The 2023 Kawasaki KLX 300 SM Is Better Than The DRZ 400 SM
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- čas přidán 15. 11. 2022
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You think it's better than the DRZ? Have you seen the playlist of all the other reviews I've done? czcams.com/play/PLC0dZgVosHtsxPvzkIDswjw2YjCVodY6Y.html
It’s not a KLR YOU F- *Mad SuMo ist noises intensify*
I own a ‘22 KLX3SM, and everyone says it’s a dual sport. I fucking hate high school.
Edit: YOU CHANGED IT! YAY!
never rode a drz but i love my klx 300
DRZ is better; 6th gear doesn't matter cuz you're not going fast for extended periods on this anyway. carb isn't as easy, but once jetted right and if not left with old fuel it works...
IDKnow which is better so I'm here LQQKin' ? I was already subb'd up to you but I had no idea you'd be taking this out for a
spin.... Is there any bikes that are interchangeable w/ this bike? Sometimes you see a model that you can exchange the
suspension or wheels with? I'm curious about the smaller tires on SM models? Is it for the look or performance?
If I knew I wouldn't ask you.... that said, I'm not going to rush any purchase. Anyhoo, I trust you more than most.
peace
I had the JDM version of the KLX300SM called the "D-Tracker." It was the weapon of choice for tight twisties in the nearby mountains. I put a flat slide pumper carb in place of the OEM CV, a mild-grind cam, 300cc jug with Wiseco piston, a Nassert exhaust, upgraded suspension valving and stiffer springs front and rear, 300mm wave rotor, custom seat...It was a beast when I finished. I've moved on to bigger bikes, but that machine it's still one of the most fun bikes I've owned. I miss it at times.
I'd love to see a japanese brand compete with the KTM 690 and come out with a proper big bore supermoto at a lower price point and better reliability.
I’d be happy with a better 450-500 even
500exc. Sumo wheels. Done
I mean everyone and their mom knows ktm is a balls to the wall mindset company. A Japanese manufacturer can make a competitive bike all they want but it won't be at the high spec 690 smc r. That bike is incredible fun with high quality components. Japanese will focus more on efficiency and reliability, so it's up to the consumer to do their HW.
This bike is definitely suitable for highway speeds. I can consistently hit 85-90 mph every day without a problem, and have gotten it up to 100mph on declines with a good surface. Only issue is that it can be hard to overtake cars in the passing lane if everyone is already going 80mph.
Lies
If Kawasaki could keep the 300 in the lineup and just offer a version of this model 450cc. The should also upgrade the bike by giving it a gear indicator, and fuel guage.
Just so you know the front suspension on the KLX300SM is adjustable. It has 24 clicks of adjustment underneath the front forks. The SM slightly stiffer at 13 clicks from the factory than the Dual Sport. I put on knobby tires which are way stiffer than the stock tires and had to soften the suspension front and rear.
This is the comparison we've been looking for. From someone who actually has pushed the DRZ to its nearest potential.
I like the small sumo's. I bought my 06' DRZ400SM as a second bike just for practicing. It's also way more fun to ride than the big bikes. Only downside is they are so hard to find here in Europe (DRZ's)
I love my 22 300sm. Nothing out there beats the price for what you get and how fun it is imo. BTW that video you made on the Honda dualsport doing break and power slides really helped me out. I've been tearing it up. Thanks motojitsu keep up the great work.
Link to the video please
I don't know man, I own a DRZ400sm and a KLX 300 dual sport (almost the same bike) and I have to disagree. The the DRZ feels more powerful by far, and I have a tuner and exhaust on the KLX. The quality of the DRZ is superior as well, the KLX just feels cheaper to me if that makes sense. It is a good little dual sport, but I would trade it for a DRZ S model in a heartbeat.
The DRZ doesn't get much respect these days. It's not the new shiny thing. But IMHO it's still the best of these mid priced dual sport and SMs. Just for that extra power and torque alone. It's a legendary bike.
