Loving mine so far! Just compared it to a uncorked wr with lower gearing. Wr was a good bit faster but the suspension and handling of the klx is superior. Kawi also did an amazing job killing the vibrations in this bike. Still working on wheelies. Clutching it up at like 3/4 throttle in 2nd at 15-20 is only pulling the wheel up a few inches.. Luckily early indications seem to show a big power bump once you let em breath more
From someone who converted a 250L to a supermoto with warp 9s, $6k is an absolute steal! Glad to see the sumos coming back. Out of all of my bikes, my sumo is the most fun to ride.
@tylerrichter4066 agreed, hp you see listed on spec sheet is different than an actual dyno which shows what's being put down from engine>energy transfer whether through chain or shaft>then the rotation of the wheels. Some people don't understand the concept of how power is put down.
Excellent review. You covered all the important factors. I miss my 99 KLR 250 Dual Sport. With this being an SM, it definitely opens up options I did not have back in the day. I have owned the top 3 Japanese makers bikes and Kawasaki gave me the biggest smiles.
My 1st and last bikes were Kawis. Unbeatable power/size . Moto guzzi is my other Fave. But she's gone. Dual sports are now back and its better than death road rides.
"You covered all the important factors" I disagree. Let's address the elephant in the room - sumos are hooligan machines and I didn't see him discuss any hooning potential - how easily does it wheelie? Can you mount curbs or go up/down stairs easily? How does it handle in off-road and how well can you launch it off a speed bump? etc.
I found my 2009 KLX250SF on Craigslist for $2,250, now that is the sweet spot! Not sure about 45 mph being the sweet spot tho unless you’re going around a 30 mph corner! C’mon man! Mine is only a 250 and I regularly hit 70+ on twisty roads. I’ve seen 88 mph on the speedo (actually 84 on gps)! Now granted it was a slight down hill and a pretty long striaght🤣. Not sure it’s worth $6k but definitely worth every penny of $2,250! I’ll be getting the 330 kit eventually...
I was looking at the crf and this klx but the dealership had a ktm 690 used with very low miles for $8500 so I bought it instead. 70hp and barely heavier than the 300’s. I use it to commute into the city for work and quick trips to the shops. It’s a great city bike. I couldn’t be happier with it
That "under 6,000" quickly becomes 7,500 when you add dealer prep, destination char, taxes etc.if you must have one I'd look for a good used one just to save all the dealership fees.
I just picked one up about a week ago. To me it feels comfortable cruising at 65 but anything more feels like you’re pushing it. Topped out at 90 fully tucked. I’m 6’3 about 180 and it feels too small. Bar risers or different bars in general would probably solve this issue. To me it feels quite sluggish but I’ve had a couple powerful bikes in the past. Seat is hard as hell but suspension is amazing. Really gotta give it the beans and be pretty skilled with clutch ups to accomplish a wheelie on this thing. Even in the torquiest rpm in first gear will not get that wheel up just by hammering it unless you bounce it and yank it up, not the case with a clutch up obviously
KLX in 250 or 300 (dual sport or SM) suspension has always been a strong feature. Fantastic for the money. You might have a better experience removing the rubber on the SM version foot pegs for more room. I have a 2019 KLX250 dual sport (doesn't come with rubber insert on foot pegs) and vibration has never been a problem with the bike.
@@calcrappie8507 good point on the pegs, took my rubber pads off, and stiffened the rear spring a bit. Also tilted up the handle bars, made a big difference. Took out the snorkle too. (More growl) I'm 6'2" @ 205#. happy with the results
I've had my 2010 Kawasaki 250 D- Tracker for 12 years now, nothing new here, had it for over 12 years, engine still going strong & not had to replace anything serious apart the normal, tyres, chain & sprockets, brake pads etc......
ok i got this bike and i absolutly love it but under 6000? not really its 5999 but when you go to purchase it taxes and dmv fees bring it to 7500 so ppl need to know this if this is there first time buying a bike
Not every state has sales tax. Not every dealer charges crazy fees. In my state a $6k bike would be under $100 to register and get a plate for. so under $6500 OTD for sure.
