As an aging senior rider which prefers back mountain roads at legal speed limit pace and easier forest service fire roads again at a leisurely sane type of pace this bike really has caught my interest. My last dual sport which I sold about 2 years ago was a KLR650 had just gotten to heavy for me to feel comfortable in many off camber type situations as when you get older physically you just cannot still do what you could when you were younger and if it were dropped or tipped over became a challenge for me to be able to pick it up anymore. What I loved about the KLR was the tractor like power and torque all down low which made the bike a joy to ride for my riding style. This new KLX300 with it making its power down lower in the rpm range and the bike being much lighter may well be exactly the ticket to get me riding again. Need to take off and go to the local dealer and see if they have one to look at or when they possibly expect one in. As a reasonably priced adventure type of bike for riders that weight is more an issue and acceleration and or top speed are not a top priority this bike may be just what the doctor ordered. Thanks for a great down to earth review.
Glad you liked it! The differences in weight and feel between the KLX and KLR are huge. No comparison. You may be riding this thing to places you would never have attempted on the KLR.
@@DifferentSpokesTV Local Kawasaki has no dual sport models to currently look at in stock, the Local Honda dealer does have a 300 Rally in stock but no standard 300l models. Actually they have deposits on the next two standard 300l models they will receive. I did like the size of the rally model but this was an ABS model (which I do not want ABS) and I prefer the more stripped down look of the standard model as well. The only thing the rally model offers over the standard model which I consider a plus is the extra fuel capacity. But anyway the out the door price of the Rally model with all the freight, prep, taxes and registration came to a little over $7000. I really have a hard time wrapping my head around paying over $7000 for a 300cc dual sport! Think I will wait until I can check out the KLX at a minimum.
Location, commentry, word use, editing, entertainment value, it's all here.... Fantastic review, infact it was like watching a television documentary with all the expensive equipment and highly trained professionals that TV channels have at their disposition. Thanks for all your work that you put into your YT content. Greets from Switzerland, Steve.
Wait for them. You will find comfort and joy. My 250 is loosening up and starting to purr at 4500 miles. Not tired of it at all. A wonderful bike. More fun than my Moto Guzzi 1200.
Dude you are my favorite motorcycle reviewer/youtuber. Your signature calm voice and narration is the best way for me to relax or watch before going to sleep. Keep doing your thing!
Wonderful review, I concur with your well delivered assessment. I used to do lots of offroad from 20 to 40 years old. My last bike was a Yamaha 465 IT, a grand beast! I turned 70 last summer and, well hard to describe, hope I'm not nuts. This seemed like a great choice for my aged but experienced and Much more refined self. It was the wife's idea mostly, though I did not take much convincing. Got her a new KLX 140R L, making it street legal and dual sport tires of it, she used to ride dirt also. We'll be mostly joy-riding the back roads and easy trails here in NW Montana. thanks again for your inspiring commentary. Many blessings👆😉
This is a great video. I've watched many reviews and am tempted to buy one of these KLX300s. But this video is pure poetry. A nice twist on boring spec videos. Good for you to be different.
I got my 2020 KLX250 a month ago and have had a blast exploring offroad trails for the first time. Other bike is a 2006 883cc HD Sportster. Emporer skid plate and Acerbis handguards installed. Great bike that gets me through terrain I didn't think possible.
Big fan of your videos man...i wont ever get my hands here on the kind of bikes u ride n review...but your content is awesome, so awesome that it keeps me super engaged...great job, keep it up
Thanks a ton. Whatever dual sports are available where you live they are worth a look. When I'm off road I sometimes question why I ride on the road at all.
It's not as powerful as a DRZ but it is noticeably lighter. Has fuel injection and a sixth gear too which I didn't mention because I took those for granted unit I remembered that the DRZ didn't. That would make an interesting comparison.
@@DifferentSpokesTV That sixth gear would probably change things for me. I live in Vegas so if I want to go anywhere, I'm most likely getting on the highway to get there
I love my lil KLX 300. Perfect small displacement bike and you summed up the bikes pros and cons nicely. Mine is in gorgeous Kawasaki Lime Green, let the good times roll!
@@DifferentSpokesTV Out handles my 200 pounds great. I just bought the Pan America Special. The KLX has been a great tool to get back into off-road riding with a lightweight dual sport. I don't see myself ever getting rid of this lil bike.
Great Video! Production value is good and I love your commentary. Nice work. I have a 2020 KLX 300R (that's the dirt bike version) and love it for fast desert riding, single tracking and climbing rocky hills. I can only do about 2 hours of trails on my YZ450 and I'm done but I can ride the KLX all day.
Thanks! 👍 Those 450s are way too good for me. I couldn't ride them to their potential. Having said that, when I picked up Brooke's Rally I was drooling over a CRF450L. Maybe next year:)
@@DifferentSpokesTV Nobody can ride a modern 450 to it's full potential unless you're on a track. They are wicked, my only saving grace is that I know I'm not all that so I don't try to be. :)
Smooth 6 speed gear box. Fuel injected. Good suspension. A little bike for getting out there and back. Also good in an urban setting with good height and visibility in city traffic along with a skinny profile. Great starter bike.
Nice review. Had a deposit on KLX Camo, dealer called me this week, only received the Kawasaki green, I passed. Now waiting on order of a 2021 CRF300L Rally. Figured it was a good compromise for distance travelling to get me where the road ends. Probably will be doing a suspension upgrade on it, or that’s the plan thus far. Look forward to seeing your next review!
Good choice! I ordered mine at the beginning of March and it just came in now. I'll ride it with stock suspension this year and maybe but Ohlins on for next season.
@@DifferentSpokesTV Got my fingers crossed that my dealer gets one in. I told him I’d buy it sight unseen no test ride. I’d still have my 2016 CRF1000 DCT for longer rides.
Hi, I Iike your video. I have a CRF 300L and I changed the handlebars for taller aluminum one and got a skid plate and stiffer springs. I agree the Kawi might be better off road.
Another great video analysis! Thanks for the range estimate. When I first saw this bike (and 2 gal tank) I immediately started looking for an aftermarket tank. Unfortunately Acerbis and IMS have not yet made one. I’m drawn more to the CRF300L Rally with its 3.4 gal tank and better top end. Looking forward to your follow up video on the Rally!
Very sensible and well put together review, very professional and informative without rambling on and on like many reviews.Best review of a KLX I,ve watched by a long way and I,ve looked at a lot if them.
@@V-wo8np And likely most people who were into dual-purpose bikes in the 80s and prior. That is what they were called. That is until Suzuki coined the term "Dual-Sport" with the release of their DRs, and began promoting "Dual-Sport" riding events hosted through their local dealerships.
