get one of these. I’m biased to Kawasaki, because I raced them. But the Honda has ABS. I like the suspension on the KLH with the reservoir shocks on rear and adjustable front shocks. I guess I’d trade off the ABS for the better suspension; we never had ABS in my younger days, so I don’t have to have it now.

[@deepbludude4697]

7 years your junior, Yep im strictly riding my CRF now. Blown up 5 times from 1982-2019 retired now and just po-dunking down dirt roads and some trails here in NC Arkansas,, Cant bring myself to sell my 75 BMW R75/6, or my 82 CB900F. Have a 83 XL6000R I cant kick start anymore and really just love it all these bikes were paid off years ago. So I built a small barn for them:)

[@f3verMonkey]

Excellent video!! Appreciate you being as objective as possible and not trying to compare it to a KTM. It is eerie how close Kaw and Honda were watching each other.

[@f3verMonkey]

I do own (2) KTMs and (1) Husqvarna and ride and race Offroad in the Southeast. Strictly Offroad anti-dual sport I am and based on my riding would only own Euro dirt bikes.

[@nathanf3230]

Good to know. The two reviewed bikes are nothing like yours though.

[@f3verMonkey]

@@nathanf3230 I concur

[@johnharris7756]

You must like turning a wrench

[@leanit5756]

I wish the manufacturers would give us the same type of bike, reasonably low and comfortable seat, low vibes, softer and comfortable suspension, long maintenance intervals, reasonably affordable, etc, but in 500ccs. Like a DR500S, with (obviously) fuel injection.

[@therealturbofanisme]

I still can't understand why such a bike doesn't exist. Huge hole in the market.

[@ruserious9577]

@@therealturbofanisme I can. Because you are in-effect asking the world's most powerful Works dirt bike ever built...to be spawned/morphed into the cheapest, entry-level starter bike there is. You can't build that kind of power for cheap, and put it on a bike that isn't built for it. You need bigger brakes, stronger frame, larger forks, larger shocks, ...basically the entire bike would need to be redesigned. Either live with what this cheap, entry level offers...or buy an RC or CR and put some lights on it..

[@therealturbofanisme]

@@ruserious9577 ah, no. I'm saying put a bigger engine in a KLX300 or CRF300. Or update the DRZ400 with fuel injection.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Bought a Kawasaki last year. It has far exceeded my expectations. Such a great fun bike.

[@martinf1961]

I have the honda but that kawasaki looks really good as well

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Once again, great production quality. Well done. I love my lil KLX 300 except for the stock tires, they will break loose on damp pavement in the corners. Thanks for the tire replacement suggestion.

[@gothops154]

Think about how much time you plan to spend on road, you don’t want to go overly off-road with huge gaps between the blocks on the tread if you’re going to be doing a lot of on road riding. I found the Dunlop D606 to be a good mix, I actually keep the stock front iRC tire for more confident corner on road since I do so much of it

[@rolandtiiroja]

I have a CRF250L from 2020. Black version. Best bike for me. I love everything about that bike.

[@haljohnson6947]

i own the honda 300L and its well-mannered. Enough power to explore utah trails and mountains. its smooth cadillac with the soft suspension. I own yam 450, ktm 450 too, but this honda is king of the camping trips or exploration rides.

[@marsarmory6236]

Can’t go wrong with either

[@VWJETTY]

Good emphasis that these are not race bikes. Too often reviewers try to compare them to something they're not. 2018 is first year EFI for team green, still rides today and going strong after almost 13k miles!

[@patw9175]

I didn't have a dirt bike as a kid and got into dirt riding only a few years ago on my Tenere 700 (riding on various road bikes for almost a decade). I can ride the hell out of my T7 now and old dudes on old bikes are still making it look easy to me. The very prevailing attitude among adventure riders is "lets fucking see what this pig can do" and we do some crazy stuff. It ain't about who has the newest flashiest orangest bike, it's about how you can ride it and lying about it over a fire at camp. Dirt bike riders are like "300lbs is too heavy dual sports are too slow for the hare scrambles I never finish 😖" Old dudes on GS's are way fucking cooler than all these people who complain about street legal trail bikes being too slow in youtube comments. They ride more too.