Another great video. These were some of the first bikes in Kawasaki showrooms this last winter. I hope the aftermarket comes up with some mods for this bike. Seat height seems a bit high. Be nice to load up a backpack and take off for a weekend! Keep the great videos coming!!
There's rule of thumb when it comes to cars. Every car (every car) is better as a rally version. And every motorcycle (everyone) is better as a supermoto.
I understand this bike. Good price for what it is. What i dont understand is Kawi releasing 230SM instead of going for thr 400/450 to compete with DRZ. DRZ has a lot of fans but some people are a bit scared to tinker with that carburator.
I'm usually dissapointed when I find out a bike has a close ratio box. I think the only 6 speed I like is the CR450 ADV. The R1150GSA had a short first, but they shortened 6 too! They figured these bikes would be loaded as they came with boxes - I guess.
Kawi got lazy with this. They slapped a bigger top end in it and continued with there ei from 2018 and called it a "new redesign" meanwhile it's the exact same from 2009. Give us some new plastics and a fuel gauge. cmon man 6 grand?
Thanks for all the great vids (sorry, didn't catch your screen name). I really like the KLX 300 sm and might get one, its high on my list. I think I could take on some freeways in more rural areas but not along I-95 around DC where I live. Getting blown around some by trucks is an issue but not too dangerous if you're prepared for it. My other contenders are the Triumph Trident 660 (80 hp, 417 lbs, quite nimble) and the Triumph Street Triple, 117 hp and about 420 lbs, also nimble. Either of those can can get out of anyones way on the freeway.
Good video what you say makes perfect sense. This kawi has the DNA of the enduro bike. ! just stay in the sweet spot of these bikes nothing like twisting throttle on a light flickable Super comfy street legal dirtbike for errands and visiting friends. Crack your windshield open and let that mountain air rust through your nostrils
I never thought I'd even give a dual sport or super moto but after owning my honda xr150l since 5.30.2023 I can't see myself going back to a street bike.
I had an ‘03 KLX400SR which was the same exact bike as the DRZ400 with green plastics and I believe was made by Suzuki and sold through Kawasaki. Does anyone know if this is the case here?
If I can actually find one I’ll be getting my ass one of these this summer. The itch has been building for a couple years to get back on something decent. Been on a little Honda scoot for a couple years but it’s just not doing it. I need to get back on something that actually shifts lol
Rode this home for my friend In so cal. Really fun bike but that seat HURTS after a few hours. Ik it's a sumo but my 86xt350 has a comfier seat. Other than that great bike!
Really cool bike, shame we're not getting it in Europe. Great review all the same. Might be an odd question but what model riding pants are you wearing? Thanks!
Ktm 690 smcr is probably the only competition besides the outdated drz. The gap in price leaves a lot of space for other manufacturers to step in. The future is looking bright for the supermoto.
They need to put a 350/400 parallel twin bike together in the supermoto line. Honda has a 500, kawi has a 300/400 twins and Yamaha has 300 twins too. Loads more power and with gearing, they'd be hilarious against other supermotos
Its weird i like the drz its really proven and i think its can look amazing with tastful mods, and a carb aint that bad if you clean it every few 1000 miles and if you rejet it you get more power
@@user-wm9pj2xj7z if you have to clean your carb every few thousand miles there are some serious issues going on unless you only ride it a few hundred miles a year
I have the KLX300SM. Bought it as a fun bike. I added the Yoshimura fender eliminator and it really cleans up the tail. Debating on adding the Yoshimura exhaust.
I kind of hate the looks of it unfortunatly. I feel like it just looks cheap in the front end, and its a less proven bike then the drz and has less power i dont know if i will end up getting this over a drz for my first bike
noob dual sport here ... can i just get the super moto model and throw dual sport tires on it? or are there other things i need to consider? i like the look of the supermoto, the better foot pegs, etc.
Love seeing a factory SM from the big 4. Especially at that price!
