Am I Keeping or Selling my KLX300? 3-Month Review & Comparisons to CRF300L etc. (EP.4)
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- Опубліковано 14 чер 2024
- In Episode 4 of the KLX300 series I give a 3-month ownership update. We ride on and off road, give an overview of modifications, talk about adding power (or not), discuss suspension, do the oil change break in service, and discuss whether I'm keeping or selling. Plus, I offer a buyer's guide for the KLX300 vs CRF300L vs DR-Z400 vs XT250 and more. #dualsport #motorcycle #klx300 #crf300l #kawasaki #honda
➕ITEMS USED TO MAKE TODAY'S VIDEO➕
⚡ MSR Voyager Jacket/Pant: bit.ly/40YqWmO
⚡ REV’IT Dirt 3 Glove: imp.i104546.net/BXa3A0
⚡ Klim Krios Pro: imp.i104546.net/WD9gOM
⚡ Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro: imp.i104546.net/EKqeQ9
⚡ DJI Osmo Action 4: amzn.to/48O1F2b
⚡ DJI Osmo Pocket 3: amzn.to/3Pcqeik
➕KLX300 BIKE BUILD➕
[I may receive commissions which are invested back into the channel]
⚡Oil Change Kit: tinyurl.com/y457nham
⚡Lithium Battery: tinyurl.com/yut7r4mz
⚡Skid Plate: tinyurl.com/cs4tbrad
⚡Handlebar Kit: tinyurl.com/2venbyrn
⚡Handguards: tinyurl.com/mwz4ceva
⚡Rear Rack: tinyurl.com/56mzydvy
⚡Grip Heaters: tinyurl.com/yea664se
⚡PillowTop Grips: tinyurl.com/9tfv9xbb
⚡DSport Tires (recommended): tinyurl.com/2dma86ky
⚡Wheel Weights: bit.ly/3F7t96z
⚡Tusk Tubes: tinyurl.com/ms5ezbap
⚡Rim Locks: tinyurl.com/ysswttd9
⚡Sprocket: tinyurl.com/53sduw5k
⚡IMS Footpegs: tinyurl.com/yn9ckyhr
(part # 1053900009, for 2013 KLX250S, fits all KLX)
⚡DoubleTake Mirrors: tinyurl.com/zuv6r462
⚡Seat Concepts Seat: tinyurl.com/37yf8vt9
⚡Olympus Tank Bag: bit.ly/3yfaQbi
⚡Tail Bag: imp.i104546.net/VyQQdk
➕SUPPORT➕
[I may receive commissions which are invested back into the channel]
⚡ Patreon: / bigrockmedia
⚡ Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/33kgRIz
⚡ Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/6bxxXN
⚡ Denali Lighting: tinyurl.com/9746het9
⚡ Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto
⚡ Pacific Powersports (Motoz Tires, Barkbusters): pacificpowersports.com/ USE CODE BRM2024
⚡ 3D Cycle Parts: www.3dcycleparts.com/?aff=3
⚡ Taco Moto : tacomoto.co/?ref=fi6gv640
⚡ Cyclops Adventure Sports: tinyurl.com/2kaknpfn
⚡ Amazon: amzn.to/3viGZ0A
⚡ Merchandise: big-rock-moto.myspreadshop.com/
🏍 RECOMMENDED RIDING GEAR AND PARTS!
