Kawasaki KLX300R REVIEW & Upgrades!

[@UpNortBassin]

On new years Eve I bought the 2024 300R from a nearby dealer who had slashed the price I walked out for $3977 (saved myself $3,200)which included my Wisconsin DNR OFF-ROAD registration! Brand new not used.....yet. It's brutally cold right now and I'm not riding and won't until I install a vapor speedo/tach to track my hours and miles. I could not be more excited! You are a talented rider and video creator, thanks. Side note: have not ridden a dirt bike since I was around 17, I'm 56 now so this is the perfect bike for me. I grew up riding the wet mountains and Sangre De Cristo range in Southern Colorado and became a very capable rider on a 100cc class Kawasaki G4TR, I did things that Kawasaki never intended for that little bike to do.. rock climbing for decades so my balance and strength to weight ratio is pretty good I only weigh 140-145 lbs at 6' 1" so I'm confident that I will recover the old skills and push beyond them. Apologies for the long post

[@endurobandit]

Congrats! That’s a killer deal! And thanks! I’m sure you will enjoy the new machine! I just picked up a Pro Circuit slip-on and installed a graphics kit on the bike. Looking forward to riding it again this spring!

[@zacharykurik7523]

Thank you for your videos i just bought my KLX 300R today after watching your vids i talked myself into it and I'm excited.

[@endurobandit]

Thank you, and congrats on the big purchase! She’ll treat you well!

[@RG880]

Thanks for your videos! Great content! Just picked up a ‘22 300r. First ride today at Rampart Range here in CO!

[@endurobandit]

Thank you!! Enjoy!

[@UpNortBassin]

Home turf!

[@msims1250]

Thanks for the video! I’m looking at getting one of these soon. I had a CRF250F as a trail bike, and I liked it quite a bit, although I found myself wanting a little more power. Unfortunately that bike was stolen. I think the KLX will be an excellent replacement.

[@adz762]

I'm looking to get a 2024 in the battle gray color next spring. Great video and thanks for the advise on the mods!

[@endurobandit]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@ronowens1095]

I’m also about to pull the trigger on a battle gray 2024. After watching your vids i think this will be the perfect bike as my first. Cheers!

[@randyderksen4358]

Lot's of good useful tips! Sharp looking bike.

[@Exitwoundstudio]

Cool review. So much better than somebody talking away while they ride down a jeep trail.

[@milesholland6826]

Awesome review thanks considering this bike

[@endurobandit]

Glad to help!

[@Texasphotoguy]

I bought a 22 in 23. I’ve made a lot of the same upgrades. Pro Taper bars (after bending the stock hitting a tree 😂), Acerbis guards and pillow top grips. This winter it’s time for the Dynojet and pro circuit full exhaust.

[@trebep]

Can you post the link to those handlebars? Great video. Picking up my 23 300R tomorrow.

[@endurobandit]

fortnine.ca/en/renthal-standard-7-8-handlebar (RC Bend)

[@dominocweber9763]

I am an expert rider and I am looking at the 2025 model. Or maybe the air cooled 230r. I have race bikes but I need something quiet and mellow for trail riding with my family and for hunting.

[@endurobandit]

Haven't looked into the 2025 model but I heard a rumour that the '24+ don't have as good suspension as prior years. Still much better suspension than you get on the 230R. The stock muffler is about as quiet as they come. I don't think you'd be satisfied with a 230R, I wouldn't!

[@dominocweber9763]

@@endurobandit we will see. Im going to go ride the 300 and the 230 to see how I like them. I already have 3 other bikes a 300 2stroke a 144 2stroke and a 250f so I don’t need too much performance. Just need a bike to put around on with my young kids or take hunting. I think the 300 Klx looks great on paper but I want to see how mild of a bike it is or how slow it can put without being temperamental

[@_i99official]

Can you make a video on how you did the custom engine guards?

[@endurobandit]

If I get more requests I will. Basically I used cut-out paper to make the templates, then cut it out of a sheet of aluminum. Then finished off the edges with a dremel.

