KLX300SM Review/5 pros and cons
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- čas přidán 28. 08. 2024
- This is my review of the Kawasaki KLX300SM where I list 5 Pros and Cons. I've owned the bike for over 6 months now so I think I can speak more to the bike compared to someone that just got the test bikes from Kawasaki.
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I was gonna make a updated review but this one still holds up. I might change 1 or 2 things but damn for one of my first videos I must say I did good. What do you think???
Love the kawi green! I experience the same frustrations with the brake line in my 250L. Just don’t understand why that couldn’t have been better routed
Thanks brotha 🤘. Glad I'm not the only one that thinks that.
Good vid man.
It’s just a little funny seeing you do a full video with that helmet on lol
Thanks man! I don't wanna show my face is all. 🤘
Beware of the wall o' text!
I owned this bike for all of 2 months, rode about a thousand miles and then traded it in (I'll get to that later). It's the 5th bike I've owned in 7 years, and one that I felt at the time combined everything I thought I wanted - and didn't want - out of a motorcycle. I think your review is pretty spot on, but I thought I'd chime in on a few of your grievances:
1) Power (and performance) - To me, the 300sm power is "adequate". You mention that you can take commuter cars off the line. I can say confidently, that anything made in the last 5 years, save a minivan, will easily outrun it to 60. You might be able to take them by surprise and beat them light to light, but I've been bested by Corollas and Civics. This really isn't a bike built for speed. For what it has, it's enjoyable for veterans, but it's also forgiving enough for new riders. As a whole, the bike has no bad manners and it goes, stops, turns, leans into corners better than most bikes costing more money. I would dare anyone of any skill level to ride one in an empty parking lot and NOT leave with a grin. Think "motorized mountain bike" and you wouldn't be too far off the mark. Fueling is amazing, without any abruptness or valleys in the oh-so-linear rev range. After about 60, the engine starts to wind out and there's not much in the away of acceleration. You can keep up with traffic on highways easily, so long as you're comfortable with getting blasted around by semis and crosswinds and are strategic with passing slower vehicles. I got mine up to about 90 MPH indicated after the engine broke in. It'll probably get to 100 if you're drafting behind someone. The speedo is 6-8 MPH optimistic, so figure about 85ish max in a tuck on stock everything with a 140 lbs rider. Can it be modified for more power? That leads to the next item
2) Aftermarket - I always have the itch to mod and fortunately, most things that fit the KLX250 will fit the 300 with minimal effort. As far as engine mods go, there's not much to speak of. There's full exhaust kits (w/header), intake mods, fuel controller, but not much else in the way of increasing power. You'll go from 24 at the rear wheel to all of 28 ponies if you grab all of the power mod parts. There's always some talk of someone hacking the ECU, or machining cams, which would be key to unlocking more power, but the non SM KLX300 - which is pretty much the same bike, with different sprockets - has been out for a bit (2 years now?) and nothing's hit the market, yet. After about a week of ownership, I bought everything that would yield more horsepower along with a tail tidy and LED blinker set. I was told the exhaust and header was out of stock for at least a month. I did shop around around, but could only find cheap ebay and amazon slip ons, so I decided to wait it out. Two months went by and I finally gave up when I was told it wasn't coming in until spring 2022 - "maybe". I returned the Power Commander I also ordered, as there would be no point without the header and exhaust. Zach Courts jokingly stuck his pinky finger in the exhaust and was able to plug it up. It's not an exaggeration - it IS that tiny! Pretty sure I've heard meaner sounds coming from a lawnmower. Currently, most of the aftermarket for this bike seems to be cosmetic or ergonomic. I'm sure that someone at some point will get the notion to stuff the engine out of the Ninja 400 in it's little frame, but until then, you're kinda stuck with a measly 4 more horsepower with what's available if and when you can actually get it to your door.
3) Brake cable - this didn't even phase me. It's a non-issue - recommend you find a place to zip tie it if it's really a nuisance. Mine actually looped up and over the key insert so I didn't need to move it when inserting the key, so maybe it just needs adjusting or relocation?