I have been away from motorcycles for 35 years. The last ride I owned was a GPZ 750 which took me from Vancouver to Montreal and back. The first ride I ever owned was the iconic Can-am TNT 250. Getting back into bikes decades later has been interesting. Last year I bought a dealer demo Tenere 700. Beautiful machine, excellent on any kind of pavement but its no dirt bike, big mistake, had a small washout on a slight muddy uphill and it took me a half hour to pick it up. The moto gods were smiling on me however as I easliy sold the bike some 500km later and only lost 250€. A couple of months later I picked up a 2009 KLX 250 EFI with only 2350km. What a great bike, exactly as described in this video. I already swapped out the footpegs and installed some bar risers but think I need more height and will probably change the bars next. Its been great rediscovering my skills both on and off road. Slowly but surely has been the subconscious direction as I look back over the past several months. Great video, great advice, you are up there with F9. Keep on rockin' upright!
Hi Great channel you have . I just got my new 300 rally last week out here in Nova Scotia and the increased power is awesome compared to my crf 250 but the 250 seems to be a smoother engine. I find the 300 a little buzzier. The rally it definitely going to need a better rear shock . First tank I got 330 Kms . Was quite impressed with that. But I must say the 300 Rally is the closest thing to a unicorn bike for me . Just about perfect. Cheers
Thanks! I do find the engine buzzy, especially at around 3800rpm for some reason. I'm lowering ours for my wife and going to armour it up for off road, but after that I'll look into better suspension. It's a bit bouncy and vague on the trails now but has the potential to be the perfect off road ADV bike.
Probably has a lot to do with the emission standard and market reality. Australia is a relatively small market with relatively tight emission standard, so it's not hard to imagine why it's the way it is.
Loved the Days of Thunder reference. Does the word "humping" get you demonetized? 🙂 Good review; I had to put the larger intake, tuner and Exhaust on mine because I kept looking for the pedals when on the road with it stock! It's definitely a dirt bike; a lot easier in the sand than the T7!
Great review! I have the exact bike and agree with almost all of your assessment but will say Ive been having a LOT of fun in twisties on the road with this bike. I have a z900rs that I love and bought this bike as a play bike to goof off on and have been pleasantly surprised at what a "serious" little bike it is. Do a few mods to uncork the engine and the bike comes alive. I suspect the Honda will be faster and have a few more gizmos but for an old school purest like me the KLX really fits the bill. No complaints!
Nice! You made the right choice for a play bike. One thing is that the KLX alway lagged behind Honda in the availability of engine mods. Hope the aftermarket is on it.
I still find myself stuck between a midsized adventure bike and these small dual sports, and I can only afford one bike. Still waiting for that 450L Rally Honda.
Good review! I also recently picked up the standard CRF300l and I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the torque on the CRF300l. The Honda pulls really well at low revs too.
Looking forward to the comparison between the Honda and the Kawasaki. I’ve been shopping for some kind of dual sport but I’m not find much on the used market. I own a Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE but find it too heavy, and too nice to risk throwing it on the ground off road. Also own a Ducati Multistrada again not exactly a good off-road bike. Keep up the good work.
Thanks! Yes that Triumph is a gorgeous bike but they made it too pretty to beat up on. Right now new is the way to go. I'll tell you now, for off road only I'd lean to the Kawasaki already. The Honda would need suspension work to run with it.
At 60 yrs old I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on a new 2023 KLX300 Dual/Sport. Been riding everything since the early 70's. The KLR650 is just to heavy at 60 yrs old for trail riding. Forest roads, old open trails and dirt roads your good. But when those turn into single riding trails with the width & weight of a KLR650? I don't want to fight the bike on the trails. Also I want to be able to jump on the highway or freeway for a quick 20-30 minute jaunt if needed. KLX300 seems to fit the bill. Only pitfall?? Too small of a gas tank at 2 gallons. Your only gonna average about 100 miles on a tankful. Yes, I can upgrade to 2.7 gallon tank, carry a Rotopax or a small 1-2 liter fuel bottle for an emergency. Like I said "I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on a new KLX300. Great bike at retirement age w/out the extra size and weight of a KLR650.
Are you seeing crazy prices for used bikes since the pandemic as well? Over here in Australia, prices for second hand (off road bikes) are crazy at the moment.
Yeah, like I said, I see seven year old DRZ400s for basically new prices. The prices of new ones went up by a $1000 as well. It's good for the off road community to grow but the manufacturers need to step up production. You don't even see these bikes in showrooms anymore. As soon as they come in, they're gone.
@@DifferentSpokesTV I hope they do that, otherwise it would weigh slightly more than 160kg because of the A2 dirverslicense in Europe, which allows a maximum of 0.2kW/kg. It would be a shame if it were that heavy.
I’ve watched all your videos most of them a few times!!! Great job with this ☝️ Great story... you are also my favorite voiceover guy! Too cool for words dude! 😊
The 23s are out and I wanted to replace the XR650L I regrettably sold last year. I went to my local dealer (So California), they had two in stock...one green, one black. Out the door cost for the black one was $8696. For a basic 300cc dirt bike. Nope. It'll be another XRL or a DRz, used of course.
I have the Barkbusters because you can choose the size of the plastic shield that comes on them. We've in Canada so I always go with the Storms, the biggest ones. They do a really good job of keeping the wind off your hands. They're pricey but work well.
Great vid and a ton of info. If i were to get the Honda or the Kawi it would be the Kawi for one simple reason. The Honda subframe is now part of the frame. Bend or brake that and it is a total loss.
nicely done! great review too as we (my wife and I) are looking at the CRF 300 Rally, KLX300 or a WR250R for a 'second' bike, I've been riding since '73 and my current horse is my '16 Flat Track Pro which does 80/20 dirt/road, I scramble the shit out of DucDucGo and he gives me so many smiles per mile and the biggest soul boner riding as you've described at the beginning, I am also blessed to be in BC's interior on the Chilcotin plateau with literally tens of thousands of logging road, FSR, blocks of clear cut, free range country with a TON of single track, LOL right outside my door hence my 80/20 riding, most of my life was spent riding Onterrible and Vancouver Island so up here it is only natural to dual sport or ADV it up, well thats my ramble eh, you all take care and enjoy the gift of the day. B^)
Nice review. I'm having a hard time deciding what bike I want. I have narrowed it down to the CRF300l, KLX300, and the KLR650. I don't know how much off roading I'd do. I know I would hit the gravel/chert back roads with occasional 55 mph highway use. I figure it is a coin toss between the two 300 cc bikes, but I've found a leftover 2022 KLR650 I can get for less than those two 300 cc bikes. It seems like a better bike, though 150 lbs. heavier, but real bargain for under $5800. It seems like it would be better on the highway, but the extra weight could be a detriment if I did trail ride it. What do you think? I'm 5' 10' and weight around 200 with decent on road riding experience.