[@tieoneon1614]

I got the dual sport version. Any easy 2hp gain is by just removing the snorkel, all they do is redirect and dampen intake noise. If u are running a tuner, keep the lid off. Makes a difference. I like the growl. And replace the O ring chain with a MX chain. Its a lot lighter and 50% less friction. Both of those are good for around 1hp and u can feel both individually to justify it. These bikes are not as lean as the internet bro's will tell u. Iv ran tuners on my previous 2, and not on my '24. Spark plug wasnt any different from just removing the air snorkel, its carmel brown color like its suppose to be after 700 miles.

[@2wheeltinker]

The issue with removing the snorkel on a trail bike is… the reason there is a snorkel. Water/dust intake without it.

[@tieoneon1614]

@@2wheeltinker Their sole purpose to dampen and direct intake sound. Period. If u are crossing water 3ft deep, 1" higher snorkel isnt keeping water out.

[@2wheeltinker]

@@tieoneon1614 I personally prefer my air intake to be facing towards the rear of the bike requiring me to be stationary or seat level submerged for multiple seconds for water to not only make it into the air box, but at a rate high enough to actually flood it. Do you have one of these bikes? Have you yourself looked at the airbox design? I ride mine often and have found myself in accidentally deeper than my seat water that has not made it into my airbox because… intake is facing the rear of the bike. Either way man, you do you!

[@tieoneon1614]

@@2wheeltinker There isnt anybody here believing that u ride thru water over the seat, Bro.....LOL. And I repeat: if by accident the bike ends up in deep water a snorkel facing ANY direction isnt going to save anything.

[@stoplogicmotorsports]

Considering getting one of these as a 3rd bike. Suspension decent for speed or meh? Main bike is a ktm 250xc for racing and a kdx200.

[@endurobandit]

It’s got good suspension, but depending on your weight you may need to put in stiffer springs. I like this bike more than the KDX200 I had, although I don’t think you’ll like it as much as your 250xc.

[@stoplogicmotorsports]

@@endurobandit well the KDX is a midlife crisis restoration lol. Thanks for the insight at 232 I can toss springs on it.

[@Dashriprock4]

@@endurobandithow is this better than the legendary KDX?

[@endurobandit]

@@Dashriprock4I didn’t straight up say “it’s better than the KDX”, but it’s definitely better than the ‘89 KDX200 I had. If it was one of the later model KDX’s in mint condition, that would depend on the rider preferences. Stock vs stock new, KDX hands down. But with the mods I’ve done to this bike, I’d rather have it. KDX’s have more hp, but they don’t put the power down well. Their suspension isn’t great and the weight distribution sucks so the front wheel wants to slip out when you are riding singletrack fast. KDX’s lug really well for a 2T but the KLX300R is still better in the lower rpms, and puts it’s power to the ground more efficiently. It’s also easier to wheelie and log hop with this bike, and that’s saying something! That’s my experience anyway.

[@levidupuis5958]

Just bought a 2021 KLX 300r that has been un-used for the last few years (5hr on it) battery is dead. Currently charging it and I hope it will work after a ride? Any suggestions besides what you covered in this video. Nice mods bike looks great.

[@endurobandit]

Congrats on the new bike, and thanks! Just make sure all the bolts are tight and put new oil in it. Also get rid of that old gas!

[@morganortner4529]

I’m looking at a new 2024 300R. How’s it do on the hills. Plenty of torque and power?

[@endurobandit]

As I said in the video, it does well at the low-speed technical climbs but the hills that are long and very steep it struggles with.

[@Backyard_KLX]

I see some planes on the wall, you still fly?

[@endurobandit]

@@Backyard_KLX Haven’t flown them in a couple years. Nobody to fly with anymore and so many other hobbies lol

[@singletrackjunkie488]

Only mod needed on these bikes is to twist the throttle harder!

[@booneman]

KLX300R or CRF250F? 5’11”, 220-230 lbs, haven’t rode in 20 yrs and buying a 110 (Honda for EFI probably) and want to ride with him + go out on my own.

[@endurobandit]

Definitely the KLX300R. It’s got way better suspension and more power. But either way you will need to get stiffer springs for your weight.

[@johnmclaughlin4802]

👍