HELMETS:
⚡ Klim Krios Pro: imp.i104546.net/WD9gOM
⚡ Schuberth C3 Pro : imp.i104546.net/ZQrND1
⚡ Sedici Strada II: imp.i104546.net/g1bjoB
⚡ MSR MAV4 MIPS: bit.ly/3HJSDHT
RIDING SUITS:
⚡ Sedici Marco 2: imp.i104546.net/3ePnAk
⚡ MSR Xplorer: bit.ly/3SjxHwk
⚡ REV’IT! Hyperspeed Air: imp.i104546.net/eKREy6
⚡ Alpinestars Halo Drystar: imp.i104546.net/GmDVP6
⚡ Klim Carlsbad: imp.i104546.net/BXGB5L
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⚡ Klim K Fifty 2 Jeans: imp.i104546.net/BXa310
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⚡ REV’IT Cayenne: imp.i104546.net/NkKZzK
⚡ Merlin Alton Jacket: imp.i104546.net/DVA9Eq
⚡ Sedici Chicane Leathers: imp.i104546.net/Ea5rLX
⚡ Mosko Moto Basilisk/Surveyor/RAK/Kiger/Woodsman: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto
GLOVES:
⚡Sedici Marco 2: imp.i104546.net/nLnyz7
⚡ REV’IT Dirt 3: imp.i104546.net/BXa3A0
⚡ REV’IT! Metis 2 : imp.i104546.net/B0Kyq0
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⚡ Klim Adventure GTX: imp.i104546.net/Eax204
⚡ Sedici Chicane: imp.i104546.net/2rGboD
⚡ MSR Winter: bit.ly/3IDXufg
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BOOTS
⚡ Sidi Adventure 2 Gore Tex: imp.i104546.net/b3q5kx
⚡ Sidi Crossfire 3: bit.ly/3dxtlhr
⚡ Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro: imp.i104546.net/EKqeQ9
⚡ Alpinestars SMX Street: imp.i104546.net/2rz6YM
⚡ Forma Adventure: imp.i104546.net/vnXJ6e
⚡ MSR Adventure: bit.ly/433bSVY
LAYERS AND ACCESSORIES
⚡ Mosko Moto Ectotherm Jacket: bit.ly/3GJUax6
⚡ Mosko Moto Wildcat 8L Backpack: bit.ly/3OiE5Ss
⚡ Moose Body Armor: bit.ly/3IuoTyn
⚡ Leatt Knee Guards: bit.ly/3twN8Fu
⚡ MSR NXT Jerseys: bit.ly/3jD7IDd
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⚡ REV'IT! Cyclone Rain Suit: imp.i104546.net/qn1P9N
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00:00 Trail Ride/Intro
03:35 Mods Update
06:41 Power Mods?
08:47 Suspension
10:58 Highway Ride
12:48 Maintenance
15:49 Singletrack Ride
18:56 Keep or Sell
20:26 Buyer's Guide - Авто та транспорт
➕ITEMS USED TO MAKE TODAY'S VIDEO➕
⚡ MSR Voyager Jacket/Pant: bit.ly/40YqWmO
⚡ REV’IT Dirt 3 Glove: imp.i104546.net/BXa3A0
⚡ Klim Krios Pro: imp.i104546.net/WD9gOM
⚡ Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro: imp.i104546.net/EKqeQ9
⚡ DJI Osmo Action 4: amzn.to/48O1F2b
⚡ DJI Osmo Pocket 3: amzn.to/3Pcqeik
➕KLX300 BIKE BUILD➕
[I may receive commissions which are invested back into the channel]
⚡Oil Change Kit: tinyurl.com/y457nham
⚡Lithium Battery: tinyurl.com/yut7r4mz
⚡Skid Plate: tinyurl.com/cs4tbrad
⚡Handlebar Kit: tinyurl.com/2venbyrn
⚡Handguards: tinyurl.com/mwz4ceva
⚡Rear Rack: tinyurl.com/56mzydvy
⚡Grip Heaters: tinyurl.com/yea664se
⚡PillowTop Grips: tinyurl.com/9tfv9xbb
⚡DSport Tires (recommended): tinyurl.com/2dma86ky
⚡Wheel Weights: bit.ly/3F7t96z
⚡Tusk Tubes: tinyurl.com/ms5ezbap
⚡Rim Locks: tinyurl.com/ysswttd9
⚡Sprocket: tinyurl.com/53sduw5k
⚡IMS Footpegs: tinyurl.com/yn9ckyhr
(part # 1053900009, for 2013 KLX250S, fits all KLX)
⚡DoubleTake Mirrors: tinyurl.com/zuv6r462
⚡Seat Concepts Seat: tinyurl.com/37yf8vt9
⚡Olympus Tank Bag: bit.ly/3yfaQbi
⚡Tail Bag: imp.i104546.net/VyQQdk
➕SUPPORT➕
[I may receive commissions which are invested back into the channel]
⚡ Patreon: www.patreon.com/bigrockmedia
⚡ Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/33kgRIz
⚡ Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/6bxxXN
⚡ Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto
⚡ Pacific Powersports (Motoz Tires, Barkbusters): pacificpowersports.com/ USE CODE BRM2024
⚡ 3D Cycle Parts: www.3dcycleparts.com/?aff=3
⚡ Denali Lighting: tinyurl.com/9746het9
⚡ Taco Moto : tacomoto.co/?ref=fi6gv640
⚡ Cyclops Adventure Sports: tinyurl.com/2kaknpfn
⚡ Amazon: amzn.to/3viGZ0A
⚡ Merchandise: big-rock-moto.myspreadshop.com/
Sell it! To slow for pavement and to heavy off. Get a BETA 390 rr-s, plenty on the used market, only dropped once. plenty of senior riders bought them without lowering the seat height or adjusting the suspension. Great motos have to be built.
if OnLy They Used the 400cc. Kawa Sport Bike Eng. In This & DeveLoped @ 7-Spd. Trans with a 😅Granny Like Low 1-st Gear,
As an A Level racer in FTR(Florida Trail Riders) I concur 100 %..... proper suspension set up is infinitely more important than raw horsepower...