@@DifferentSpokesTV Yeah my only concern is the suspension travel on the SM is a bit shorter, which would make it better on the street I guess. Ideally I want the dual sport then have a set of 17" wheels and tires (and everything else needed for sumo conversion) to swap around but that's a significant amount of time and money committed.
I screwed up & got a big ole Yamaha Tenere` 700 as a "starter" dual sport. It is mighty intimidating. Should have started w/ something like the 250 or 300!
Very interested in the bike and this was a great review! Ideally I would like to road trip it up north, stay up there for a week and ride back home but will it do a 4-5hr trip on the trans-Canada hwy? Would also need a set of saddle bags but I wouldn't be taking too much up with me. Are the maintenance intervals long or short? Am I asking too much from it as it would be about 10hrs total of highway riding plus maybe 20hrs on trails haha Would want to start the trip fresh tho
Hahaha, I just realized that I'm talking to "the" Brooke! Nice going, I love to see you're riding besides him (not in most videos, sure, but in real life). 🥰👍🏽👍🏽
@@DifferentSpokesTV I love to see both of you riding together in the channel. Most motorcycle content seems to be aimed only to man, it's nice when there's a female point of view in the videos. It would be nice to have Brooke colab with you in the videos. 👍🏻👍🏻
Love the review and the great details but your description of the motor is strange it's like the exact opposite of every magazine and every other writer including the Dino charge that show the Kawasaki has greater top end but not the low mid-range of the Honda so just a little curious on your description
You are obviously not alone doing all this filming of yourself..., is that Brooke behind the camera, or is there another person helping you, whom we have not yet been introduced to? Whichever way, the camera work is outstanding.
Yep, Brooke helps out with the camera work. She is a fantastic camera woman. Also, I have a drone which sometimes tracks me and sometimes has an AI brain fart and films random bushes. Thanks for the complement. I’ll tell Brooke her work is not going unnoticed.
Your right the only one we can get is the Honda 300. The Yamaha,Suzuki and Kawasaki light weight off road bikes have all vanished. We can get a Enfield Himalayan though
Unfortunately I hear that there is pressure to limit where motorcycles can ride in the UK. It makes me realize how lucky I am to have an almost limitless trail network where I live and also near my cabin. I guess the demand isn't there because of the limited places to ride.
Honda CRF 300l it’s really for new riders. Can’t beat that slipper clutch. I love Kawasaki and it’s better off road but it doesn’t fit everyone’s needs. Specially new riders
I see that you fell over in the sand on a Yamaha T7. The T7 is scary in sand and marble size gravel on hardpack. Did I mention the weight? Holy crap! I need a smaller dual sport for off-roading
I'm looking to sell my 2021 Tenere 700 to get one of these.Just seems like a better choice for me.The Tenere is a bit too tall for me and is heavy.Great bike though.
Too much technology for me (liquid cooled, EFI, digital instruments) but I'm really glad to hear it does not have ABS. The seat is also too tall. I am 62 and have been riding off road since age 8. I started on a Bultaco Lobito 100. My current dual sport is a 2001 Yamaha XT225. Yamaha made a serious mistake when they discontinued this bike. It had a long run in the U.S. (1992-2007) but they are starting to become scarce. Stock it is only 249 pounds, and has plenty of power for trail riding. The drum rear brake is perfect. I have modified mine a bit. I weigh 240, so I had to completely replace the front and rear suspension. I also installed a Clarke 4 gallon tank, bar risers, kickstarter, center stand (a real bolt on center stand, just like street bikes used to come with, sadly no longer made) a luggage rack, and a few other minor things. Aftermarket parts are still plentiful for this bike. The seat is only 31" tall, and because of some orthopedic issues, I can barely get on it. Another inch taller, and I would not be able to get on it. It's carbureted air cooled 2 valve engine is bulletproof. It's six speed transmission has a low enough first gear to climb anything where you have enough traction. I bought it back in 2008 with 1800 miles on it for half what it was worth, then put another $2500 or so into it in mods to make it perfect. And I'm still riding it, and expect it to last many more years. Nothing about it I can't fix. The only dual sport I've ever liked better was the 1979 Honda XL250 I had decades ago.
Thanks for sharing. I'm not sure where you live but here in Canada Yamaha still sells a XT250 with a low seat and (I believe) a 293lb weight. The stock suspension is weak but could be replaced. It's a good looking bike too.
I’d have loved to get one of these for off-roading if Kawi released these in India, but there’s no such hope.. However, since GS 1250 is available, I can buy one of these by paying 28K USD and use it regularly to ride to the nearest Coffee shops 😉
If you're going off road a lot look into the Yamaha XT250. It has a really friendly seat height and is pretty good off road. You can also mod it in various ways.
@@DifferentSpokesTV it's been a debate between this and the Himalayan, but I hear the RE may be getting an upgrade soon. Currently enjoying my 2021 CT125 after not riding since high school (ninja 250).
I like that bike but it's so high off the ground I'm on tiptoe Enfield has it right in the leg seat hight,im doing occasional dirt roads and some highway but not heavy trails offroad or super high speed
The Himalayan is much lower. Brooke can flat foot that bike and for the type of riding you're doing it's the better bike. The KLX is for the more technical stuff and wouldn't be as good on pavement.
Trail always terrified me, even on non motorized bike. (remember Nature Trail to hell in 3D?) if i had a choice i would go road, or something safe, like sand beach / dune. Still the idea of lightweight motorcycle dose appeal to me on nigh primal level so i get some of its appeal.
Yes, loose surfaces can be intimidating at first. The lighter the bike the more confidence you have on it. I just keep in mind that the consequences of a fall on dirt are nowhere near what they are on pavement. That helps.
@@DifferentSpokesTV Whilst my tarmac preference is about control and predictability i strongly suspect i just dislike narrow spaces. But hey glad you and many other adventurous souls find biking in dirt fun, it certainly seems appealing to just go wherever you want to irreverent of the road or dirt trail's heading. Aye the soft landing, as it were, is why i assume i would do fine on sand, it can cushion fall fairly well.