Loving mine so far! Just compared it to a uncorked wr with lower gearing. Wr was a good bit faster but the suspension and handling of the klx is superior. Kawi also did an amazing job killing the vibrations in this bike. Still working on wheelies. Clutching it up at like 3/4 throttle in 2nd at 15-20 is only pulling the wheel up a few inches.. Luckily early indications seem to show a big power bump once you let em breath more
It's very underpowered is the only problem. A used low miles drz can be picked up for 5k. Also have you got to ride one yet. Their tiny haha 🤣
Yamaha needs to make a Tenere700SM to give ktm/Husqy a challenge 😭.
It just needs an extra 100ccs
@@co19391 great for a trailbike, at least in dirt spec
Just got my KlX300SM for my first street bike. Honestly I couldn’t be any happier, Kawi really makes a great bike.
Kawasaki has always had a great entry level market! At the other end, some of the best top shelf scary fast motorcycles of all time. Nice review Alex!
Thanks Andrew!
kawi is trash
From someone who converted a 250L to a supermoto with warp 9s, $6k is an absolute steal! Glad to see the sumos coming back. Out of all of my bikes, my sumo is the most fun to ride.
I had the KLX250sm years ago. I had a blast with it.
It would look so much better with a tail tidy and regular supermoto front fender
I'd be willing to pay 9k for a KLX450sm
Same. Not many good options for a faster supermoto
Yes, a KLX 450 SM makes more sense to me, someday
Exactly, they had a good plan and ruined it with the size of the motor.
When demonstrating getting one's feet on the ground, inseam measurement is much more informative than overall height.
@@jeremyw9440 seat width also comes into play. That is why I think mentioning inseam helps more folks.
A dyno test of this bike shows maximum 24 hp at 8-9K RPM, which is far less than the 33 hp that you mentioned
Whp and crank hp? It's the same with any vehicle
@tylerrichter4066 agreed, hp you see listed on spec sheet is different than an actual dyno which shows what's being put down from engine>energy transfer whether through chain or shaft>then the rotation of the wheels.
Some people don't understand the concept of how power is put down.
Same as everything. So not the hot take that you think it is.
Excellent review. You covered all the important factors. I miss my 99 KLR 250 Dual Sport. With this being an SM, it definitely opens up options I did not have back in the day. I have owned the top 3 Japanese makers bikes and Kawasaki gave me the biggest smiles.
My 1st and last bikes were Kawis. Unbeatable power/size . Moto guzzi is my other Fave.
But she's gone. Dual sports are now back
and its better than death road rides.
"You covered all the important factors"
I disagree. Let's address the elephant in the room - sumos are hooligan machines and I didn't see him discuss any hooning potential - how easily does it wheelie? Can you mount curbs or go up/down stairs easily? How does it handle in off-road and how well can you launch it off a speed bump? etc.
I pick up my klx 300 (the dual sport one) tomorrow. I can’t wait!
Nice, enjoy it!
I found my 2009 KLX250SF on Craigslist for $2,250, now that is the sweet spot! Not sure about 45 mph being the sweet spot tho unless you’re going around a 30 mph corner! C’mon man! Mine is only a 250 and I regularly hit 70+ on twisty roads. I’ve seen 88 mph on the speedo (actually 84 on gps)! Now granted it was a slight down hill and a pretty long striaght🤣. Not sure it’s worth $6k but definitely worth every penny of $2,250! I’ll be getting the 330 kit eventually...
I was looking at the crf and this klx but the dealership had a ktm 690 used with very low miles for $8500 so I bought it instead. 70hp and barely heavier than the 300’s. I use it to commute into the city for work and quick trips to the shops. It’s a great city bike. I couldn’t be happier with it
Ya n then spent 1000nds on engine repairs n expensive parts 😂
That "under 6,000" quickly becomes 7,500 when you add dealer prep, destination char, taxes etc.if you must have one I'd look for a good used one just to save all the dealership fees.