Not Sure But That kLx230 iS Looking Sweet 4, $5-k. Just 4 easier Goings@& Over 55 years age, Where MostLy interested in Views& Enjoying 😊Scenery@ Life @ TraiLs mostLy, & Going up to 50mph@ Seconary Roads
And the 1% that do are only really bound by imagination, because machines really don't have a limit lol, years back people thought back flipping or front flipping a bike was impossible, but that 1% and their imagination got it done, and is now common place!
As an Instructor, you’re preaching to the choir! 99% of the riders will never reach the full potential of their bike. Instead of chasing horsepower….. practice and take some courses! Thank-you Ian..!
Well said!
That's for race bikes not theses bikes 😂 anyone can use the full potential of a duel sports bike
@@zackiaryruddick701 Funny boy! 🤣
@@zackiaryruddick701you wouldn’t even outride an 80 two stroke on a track. Don’t kid yourself little boy
@@PrestoninParadisus it would be hard to beat a good rider on a 80 two stroke on a track , if you where on a duel Sports bike like the drz the 80 is a race bike this is my point anyone can ride a drz hard to its full potential because it doesn't have much potential lol a yz 80 has the potential to go very fast if you have the skill the drz can only go so fast, now that I corrected you I bet I'd would still beat you even if you were on the 80 and I was on the drz 🤣 I can tell this because you used the 80 two stroke as you put it as a slow bike when it's clearly not 🤣
Thank you for not putting on the exhaust, ecu and other power mods. Your resoning for not doing so was spot on.
You can use a philips screwdriver put through the filter and spring, to keep the spring in place. When the filter and spring assembly is secured inside the cup, just retain it with your hand, remove the screwdriver and mount the cap.
I was gonna suggest a chopstick or one of those wood BBQ skewers but a screwdriver makes way more sense.
I wish Yamaha or Honda built a DRZ400. I've been waiting for years.
I use a dab of grease and it stays put.
@@dino5254 I use a dab of JB weld to keep it in place... 🤪
Not a JIS?
I bought the Honda CRF 300L with ABS and replaced the suspension. Rear shock replacement and replacement of the front cartridges and springs. It feels like a totally different bike - especially on rough trails. I am very happy with it. It is a great bike for improving my riding skills. It has enough power for my riding preferences. Ian, thanks for your extremely helpful reviews. I bought my CRF 300L after watching your review two years ago.
Reprogramming the ECU just to a stock improved tune, manages the power better and you get more consistent, linear power through out the low-mid range, and it actually feels like a slight power increase, but in all actuality, it’s a power management gain. Not to mention it delivers more of a controlled feeling in the throttle sensitivity. Also, not to mention, the richness increase in the fuel mixture helps the engine run cooler. Everyone thinks that modifying the ECU is about a power increase, when in all actuality it alleviates many of the ways the manufacturer restricts the little motor, and makes it run like its supposed to. I’m not going to lie, it took me some time to learn all this for myself. I’m so glad I did. It’s like owning a completely different bike.
Sure you can go with a full stage 2.0 tune, and upgrade the exhaust and all that, but it’s not even necessary just to get the little motor to run more effectively and efficiently. And gain more control.
Who did you use to reprogram your ECU?@@airadaimagery692
I bought a KLX 300 last month because of you. It’s my first dual sport. I enjoy the hell out of this bike! It’s taken me places I never knew existed. But please get the CRF 450 next. That’s next on my radar and would love to know what you think. Thanks!
Spot on video & series review of the KLX 300. I agree with your power & suspension commentary. My KLX is a 2023. I am happy with it as is.
It never promised to be a rally bike. Just an easy to ride reliable duel sport. No more, no less.
I have just sold my KLX250 and bought a KLX300. Some improvements but my 250 I did the airbox, carb, pipe and reindexing the cams. The 300 is that without all the work. I have 8 motorcycles and the 300 is a great extra bike. It is about perfect for a hitch carrier bike on the back of our Winnebago 22R. No need for a trailer, just back the KLX off and exploring and errands are a fun activity. Like you my wife is not big, so we 2 up on it with a little padding augmentation. Unlike you our kids are long ago grown and gone. I’ve enjoyed your series, and have been looking at down-to-earth mods and real world riding experiences. The only thing I’m gonna try is removing the secondary throttle plate. But I want to ride it more so I can really tell if there is any difference. Keep it.