Your descriptions about the KLX are spot on. I bought one two months ago after not riding a motorcycle for over 30 years. Glad I took the leap of faith. Did you find hand guards that don't require altering the bike? If so, what kind did you get? Thanks.
Thanks! I didn't get handguards because this was a press bike and not mine. We've bought a CRF300L Rally on which I installed some Barkbusters that I had laying around. You'd have to research whether they would fit the KLX. It will involve cutting the grips as the ends of them looked solid to me.
Unfortunately, this and the Honda are too tall for me. Riding them is no problem but where I ride often requires recoveries including a solid foot plant. With my 30 inch inseam, the centre of gravity would be well past the recovery point. I ride with two friends with a klx 250. I have no problem keeping up with them on my ten pound lighter, and 3 inch lower seat height xt250. The thing is a tractor and will lug up a steep grade with the best of them. It also has 60 km's extra range from its 2.6-gallon tank. I have a friend who is an excellent trials rider and where she takes her pimped out xt250 borders on unbelievable at times. I like this bike as well as the new Honda but when it comes to dualsports there's not much effort made for shorter riders.
These are fun bikes but way too expensive for what they are. They should be no more than $5k US on the road and even that us too much. Luckily, most of them go for 1000 or more discount in winter time and that is the best time to get them.
@Scott Just because you pay ridiculous price for bicycle doesn't mean that motorcycles are cheap. Manufactures and sales charge whatever people are willing to pay. I paid ebike $1300 but, more than half of it is profit. Higher end is even more profit and overhead. The reason those bikes often go on sale is because marketing overestimates how many they can sell at MSRP. You can buy bottle of wine for $50 or $10 but they roughly cost same to make.
There are $5000 dual sports out there. Bikes like the DRZ200 or the KLX230 are good but they have less power and downspec suspension. If you want a more capable bike an extra thousand is worth it for me. It's a small price difference for a significant difference in capability. You pay twice as much for a KTM 350 EXC, but again, that's way more bike.
I really don’t understand your point in comparing a klx to a gsa? Completely different motorcycles. I don’t take my 600lb Gs places I take my 300lb wr250 nor do I do 8 hrs of highway on a wr if I can avoid it. Why point out flaws in a bike when it wasn’t designed for rough single track? I wouldn’t criticize a klx if I was miserable from 8 hrs of asphalt either.
I am waiting for a Honda CRF 300 L now a 2022, as I could not get a 2021, Yes the Kawasaki dose have better suspension, but if you look at the HP and torque the Honda winds hands down Up to 4500 rpm they are almost the same but then it changes from 4500 the Honda Leaves the Kawasaki behind till it hits around 7500 then they even out. Max torque Honda 16.7 at 6,400 Kawasaki 15.4 at 8,000 This shows me that the Honda has the better usable torque as well as horse power. The graft I am looking at is for the 2021 model year for bough bikes. As for what type of riding most people will be doing the Honda suspension is more than good enough, If you want to race then go with the Kawasaki, but 90% of the people buying these bikes will never need it. and I for one. At 73 slow and easy and smell the roses is for me, and at that there are many who I have to stop and wait for, so I am not the only one.
As an aging senior rider which prefers back mountain roads at legal speed limit pace and easier forest service fire roads again at a leisurely sane type of pace this bike really has caught my interest.
My last dual sport which I sold about 2 years ago was a KLR650 had just gotten to heavy for me to feel comfortable in many off camber type situations as when you get older physically you just cannot still do what you could when you were younger and if it were dropped or tipped over became a challenge for me to be able to pick it up anymore.
What I loved about the KLR was the tractor like power and torque all down low which made the bike a joy to ride for my riding style.
This new KLX300 with it making its power down lower in the rpm range and the bike being much lighter may well be exactly the ticket to get me riding again. Need to take off and go to the local dealer and see if they have one to look at or when they possibly expect one in.
As a reasonably priced adventure type of bike for riders that weight is more an issue and acceleration and or top speed are not a top priority this bike may be just what the doctor ordered.
Thanks for a great down to earth review.
Glad you liked it! The differences in weight and feel between the KLX and KLR are huge. No comparison. You may be riding this thing to places you would never have attempted on the KLR.
@@DifferentSpokesTV Local Kawasaki has no dual sport models to currently look at in stock, the Local Honda dealer does have a 300 Rally in stock but no standard 300l models. Actually they have deposits on the next two standard 300l models they will receive.
I did like the size of the rally model but this was an ABS model (which I do not want ABS) and I prefer the more stripped down look of the standard model as well. The only thing the rally model offers over the standard model which I consider a plus is the extra fuel capacity.
But anyway the out the door price of the Rally model with all the freight, prep, taxes and registration came to a little over $7000.
I really have a hard time wrapping my head around paying over $7000 for a 300cc dual sport! Think I will wait until I can check out the KLX at a minimum.
Location, commentry, word use, editing, entertainment value, it's all here.... Fantastic review, infact it was like watching a television documentary with all the expensive equipment and highly trained professionals that TV channels have at their disposition.
Thanks for all your work that you put into your YT content. Greets from Switzerland, Steve.
Wow, thanks! I really appreciate that.
I came here to say the same things, Steve! Fantastic production value - the scenery was sublime!
I love my KLX300 it does everything I want and it is surprisingly comfortable for a little dual sport it complements my T7 perfectly
I have the same combo I have a 2021 Yamaha tenere 700 and a 2023 Kawasaki klx300
Wait for them. You will find comfort and joy. My 250 is loosening up and starting to purr at 4500 miles. Not tired of it at all. A wonderful bike. More fun than my Moto Guzzi 1200.
Utterly fantastic review. Thorough, entertaining, highly informative and fantastic scenery & cinematography!! Definitely earned my subscription!
Dude you are my favorite motorcycle reviewer/youtuber. Your signature calm voice and narration is the best way for me to relax or watch before going to sleep. Keep doing your thing!
Wonderful review, I concur with your well delivered assessment. I used to do lots of offroad from 20 to 40 years old. My last bike was a Yamaha 465 IT, a grand beast! I turned 70 last summer and, well hard to describe, hope I'm not nuts. This seemed like a great choice for my aged but experienced and Much more refined self. It was the wife's idea mostly, though I did not take much convincing. Got her a new KLX 140R L, making it street legal and dual sport tires of it, she used to ride dirt also. We'll be mostly joy-riding the back roads and easy trails here in NW Montana. thanks again for your inspiring commentary.
Many blessings👆😉
This is a great video. I've watched many reviews and am tempted to buy one of these KLX300s. But this video is pure poetry. A nice twist on boring spec videos. Good for you to be different.
I dig your style! Thanks for all the great content!
