KLX 300 Long Term Review. The Pros and Cons of Kawasaki's Budget Dual Sport after One Year Riding.

[@Captndarty]

I love the way this bike looks and totally wish they’d scale it up 5% or so in physical size and come out with a 450.

[@zeeosix]

After the "FUEL" warning comes on, you can hit the left button that cycles through the trip meters and see everything. When "FUEL" pops up, I reset the Trip B to zero and make that my mileage tracker on "reserve" fuel, which is 0.6 gallon. Figure you can go around 20 miles safely after the "FUEL" warning comes on when off-road and you're not getting very good mileage. If you're on the highway or back roads, you should be getting around 65-70 MPG, so could safely go around 40 miles on reserve fuel.

[@BrianSmith-ql5nj]

Interesting! I will try that next time i do a big ride. 🤔👍

[@DonTharp]

Klx 300 2022. Great at nothing but dang good at everything. The perfect mule.

[@DerekDualSport]

That’s exactly right 👍

[@johnlongmire6217]

I purchased one a few weeks ago. I watched several of your videos while deciding on which bike I wanted. I love mine.

[@DerekDualSport]

That’s awesome to hear! Thank you, I’m glad you’re loving yours too. I think these bikes are so much fun.

[@BCpov]

If you press the mode/trip button, you can cycle through to get rid of the flashing fuel text.

[@WayneSmith-zx3tf]

I'm all hot and bothered about this bike right now. These are the things I need to know. Thanks!

[@ronlawson5819]

I’ve had my 300R for a year now as well and love it more the more I ride it,keep up the great videos

[@DerekDualSport]

That’s awesome! Thank you 😎

[@zr24X4ROCKS]

It is the perfect bike for the woods ! loved mine , wish i still had it

[@bucksshots3109]

I bought mine 10 days ago $6500 brand new. So far im in love

[@DerekDualSport]

Awesome! Yeah these things are a blast.

[@ryandidthis]

You already know I'm sold on it. But my gosh this was a great experience review. Wicked job. I didnt know that was normal to cycle the ignition after a lay down. I was doing a pile of uneeded cursing trying to get going hahha. By the way, your production quality is getting absolutely incredible. Youre killing it!

[@DerekDualSport]

It’s like that classic IT line.. “did you turn it off and back on?” Haha it caught me off guard the first couple of times too. Thank you buddy!

[@rockyrambo9637]

Great video Derek

[@mrsmel269]

great exploring and info . hope your out chasing right now

[@KentwoodWarrior]

Great video as usual buddy 👍🏻

[@pnwguy221]

I vote for a Motocamping video. Keep doing your thing Dude!

[@michaeltaillon2874]

I purchased my 2024 KLX300 a few months back and have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the bike. Your review has confirmed many of my thoughts, though I did not know about cycling the ignition if you lay the bike down. For now I've stayed local, mostly up here on top of the mountain not far from you. There are dozens of state and county gravel roads around here to keep my attention while I break the bike in. Like you, I'm a big tall guy and have been surprised how well the stock suspension is considering I essentially overload the bike every time I ride. I plan on upgrading front and rear suspension soon. One thing you did not mention is the seat, or as I like to say, the torture board. A new Seat Concepts seat is expected to arrive Friday. My butt can't wait.

[@DerekDualSport]

That’s awesome 😎 oh yeah the suspension upgrades make a huge difference too. Haha my butt Is still suffering on the stock seat, I’ve heard good things about seat concepts but the price point has kind of kept me away, I’ll probably pick one up eventually though.

[@michaeltaillon2874]

@@DerekDualSport At 67 years of age, I've come to the point where my butt is worth more than my bucks. Though I was surprised by the $330 plus tax I was charged. But they are the best in the industry and get to charge premium prices for a premium product. I'll give you my review after some seat time. I suspect my butt will know immediately.

[@DerekDualSport]

@michaeltaillon2874 yeah I look forward to your thoughts on it!

[@chuckbays5753]

67 yo That's awsome. I'm 55 and was thinking about getting back into riding some trails. I did enduros when I was younger so,, This bike seems like a great option Thanks for sharing ​@michaeltaillon2874

[@bwoods311]

Man, first time I took my KLX off road, I laid it over. Could not get it it to start and I pushed it what felt like a mile through ruts and hills (probably 200’) before trying, out of desperation, to start it again. This time, the key had been off. Well, it started up immediately. I was simultaneously overjoyed and furious.