Again, the best reviews and commentary of any UA-camr. Thank you for the time and effort here.
Sooo true about the suspension. Most important aspect of a d/s or off road bike for me. Too bad Yamaha does not offer anything yet. I currently own 2023 WR450F and 250.
Absolutely the best bikes I have owned in all my 50yrs of riding. I live in NM, so my 450 is plated. Sucks about California with the Yamahas. I decided to convert my 450 in to my d/s bike. I do love the KLX and Honda's price and reliability. Great bikes, I owned the KLX250S and it was a fun bike. I appreciate you testing these level of bikes. They are very fun and great bikes for any level of rider.
Another great comparison video. I have really enjoyed this series and appreciate your comprehensive review.
The detail and useful information so clearly explained on this channel just can’t be beat. You take great pride in doing the best possible work and it shows. I really enjoy what you do here.
I appreciate that!
Thanks so much for the review. Ian was very helpful being able to compare all those bikes and the off-road experience looks really fun thank you.
Couldnt be more right about suspension. If your suspension isnt spot on , the more power you add the worse your bike will be. You cant ride a poorly sprung bike fast.
Says who? This guy can't even find the limits of the stock suspension. I've seen him ride.
@@HippieHoller probably true but what he is saying is completely right. You aren't going to get faster with shitty suspension set up.
@@Matthew-wn8oq Seat time is more valuable.
Best dual sport bikes got 6 hp by just a fuel controller ,exhaust mod and intake mod...6 hp on the dyno.
@@HippieHollerThe limits are lower and upper mandible...
Anyways those are my biggest limits..
As always, a very comprehensive review, complete with well thought and prepared info and real down to earth advice/opinions. Perhaps the best channel out there if you want more in depth info on a bike and comparison. Super!! 👍👍
That was very informative, and non biased.
Thank you.
I thoroughly enjoyed this video & your breakdown of the different bikes! I just bought my first bike & went with the KLX 300 Lime Green. As a newbie I didn't want to buy to much bike, I wanted something I could learn on without committing accidental suicide. I narrowed it down to the CRF 300 & the KLX 300, eventually settling in on the KLX. Suspension & handling were the most important considerations for me, plus I wanted a bike that I loved the look of. The lime green KLX in my opinion wins out, especially with the TST Industries rear fender eliminator & the Doubletake Mirrors. At 6 feet 185lbs the bike feels great. I've seen videos of people my size topping out at 82 to 85mph on level ground, plenty fast enough for highway speed limits at 55mph in upstate NY. Some are 65mph, but most are 55.
I absolutely LOVE this bike! I've ridden it on the streets & dirt roads, it's awesome. I'm not confident enough yet for "rough trails", being a greenhorn rider - soon... Commuting to work is much better on a bike than in my WRX, lol. There is major loop through the Adirondack Mountains in upstate NY where I live, 694 miles total, 200 of which are dirt / seasonal roads. My buddy and I are planning on doing this route this summer, he has a CRF 300. Hopefully I'll have a GoPro setup by then. I enjoy much of your content - subscribed, keep up the great work, I'm learning a lot from your work!👊👍
Another great review, of what sounds like a great bike. I like how you do the comparison, and the honesty about what you might upgrade and not be worth upgrading on the system.
Great honest review Ian as always! I think you have nailed the review on the klx300 very well! The bike is what it is and built for a purpose! I have done some power mods to mine like the 331cc kit and let it breath better but without modifying the cylinder head to flow more air and fitting different cams you are really only gaining torque down low and the suspension I would describe as budget! Definitely a fun bike and keep up the good work!
14:59 Pro tip - lay the bike on it's side to change the oil filter. It should dribble almost nothing and you should be able to easily install the spring.
that is what i thought
Another pro tip, just a little grease on the spring will fix it in place long enough to get the oil filter on.
Nice to see the DRZ400 come out on top of yet another comparison.
love this review and have been waiting for it for a while. Great job Ian!! What we all need now is a bike like this with 35 hp at the wheel with the same light weight but not over $8K
Ha ha! Love your passion about suspension vs power. A LONG time ago when I used to do track days on my Daytona 675.... by far the most noticeable 'mod' was to get the suspension properly set up by a pro. Took the guy 10 minutes but made me so much faster, far more than if I'd buggered about with exhaust / airbox mods.
Keep up the good work!
Great work thanks Ian , looking forward to the 450 - 500 cc comparison.
Thank you for the comparison chart at the end. I was struggling to assemble something similar myself.
The best reviewer on bikes, period !!!