[@David-cd5zt]

Awesome video! I bought each of these in 250cc, teaching my teenager to ride. The KLX definitely feels a lot smaller and easier to push around than the CRF.

[@zepcrazyfre]

The KLX300 is amazing. I wish an Suzuki or even KTM beginner trim was available 💯

[@percussion44]

Lol, the KTM would have a 39.8 inch seat height, they have pretty much cornered the market in men 6'9" and over.

[@czierwo]

Neither one is a winner or loser. Both great machines. No fuss, just fun!

[@rafaellima34]

As duas são perfeitas. Quando elas vem para o Brasil. Será um sucesso total 😁

[@josedearimateiayjesus2178]

voce nao sabe o que é uma tenere 250 em comparacao... tenho uma klx mas iguaL A TENERE 250 NAO TEM!!! ABRAX

[@welingtonschuenck]

Nenhuma vem para o Brasil pois não se encaixam nas leis antipoluentes daqui infelizmente.

[@fattrolls8094]

All the criminals will love them

[@JohnnyBoy919]

The crf300l has a seat height of 34.7 inches. Not 37.2, you guys are getting that confused with the crf450rl. So the crf300l should have a lower seat height compared to the klx300.

[@jimbo4203]

My dad and sister both had klx's they're tall and slow but fun

[@dirtbikeron]

We make our own measurements rather than rely on official specifications. The seat heights were taken with the suspension fully extended. In the field, actual seat height is affected by spring preload. And, of course, rider weight.

[@clarkstonguy1065]

Yeah - So anybody out there that buys the bike from a dealership that has the spring preload completely maxed out and then never adjusts it, this measurement is meaningful for you. Anybody else, not so much. I will say though, it did happen to me once. The dealer had the bike setup really stiff before I arrived to pick it up and said for an extra $500 they would race prep it and dial it in for me. I said I could set the sag myself, although they did re-jet the carb for $50 (this was back in the day).

[@JustAnumbr]

They will both drop 4” when you sit on them anyway. Specs are useless

[@MotorBoating1413]

Great review. Answered a lot of the questions I had and hit solid the really important ones

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gianlucabassi8853]

My vote for klx

[@44degreesmotorcycleadventures]

One point not mention is that the Honda seat height significantly diminishes when you seat on the bike. I think it goes from 37 to 34 inches if you are over 70kg

[@MrAlbertsimon]

I bought the 2023 Kawasaki Camo and if you think you can get one for 6k, good luck. Add another $1500 for freight, prep and tax.

[@RigetVisuals]

KLX all day

[@rebman5150]

I like the KLX300 a lot and am already a Kawi fan as I have other Kawis. But there is very little aftermarket support for the KLX. Also eyeballing a WR250R, and the aftermarket support is huge!

[@jonhamilton2962]

Fourstrokeworks in southern California. Great header pipe in conjunction with jetting and airbox upgrades. Much more power.

[@Scantcity]

I would love to see a KLX Rally, 3.5 gallon tank and a nice rear rack. Problem is, it will cut into Klr sales, they dance with these models, can't have one so good that sales slow on others.

[@ifindoubtbailout70]

Shame we can't get the kawasaki in the UK, the suspension advantages make this a no brainer😉

[@mr.mr.3301]

I’d like one just like it in a 450 range but not his strung like a race bike. Think like a modernXR.

[@smiththers2]

Basically a fuel injected drz with a 6spd sounds good

[@jeffmunro7638]

My crf450 rl

[@snubz6188]

@@jeffmunro7638 your bike doesn’t have dual sport intervals.

[@keithquinn5624]

@@jeffmunro7638 that things a slug too, could have got a way better bike for half the price, dr650. 😂

[@jeffmunro7638]

@@snubz6188 true

[@richardorosso7377]

Nice review, and great cinematography and music👌

[@stephtraveler7378]

The only advantage the KLX has is the stock tunability of the suspension; however, the stock suspension still sucks....So it has to be upgraded. Recognizing that both bikes need a suspension upgrade means the KLX actually loses that stock advantage..... Thus, the decision is a no-brainer: Honda for the win.