[@woodenyasayso3101]

😂😂😂😂

[@stug77]

If you push the odo button it will go back to the odometer instead of blinking fuel. I usually set one of the trip meters and assume about 30 miles once the fuel light comes on. For me that's at about 0.6gal. (I could go way further on backroads but 30 miles is a worst case scenario going full tilt on the highway getting around 50mpg)

[@DerekDualSport]

Haha someone else mentioned that to me too. I can’t believe I never even thought to hit the odo button that would have saved me so many headaches 🤣

[@stug77]

I had no idea about the fall sensor! So that's why it'll only start when I "give it a minute," because I turn the key for that minute lol.

[@Motoboo_Marine]

It's a kawi thing. My ninja does it too.

[@kyleblume6530]

I’m a simple man. I see a Derek dual sport video come up, I click on it.

[@DerekDualSport]

You’re the best! Thank you!

[@kyleblume6530]

@@DerekDualSport your videos helped me confirm the 300R is the bike for me. I don’t have my (required) motorcycle liscense yet, I bought the 300r for that reason. I installed IMS Pegs a week back and I just bought a full set of heavier springs!

[@themountrushmorestateofmin6307]

Just tuned in, videos are great! I went to the dealership a few weeks ago to choose between a 2025 TTR 230 or a TW 200 for cruising around at the lake. I haven’t been on a dirt bike in 20 years but have always had good luck with Yamaha products. I hadn’t considered the KLX at all but they had a holdover 2023 300R sitting there for the same price after rebate. I had to comment that I’m so happy I found this bike or should I say it found me. The fuel injection, suspension, eye appeal, versatility and value are what did it for me. Even if I only ride it wearing swim shorts and Crocs.

[@DerekDualSport]

Haha I love that! I’m glad the bike found you too.

[@simonfournier6480]

Klx 230 😜 they have fuel injection nd 6 gears compared to the ttr

[@mikel460]

My 07 i got in 2017 still tractors around just fine and yeah the more u ride the more boundries u can push.i dont have any complaints with track master II tires. I live in michigan which is a sandbox basicaly i would get different seat for longer rides

[@thadthompson4929]

Thanks for the video. Im looking at my first dual sport. I'm 6'2" 200 lbs. Do you think it would fit me?

[@alecmcwilliams4384]

Currently itching to get rude my KLX300 back home, im stuck at class in NC for one more week till i go back home and ride it.

[@rutniktrainer]

As far as falling the clutch is your friend. If you stall you fall. Slipping the clutch doesn't burn up a wet clutch. Just don't scream the revs up.

[@scottcook9630]

I have a '24 and loving it. What tires do you run? I would love to see moto camping videos. Can't wait!

[@DerekDualSport]

I am running the tried and true Pirelli MT21 front and Dunlop 606 rear tire combo. It has greatly improved the off road experience.

[@BrianSmith-ql5nj]

Yes i hate the fuel light situation!!!🤬🤬🤬

[@Rieju-Sherco]

I made my 2008 KLX-450 dual sport, and it is "FUN" but a little heavy

[@markw7952]

Glad you are loving the KLX ... looks like your ride Uwharrie, Brown Mtn, and Brushy Mtn re your clips?

[@DerekDualSport]

Good eye! I do go to those places often.

[@joshdoddadbod]

I had one it was good but needed more power. Hoping the rumoured DRZ refresh is what im looking for.

[@DerekDualSport]

I’m interested in that DRZ as well, I don’t think I’ll buy it but I’d love to see what they can do with it.

[@joshdoddadbod]

@@DerekDualSport probably same for me but I'd like to know it's there for when I do eventually decide to get one. Right now I've got a T7 and it seems like the perfect all rounder for me. Good at everything but single track, and a hell of a lot of fun both on and offroad.

[@DerekDualSport]

Heck yeah, if I go ADV I’m probably going T7. I’ve seen them out and about in my area on some pretty rough trails.

[@joshdoddadbod]

@@DerekDualSport it's way more capable than I ever imagined it to be.