Why everyone skips this rather major point, IDK🤷🏼♂️
Great review I’ll be picking up the oriental blue one tomorrow! Can’t wait
I just picked one up about a week ago. To me it feels comfortable cruising at 65 but anything more feels like you’re pushing it. Topped out at 90 fully tucked. I’m 6’3 about 180 and it feels too small. Bar risers or different bars in general would probably solve this issue. To me it feels quite sluggish but I’ve had a couple powerful bikes in the past. Seat is hard as hell but suspension is amazing. Really gotta give it the beans and be pretty skilled with clutch ups to accomplish a wheelie on this thing. Even in the torquiest rpm in first gear will not get that wheel up just by hammering it unless you bounce it and yank it up, not the case with a clutch up obviously
KLX in 250 or 300 (dual sport or SM) suspension has always been a strong feature. Fantastic for the money. You might have a better experience removing the rubber on the SM version foot pegs for more room. I have a 2019 KLX250 dual sport (doesn't come with rubber insert on foot pegs) and vibration has never been a problem with the bike.
Thats where I love my X300 with my front sprocket swapped out for a tooth.
@@calcrappie8507 good point on the pegs, took my rubber pads off, and stiffened the rear spring a bit. Also tilted up the handle bars, made a big difference. Took out the snorkle too. (More growl)
I'm 6'2" @ 205#. happy with the results
I push 60 through the turns all day! In a tank top! Only after a year of riding her though!
I've had my 2010 Kawasaki 250 D- Tracker for 12 years now, nothing new here, had it for over 12 years, engine still going strong & not had to replace anything serious apart the normal, tyres, chain & sprockets, brake pads etc......
ok i got this bike and i absolutly love it but under 6000? not really its 5999 but when you go to purchase it taxes and dmv fees bring it to 7500 so ppl need to know this if this is there first time buying a bike
Not every state has sales tax. Not every dealer charges crazy fees. In my state a $6k bike would be under $100 to register and get a plate for. so under $6500 OTD for sure.
Another great video. These were some of the first bikes in Kawasaki showrooms this last winter. I hope the aftermarket comes up with some mods for this bike. Seat height seems a bit high. Be nice to load up a backpack and take off for a weekend! Keep the great videos coming!!
Its hard to find any of the new 300 bikes..Or anything new right now.
Good price. Can't beat it. I had both a klx300 and now a KLX250 dual sport. Although not much of a power difference IMO. Between the 250 and 300 🤷🏻♂️
Biggest takeaway: someone at TFL said they were anything but 6'2"
There's rule of thumb when it comes to cars. Every car (every car) is better as a rally version. And every motorcycle (everyone) is better as a supermoto.
If it was a 450 or 500 maybe u could pass the prius easily, this is exactly why im not getting a 300 dual sport
He could have passed it but didn't want to cross a double yellow line like duh??
dude you ain't really smart
Remember, that's a stock t&e bike. Intake, exhaust, and tune probably add 5-7hp and the same in torque..
Absolutely LOVING mine;)
I just want a supermoto that I can take on the highway
take the 2 lane road my dude. Highway riding is loud, windy and boring.
Husquverna 701-SM, hands down the best Factory SM that can do everything!!!!
The drz is perfect! I honestly think Kawasaki had a good opportunity and blew it. They should have done a 400 fuel injection six speed!
I understand this bike. Good price for what it is. What i dont understand is Kawi releasing 230SM instead of going for thr 400/450 to compete with DRZ. DRZ has a lot of fans but some people are a bit scared to tinker with that carburator.
Considered it but went with the DRZ. Wish Kawasaki would have made it a 450 and I’d have probably gotten it.
I'm so glad you mentioned your in Colorado, one of the biggest things I was wondering was how this bike would run at altitude in Denver 👍
I'm usually dissapointed when I find out a bike has a close ratio box. I think the only 6 speed I like is the CR450 ADV.
The R1150GSA had a short first, but they shortened 6 too! They figured these bikes would be loaded as they came with boxes - I guess.
Just got mine today! Hopefully it ages well👌🏼
I have a DRZ400SM and would love to have a KLX300SM also!