Hmm. Interesting. I love both but can't decide myself. I don't want to make a mistake because I see the pros and cons on both sides. One day I'm leaning towards the KLX300SM and next day towards DRZ400SM
Facts. What he described it for, I can't disagree with. A student or something just wanting a simple thing to zip around on, sure. To compare it to the DR-Z400 though lol, nah. Different animals.
@@gsxraiders The price on used DRZsm's are going down, I would look for a deal on a used one. Tons of aftermarket options. I kind of regret buying my KLX, but my DRZ never fails to put a smile on my face. Just my opinion.
@Matthew Rylee Thanks man. I'm seeing a lot of 2015-2021 DRZ with like 2k miles going for 5500-6500 on Facebook marketplace (winter special 😁). I'm really tempted to grab one any day now.
I got to ride a KLX300 sm a month ago for two whole days, what a fun bike. I really should buy one as a second bike.
Been waiting for this review since you teased it a while back! I'd love to have one of these in the garage next to the Victory Vision. I don't mind training and dropping the Vic, just been jonesing for the SM, Dual sport small bike riding experience
These are made in Thailand, where I live, but are not available here. I would love one as a second bike. 138 kg wet is light, although it would have ABS here, which would add a little. It would be great for the back lanes. Useful little bag on the rear mudguard. I don't go anywhere without a book.
Good review.
My girlfriend just bought a '23 300SM yesterday in the same color and I bought a '10 Yamaha WR250X last week. We both have 900cc sport bikes but I have a feeling that we will be riding the sumo's a lot more on the twisty mountain roads where we live.
I like the KLX, but the DRZ is still king of the low cost SMs. Way better aftermarket support for the DRZ (nobody leaves any of these bikes stock!) and it has that extra bit of power/torque. A DRZ with exhaust, jet kit and 3x3 mod will outrun the KLX all day.
I have a fully modded DRZ, 434, stage 2 hot cams, FCR39, airbox mod, barkers exhaust. Buddy has a 300sm with exhaust, PC with a tune, and a few other things... He cannot touch the DRZ.... it just RIPS away from his KLX.... I tried to pop up wheelies on his KLX and it takes way more effor and technique to wheelie it... also with the smaller width tires on the KLX it requires more balance on the back wheel.
@@Aircraft_Fabricator i mean of course it would pull away from the klx. out of the box the drz has 15 or so more HP, then you are talking about a drz with alot of mods and a klx with some mods. why would you expect the klx to be faster or comparable?
@@a7x266 because we are watching a video that is comparing the two
I agree. Six gears and fuel injection doesn’t make the KLX better than the DRZ.
If suzuki simply converted the drz to fuel injected 6 speed trans and made no other changes, i would buy that over this. Tbe problem for me is 300 is little and 400 is bigger but this is a little lighter, but also lower build quality i think. But being newer its got a little higher tech so the little 300 has some beans and you got a 6 speed so it starts to make the dr400 look anchient. Although i perfer tge dr build quality. It has a glass headlight i think and thats nice to have if the lighting wasnt 90s tech inside the glass. If i updated the drz400 id.do led lights, glass headlight lense id keep, maybe if beef it up to 450, 6 speed. To keep it above the klx
It’s just too slow for me. The 400 with a jet kit sits justtttt right 😊
Small bikes are so underrated..
I do love how flickable these bikes are. I have the Dual Sport version and even with the 21" front wheel it still feels very flickable. Hair pin turns are a blast!
I bought the same bike last year and I have more fun on it on the back roads than I did on my CBR 600. A year later and I would buy it again lol the only issue is the aftermarket isn’t very big at the moment I’m in the US and had to order my exhaust from the UK it was like $80 just for shipping 🤦♂️
Great review, I've always wondered where my KLXsm stood against the DRZ.
I got one a week ago as my first bike. Very happy with my choice.