4) Gauge cluster - proof positive that Kawasaki decided to build this bike to a budget and transfer the savings to the consumer. I wanted to say that it's pretty much the same design on the KLX250 which is the forerunner of the 300, but lets be real here - the bikes are one in the same with only upgrades to the engine (a bump in capacity and no more carb) and larger brakes - and obviously different wheel and tire combo - separating the two. All dirt/dual sport bikes have the similar clusters more or less. Some give less info, some give more, but the layout is as if every designer took a cue from a textbook called "This is the Only Way to Make Instrument Clusters for Dirtbikes". I'm old school, so all I really need is a speedo and idiot lights to let me know if my turn signals are still on or if I'm in neutral. While I did like the gear indicator on my past bikes, I noticed something peculiar after bumming around on a Monkey bike (sans even a tach). Once you learn how to sense when to shift gears, it makes you a better rider. You soon depend on the feel and sound of the bike to hone in on the engine and transmission characteristics; it lends itself to shifting smoother and determining where the power band of the engine is. In my opinion, a gear indicator acts more of a distraction since you're prone to looking at IT while riding, instead of paying attention to the road or what the bike is doing.
5) Range and economy - Even on bikes with a fuel gauge I've found it's better to judge your range by keeping track of the mileage since it differs with your average speed on such a small bike. I knew that the low fuel light would hit after about 75 miles of freeway riding and about 125 miles where my speeds would average about or below 45 mph. Lets face it, it really wasn't designed to go on long rides at 60+ Mph. Keep it under 60 and ride like a geezer on the way to a church social and you'll easily see 55mpg or more. I got 70 mpg while trying to "hypermile" it. For masochists, they do make aftermarket fuel tanks that will increase range. Just know that you'll still not want to "tour" on it. Can you do it? Absolutely! I've literally ridden from Kansas City to just outside of Oklahoma City just to trade it in, and it kept up with traffic just fine. The side draft from 18 wheelers will shove you into the emergency lane, if you're not careful. You'll want to take a break about every hour to save your butt from going numb so you might as well fuel up. Long road trips are not practical, but definitely doable. If you do get the urge to do some serious interstate travelling, I would recommend investing in a Seat Concepts seat along with that larger fuel tank - your butt will thank you for it.
This bike is really great, so long as you keep your expectations in check. Any of the 300-500 cc "sport" offerings are going to make better sense when you factor in overall performance, range, tech, features, ability to mod/personalize. There are better "road bikes" for less or the same money. Where this bike's strengths lay is in the fun to dollar ratio and its versatility. Dont want a Grom/Monkey/Mini-moto because they look impractical, but want the same engaging fun? - this is your bike. Want to learn to do wheelies, drifting or "backing in", but also want the ability to do some moderate off roading? - this is your bike. Want something dependable, easy to maintain and mod yourself, that's also easy to pick up if you drop it AND cheap to insure? this is definitely your bike. It's actually better in every way than something like a CRF300/Rally, especially with that fully adjustable suspension - something the Honda doesn't even offer. Change tires and/or wheels and you have a pretty competent and comfortable dirt/light off-road bike. Budget-wise, It makes even more sense than investing in a European bike that may offer more in the way of performance and features, but tend to be less reliable, much more expensive, and in need of more frequent maintenance.
So herein lies the rub - If this bike is such a unicorn of a motorcycle, why didn't I keep it? Welll... I traded it because I wanted something with a little more capability, more power, proven reliability, and a much larger aftermarket support (because I love to tinker), even if it is dated a dated design - okay... yes, it's ancient. I rode to Oklahoma City on a KLX300sm and rode back on a DRZ400sm. I'm not really sorry to report that the ride back home was MUCH better than the ride there. By all means the 300sm is a WONDERFUL bike, BUT... the DRZ just happened to fill my expectations better, carbs and 5 speeds be damned...