I bought a’23 based on your reviews and am very happy with it 😊
Love the content on these type of bikes because we get to see the capacity it has, specially for someone who is considering getting into motorcycles and specifically adv or off road, so it would be cool more content on you riding this bike on different terrains where most unexperienced people would think it couldnt or wouldnt be able to.
You nailed the reason I sold my Africa Twin and bought a CRF250L for off-road. I was intimidated by the weight to try more difficult routes, and now I feel confident to go into something knowing I can get the bike turned around if I need to.
Thanks for the good review!
Keep it up.
Great video. I did the secondary throttle plate delete on mine and thats it for power. That mod alone really improves the bikes response and top speed.
I kept kicking around a KLX300 for a couple years. Ended up purchasing the CRF300l based on it being $1k cheaper for me, based on local dealers. Also the additional upgrades available for the Honda, and the display with a gas gauge just put the Honda on top for me. Thanks for your great videos!
These are the best reviews!
As a KLX 300R owner,your comment on the power and suspension are spot on.For the money it’s a great bike.Yes it is not on the same level as anything from KTM group or the WR line…..and is not intended to be.Keep up the great work
Thanks again for another awesome review.
Agree 100%!!! People will buy the Kawasaki you’re riding, a Honda CRF 300 L or whatever motorcycle and spend over $1,500.00 more for modifications to get 1 hp !!! Doesn’t make sense. If you want a more powerful motorcycle, buy a more powerful motorcycle from the get-go, don’t screw around!
Your comments on suspension are right on...as a multi national champion road racer it makes a lot of difference. I did do some simple power mods and picked up 2hp (dyno verified) for the little KLX 300. I used the Twin Air filter, KX250 snorkel, EJK fuel controller, and drilled six 1/4 holes in the stock exhaust (took a while). The exhaust noise is only slightly louder than stock but lets more air flow through the engine (I don't like loud exhaust either). The added power was really worth the mods while riding the TAT on the mountain passes and trails in CO and the sands of UT and NV. I completed the TAT from NC-OR last year and rode the bike back to SC....now having more than 20,000 miles on the bike. Mileage was as high as 74mpg on trails and low as 60mpg blasting down the highway. I was carrying almost 90lbs of luggage with a MoskoMoto Rackless 80 setup. Plan to ride the Continental Divide this summer. Thanks for your review of a great bike for trail riding. I use my Yam Super Tenere/Tri Tiger 955 for my adventure road trips...11 bikes total in the garage!
I used this bike for two years as a re-entry back after three decades. I did send forks & the rear unit to a specialist for re-valve (Race Tech gold) and springs (100kg) as both ends needed a service, worth every dollar, made it planted at speed & safer, a different bike. A SC comfort seat that was not that comfortable and an IMS 11lt tank. Extra fuel gave me a 300+Km (190mi) range, as long as it wasn't in sand or just on the throttle all the time, even then I was still happy. It came with air box lid totally removed, oversized main jet & Staintune ex pipe & header, yes I wish it was a shade quieter, the power actually scared me the first time I really opened it up. So I reinstated the lid with modified kdx snorkel, a lot of work getting jetting right for good power and good economy (carbied Au 2010 250s with 300r complete top end). Barkbusters, Bash plate, bar risers, aftermarket leavers & importantly braided front break line. 606 rear with MT21 up front. Gearing 15/47 was a shade lower than stock (14/42), but better than 14/47 it had when purchased. Great bike, had a lot of fun with it & never a problem over 11,000 km.
The problem I found was peg positioned too high and forward a tad.
Great bike but a bit small for me. Just moved on to a KLX400r in great nick. I have a 34" inseam, 5'10.5" tall and hover between 95-105 kg. But have reduced endurance from health problems.
Yes, I love exploring. I don't think I will ever be as good a rider as I was in my youth, but I don't need to be. As I ride smarter with a bit more caution. And still trying to lose weight.
Love your work, you don't forget us with limited spare cash for toys, so a continued 👍 & Cheers from DownUnder.
Great series on the KLX Ian thank you, there's alot of fun to be had on a bike like this. Fully understand not hanging on to it though if you go that way - would love to see what you could do with a CRF 450L, particularly as a light adv bike!
Thanks for a honest well reasoned video.
Spot on with the Honda, put $700 into the suspension and maybe a lighter street legal muffler and done !!!
A DRZ 400 with EFI, a 6spd and ABS is my dream bike ... 🙏
Same here.
They already make that bike, it’s called Kove 450. And Ive owned a DRZ before and would still own one if Suzuki cared about it.
love your vids, all of them!