How cool that you review this today after we got a klx 230 sm last night as our first learn how to ride bike 😃 thank you for awesome content
Any issues with your klx 230sm ?
I had a drz 400s for 5 years, same as the klx 400 when it was available. No the drz will not change to fi or anything else due to (grandfathered) regulation. It's a fun bike except on hwy (did some camping trip from NV to UT)
Thanks for the review.
I watched willing to have my mind changed.
Because FI & 6 gears was not really enough to convinced me this was the better bike.
You indicate it would be great for putting around town which I'm sure is true, but I don't think that's a big selling point for most people who are considering a SM.
I bought it yesterday n loved it put 80 miles on my first day n was not tired
I had a wr250x and it was a very nice little bike, but no getting around that the engine was excruciatingly slow. Tried a DRZ400SM, and same deal. Then tried a 690 SM. It had the motor to be fun, even on a "big" track.
Keep doing what you're doing! With your style, Fantastic videos
Love these reviews brother, because we dont have time to test them all out.
My 09 KLX250S was very freeway capable. Pomona to LA on the 10FWY during morning and afternoon rush hours going 80mph with Kenda trackmasters. I’m sure that the 300 would be a little better. For those that don’t know, that’s a 25mile trip each way, and CA speed limits of 65mph are really 80mph. Where it did struggle was on a trip to big bear, at elevation my 250 (carbureted) saw a very noticeable loss of power. Still got me there at the speed limit. That was a 56mile trip each way. Only mods were snorkel removal, DG exhaust, and re-jet. I think in order to comment on freeway capabilities you do need to ride it on the freeway, it will surprise you.
If I lived in the Ozarks or Smokies, this would be the perfect bike. Low speed limits on tight twisty roads is the sweet spot.
I loved my Honda CRF250L! Thanks for this review. I was wondering! 🌟😊👍🔥
The DRZ400 and similar bikes like the Honda XR650L among others were grandfathered in years or even decades before when emission standards were changed. To change now would require a new bike design costing those companies big $.
Hey, that parking lot you pull into is where I took my Motorcycle class 🙂
Great video quality
No goofy girly laughing like other reviewers (Chase two wheels)
No stupid loud music
Why do creators do that?
Excellent!!
Thanks for the great review. I was eyeing out these bikes.
The lack of fuel gauge is something that I find a deal breaker. It's odd that so many dirt bikes don't have them. It would be great as a farm bike and even farmers in the outback need to know at least roughly how much fuel they have before setting off to the other side of their property.
It is unfortunate. You have set the trip odometer when you fuel up. I averaged 63 mpg over 5 fuel ups with the dual sport version but I was taking it easy. It's a 2 gallon tank, so I figured about 126 miles before it's empty.
It’s a difficult part to engineer into a dirt bike tank and would be increased weight and complexity for a bike that doesn’t need it. Even my 2019 Aprilia Tuono doesn’t have a fuel gauge, trip meter woks just fine
Carry a ROTO Pack fuel on the back rack
It's weird for me to hear complaints about the fuel gauge. In the 80s when I started riding, and for many bikes after, you just shook it to listen for the fuel. Or took off the cap and shook it around before taking off. :) The trip meter is a luxury, don't even have to shake it anymore!
@@DaddySizeItcan't really shake it to listen for fuel when you're cruising on the interstate for a while fudd
Great video man! such a good lil bike
Is it worth getting a small CC sumo style bike like this one compared to a naked bike of similar CC? Like a Z400, or an MT-03, etc?
Great looking bike. Thanks for the review!
Can you take groms to the apex daily or only on select days?
I’ve been thinking about the KLX300 for a second bike. Not the SM though. I could get SM wheels later if I want.
The lightweight bikes' advantage is precisely why I ride my KTM Duke 390 everywhere in town
1:04 It's my understanding that the forks are adjustable for compression damping. Not sure if the rear has compression damping or not, but the specs just say preload and rebound damping for the rear shock.