I daily a 1998 klx300 and I have for about a year. The bikes are still the same except for some sensors and plastics to a point where I put a 2019 motor in mine because my old motor has alot of issues. I think the only real difference is the suspension and no passenger as it was a dirt bike converted to street. This is a great bike and I do 93 before I hit the limiter in 6th and that's on a 14 front and 42 rear sprocket with stock dirt setup. You can do a tune and a header and pipe ad that helps alot with the power but you can also get 330 kits and 351 kits that HUGELY affect the power. On my 351 with a carb header and pipe I beat stock drzs up to 70 no problem and the bike has kept the reliability too. You can also get a different cam shaft and advance the timing half a tooth (it's alot to explain how) to get more bottom end out of it which makes it even more fun lol. That being said the drz is still a great bike and I hope you enjoy it
@@pandamoto I heard there were 330 and 351 kits, but was not certain they applied to the new engines. I traded mine for the DRZ, not because it was a bad bike, but because the DRZ was just more bike and the aftermarket for it is amazing. The fueling on the KLX was perfect, so, with the exception of capacity, I can't say that the DRZ was an upgrade per se - more like a lateral move. I also happened to like the DRZ's styling a little more - but that's completely subjective. What made up my mind was the fact that I could order all the upgrades I wanted and (with the exception of the FCR 39) they were all available NOW, whereas the wait for all the parts I wanted for the KLX (save the tail tidy) was on hold "indefinitely". The DRZ is going to be my long term keeper - if not the LAST bike I ever purchase. The wife is bribing me with a "realistically priced" sports car of my choice in lieu of giving up motorcycle riding and as I age (I'm 48 now) I've started to consider it more seriously XD
@@rrazote2279 woah now be it a drz or a klx you can't get rid of the bike for a car, where's the fun in that? Lol also I wasn't sure either until recently but the engine is unchanged throughout the generations with the acception of 6th gear in the newer models being shorter and some emissions stuff. If I wanted to I could put a 250 300 330 or 351 piston and cylinder in any motor which I definitely think is neat. That being said the drz is still an amazing bike especially with it's aftermarket support. Whenever it does need a rebuild in 5 or 6 years as all thumpers at some point do I would recommend putting the wide ratio 5 speed in it and the stroker/ big bore kit to make a 450cc. That was my plan before I found out about the klx
@@pandamoto I was actually in a market research pretty recently, and a revamp of the DRZ is in the works. I know, I know - they've been promising it for years, but "supposedly" - It'll be a 6 speed, displacement to 450-500 (but will still be under 47 HP as they want it considered as a "beginners oriented bike"), about the same weight, may have switchable ABS, FUEL INJECTION, updated dash (re: tach, fuel gauge), and the styling "reminiscent of the KTM 450SMR". "Maybe" it'll be out in the 2024-25 model year, if Suzuki has no plans to make their line electrified by then. It's kind of a weird time because I KNOW manufactures are cancelling plans for internal combustion engines, because that's where the market's headed (thank you Tesla - maybe?). Subaru just cancelled the STI and hinted at a hybrid/pure electrical offering "in the near future" - so all of this could be ditched at the drop of a hat (or the whole Russia thing continues). I was told I'm in the running to be invited back should "working concepts" be mocked up. I really hope something comes of it and it's not just an illusionary carrot dangling in the wind.
As far as the car is concerned... have this fear they're all automobiles are going to become self driving appliances, so I'm hoping to score a Morgan or second hand 911 before the government bans their purchase or outright taxes them so only the super rich can still afford them. Probably sell it to some upstart tech CEO when gas is scarce to only but the super wealthy and retire in Hawaii XD
@@rrazote2279 that drz would be pretty awesome, and that would be a good plan to retire in Hawaii lol
got right to 2k miles on my klx 300sm and the crankshaft positioning sensor went bad and the stator. So now it sits at the dealership i bought it at.
Best review of the KLX300SM I have seen so far
Much appreciated. 🤘
Cool! I was debating between this 300SM and the 230SM, another channel PitBikeMike talks alot about the 230 and while he did say the 300 has a little more power, he still liked the 230 better. But I think it all comes down to preference. 230 is a little cheaper, a little less power, and has air cooled engine. But I think they both seem like cool bikes and probably comes down to personal fit and preference.
For my clutch lever, i did cut it a lil bit so i can easily pull with only 2 fingers. Great review. Looking forward for your build series 🤙🏻
I was contemplating doing that. Thanks, me too! 🤘
Did u adjust the cable to shorten the pull travel needed to disengage the clutch?
@@AdrianButler86 yes i did.
When you look for parts, seach for a KLX250. Most all the parts are the same. I have ASV levers and Pivot pegz on my KLX300SM that were listed for a 250. I am in Texas, but grew up in Ogden. I bet Utah is fun on a Sumo!