I appreciate that! Thank you!
I got my 2020 KLX250 a month ago and have had a blast exploring offroad trails for the first time. Other bike is a 2006 883cc HD Sportster. Emporer skid plate and Acerbis handguards installed. Great bike that gets me through terrain I didn't think possible.
Big fan of your videos man...i wont ever get my hands here on the kind of bikes u ride n review...but your content is awesome, so awesome that it keeps me super engaged...great job, keep it up
Nothing wrong with dreaming and planning
Thanks a ton. Whatever dual sports are available where you live they are worth a look. When I'm off road I sometimes question why I ride on the road at all.
I just saw this bike the other day! I was sitting on a DR-Z400 and this thing caught my eye. I had never heard of the KLX300 up to that point
It's not as powerful as a DRZ but it is noticeably lighter. Has fuel injection and a sixth gear too which I didn't mention because I took those for granted unit I remembered that the DRZ didn't. That would make an interesting comparison.
@@DifferentSpokesTV That sixth gear would probably change things for me. I live in Vegas so if I want to go anywhere, I'm most likely getting on the highway to get there
I love my lil KLX 300. Perfect small displacement bike and you summed up the bikes pros and cons nicely. Mine is in gorgeous Kawasaki Lime Green, let the good times roll!
Good choice! The best bike for the trails at this price range.
@@DifferentSpokesTV Out handles my 200 pounds great. I just bought the Pan America Special. The KLX has been a great tool to get back into off-road riding with a lightweight dual sport. I don't see myself ever getting rid of this lil bike.
Great Video! Production value is good and I love your commentary. Nice work.
I have a 2020 KLX 300R (that's the dirt bike version) and love it for fast desert riding, single tracking and climbing rocky hills. I can only do about 2 hours of trails on my YZ450 and I'm done but I can ride the KLX all day.
Thanks! 👍 Those 450s are way too good for me. I couldn't ride them to their potential. Having said that, when I picked up Brooke's Rally I was drooling over a CRF450L. Maybe next year:)
@@DifferentSpokesTV Nobody can ride a modern 450 to it's full potential unless you're on a track. They are wicked, my only saving grace is that I know I'm not all that so I don't try to be. :)
Smooth 6 speed gear box. Fuel injected. Good suspension. A little bike for getting out there and back. Also good in an urban setting with good height and visibility in city traffic along with a skinny profile. Great starter bike.
Nice review. Had a deposit on KLX Camo, dealer called me this week, only received the Kawasaki green, I passed. Now waiting on order of a 2021 CRF300L Rally. Figured it was a good compromise for distance travelling to get me where the road ends. Probably will be doing a suspension upgrade on it, or that’s the plan thus far. Look forward to seeing your next review!
Good choice! I ordered mine at the beginning of March and it just came in now. I'll ride it with stock suspension this year and maybe but Ohlins on for next season.
@@DifferentSpokesTV Got my fingers crossed that my dealer gets one in. I told him I’d buy it sight unseen no test ride. I’d still have my 2016 CRF1000 DCT for longer rides.
Hi, I Iike your video. I have a CRF 300L and I changed the handlebars for taller aluminum one and got a skid plate and stiffer springs. I agree the Kawi might be better off road.
Another great video analysis! Thanks for the range estimate. When I first saw this bike (and 2 gal tank) I immediately started looking for an aftermarket tank. Unfortunately Acerbis and IMS have not yet made one. I’m drawn more to the CRF300L Rally with its 3.4 gal tank and better top end. Looking forward to your follow up video on the Rally!
Glad I could help! I'll break in the Rally slowly and we also have to get it lowered for Brooke so the first vid will be more of a first impression.
Very sensible and well put together review, very professional and informative without rambling on and on like many reviews.Best review of a KLX I,ve watched by a long way and I,ve looked at a lot if them.
Love your reviews! I’d love to see you do a video on the Suzuki DR650.
“Dual-purpose” is the proper term.
Says you.
@@V-wo8np And likely most people who were into dual-purpose bikes in the 80s and prior. That is what they were called. That is until Suzuki coined the term "Dual-Sport" with the release of their DRs, and began promoting "Dual-Sport" riding events hosted through their local dealerships.
I have been away from motorcycles for 35 years. The last ride I owned was a GPZ 750 which took me from Vancouver to Montreal and back. The first ride I ever owned was the iconic Can-am TNT 250.
Getting back into bikes decades later has been interesting. Last year I bought a dealer demo Tenere 700. Beautiful machine, excellent on any kind of pavement but its no dirt bike, big mistake, had a small washout on a slight muddy uphill and it took me a half hour to pick it up. The moto gods were smiling on me however as I easliy sold the bike some 500km later and only lost 250€. A couple of months later I picked up a 2009 KLX 250 EFI with only 2350km. What a great bike, exactly as described in this video. I already swapped out the footpegs and installed some bar risers but think I need more height and will probably change the bars next.
Its been great rediscovering my skills both on and off road. Slowly but surely has been the subconscious direction as I look back over the past several months.
Great video, great advice, you are up there with F9. Keep on rockin' upright!
Hi Great channel you have . I just got my new 300 rally last week out here in Nova Scotia and the increased power is awesome compared to my crf 250 but the 250 seems to be a smoother engine. I find the 300 a little buzzier. The rally it definitely going to need a better rear shock . First tank I got 330 Kms . Was quite impressed with that. But I must say the 300 Rally is the closest thing to a unicorn bike for me . Just about perfect. Cheers
Thanks! I do find the engine buzzy, especially at around 3800rpm for some reason. I'm lowering ours for my wife and going to armour it up for off road, but after that I'll look into better suspension. It's a bit bouncy and vague on the trails now but has the potential to be the perfect off road ADV bike.
Not coming to Australia either! We never got the fuel injected version of the 250. They are still selling the carb klx250.. don't know why.
Probably has a lot to do with the emission standard and market reality.
Australia is a relatively small market with relatively tight emission standard, so it's not hard to imagine why it's the way it is.
Some number cruncher did some calculations and decided it would cost more than they would make. Too bad cause Aussies love their dual sports.
Had the 250cc a decade ago, that 50cc and FI probably makes a big difference.
It had a surprising amount of torque down low. That engine is hard to bog down.
Loved the Days of Thunder reference. Does the word "humping" get you demonetized? 🙂 Good review; I had to put the larger intake, tuner and Exhaust on mine because I kept looking for the pedals when on the road with it stock! It's definitely a dirt bike; a lot easier in the sand than the T7!