Love your content, but no way I would take this over a DRZ SM. Sure you could have fun on it or any bike. I just don't see it being a long term ride. Learn on it, then trade up to something else.
Just put money down on a 2024 KLX 300SM. Cant wait for it to come in. Thanks for the review.
What was the out the door price boss?
I think it was $7100.
Is there a gear position on display I mean 1,2,3...6 digits? Or just "N" indicator?
I rode the KLX Supermoto at a demo ride recently. I enjoyed it but did miss a gear indicator. Maybe after a day or two it wouldn’t matter.
I just change my DRZ sprocket for long trips. sorted))
Did exactly that....have a GSA....added a CRF250L....to practice/play/zip around bike...👍👍
++ throw it on a hitch carrier....and go.
Great bike to practice practice, practice. It actually not too bad on highway for short distances. Loved the review.
How about a 40 mile highway commute with 65 mph speed limit? Im looking for my first bike and was Gung ho on a Harley but then came to the conclusion I wanna start simpler cheaper and lighter and hone my skill then move up into a Harley buy I do have a 40 mile commute on highway to work id like to take it on. Is it capable of cruising comfortably at about 70? Does it have a little more juice if I need it?
I daily the klx 300 sm. if the speed limit is 65 you’ll be fine for commuting 40 miles everyday man easy and comfortable. I have soft bags on the bike too my top cruise speed is around 80.I can go faster but you have no ability to pass anyone going 85 or better great bike though smooth everything on it.great handling bike too like all lightweights be aware of wind and passing cars ride safe and you’ll love it. I love mine great little bike good for light off-road too and it’s a supreme around town bike best way to get around Arlen without being seen.
The little klx 300 also no joke will beat most dynas to 60 it’s definitely not fast but it’s great for what it is for real
I love these bike reviews!
I rode this at their demo day and it was super fun
Clickbait. There is no comparison. I'm sure it's fun. Both are. Almost the same weight. DRZ a lot more power.
Awesome! Review the Yamaha MT-03 next.
My big question right now is KLX vs DRZ for the non SM versions. I have a KLR 250 right now and I like the low weight, but a DRZ really isn't that much heavier for the extra power. But altitude is definitely going to come into play for me, so fuel injection sounds nice along with some of the other more modern features of the KLX. I really can't decide!
You should really try to find someone to try riding theirs.
Having ridden a klx250 and now owning a dr650:
Klx250 is a easy riding very forgiving bike that can do a lot more that people think, but it beats it up to do so.
It really really needs an uncork and rejet to help throttle response and get a little more power. Feels like a lighter adventure bike with lower center of gravity.
Vs
Dr650 has easy to control power. I immediately noticed how i could power out of mistakes that the klx wouldn't. Klx felt like i could dabble with the dirtbikes, where the dr650 could keep up with them and follow them through that tough stuff.
The only time i ever stalled... was when a soft dirt mound pushed my shifter into a different gear creeping over it.
And the dr has no problem doing 70mph freeway, including passing, for long trips.
The klx250 stock is more a hwy bike (no passing power when you are already going 70mph)
How do I check how much fuel I got in these moto without a fuel guage?
I still love the DR-Z, but it’s good that it has some competition. The Kawa is nice looking too. Would be nice to have fuel injection but I’m fine with a carburetor. Easy to work on.
Notwithstanding my previous comment I do think this motorcycle looks cool especially because weighs less - I wish it weighed even less than this because it would be great to have a super motto that was only 250-260 pounds
I wanted to listen to the engine under hard acceleration, but you guys never stop talking!
STOP TALKING once in a while and let me listen to the engine under hard acceleration.
just bought this as my first on road bike. gunna pick it up tomorrow. they tried selling me on the drz400 because the 300 isnt all that powerfull but it also cost 30% more so out of my budget. i think, because i dont plan on doing highway riding, this 300 will probably be a pretty good first on road bike experience.
How has it turned out ?
@@Herpetile im very happy with it. no regrets at all.