Always enjoy your content. Would like to see you review a current Beta 390 rr or rrs, even if there is much difference between these two models. Keep up the great channel.
I didnt get to learn as much as I had hoped. Was a great series, thanks Ian. Was hoping to see more. I have ricochet skid plate. First time I changed the oil, I was very disappointed about the mess that does leak onto the plate. I Rode all season thinking about how much dirt grime and gunk must be building up under there. I did some mods at the beginning of the new year and took the plate off to clean it. There was really nothing there. Not even enough to wipe with a towel. Washing the bike after rides, kinda self-cleaning the bash plate "good enough"?
As always, good job Ian! Debating this bike for the wife for a lighter bike than her adventure bike she has now. You helped as usual:) Thanks!
Thanks for making the point about HP -v- suspension. Spot on. Also some power mods can actually make your bike harder to ride as it pushes the front end around while you whisky throttle your way through rough sections.
Great job. You made some excellent points. For me. Good headlights are needed. Which bike has the best headlight or best aftermarket choices. Thank you.
Good video as always. For the annoying oil filter setup, I lay mine on its side on a big piece of foam and install it that way.
Honda 450 to compare against the fe501 sounds awesome
I have owned both only one model year apart and the CRF L is my least favorite dual sport I have ever owned.
It’s already been 3 months! Jeesh time flys. Road out to lake Hemet yesterday on my GS was beautiful. Ride on Ian! That’s a sweet KLX 😎
My back yard...
Awesome! I am jealous. I think we ride a lot of the same areas. Might see ya out there one day 👍
Thanks again for the reviews. I ultimately went for the CRF 300 LS know ing i would have to do about 2k worth of upgrades ti get i how i wanted it for a BDR bike.. glad i could use your links to support your CH!!
I am looking to build a BDR/motocamp machine. Minimal road riding, mostly trailer to trails/forrest roads. I am stuck between the CRF and KLX! The CRF has awesome aftermarket support and engine/gearbox. The KLX sounds like it has slightly less vibrations and better suspension but minimal aftermarket… most importantly the KLX doesn’t have a large tank option (yet?)
@@michaelparker6218 3.6 gallon tanks (thats not intrusive) and parts are why i went with the CRF. Also go in knowing you need to spend $ on new suspension.. $300 -1800 depending on what you want to do… i went for railyraid. $1700 will see how it is…
Great video. Had 2 stroke KTM 250's in the late 80's early 90's. Got back in the woods on a 21 XT250. The lack of power is not an issue. Very impressed with the trackability of the engine. Very little wheel spin. It just tractors up rocky New England hills. For the most part kept up or stayed ahead of the 10k plus dual sports. With that said some suspension work would be welcomed.
Great comparison, but as an old guy riding dual sport since 1974, I ride a drz400, 4 gallon tank and lowered 1.5 inches. Superb for back roads, forest roads and trails. Lowering solves weight and seat height.
Great video, as usual! I'd be happy with any of them. Though at lower speeds on the toughest trails, low weight and low seat height lets you go farther. For the roughest of the trails Yamaha XT250 is amazing (lowest seat height with some of the highest ground clearance).
10:41
That's a flawless statement more people need to hear... 😮😃🤜🤛
I had to watch to the end. I'll never buy any of theese bikes, but I enjoy the presentation and the quality of the rewiew.
Keep it up!
Wether you would sell or keep the bike - I cant say, but you have your business idea of going through different bikes, so I guess you have your answer there.....
great video, please be careful with drivers that pull off the road, sometimes they are doing a u-turn without looking or blinkers because they missed a turn. take care out there.
I actually crashed my diet bike recently it was a bad crash, luckily a guy helped me I'm going to be buying the Kawasaki KLX300 next spring
A CRF450RL review would be awesome!
Spot on. Best investment is suspension setup. As you start to push a bike harder you will make mistakes. Suspension setup is often the difference between a crash and a "save".
I own a 2022 KLX300. Enjoyed your reviews about the bike 2 years ago and now. Your review 2 years ago aided my decision to buy one. Love the KLX300. Would be cool to see you test a CRF450L too. I am riding more on the road now so the KLX is a perfect fit. Love the bike.
BTW does the seat concepts make a big enough improvement that justifies the purchase. Also any feedback on the Sargent Seat?
Thank you for your review. I’m going to buy me one, in black camo, as my first motorcycle.
Sell the klx and get a Honda 450 RL for long term review please. My wife rides the klx and it’s very well engineered for her. It’s MEH for me. I ride a heavily modified 2020 KTM 690 enduro R, and a 2023 Honda crf 450 rl. Also have a heavily modified 2017 Suzuki DR 650. I ride the Honda the most. Very thrilling! Always watch your channel.