No comparison between this and a T7 off road. The vid is still monetized so so far so good :)
Great review! I have the exact bike and agree with almost all of your assessment but will say Ive been having a LOT of fun in twisties on the road with this bike. I have a z900rs that I love and bought this bike as a play bike to goof off on and have been pleasantly surprised at what a "serious" little bike it is. Do a few mods to uncork the engine and the bike comes alive. I suspect the Honda will be faster and have a few more gizmos but for an old school purest like me the KLX really fits the bill. No complaints!
Nice! You made the right choice for a play bike. One thing is that the KLX alway lagged behind Honda in the availability of engine mods. Hope the aftermarket is on it.
I still find myself stuck between a midsized adventure bike and these small dual sports, and I can only afford one bike. Still waiting for that 450L Rally Honda.
Good review! I also recently picked up the standard CRF300l and I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the torque on the CRF300l. The Honda pulls really well at low revs too.
Looking forward to the comparison between the Honda and the Kawasaki. I’ve been shopping for some kind of dual sport but I’m not find much on the used market. I own a Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE but find it too heavy, and too nice to risk throwing it on the ground off road. Also own a Ducati Multistrada again not exactly a good off-road bike. Keep up the good work.
Thanks! Yes that Triumph is a gorgeous bike but they made it too pretty to beat up on. Right now new is the way to go. I'll tell you now, for off road only I'd lean to the Kawasaki already. The Honda would need suspension work to run with it.
At 60 yrs old I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on a new 2023 KLX300 Dual/Sport. Been riding everything since the early 70's. The KLR650 is just to heavy at 60 yrs old for trail riding. Forest roads, old open trails and dirt roads your good. But when those turn into single riding trails with the width & weight of a KLR650? I don't want to fight the bike on the trails. Also I want to be able to jump on the highway or freeway for a quick 20-30 minute jaunt if needed. KLX300 seems to fit the bill. Only pitfall?? Too small of a gas tank at 2 gallons. Your only gonna average about 100 miles on a tankful. Yes, I can upgrade to 2.7 gallon tank, carry a Rotopax or a small 1-2 liter fuel bottle for an emergency. Like I said "I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on a new KLX300. Great bike at retirement age w/out the extra size and weight of a KLR650.
First coupla minutes - very well written.
Great vlog.
Again.
Thanks again! Glad you liked it. The more people I get into off roading the more influence the community has :)
Are you seeing crazy prices for used bikes since the pandemic as well? Over here in Australia, prices for second hand (off road bikes) are crazy at the moment.
Yeah, like I said, I see seven year old DRZ400s for basically new prices. The prices of new ones went up by a $1000 as well. It's good for the off road community to grow but the manufacturers need to step up production. You don't even see these bikes in showrooms anymore. As soon as they come in, they're gone.
Why didn’t Kawasaki paint the engine black on this model like on the 250?
I bought my KLX300 before they even took it off the delivery truck! I later heard they had already stopped production of 21's
Unfortunately our the door these things are 9gs from the dealer. That's a lot to me considering I need to dump another 2k into it to be happy.
Got quoted $8696 US, out the door, SoCal, for a black one. Used XRL or DRZ for me.
Just waiting for the 390 Enduro. KTM should have made this bike for years.
Ps.: Awesome video and greatings from Germany.
Thanks! A 390 Enduro would be awesome. It might make me consider KTM. They'd have to re-tune the motor for torque. What a bike that would be :)
Yeah then they do the same as always: 525-625-640-690-790-890 and then 390 goes where? Lol. Or 950 to 1290. history repeats.
@@DifferentSpokesTV I hope they do that, otherwise it would weigh slightly more than 160kg because of the A2 dirverslicense in Europe, which allows a maximum of 0.2kW/kg. It would be a shame if it were that heavy.
@@DifferentSpokesTV It will be a chinese bike :-D
I’ve watched all your videos most of them a few times!!! Great job with this ☝️ Great story... you are also my favorite voiceover guy! Too cool for words dude! 😊
Wow, thank you! I really appreciate comments like this.
The 23s are out and I wanted to replace the XR650L I regrettably sold last year. I went to my local dealer (So California), they had two in stock...one green, one black. Out the door cost for the black one was $8696. For a basic 300cc dirt bike. Nope. It'll be another XRL or a DRz, used of course.
You are such a talented writer. And narrator. Great video!
Thank you! I appreciate that.
Hey man, I didn't even know I wanted a bike like this until I saw your excellent video! Thanks a lot..... I think!?!
Hoping you get your hands and the “new” klr. It’s hard to justify replacing one that’s already kitted out but maybe the changes are just enough.
Thank you for this video I’ve been planning on buying this model and this video really helped
Beautiful expressive prose...very reminiscent of the late Anthony Bourdain.
Thanks for the review!
Still waiting for my camo to arrive here in Ancaster, ON.
Which hand guards would you recommend?
I have the Barkbusters because you can choose the size of the plastic shield that comes on them. We've in Canada so I always go with the Storms, the biggest ones. They do a really good job of keeping the wind off your hands. They're pricey but work well.
Good review
Thanks!
Great vid and a ton of info. If i were to get the Honda or the Kawi it would be the Kawi for one simple reason. The Honda subframe is now part of the frame. Bend or brake that and it is a total loss.
Great review,got yourself a new Sub, keep up the good work!
at 7:17 I see 120 km/h, how is it at low/modest highway speeds? 100ish km/hr?
Outstanding review! I’m 5’ 5” so guess I better start crafting my Gene Simmons moto boots!😆👹
Great review!
Thanks!
nicely done!
great review too as we (my wife and I) are looking at the CRF 300 Rally, KLX300 or a WR250R for a 'second' bike,
I've been riding since '73 and my current horse is my '16 Flat Track Pro which does 80/20 dirt/road,
I scramble the shit out of DucDucGo and he gives me so many smiles per mile and the biggest soul boner riding as you've described at the beginning,
I am also blessed to be in BC's interior on the Chilcotin plateau with literally tens of thousands of logging road, FSR, blocks of clear cut, free range country with a TON of single track,
LOL
right outside my door hence my 80/20 riding,
most of my life was spent riding Onterrible and Vancouver Island so up here it is only natural to dual sport or ADV it up,
well thats my ramble eh,
you all take care and enjoy the gift of the day.
B^)
Nice review. I'm having a hard time deciding what bike I want. I have narrowed it down to the CRF300l, KLX300, and the KLR650. I don't know how much off roading I'd do. I know I would hit the gravel/chert back roads with occasional 55 mph highway use. I figure it is a coin toss between the two 300 cc bikes, but I've found a leftover 2022 KLR650 I can get for less than those two 300 cc bikes. It seems like a better bike, though 150 lbs. heavier, but real bargain for under $5800. It seems like it would be better on the highway, but the extra weight could be a detriment if I did trail ride it. What do you think? I'm 5' 10' and weight around 200 with decent on road riding experience.