You just helped me make up my mind!
Interesting; A cheap real super moto and its fuel injected; I hope this pushes suzuki to remake the drz.
Kawi got lazy with this. They slapped a bigger top end in it and continued with there ei from 2018 and called it a "new redesign" meanwhile it's the exact same from 2009. Give us some new plastics and a fuel gauge. cmon man 6 grand?
single cyl bike sold for 5-6-7 grand are total theivery they make immense margin on those. this bike cost less than 500 to make
Pretty spunky little motor in there! The 0-60'ish really surprised me. For dang sure faster than my former BMW G310GS! Not bad. Not bad at all!
Glad it's your former. Imo the BMW 310 is a horrible bike! It's so bad!
@@captainthruster9484 How many miles did you put on your G310GS?
The dual sport model is where it’s at!
where is what ? that ? both are slow. fact.
@@JohnErikjohansson did I say they were fast? Also, that’s not the point of these bikes.
@@DStabs720 i know
@@JohnErikjohansson then what is your comment about? Just rambling?
I like the way the wr250r/250x tail looks a lot better ... but def not mad at this factory 2021 sm
The WR is higher spec and quality but this is a cool little bike
BTW - the rear shock has compression, rebound and preload adjustments. The fork only has compression adjustment.
If you can find one, Honda Supermoto CRF 230M, I think they only made this in 09 but hey... if ya want cheap and mechanical, this is the one
That reservoir placement is a disaster.
Yup lay it down and reservoir is toast and your stuck in the middle of nowhere.
That bike would be so perfect for our roads in the Philippines, too bad Kawasaki isn't selling it here.
how far one can go on 2 gallons?
I ride mine 70 to 80 all day on highways . My top speed was 98 on gps .
What do you think about the tire sizes? The options for tires outside of the stock tires seem extremely limited in those sizes.
Morning Alex..Nice machine..if I drove a bike I'd pick this one...as well as that green color scheme..Nice!!😎
I just wish it was a 400, like the Suzuki.
Thanks for all the great vids (sorry, didn't catch your screen name). I really like the KLX 300 sm and might get one, its high on my list. I think I could take on some freeways in more rural areas but not along I-95 around DC where I live. Getting blown around some by trucks is an issue but not too dangerous if you're prepared for it. My other contenders are the Triumph Trident 660 (80 hp, 417 lbs, quite nimble) and the Triumph Street Triple, 117 hp and about 420 lbs, also nimble. Either of those can can get out of anyones way on the freeway.
I think I'll still take my drz400 but it's a step in the right direction
Love that they made this, but that tiny fuel tank is a joke.
Wish they weren’t 9k here in Guam 🇬🇺
Dope! I’m team green. But I would probably buy a DRZ over this.
Why
I'll take this 6 speed over the DRZs 5 speed any day. And i did! 😄
This bike is well capable for 75 mph considering I can get my klx 300r up to 73
Bring it to Europe ! PLEASE KAWA I BEG YOU
If you put better off road tires on this how would it do off road? I’m not very experienced just asking
Loved my k 250 sm !!!!
I want 1 but I've already got a klx400 with sm tires on it
I wish it was more green less black imo
Husquverna 701-SM is living Life!!!!!!
Good video what you say makes perfect sense. This kawi has the DNA of the enduro bike. ! just stay in the sweet spot of these bikes nothing like twisting throttle on a light flickable Super comfy street legal dirtbike for errands and visiting friends. Crack your windshield open and let that mountain air rust through your nostrils
Flash forward and its up to $7.5k
I never thought I'd even give a dual sport or super moto but after owning my honda xr150l since 5.30.2023 I can't see myself going back to a street bike.
I want 1 but I'm hearing terrible things about the fuel tank / range
Cool bike! I got to check out a new 2022 at the dealership yesterday. 😎
are you sure those are tubeless ?
You seem to be avoiding talking about how the power compares to anything.
I saw this bike today looks awesome
I had an ‘03 KLX400SR which was the same exact bike as the DRZ400 with green plastics and I believe was made by Suzuki and sold through Kawasaki. Does anyone know if this is the case here?