I wouldn’t have a bike that isn’t fuel injected. This is a nice looking bike
I can cruze at 80 with my drz all day I did go down on the rear sprocket and do have the big bore with cams but I spent 600 bucks to do it. Does fine and has done it for thousands of miles drz is the king of the 400s and dual sports
Nice great when it's a 500cc needs Carb for me 300 Nice Size engine what's the bhp ?
I have a KLX300 and it is an awesome little dual sport, unfortunately I don't have the skills for much off-roading and I really tried hard but I guess my skills will never get much better. I have had too many injuries to risk the constant falling and at my age I am thinking of converting it to the SM.
instagram.com/motojitsuclub/
6 gears FI and $1000 cheaper than DRZ. I've been practicing front brake and stoppies on parking lot, it's amazing. It can push on highway 70mph easily for short ride and no wind.
I'm figuring that if I keep mine long enough to need engine work, and I definitely plan on it, for less than that $1,000 mine is going to become a 351.
Nothing against the Kawasaki, but I prefer the Suzuki. I actually prefer the carb over the FI. Modding the carb is super easy. I had a KLX 250 and it had six gears and I really don't notice a difference. It only drops the rpm a few hundred at highway speed. You said yourself that you would not use it out on the highway. Also that tachometer is pretty much useless unless you just want to see how many rpm's you are running at a steady speed. The DRZ has adjustable front and rear suspension and more power.
I'm not sure exactly why but I've still never ridden a DRZ despite it being one of my most desired bikes for about 18years.
The 6th gear for cruising at highway speed will make a bigger difference on the 400 than a 250. Depending on the gear ratios of course.
Agreed. And the DRZ's engine is just a gem
@@wolfpackpete6408 gear ratio would change, big time... as long as the engine size stays the same... (/400cc) first Gear would be less torque, and second. And, so on. With out taking the engine up a few cc's, it would change the entire feel...
@@maxwell9734 if the bike is set up to top out between 90-100mph same as the 5 gear current version, surely most gears would be shorter and feel more torqie with a 6 gear version?
@@wolfpackpete6408 you can't just stick another gear into the gearbox. Each of the gears, are all interconnected with splines that run along the shafts. Changing, or adding gears, requires completely rearranging All gears. Imagine a set of stairs... And you can only lift up your foot, ten inches... So, no step can be more than ten inches... Adding steps, means a larger gearbox, (staircase) I know that it might be possible, to add a lower gear, below first, without having to change the whole configuration, but all the other gears would remain the same. Then, you would have 6 gears, but... The size of the gearbox would have to be larger and an additional idler wheel added as well..
Overall, it wouldn't be realistic to do that without creating a whole new gearbox that would be much better for the horsepower and torque available...
braided lines don't do that much for this one; the caliper deforms which give you a lot of the squish feeling.
Ain't gonna be movin an shaken on the highway..but you can definitely go on the highway!!!
Finally a reviewer says it. Tired of seeing this bike get hate
How does the baby KLX150 get a fuel gauge but the bigger CC versions don’t?..
Love this bike but wish they made a 400 plus version. Check out GG nyc, he rides the xr650l in NY City.
Same here. If Kawi made a 450-650cc version of this, I'll be all over it asap. Straight up KTM/Husqvarna killer
Why can’t all the big companies figure out to make sm 450? I bet they would sell like hot cakes
After watching hours of video of both bikes, I only had to sit on each bike for 10 seconds to decide on the DRZ400sm. It's felt like a way more substantial and solid bike.
I love the reviews. Especially when they are on bikes i dont have yet. How is that compared to the DRZ, in terms of power? I want a sumo soooooo bad, but dont want to convert the honda 450rl.
450RL makes a great SM. Will be quicker/lighter than the DRZ, but has the more aggressive maintenance. The DRZ with basic mods will be around 37hp/28 torque. I'm guessing this KLX with similar mods is around 30hp? I like the little KLX, but still think a DRZ is the better bike.