[@KentwoodWarrior]

Yes that’s what I’m waiting on lol

[@_i99official]

In one month it will have been 1yr since i got my KLX250 and i love the bike and wont ever replace it. I can agree the d605 tires are just crap for offroad, i had to ride through sand with them a heap times and it just made it impossible. the fuel thing looks pretty anyoing and im lucky to not have to deal with it since here is australia we still get the carby klx250's and we dont even get the klx300 (we used to though in the late 90's and early 2000's) we only have the klx300r instead. that trip sensor thing seems to be a pain too, is that just for the new MY24+ klx250/klx300? i dont remember hearing about that with the 2018-2023 efi american model klx250/klx300.

[@Ramentheawsome]

I have a KLX 250 that I absolutely love! I have had it for about a year now too. What tires did you end up going with?

[@DerekDualSport]

I went with the Pirelli MT21 front Dunlop 606 rear, and it made a huge difference 👍

[@Ramentheawsome]

@@DerekDualSport thanks! that's exactly the combo I was looking at!

[@mt1885]

Question how does it *shift gears* is it very notchy?

[@KingFriday274]

When it blinks fuel you can just push the dash button and go back to the trip odometer.

[@DerekDualSport]

🤣 no way really!? Wow I never even tried that.

[@KingFriday274]

@@DerekDualSport I logged 5k miles on mine. Sold it to keep my wr250r. But I think that was a mistake. The wr "feels" heavier because it carries weight up high.

[@tieoneon1614]

Hey Iv had 4 of these 250/300's and I only recently realzied u could do that with the odometer. Man that use to piss me off cuz I judgded how far I could go into wilderness areas by that LOL.

[@DerekDualSport]

Haha I think it’s so funny that I never realized it, because likewise it always made me so mad.

[@nathenallen15]

I have klx 300. Do you ever have trouble with shifting? Like getting into neutral and first? I find myself kicking a lot to get it to change gears.

[@DerekDualSport]

Good question, I noticed it a lot in the first few months. I haven’t noticed it much at all since.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Wonder why Acerbis doesn't get their butt in gear and provide like a 3.5 to 4 gallon tank for it.

[@mechcavandy986]

I’m 6’1” and 240 lbs. Do you think this is the right bike for me?

[@fizzdizz9835]

With your seat time, would you buy a 300r just for trail use? Im not wanting street legal. Just cruise trails.

[@HereWyoming]

I had a 300r, sold it bought a beta xtrainer, far more fun and easier to ride and much, much lighter. I didn't think the klx was bad or heavy until I tried the beta.

[@TheHub_ofHorror]

you are cool as fuck man. im thinking on getting a KLX down here in Mexico and ride it down to Panama. through a couple countries, all the jungle and dirt roads, hidden beaches etc. you reckon the klx could do that ? never super long travels just spurts of 2-3 hours to the next destination

[@DerekDualSport]

Man that sounds like an awesome adventure, you could definitely make it.

[@mrdee03]

Has anyone used an ekj tuner on their 300r? If so what’s your settings? Seems I can’t loose the pop 100%

[@stevenm8429]

👍

[@WayneSmith-zx3tf]

Ok, who has figured out how to disable the crash/fall safety?

[@TerisaBarre]

6721 Vandervort Villages

[@TomiLynch]

The fuel indicstor is a real bummer. Who on earth thlught it would be a good idea to impede you from seeng the odometer when you're running out of fuel??? Could have placwd the indicator at literalt any place but that one.

[@DerekDualSport]

I agree that’s just plain bad design.

[@toddsmith8608]

Did you read the other comments? Hit the odo button

[@TomiLynch]

@@toddsmith8608 I think those comments all came after mine, so I hadn't read them. This is great news!

[@toddsmith8608]

@@TomiLynch how long you had yours? I'm shopping this and the crf300l, currently leaning towards the kawi (suspension). I've thought about the high dollar euro bikes but I prefer Japanese reliability and longer maintenance intervals. I'm not gonna enter any enduro races. Would you buy the klx300 again?

[@TomiLynch]

@@toddsmith8608 I don't own this bike. I'm also looking into buying it, so was doing some research. Seems really nice!

[@David-lq2xg]

Plastics are stupid expensive for the KLX. In fact most OEM parts are KTM price.

[@DerekDualSport]

Interesting 🤔 I haven’t had a need to look into OEM parts pricing yet.

[@jordanfrangquist1474]

It’s a great bike not perfect but nothing is.

[@DerekDualSport]

Haha exactly it’s not perfect, but it’s close enough.

[@GrantBoris-r6w]

Taylor Jason Hall Charles Walker Amy

[@ClaraTina-h8f]

Hernandez Kevin Davis Karen White Cynthia