Id love to see a crf450l video from you, there is a lot of different opinions on that bike
Short service intervals make this bike a non-starter for people wanting to use it for light adv riding.
Yamaha 450
and cracked cases from properly torqued oil drain holes
This was a great review, what sets u apart is the comparison chart b/n bikes in the same class
I just picked up a low mileage 2021 KLX300. Looking forward to zipping around on it this summer.
I am in the same camp regarding engine and exhaust modifications. Typically leave all that stock and put efforts into suspension setup, protection and ergonomics. Probably leaving some performance on the table but avoid the occasional niggles that can arise from fiddling. A good straight talk review👍
I have to have an exhaust, but otherwise agree. A lot of the fun of riding is in the sound, for me at least
Thanks, tip that works for me, use a long straw like from mcdonald's through the filter and spring to get it started and straight. Then put tension on it with your hand and slide it out. Hold tension and get the cap on. I have one bolt already in the cap to line it up all together...then hold it all and start the second bolt by hand. 😊
Great video 👍
Test out a Honda 450 in my opinion. We know what we need to know about this bike and the 300L as well.
dynamic. Small gas tanks are only available for the CRF450L
@@mikeschlup5279 Sadly like most dual sports you have to go aftermarket. Nomad 20L gives you range and keeps the weight low.
I seen a guy on you tube ride his klx 300 at a hare scramble. He did pretty well with it but really worked the piss out of it. I have a RE himi for a small bike. It’s pretty good after I got a fuel pump issue ironed out. Not to compare to a duel sport. But it does look cool haha. Ian. I’d like to see you ride the new RE himi 450. Man that might be an interesting bike to look at. Thanks very much for your work. Love your channel. Keep it up please
I was excited to see your series on the KLX300, because that's my bike. I have the 2023 and I love it. I have never adjusted my suspension from the factory settings. We are similar sized people. Will you do a detailed video on setting the suspension? Seems like the videos I've found gloss over the set up of why and how. Thanks.
I agree with your assessment of the KLX 300. It's a fun playful bike but under powered and lacking in the suspension. A great bike for the money. I currently own a 2023 KLX 300 DS in the camo colour. It is for sale because I am replacing it with a 2024 Beta 390 RS. I felt my money would be spent more wisely on a new, entirely more capable, bike instead of upgrading the suspension on the KLX. I know you had a Beta 500 but I would enjoy an indepth, long term build/review on the Beta 390 RS. I am setting up my Beta as my DS/ADV weekend off-road camping bike. I had my dealer install a Stadium 1" lowering kit and the Seat Concepts low seat(I am a towering 5'6")I also run a 2022 Tuareg 660. Loved your series on the Tuareg. I like the way you present your reviews! Keep up the great work.
"If only this was a KLX 350" - a comment you made. EXACTLY what I've been wanting forever. This bike in every way but with just another 50cc's. That's all I'd want. I have no idea why they went from 250 to a bit under 300, rather than just going to 350...too much competition with the 450?!? Still seems like a missed opportunity.
I can’t agree more. I own this exact bike. The only real thing I dislike is lack of power.
Only thing I’d add regarding getting your suspension done, ride it a while as is before modifying anything. Otherwise you won’t know what changed and don’t have a beginning reference point. That also includes doing one adjustment/mod then try riding that way for a while. Recording what you changed and by how much. Cause if it sucks, you can go back to how it was before and do whatever other adjustments may be needed. I wouldn’t recommend just changing it all right away. Cause if you don’t like it you will be chasing an unknown standard. Do what you want, that’s just my advice.
Hoping you move on to the CRF450L
I agree about not fretting to add more power to the KLX. I have done many of the mods to increase it but in retrospect don't think it was worth it. I do love my little KLX and do a lot of exploring on it. I did need a more powerful bike for doing group dual sport rides and such so bought a Husqvarna FE 501s. I love the new Husky. But I plan on keeping the KLX as a daily rider. I have it set up so that it is very comfortable and like you mentioned, the stock power is still very respectable.
Ian, I have a 2022 (basically exactly the same bike). You have almost exactly the same mods I do,. I added a Tusk universal windshield and it's really nice. I modded mine and use Ram mount balls and arms so I can quickly adjust/remove the windshield. Makes a really nice difference at highway speed, which isn't a lot, but it's nice.
Great video
I'm 66 and I've been riding dirt for 50yrs. I have the KLX300 and love it. But can you "Please" do one more video with this bike on how to properly setting up the suspension front and rear. I'm 220 and it's too soft for me.