[@jimedick9496]

You missed the reasoning as to why someone would purchase these bikes. They are dual sport bikes, not track. They are under $6,000. A new suspension/forks is around $2,000. So that negates the entire purpose. My buddy has the Honda, and I enjoyed riding it. You bottom out quite easily with their suspension. I picked up the KLX due to the better suspension and it’s far superior to the Hondas. Still, for the purpose of what they were built for, there’s no need to upgrade the suspension, especially the Kawi. I’ve had my bike for two years now, and I’m still using those stock tires. There hasn’t been a trail I couldn’t ride, or a hill I couldn’t climb. I live in Oregon, so the terrain is steep, rocky, and muddy. If there was a complaint, those tires struggle with mud/sand. They work very well on pavement. For the purpose for what these bikes were built for, and the cost out the door, both are terrific. I’d recommend either for those looking for a good “dual sport”.

[@gooseactionsports1289]

Does the KLX have a removable or welded subframe? Being as I’m 220 lbs and ride pretty aggressive the thought of a welded subframe on the crf does freak me out a little. What’s the cost to have someone cut off and re weld a new one on? Is this something to even be concerned about or has a different videos comment section gotten the best of me? 😅 thanks!

[@jimedick9496]

I’ve had my KLX for two years. I’m 5’9” and I weigh 215 pounds. I use my bike for work, and for play. On the trails, I ride aggressively due to those I’m riding with. I have to in order to keep up since they’ve got dirt bikes. To answer your question, you won’t have any issues riding with your weight. You can and will bottom out from time to time, but the frame is solid.

[@MunkeeMedia]

speaking of "super dual sports" are you planning to review the new KTM 450xcf-w and the 500exc-f? I see some older videos, but it would be nice to see some updates, as well similar bike comparisons.

[@fimenduro]

Is the Music available on cd? What about a remake of the Suzuki TS250.

[@goonerair]

The advantage in my case is purely price and long service intervals. I'm looking for a tooling around town/trail maintenance bike which both of these bikes fit nicely.

[@DonTharp]

Thank you, the video answered my questions.

[@rameneaterguy]

Man can’t find a 300l anywhere. They’ve pretty much needed to be order since 2020 when they can out. Almost no dealers have any Honda stock.

[@stevencarter7031]

I'm stepping up to the transalp from a CB500X...it looks so much better than the suzy

[@marcochavanne]

For the price difference adding Rally Raid Level I or II depending on your height and it completely transforms the little Honda

[@IrnMaiden304]

Suspension is easy, swap out springs and change the weight of the oil, problem solved. Same with changing the ride height, just change the height of the forks in the triples at zero cost and the rear you just change the dog bones. The KLX already being lower height and ground clearance, you can't raise it up to meet the CRF. I'd rather have the CRF, the low end is also a plus for me, not that there is anything wrong with the KLX, if I'm buying a dual sport I want torque and clearance cause I will absolutely be going off road, the frame looks beefier too, the KLX looks like it uses the engine as a stress member when comparing the two just off the thumbnail but it might not be, not ideal to me for a dual sport.

[@sas6045]

Great video and great on the point review - thnx and congrats!👏

[@bigheaddriver1222]

Awesome bike but I still think both companies should come out with 400cc

[@appymarley]

After owning an old klx 250 I was quite looking forward to the 300 but found out we won't get them here so it's basically the Honda or nothing

[@TheGDizzo]

I'm eyeing the KLX300 as a way to give me a lighter street legal bike for around town stuff, that takes up less space in the garage than my Pacific Coast 800 that's been sittin' a bit... but then something I can introduce my 16yo to riding with a clutch on, and not feel like I gotta worry about him getting Whiskey Throttle with and hurtin' himself.

[@nirajnemkul]

What's the music used at the beginning of the video?