Thanks for the tip! You're absolutely right on the sumo and utah part. Not enough time to explore it all, but I am trying.
Great video! A very informative review!
You did not mention the small foot pegs! That's a easy fix. And seeing it in action does help. Thanks
I really didn't find them to be much of an issue but I appreciate the feedback on riding it as I'm thinking of doing a more 1 year review. Anything else you've noticed with yours as it might make it to the list.
what did you do for the break in period? I know what they recommend is kind of ridiculous imo. I should be good keeping it under 5k for the first 50 miles or so and then keep it from redlining for the first 500 miles? I just got one yesterday and trying to decide how to approach this. Some say ride hard to seal...some say follow manual....some say only first 20 miles is important. What to do, what to do....
All I did was just not rip on the throttle and try to keep it under 9-10k rpms until about 600 miles. After that, all bets were off.
i broke my clutch lever all the way off and put and impaktech short lever on and for the wire that runs to the stock clutch set up i just used a wire splicer to complete the connetion put over 2k miles on it since then
Them are dope levers. That's good to hear no issues because some argue the whole ecu mapping thing.
yea very simple to do i would recomend it.
I ended up getting a set of levers already(there's a more recent video on my channel of an install), but if I don't like them I shall get me a a set. 🤘
Awesome Brother...
I added a water temp guage to mine gets me in the ball park. There is a gear indicator you can add have not done that yet. I think it's a great bike the only down fall is the guage cluster as you stated is old school. A gear and fule should have been added who needs a clock today and the stock tires are garbage worst I have ever seen on any bike. Disapointed that Kawasaki penny pinched on this bike to death the potental to put out a super, supermoto and kill the supermoto market was missed but it's still are great fun bike to ride and own. I think Kawasaki need to see if sales from 2021-2023 are good enough to bring this bike to were it should have been to begin with. $6,100 for another $600-$800 more max they could have put a killer cluster, quality tires and better brakes out the door.
OMG the seat! Seat should be #1. Horrible. As far as the fuel gauge just set the trip meter. You got 80 miles till switching to reserve. Hit the gas station before 100 miles. Unless you get an aftermarket seat your ass is not going to handle more than that. Fortunately, you can get a comfy seat from a few manufacturers, worth every penny. #1 mod! Great bike!
It's a dirt bike, I'm sure a lot of people understand that the seat is like sitting on a 2x4 with a little padding. Good tip on the fuel monitoring. 👌
Cool video's. If you're checking out these comments for suggestions, considering you are out in Tooele... Let's see a loop around Antelope Island (Buffalo and all), some light dirt riding on the Pony Express, South Willow Canyon, Dugway proving grounds, Bonneville Salt Flats raceway, and whatever else you can think of out there in the West Desert. I love the area out there, lots to see and show.
Those are definitely places I wanna check out. I have to sort my fuel range issue's first for some of those places. 🤘
Great review
Much appreciated.
Hi love your vids, what helmet u wearing
In this video it was the HJC DS-X1, I've changed it since then.
I got an arc clutch lever and perch that I was able to fit! but there was a pin on the old perch that was attached to a plug so I just taped it up and for now, can only start the bike in neutral. I hear I can run a wire across the plug to fix that issue though
How you liking the lever? Be careful once you jump the wire, I hear the bike can start without the lever pulled in gear.
@@greenmoto Thanks for the tip, Ill make sure to have an electrician or someone who knows what they're doing help me out with it. I really like the arc lever as it is sleek and comfortable. It is also malleable and forms back to its original shape if you drop the bike or bend the lever, that is for the memlon material version
You got more! Would you rather have the 250 and have to do a big bore kit to have what you have now?? The rest of your complaints are really knit picking for that particular bike. Maybe you need to trailer your bike or trade for a ADV bike.
😂you're kidding right???? I've done nothing but praise the KLX. My cons were exactly that, because the bike is perfect for what it is. And thanks for the idea, maybe I will invest in a trailer and instead of trading the bike I think I'll just add to my stable.
I live in Utah to. Where did you buy it?
@@greenmoto do you off road it?
Light offroading until these tires need replacing. I'll put some 70/30's and start going off road some more.