Thanks👍
I always enjoy your reviews Ian. I need to get out and ride with you and/or the monkey's more but with young kids and living in Oceanside it's a time issue mainly keeping me from getting out riding. I have a drz400s that I have yet to take off pavement onto a trail because of the time limitation I mentioned. I have more offroad miles on my gsa (10k) than this little drz but I'd like to see how a true dual sport is more offroad as the GS has its limitations (my own) that keep me from exploring as much as I'd like.
Anyways always a great watch as usual with your reviews. Keep up the great work and send me an affiliate link for a drz400s tusk oil change kit and I'll buy with your link.
Your garage is getting full, the Husky is lots more fun. Might be time to pass it along. I got 6 bikes in my garage, 4 with 21” front wheels, I gotta lighten the load also. 👍
Review the Honda 450rl.
The easy fix for the filter spring falling out is to take a pair of pliers and bend the last loop of the coil outwards to make a slightly bigger circle. Then it will fit snugly inside the four raised areas and never fall out again! This does not affect operation at all as it's only job is to keep pressure against the oil filter.
Love it!!!!
The comparison chart is very helpful and appreciated! I also agree the Honda CRF450L is in a different class than the other bikes in the comparison chart. Again my opinion...I think all the bikes you listed in the comparison chart are all of the bikes that belong there :). Fuel capacity is the biggest thing keeping me from buying a KLX300...even with the 2.7 gallon IMS tank, I'd still have "range anxiety". I wonder if the 351cc big bore kit would work in the KLX300 and would it be worth it????
The gas tank shape on the Hondas is a show stopper for me...it flares really wide really quickly which makes me have to spread my legs too much when I sit against the tank...which is my normal riding position.
Well said on suspension:)
I sure appreciate this video! My only request being a pretty big newbie on suspension and specifically having trouble googling suspension specifics for my 2024 is a possible video or helpful resource links to advise on improvement or a video to really show/explain the dollars invested here. I'm in a smallish area of Oregon and so far attempts with racetech for this 2024 klx 300 with my weight 220..there doesn't appear to be a spring that lines up. Any help is appreciated. Love the bike btw...perfect for the riding pointed out in this video.
My CRF has Ktech f&r, I did fit a UniFilter to go to Morocco.
It has amazing mpg and handles really well and the filter liberates a little torque and performs excellently in dusty conditions. Good review.
The Honda is more popular in the UK than the KLX although they are very similar
It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than try to ride a fast bike slow. That bike is what it is,ride and enjoy. Loved my wr250r.
I would love to see you do a review on the Honda 450. I'm ready to buy but I'm thinking dr650 because I live in Texas and man it gets pretty warm here. I just don't know if the Honda 450 can survive the heat. At least the dr650 has a external oil cooler. I enjoy your videos.
Good vid, nice riding place. Good presentation. This level of machine attracts a diverse buyer base. You have people coming into the sport starting out and you have people like myself been in ti 50 or more years who want a capable bike to size down into. Foe the money you could buy one hell of a good used ADV bike capable of doing many things with very little if any additional expense. Then there are those like I found, ready to go. Owners just gave up on feeding the cash cow. lot of choices.
I looked at most of the bikes on your list and went with the Honda. The slipper clutch is great for my slightly arthritic hands and overall reliability were the selling points. Definitely need the suspension mods at some point.
I think you have to be careful...a $30k BMW is a niche purchase that has less appeal to your "everyman" viewership. Wheras the KLX300 or the CRF300 have a much larger potential userbase and viewership simply based on price and availability alone. You dont want to "high end" your way out of clicks...
Could not agree more about the power and suspension!
Looks like a bunch of fun
When I was getting dual sport last year, it was pretty much the KLX, CRF, and the XT that I was looking at. Same as you, the DRZ was out because of the carb. The XT was eventually out because of the 5-speed and lack of liquid cooling. The Rally checked the most boxes for me, so that's what I went with. After a few add-ons, all I have left to do is upgrade the suspension. I'm not concerned with power mods, but it would have been nice if it were maybe 325cc or so.
Awesome video, any chance you could tell me the exact size stock for front and rear tubes and the rim lock sizes you used.
with the oil filter I'd just thread the filter and spring onto a screwdrive to keep the spring aligned while you position the filter then hold it in place until you put the cover on. Looks easier than my ktm 390 where the filter is hard to remove as its held in place by grommet and there's no easy way of gripping the filter to remove it. I'm making a custom tool for that one.
Couldn’t agree more on the suspension point. I had mine setup for a rider 5 pounds heavier than me and it was responsive and controllable and I could carry more speed through twisties