What are your thoughts three years later? Still riding it? I’ve got a T7 as well and feel like adding something like this.
Thank you for the excellent review. How many gears does the KLX have?
Glad you liked it. It has six gears and fuel injection. It’s geared low.
15 years? You can trace it back even further than that! The KLX300R debuted in 1996 and this bike and engine is very similar to that old dog.
At 5'6" (170cm) I'm legitimately considering buying the SM and put knobbies on it.
That would make a good lower seat height trail bike that is also fun on the street.
@@DifferentSpokesTV Yeah my only concern is the suspension travel on the SM is a bit shorter, which would make it better on the street I guess. Ideally I want the dual sport then have a set of 17" wheels and tires (and everything else needed for sumo conversion) to swap around but that's a significant amount of time and money committed.
I screwed up & got a big ole Yamaha Tenere` 700 as a "starter" dual sport. It is mighty intimidating. Should have started w/ something like the 250 or 300!
Could somebody please tell me what type of suzuki was that when showed the less expensive options in the video ? ( 3:15 )
It was a DRZ200.
Seems to be a healthy supply of dirt bikes in the upper Midwest if people are still having a hard time finding them.
Might be a run on those shops soon.
Very interested in the bike and this was a great review! Ideally I would like to road trip it up north, stay up there for a week and ride back home but will it do a 4-5hr trip on the trans-Canada hwy? Would also need a set of saddle bags but I wouldn't be taking too much up with me. Are the maintenance intervals long or short? Am I asking too much from it as it would be about 10hrs total of highway riding plus maybe 20hrs on trails haha Would want to start the trip fresh tho
Love it! "How much does the ABS version weigh...nothing because there isn't one". Hahaha.
That's the kind o humor that I love in this channel, he always nail at least one for each upload... ;-)
Hahaha, I just realized that I'm talking to "the" Brooke! Nice going, I love to see you're riding besides him (not in most videos, sure, but in real life). 🥰👍🏽👍🏽
Yep, it's 'the' Brooke indeed.
@@DifferentSpokesTV I love to see both of you riding together in the channel. Most motorcycle content seems to be aimed only to man, it's nice when there's a female point of view in the videos. It would be nice to have Brooke colab with you in the videos. 👍🏻👍🏻
@@LoganMaclaren Thank you so much!! :)
Another great vid!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!
Love the review and the great details but your description of the motor is strange it's like the exact opposite of every magazine and every other writer including the Dino charge that show the Kawasaki has greater top end but not the low mid-range of the Honda so just a little curious on your description
Not that we'll get it in Australia cause no ABD
Great video 👍
You are obviously not alone doing all this filming of yourself..., is that Brooke behind the camera, or is there another person helping you, whom we have not yet been introduced to? Whichever way, the camera work is outstanding.
Yep, Brooke helps out with the camera work. She is a fantastic camera woman. Also, I have a drone which sometimes tracks me and sometimes has an AI brain fart and films random bushes. Thanks for the complement. I’ll tell Brooke her work is not going unnoticed.
Your right the only one we can get is the Honda 300. The Yamaha,Suzuki and Kawasaki light weight off road bikes have all vanished.
We can get a Enfield Himalayan though
Unfortunately I hear that there is pressure to limit where motorcycles can ride in the UK. It makes me realize how lucky I am to have an almost limitless trail network where I live and also near my cabin. I guess the demand isn't there because of the limited places to ride.
I enjoyed that bit where the Ninja was passing a bunch of cars way too much
Nice looking bike but I can't even find one to buy in PA.
What dual sport do you recommend for a new rider that will see 80% paved roads and 20% gravel roads?
Honda CRF 300l it’s really for new riders. Can’t beat that slipper clutch. I love Kawasaki and it’s better off road but it doesn’t fit everyone’s needs. Specially new riders
Excellent writting!
How much do you weigh, so i know if the suspension can handle me
I see that you fell over in the sand on a Yamaha T7. The T7 is scary in sand and marble size gravel on hardpack. Did I mention the weight? Holy crap! I need a smaller dual sport for off-roading
I'm looking to sell my 2021 Tenere 700 to get one of these.Just seems like a better choice for me.The Tenere is a bit too tall for me and is heavy.Great bike though.
10:12 Did you learn that joke from Shadetree Surgeon?
Maybe... I've heard it from a few sources.
Too much technology for me (liquid cooled, EFI, digital instruments) but I'm really glad to hear it does not have ABS. The seat is also too tall. I am 62 and have been riding off road since age 8. I started on a Bultaco Lobito 100. My current dual sport is a 2001 Yamaha XT225. Yamaha made a serious mistake when they discontinued this bike. It had a long run in the U.S. (1992-2007) but they are starting to become scarce. Stock it is only 249 pounds, and has plenty of power for trail riding. The drum rear brake is perfect. I have modified mine a bit. I weigh 240, so I had to completely replace the front and rear suspension. I also installed a Clarke 4 gallon tank, bar risers, kickstarter, center stand (a real bolt on center stand, just like street bikes used to come with, sadly no longer made) a luggage rack, and a few other minor things. Aftermarket parts are still plentiful for this bike. The seat is only 31" tall, and because of some orthopedic issues, I can barely get on it. Another inch taller, and I would not be able to get on it. It's carbureted air cooled 2 valve engine is bulletproof. It's six speed transmission has a low enough first gear to climb anything where you have enough traction. I bought it back in 2008 with 1800 miles on it for half what it was worth, then put another $2500 or so into it in mods to make it perfect. And I'm still riding it, and expect it to last many more years. Nothing about it I can't fix. The only dual sport I've ever liked better was the 1979 Honda XL250 I had decades ago.
Thanks for sharing. I'm not sure where you live but here in Canada Yamaha still sells a XT250 with a low seat and (I believe) a 293lb weight. The stock suspension is weak but could be replaced. It's a good looking bike too.
Man, nice I'm 67 I had a xt225 a few years ago great little bike !
I’d have loved to get one of these for off-roading if Kawi released these in India, but there’s no such hope.. However, since GS 1250 is available, I can buy one of these by paying 28K USD and use it regularly to ride to the nearest Coffee shops 😉
Sorry to hear that! I find it hard to believe that Kawasaki doesn't want to sell this bike in the world's largest motorcycle market.