[@cooganbeggs4942]

Love your commentary mate …great work! 👍

[@myrtlelittle4130]

Well, that was lopsided. Dual Sports so you chucked the stock tires before testing them. This ride was all off-road. Do you need turn indicators and brake lights in the woods? Didn't see anything in excess of 30mph. How is the stability and lighting at 60mph at night? At what speed is the engine screaming or running out of breath on the tarmac. Stopping distances, lean angles, and traction are important too as most "Dual Sports" and riders are ridden on the streets guised in dirt racer costumes..

[@mikelobdell2666]

I have the xt250 which corners the market pretty much with shorter riders. I see at least as many xt's in my travels as either the Honda or Kawi. My riding partners have the kawi's but honestly I am never held back by my xt so I'll stick with it. I find it's suspension stiffer but seldom ever bottoms out. Hope you do a segment on this iconic bike.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Kawasaki came out with a 230 in a shorter configuration last year. I think it is going to do well.

[@phillipbatho3213]

I've been able to directly compare the XT250 to my WR250R. I was surprised by how much low end grunt the XT has, and just the nice smooth clean power off the bottom it makes. It's too short for me at 6'2", but otherwise a nice ride through the woods if you don't try going too fast.

[@toffeeavatar5011]

I got a Serow XT250 here in Philippines and use for daily work, ran errands out and about and occasionally with family on light trails and shallow river crossings. Rides together crf, xr, klx, wr’s and 2strokes … not a race but man, XT really is crawling like centipedes on those single trails with a lot of grunts reserved. Really fan riding it and will never let you down just for fun 😂

[@bobbipson8906]

@@pinkiewerewolf The market is kind of flooded with used ones because people grow out of them quickly. Then there is the CRF 450 dual purpose. I can find them all over the place. There are many nearly new 450s that have been sold more than twice in their first years of life because of different issues. I kick myself for selling my 400 Suzuki dual sport years ago.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@@bobbipson8906 I have the KLX 300 and honestly it’s too small for me. I find that I hop on the 890 Adventure more, even if it is for short runs. I’m going to sell it when my title arrives. Someone like my gal, the 230 would be perfect for but she’d rather ride a Vespa.

[@ericcournoyer1595]

A delight to watch.

[@6Twisted]

It sucks that these are the only two real options for budget duel sports and both of them are too heavy and underpowered for my liking.

[@njwolf2k9]

Unfortunately they’re not even good budget bikes as dealers are adding insane markups via “shipping & setup costs”. I paid over 8k for a 2023 camo black KLX300. Great bike, feels lighter than the weight suggests but not worth the cost. Unless you can find a decent used one.

[@6Twisted]

@@njwolf2k9 I noticed that. You can get a not road legal dirt bike for almost half the price because it doesn't have all the setup fees on top.

[@STOK5OH]

Could be worse, I live where both of these are made and people selling used ones are asking full retail. Granted no ones buying them, but it's generally not worth approaching as they're liable to have hurt feelings if you offer less. Depreciation is apparently not grasped by the majority. If you want something that slaps like a 450RL, they're more than double priced and rare to find used as most locals are too small for that beast. As someone who's 6 ft and 187 lbs, it's hard to find an affordable dual purpose that wont feel weak suck right away.

[@jbooh88]

Might as well get a tw200 if it’s just about fun factor.

[@decibellone696]

these kind of bikes make me want to get back into motorcycles.

[@ปฏิญญา-ฦ5ว]

I like green

[@KingFriday274]

My klx300 was fun on a race course, but not fast.

[@DUNEATV]

Great channel guys…thx

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Appreciate the kind words. So much negativity ..nice to see some positive feedback. We love criticism but it has to be constructive

[@smiththers2]

I was all about getting one of these bikes for the last year or so but found a drz400 that I just couldn't pass up for the cost. I barely ride it on the road so it's shortcomings don't apply to me and in the case of the carburetor, this one runs absolutely perfect. I still love the idea of a brand new 300 but really just want a little more power

[@clarkstonguy1065]

I was gonna make a snide joke about it would be nice to lose some weight with the 300 but both of these bikes are HEAVY. Like 40 or 50 pounds heavier than my street legal TE510.