The DRZ power difference is very noticeable between the two. I have both.
I like the raven look of the front end.
instagram.com/motojitsuclub/
Availability was super limited when I went for the klx...
brakes also need bedding for better modulation
Would have thought it would go 90 with ease got my wife a cb125f and that plods along at 70mph
Special Forces approved! I would slap a big UJM fairing on it and cheese out everywhere all the day long.
The klx sm is the best beginner bike for someone I have one it's a 2021 with 14k miles on it now I love riding it through the Twisties
instagram.com/motojitsuclub/
Looks really fun 😎
The drz just needs a updated headlight and a 6th gear. I’ll keep my FCR39 carb over fuel injection
isnt the front suspension able to be adjusted from underneath ?
No
T-Rex offers a windscreen and btw the bike is perfectly fin eon the highway. If you need to go 150 mph this bike is not for you but if you are fine between 65-75 mph this bike will do that all day long.
300 is just fine for the freeway. 70 mph no problem.
Video title says "KLR" instead of KLX :)
Don’t get the no fuel gauge such a bummer
If it was better than the DRZ, they'd sell it in Aus.
I don't think it's better than 400sm. I think 400 sm, while old, has higher quality components, made in japan(vs kawa made in india/indonesia) and has a longer proven track record.
DRZ400SM killer 😂😂😂😂😂 that title is funny 😂😂😂😂😂
I mean it makes sense considering the drc's using twenty-year-old technology in the Kawasaki fuel injected......
@@travistoor6360 do you think the 'modern technology' will make up the 33% hp and torque deficit with fuel injection?
@@machupikachu1085 😂 lol u r funny both have almost same top speed . Drz buzz crazy after 65 n klx is smooth like butter even on top speed . No carb bs too n cheaper so y not
@@shaymtbrider7244 same torque too, right?
@@machupikachu1085 drz has more weight too yes if Suzuki comes up with fuel injection n 6 gears drz will be on top . I just cant stand carb n 5 gear . Drz buzz crazy on highway
Fuel gauges mean shit on a bike. Ive had 2 bikes with gauges and they were both wrong.
I still use my mileage to tell me where im at.
I think this KLX is for people who don't want to tinker with the bike, and DRZ for those who does.
More power then the drz?
I just got rid of a 22 klx300sm for a 22 drz400sm. No comparison... the drz400sm is better than the KLX300sm is every single way other than KLX having 6 gears. Drz has so much more power, better suspension, more ground clearance , higher top speed and pulls a passenger way better due to the torque increase.
^This^. I really wanted a 300sm, but I spent more money on a slightly used Dr.Z sm and couldn't be happier. It's the same weight but with 33% more power and torque, and also has better suspension. It will be hard to outgrow the 400.
Cheers!
Great review. Too bad it doesnt have an electric motor. Whats the point of an engines bike when you see all those electric bikes crusing around and anyone with some electical knowledge would know how to take the speed limiter off and have something that can hit 40 or 50mph quicker than a motorcyle + no need for gas!! Im sorry but I think the motorcycle companies are too slow and lost out. Unless they prepare for these kids growing up with cutting edge electric motorcycles in the future. But they just drag their feet like the DRZ.
wr250r/x is the best japanese dual sport bike under 300cc (better suspension, and more horsepower), but unfortunately discontinued x(
How about some steel braided lines? xD
There is a reason the taliban used the drz. It’s the goat.
The klx300 dual sport is much better..it has some adjustability in the front suspension and with the 800 you save you could get warp9 sumo wheels and have fun as sumo and a dual sport..just my opinion
I would miss the larger front rotor on the SM for street riding. I rode the SM version and the front brake is pretty good, with good feel. Both the dual sport and the SM forks are adjustable for compression.
I wonder why its soo expensive for such small engine and simplicity
I think it's because it's pretty niche
Kawasaki needs to just do a 400 version. That would change things. In 300, I’ll pass.