We need a 600 cc super too that’s under 10 grand
Honda would have a great mid range Supermoto (and the only mid range supermoto really) if they just did a supermoto version of the CRF450, just call it the CRF450SM.
A 450 is a whole different beast. I would definitely love one from any of the top brands!
@@greenmoto Excactly! So many people are already converting CRF450Ls into supermotos. If could make a production version and keep it in that 10k range, it would give people an bigger cc high quality Supermoto that's a bit cheaper and more accessible than the KTM and Husqvarna bikes, but just as rowdy.
@@barneymiller7894 fingers crossed that someone listens to the consumers and actually pulls the trigger on that.
I agree excellent job, could you tell me what rpm it's turning at 60 mph thanks man
If I remember right in 6th gear going 60mph I'm sitting in the lower 6krpm range.
Does it have a tripometer in addition to the odometer so you can reset that with each fill up and use as your gas gauge?
Yup, has tripA and tripB. Great to keep track of oil changes with one and the fuel with the other!
I think you might just have a weird brake hose. I got my klx300sm in March and have never had any problems with the key and having to move the hose.
I'm glad you don't have the issue, but on the KLX Facebook group there is a handful of us having this issue. It's fine because I'm looking into a custome braided steel line.
@GreenMoto I think kawasaki could have done better with that hose placement for sure. Look forward to seeing your upgrades.
Would you ride on the freeway ?
Already do, it does 85 with me on it.
My friends i ride with have the husky 701 and drz400, also crf450 and yz450f, they sold their street bikes gsxr1000 and Honda 600 fireblade, I'm the only one left on a street bike 2012 z1000, but I hit the trails with them on my 19kx100, but I'm thinking about picking up a klx300sm I'm a smaller rider and the low seat hight suits my structure over a Honda,suzuki or yamaha, not a bad price either..
The 701 and DRZ are great bikes. IMO
If you're after power the 701 is the way togo, but the reliability of the other two beat it.
If your looking for reliability the KLX hands down.
And then the in-between is the DRZ. Not saying it's not reliable but it being carbureted is what separates it for me.
I live in the rockys so my elevation changes and carbbed bikes don't like that so much.
Lectionary does sell a fuel injection kit that can't take care of that issue tho.
@@greenmoto I've thrown my leg over all the bikes I mentioned but I'm a small rider and the klx300 sm fits me..I had to have my z1000 lowered to fit me lol..but I'm not planning on xtream riding if I get a sm that's what I use my kx100 for. Just casual rides and exploring trails
I think the KLX is a no brainer than. Be aware of it's 2 gallon tank. Being a smaller rider I'm sure you weigh less so that's a plus. See how much range you get to a tank and if it's not enough, explore fuel storage options.
@@greenmoto preciate it bro stay safe riding
Likewise brotha! 🤘 if you haven't subbed yet maybe consider it as I am working on a big project for the Klx and can't wait to upload it! Might help you down the road. 😉
Do you know if you can swap out 6th for a true more overdrive gear? Seems to me 6th needs to be smaller and more revy for the motor.
I'm not sure, sorry.
So what are your ideas for more fuel storage?
Maybe strap a fuelcell on after you add a rack?
I'm thinking of ordering a emergency fuel bottle on Amazon that I can toss in the bag. But having fuel strapped to me worries me a bit.
I like the fuel cell on the rack idea but want to keep the Sumo look as well. Are you running a canister on a rack? If so any cons that you're seeing?
rotopax
Kinda funny to think that my Vespa GTS 300 scooter has the same HP as this Sumo. I'm not popping wheelies everywhere but the Vespa is magnitudes more capable, comfortable & stable on a country road or highway for hours at a time & it gets 50% better gas mileage.
Vespas are dope asf! It would be awesome to see how they both stack against each other going off roading seeing both have street tires. 😄 I've done a video of the klx on freeways and it handles it just fine even for long stretches but I'd rather not sit on my 2x4 seat with padding for longer than 1-2 hours.
@@greenmoto Your ride looks awesome dude. I was mostly just taking the piss. They are two completely different machines. Even with the sumo wheels & tires, the KLX 300SM would blow the Vespa away off-road. On the street however, I bet my Vespa is just as fast as your KLX & far more comfortable without butt floss for a seat.