[@smiththers2]

@@clarkstonguy1065 yeah they're every bit as heavy as my drz and almost half the power. That's a hard no from me

[@Largetalons]

The 300l only weighs 8lbs less, but carries its weight much lower. I also don't think 27hp is half of 33... 6hp will be noticeable, but so is having only 5 gears and a carb that doesn't adjust for changes in air density. If you only run offroad, they both handle like pigs compared to a dirtbike.

[@smiththers2]

@@Largetalons for my riding skills it handles just like my xr400 did, and definitely has more power than the xr. I can't imagine needing more pull, even on the street. It's far from a highway bike though

[@1STGeneral]

Seeing how lethargic these are makes me even more a fan of Itchy Boots and all she was able to accomplish on her rally carrying all her gear through the mountains ,mud and sand a river or two 😉 🤔 some ❄ snow also

[@ericpogi5654]

Klx 300 is ultralight 👍

[@brianglendenning1632]

Either looks perfect for me - road riders with an s1000r wanting to have some off road and dirt road experience (where I live we have epic dirt road and single track - I ride gravel and MTB when propelling myself).

[@fireinthewhole]

Both good bikes, but I just cannot understand why the Japanese bikes are always so under sprung. It wouldn't have cost any more money to have stiffer springs and to change the shim stack for some better damping. Almost no adult male in the U.S. weighs 140lb, and these bikes are under sprung for anyone over that weight. Also how are they only making 23hp? My DRZ made more than 10hp more before mods, and it is a design from 2000 with a CV carb. Jetting and a full exhaust puts it at nearly 40hp. I like both of these bikes, but with the lack of power and the poor suspension, I'm going to stick with the DRZ.

[@DaBinChe]

Butt naked I'm 135lbs., riding weight around 160lbs. And my CRF300 Rally is still too soft. And the no damping bounce is awful on dirt. I got some Racetech front/rear and it is sooo sweet now. The firmer springs did make the seat height taller which is a chore when stopped but when on the move in dirt it is so smooth, no more bouncing and fork dive, better traction. Think the 23hp is at the wheel. The Honda crank power is about 28-30hp, the street bike CB300 version of this engine crank is about 32hp and wheel is 28hp. I think the soft springs cause they are a world platform and the vast majority of them are sold in southeast asia where folks are even lighter then me even and they ride at a much slower easier pace then we do here in the US.

[@gothops154]

It’s not even the springs that are the worst part, it’s the lack of damping/rebound controls. Even with upgraded front springs in the shock from Racetech or Olhins, it doesn’t make a huge difference without revalving them too

[@DaBinChe]

@@gothops154 yup, needs damping control, spend the cash for a new shock and front internals

[@kman2220]

Great no B.S. video!

[@Chadh9322]

your music is like Chinese home depo

[@cir4-mtbr]

Same engine??

[@1990-t1j]

The CRF looks miles better, if that matters. Slightly more low-end torque, too. For me, there isn't a Kawasaki dealer for 190 km; several Honda ones are less than 10 km away. I'm buying a CRF soon.

[@mr.mr.3301]

Why not a drz 400? It has 39 ho vs 23. Weights 30 lbs more. But the drz is $1000 more.

[@smiththers2]

And slightly used drz sells for sometimes half. I really hope Suzuki updates it a little bit but not too much

[@jdavies]

@@mycomment8267 And DRZ doesn't have EFI.

[@tieoneon1614]

DRZ is 31hp on dyno, if u are comparing 23 which is dyno for the 2 on the vid. Its heavier, carb is always an issue, and 5 speed trans limits you to offroad or highway, sucks at both. They also cost $1k more...LOL

[@MrCAMO112]

Because Suzuki hasn’t updated anything for years

[@RAYSAYFUL]

And the winner is? And why??