@@DifferentSpokesTV they do sell ninja 1000 and H2s, they don't wanna sell low volume low margin products in this part of world
But there's a used africa twin market now...
Why do we ride off road?
Two words:
"Finding Sasquatch!"
What would you recommend for a 140lb, 5'6" , 30" inseam?
I'm thinking something with a 33" seat height or less.
If you're going off road a lot look into the Yamaha XT250. It has a really friendly seat height and is pretty good off road. You can also mod it in various ways.
@@DifferentSpokesTV it's been a debate between this and the Himalayan, but I hear the RE may be getting an upgrade soon.
Currently enjoying my 2021 CT125 after not riding since high school (ninja 250).
Get the Honda crf 300l. Waight for your height gear box is amazing suspension is spongy so other breaks in my opinion though that can be fixed easily.
I like that bike but it's so high off the ground I'm on tiptoe Enfield has it right in the leg seat hight,im doing occasional dirt roads and some highway but not heavy trails offroad or super high speed
The Himalayan is much lower. Brooke can flat foot that bike and for the type of riding you're doing it's the better bike. The KLX is for the more technical stuff and wouldn't be as good on pavement.
@@DifferentSpokesTV that's what I was thinking
Awesome review, I thought I was the last one that uses that monkey euphemism lol
Trail always terrified me, even on non motorized bike. (remember Nature Trail to hell in 3D?)
if i had a choice i would go road, or something safe, like sand beach / dune.
Still the idea of lightweight motorcycle dose appeal to me on nigh primal level so i get some of its appeal.
Yes, loose surfaces can be intimidating at first. The lighter the bike the more confidence you have on it. I just keep in mind that the consequences of a fall on dirt are nowhere near what they are on pavement. That helps.
@@DifferentSpokesTV Whilst my tarmac preference is about control and predictability i strongly suspect i just dislike narrow spaces.
But hey glad you and many other adventurous souls find biking in dirt fun, it certainly seems appealing to just go wherever you want to irreverent of the road or dirt trail's heading.
Aye the soft landing, as it were, is why i assume i would do fine on sand, it can cushion fall fairly well.
These bikes are hard to find, they sell out fast . I called around and traveled 500 miles round trip to pick mine up !
Crocs with socks. 😂 Is that a Canadian thing?
Crocks are Canadian, the socks are our own thing. Still hoping it'll catch on. I've always aspired to be trend setter :)
@@DifferentSpokesTV I'm just joking around😉. Personally I wear Crocs all year around the house. Winter with socks, summer no socks.
Greatest shoe ever made :)
@@DifferentSpokesTV Most practical. 😁
Your descriptions about the KLX are spot on. I bought one two months ago after not riding a motorcycle for over 30 years. Glad I took the leap of faith. Did you find hand guards that don't require altering the bike? If so, what kind did you get? Thanks.
Thanks! I didn't get handguards because this was a press bike and not mine. We've bought a CRF300L Rally on which I installed some Barkbusters that I had laying around. You'd have to research whether they would fit the KLX. It will involve cutting the grips as the ends of them looked solid to me.
Unfortunately, this and the Honda are too tall for me. Riding them is no problem but where I ride often requires recoveries including a solid foot plant. With my 30 inch inseam, the centre of gravity would be well past the recovery point.
I ride with two friends with a klx 250. I have no problem keeping up with them on my ten pound lighter, and 3 inch lower seat height xt250. The thing is a tractor and will lug up a steep grade with the best of them. It also has 60 km's extra range from its 2.6-gallon tank. I have a friend who is an excellent trials rider and where she takes her pimped out xt250 borders on unbelievable at times.
I like this bike as well as the new Honda but when it comes to dualsports there's not much effort made for shorter riders.
Yes, unfortunately that's true. We're having to mod the CRF300L Rally for Brooke as it's way too tall for her stock.
1st. Which means abso nothing.
It means you want a new bike..LOL
🤣👍
9 cars? You passed 9 on a 2-lane straight? Oh, Canada...!
Highway 28 going up toward Bancroft :)
Good one .
I like it a lot, but dang my broke ass if this is affordable. I may have to just keep riding and fixing old ones.
The way you describe this bike is similar to they way i describe a sportster, obvious differences not withstanding.
they made a klx300 years ago. I owned one.
These are fun bikes but way too expensive for what they are. They should be no more than $5k US on the road and even that us too much. Luckily, most of them go for 1000 or more discount in winter time and that is the best time to get them.
@Scott Just because you pay ridiculous price for bicycle doesn't mean that motorcycles are cheap. Manufactures and sales charge whatever people are willing to pay. I paid ebike $1300 but, more than half of it is profit. Higher end is even more profit and overhead. The reason those bikes often go on sale is because marketing overestimates how many they can sell at MSRP. You can buy bottle of wine for $50 or $10 but they roughly cost same to make.
There are $5000 dual sports out there. Bikes like the DRZ200 or the KLX230 are good but they have less power and downspec suspension. If you want a more capable bike an extra thousand is worth it for me. It's a small price difference for a significant difference in capability. You pay twice as much for a KTM 350 EXC, but again, that's way more bike.
Skip to 2:38 for the real start of the review
I really don’t understand your point in comparing a klx to a gsa? Completely different motorcycles. I don’t take my 600lb Gs places I take my 300lb wr250 nor do I do 8 hrs of highway on a wr if I can avoid it. Why point out flaws in a bike when it wasn’t designed for rough single track? I wouldn’t criticize a klx if I was miserable from 8 hrs of asphalt either.
unfortunately it was 7000$ so i bought a hawk. it was going to be more expensive than the ninja 400 i got
I am waiting for a Honda CRF 300 L now a 2022, as I could not get a 2021, Yes the Kawasaki dose have better suspension, but if you look at the HP and torque the Honda winds hands down Up to 4500 rpm they are almost the same but then it changes from 4500 the Honda Leaves the Kawasaki behind till it hits around 7500 then they even out. Max torque Honda 16.7 at 6,400 Kawasaki 15.4 at 8,000 This shows me that the Honda has the better usable torque as well as horse power. The graft I am looking at is for the 2021 model year for bough bikes.
As for what type of riding most people will be doing the Honda suspension is more than good enough, If you want to race then go with the Kawasaki, but 90% of the people buying these bikes will never need it. and I for one. At 73 slow and easy and smell the roses is for me, and at that there are many who I have to stop and wait for, so I am not the only one.
No skid plate you lucked out man
The KLX comes with a small skid plate. Not great but good enough for most applications.
no klx for aus, new government rule that requires all new bikes must have ABS. so quite a few bikes are gone now. 😒