Yes the klx400 is a drz. Kawi and Suki were all buddy buddy for a bit then
If I can actually find one I’ll be getting my ass one of these this summer. The itch has been building for a couple years to get back on something decent. Been on a little Honda scoot for a couple years but it’s just not doing it. I need to get back on something that actually shifts lol
Good review 👍👏
Wish it came in white or blue - don't like the black plastics.
They should have made these bikes available with a 400cc or 500cc engine.
KLX 500sm with tubeless would be the unicorn 🦄
Rode this home for my friend In so cal. Really fun bike but that seat HURTS after a few hours. Ik it's a sumo but my 86xt350 has a comfier seat. Other than that great bike!
Sadly they are still 50cc away from selling out in the states
Really cool bike, shame we're not getting it in Europe. Great review all the same. Might be an odd question but what model riding pants are you wearing? Thanks!
It does have tubes
At that msrp I’d probably go with the Suzuki drz 450SM
It's not under 6k$. I've the KLX 300 DS and it came to $6,989.
Too bad it’s not the technology of the Yamaha WR 250 X but it’s still a great little bike
AMAZINGLY FUN BIKE!!!!
You made a comment early in the video. Are the tires on the KLX300sm tubeless??
Wait it comes tubeless?
What is that mountain road in colorado?
Ktm 690 smcr is probably the only competition besides the outdated drz. The gap in price leaves a lot of space for other manufacturers to step in. The future is looking bright for the supermoto.
I want a bulletproof japanese SM that handles 80+ mph highway rides and curvy roads np. Not everyone has good low speed riding roads.
They need to put a 350/400 parallel twin bike together in the supermoto line. Honda has a 500, kawi has a 300/400 twins and Yamaha has 300 twins too. Loads more power and with gearing, they'd be hilarious against other supermotos
There are many used drzs out there that can be had for @ 4500.
Dammit Suzuki doesn't update that bike!
@@You-Tooberyeah, people want fuel injection.
Put fuel injection in it and I’ll get one🤷♂️
Its weird i like the drz its really proven and i think its can look amazing with tastful mods, and a carb aint that bad if you clean it every few 1000 miles and if you rejet it you get more power
@@user-wm9pj2xj7z if you have to clean your carb every few thousand miles there are some serious issues going on unless you only ride it a few hundred miles a year
nice review
I really like this bike !
Would be a cool project for some mods
I want one so bad
When I rode one, the shift lever was so high that I had to lift my foot off the foot peg to downshift, is that normal?
The transmission has higher gears in it.. or is just a rear sprocket smaller ???????
Haha this was filmed like 3 minutes from my house.
Looks like you could just saw off the tail, leaving some plastic to mount the license plate just below the tail light?
I did this temporarily lol. The taillight is still hideous so it's not super helpful
I have the KLX300SM. Bought it as a fun bike. I added the Yoshimura fender eliminator and it really cleans up the tail. Debating on adding the Yoshimura exhaust.
@@Bluedevil50482 I can't find an exhaust anywhere
Yoshimura has an exhaust and fender eliminator for the KLX300SM.
I kind of hate the looks of it unfortunatly. I feel like it just looks cheap in the front end, and its a less proven bike then the drz and has less power i dont know if i will end up getting this over a drz for my first bike
without breaking too many laws
noob dual sport here ... can i just get the super moto model and throw dual sport tires on it? or are there other things i need to consider? i like the look of the supermoto, the better foot pegs, etc.
Are the tires tubeless?
Great review! Love the bike! Think I could be happy on that one for a long time👌🏽
Not tubeless. Misspoke in the video.
@@AlexLightmane4i Didn't even hear that you did👍🏽 I just saw the nice rims and had to ask. 😉
Alex Lightman These are tubed?!
@@sarahdell4042 Yes he misspoke , you would have to change to a tubeless rim unless someone make a kit to convert stock rims.
I have one Kawasaki D Tracker
Very good
Imma go buy one