[@djizzah]

Both excellent but Honda maybe has the edge resale parts

[@gothops154]

It’s a shame they can’t add better/stiffer suspension for the price, especially when they have a plethora of off road suspensions in their catalogues. The Honda so so nice of a bike in every way except the suspension. Yes you can upgrade to Ohlins/Racetech but god is that a pain in the ass, esp if you want to revalve the front fork (ask me how I know). I really believe they could do something great in the $7000 range. The Honda engine is super for the dual sport purpose and has awesome service intervals, unlike those $13k KTM/Husky’s or even the CRF450RL. But you cant really keep up with your buddies on real dirt bikes bc of the suspension

[@daha8805]

KLX300 seat height = 35.2" CRF300L seat height = 34.7"

[@pedrobedoy9574]

Do they have a kick starter redundet sys😮 no

[@nomasker1360]

Drz400 is about the same weight

[@JMKGarage]

Nice video and good comparison guys 👏

[@TheXTLife]

The king of dualsports,xt250. For us shorter riders, that's all we need.

[@JMKGarage]

@@TheXTLifeI’m sure I could look it up, but how’s the seat height compare to the Husqvarna enduros? I have a 2023 Husky TE150. The Huskys sit lower than the KTM/GasGas. I’m not short, but happy with the height, and even happier that my short wife can ride it. Normally anything 125 or larger is too tall for her.

[@carlogigante5239]

I wish they would put a less powerful and maintenance heavy engine on a "racing" frame and suspension....

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

Ace that you guys at Dirtbike Magazine explore DSBs. Would be even more awesome to see Dual-Sport shootout btw CRF300L, KLX300, DRZ400, XT250 (and/or WR250R, not sold as new though). With follow up of Dual-Sport series aka dogfight btw DR650, XR650L, 690 Enduro, GasGas 700 Enduro and 701 Enduro. These dope reviews along with your 450cc and 500cc Dual-Sport shootouts we just have to follow and subscribe to Dirtbike Magazine 🏁

[@johndavidwolf4239]

While you are at it, add the BMW 310 GS.

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

@@johndavidwolf4239 If only it had some DNA from the G450X Challenge....

[@wilson5377]

Focus on the review☝️ not the comments section.🥴 This way, you... (reading this now) would have an idea on which one fits more to your needs and ultimately which between the two to choose from. That's... if you haven't got either one or have both already! Stay safe, ride right!✌

[@KLXJOE128]

Kawasaki all day! (Biased) 😂

[@sandysmith7485]

Kawasaki needs to bring the KDX back. I have 3-88 200's and an 06 200. Ride safe my 2 wheel friends.

[@Broxty]

Being 6'2" 210lbs both these bikes are terribly sprung for me. Bought the Honda and plan on upgrading the suspension.

[@Plh19]

Klx every day of the week and twice on weekends.

[@nikolasgibson3438]

The sewing machines of the dual sport realm

[@hammothw4814]

what would yo suggest for a beginner, on mostly pavement, dirt roads, and maybe 20% easy trails?

[@manolitocabaguio6089]

KAWASAKI ADMIRER.......!!!!!!

[@nathanscottshoemaker2554]

Cross compare the SSR SR300R to these bikes.

[@yamahasuperbike2202]

Don't waste your money on a SSR. Total junk.

[@heduardomtzr]

💚

[@ajojoseph6052]

Too much B-roll and not enough content. Waste of time, nothing that is not available in other videos was said.

[@thomasm9306]

I live in thailand. Here can you buy the Honda for 145 000 THB. Thats a good price.

[@raybaker8726]

Looked at both when bike shopping. Wasnt impressed. Bought a Beta 390 rr-s

[@MikeAnthony1969]

If I ever lived where I could experience dual sporting these would never be one of the bikes I chose to do it with. You will outgrow them in a month or 2. They are anemic.

[@drumboon1986]

Make a video on the xr650l next

[@KentwoodWarrior]

Same bike for 30 years, next.

[@drumboon1986]

@@KentwoodWarrior that’s why it’s still made cause they haven’t changed it to much

[@smiththers2]

The 650l has it's place but doesn't ride as well as smaller bikes off road.

[@empiresrikesfat]

29hp

[@drumboon1986]

@@empiresrikesfat what do you mean?

[@anthonyeverett1391]

Both bikes should be 400cc engines would be better for most things.

[@MontanaDirtRoads]

Been looking at a klx but I'm not sure if it will haul my fat ass around aswell as my klr does,the klr is a fat ass for single tracks