I was just surprised that a modern 300 cc with fuel injection didn't produce about 30 or more HP. Depending on the year & model, the GTS 300 Vespa puts out 21 1/2 t0 25 HP. They are actually quite quick of the line but top speed is limited by a rev limiter to aprox 80 mph which is just as well with its 12" wheels. It's very comfortable & rock solid at 70 mph though & because of a bit more weight & extremely low centre of gravity, doesn't get blown around on the highway.
I should mention that I have owned & ridden countless motorcycles over the past 45 years but in time you come full circle with age & seem to gravitate back to the smaller displacement bikes that you started with. There is so much truth in the saying: "It's much more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. I just sold my last two bikes (one of which was a Honda XR650L that I have put street tires on so it was a pretend Sumo but was still heaps of fun on & off road. The other was a sport touring bike but I'm happy for the time being with a couple different scooters. Cheers mate.
Why do people want gear indicators? I'm getting 120 to 140 miles per tank. Bringing fuel is easy. I always carry atleast 1 ltr on long trips. And the brake cable being there is nice when you're riding with clowns that like to turn your bike off at red lights. And zoom off
Gear indicator are a luxury item. Plenty of times I find myself listening to music and just enjoying the ride I forget if I'm in 4th or 5th or 5th or 6th gear.
Weight of the rider and how you ride the bike play factors into range but if youre getting that for your mpg hell yeah man! 🤘
I need to get me the spare fuel bottle, what are you using?
So no death wobbles or anything like that? Going at top speed in traffic?
0
How do you like using the pro taper pillow top grips when it comes to vibration and riding for a while
Its a night and day difference to the stock ones. Then there's the plus side of a different look from the stock ones.
I'm only asking because I have the same bike and I've been thinking about getting a set of pillow tops
I would recommend them or some ODI's. Just know you'll need to cut up the throttle tube grip to get it off because it's as if they dunked it in glue. Use emery cloth or something similar to clean up the tube or you can purchase a new tube.
Thanks 👍
You seriously compared the power of this 300cc bike to the 701? Why would a person who wants the power and torque that the 701 puts out even buy this bike? Any person who did any intermediate level of research would never put those two bikes in the same category even if they are both supermoto.
What helmet is that?
HJC DS-X1
Does it have foot pegs for a passenger
It does.
So this bike is as powerful as a royal enfield Himalayan at 24hp? Every video says that bike can’t even make it up hills….seams like this bike has a very niche application
It's not powerful by any means, but I've definitely used it on road/highways/offroad and everything in between so I think it's more of a broad application. Would love to ride a royal one day tho! 🤘
Keep in mind the himalayan weighs ~130lbs more than the klx. That's basically the difference between riding the sm solo vs two up, and a lot of weight for a small bike.
Maybe you should buy kale X300r and a cheap Ford pick up.
Did you mean klx300r? That's a great bike as well but then again it's not street-legal out of the box. There are pros and cons to everything and I'm happy the cons of the 300sm are more so just minor inconveniences at best.
Maybe one day I'll add a ford pickup but right now I think my s10 and GM p/u are plenty to compensate for the range issues.
I wish it was a 400 single.....then.....GAME OVER FOR EVERYONE ELSE! Because nothing else will come close. Look what Kawie did when the Ninja and Z came with the 400 parallel....they sure as hell dominate unless you want to spend more....a lot more.
It’s called a zip tie
Klr supermoto edition tho
Not for long, we're doing a build on it to hopefully wake it up some.
Man just buy a fuel bottle or two if you're worried about the range. I don't leave home without one, even when I'm just commuting 🙂
I'm planning on it, but want something that I'd feel comfortable rocking in my backpack. Where'd you get yours and would you recommend it?
@@greenmoto I've got MSR bottles and the cheap Amazon rip offs. Neither have ever leaked on me. Get a Rotopax if you got room to put one on the bike, but get it straight from Rotopax website. Buy "blemished" for almost half price. They're just as good 🙂
5:35 simple fix , get divorced
@@Frank75288 🤣🤣didn't think about that one!
Weird wearing a helmet to do a video just don’t be in the video
Appreciate the feedback.