Here's Why The Kawasaki KLX300SM Is The Most Fun You Can (Legally) Have Under $6,000!
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- čas přidán 16. 07. 2024
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In this video, Alex reviews the Kawasaki KLX300SM supermoto.
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#Kawasaki #KLX #Supermoto - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Love seeing a factory SM from the big 4. Especially at that price!
Loving mine so far! Just compared it to a uncorked wr with lower gearing. Wr was a good bit faster but the suspension and handling of the klx is superior. Kawi also did an amazing job killing the vibrations in this bike. Still working on wheelies. Clutching it up at like 3/4 throttle in 2nd at 15-20 is only pulling the wheel up a few inches.. Luckily early indications seem to show a big power bump once you let em breath more
It's very underpowered is the only problem. A used low miles drz can be picked up for 5k. Also have you got to ride one yet. Their tiny haha 🤣
Yamaha needs to make a Tenere700SM to give ktm/Husqy a challenge 😭.
It just needs an extra 100ccs
@@co19391 great for a trailbike, at least in dirt spec
Just got my KlX300SM for my first street bike. Honestly I couldn’t be any happier, Kawi really makes a great bike.
Kawasaki has always had a great entry level market! At the other end, some of the best top shelf scary fast motorcycles of all time. Nice review Alex!
Thanks Andrew!
kawi is trash
From someone who converted a 250L to a supermoto with warp 9s, $6k is an absolute steal! Glad to see the sumos coming back. Out of all of my bikes, my sumo is the most fun to ride.
I never thought I'd even give a dual sport or super moto but after owning my honda xr150l since 5.30.2023 I can't see myself going back to a street bike.
I had the KLX250sm years ago. I had a blast with it.
It would look so much better with a tail tidy and regular supermoto front fender
Another great video. These were some of the first bikes in Kawasaki showrooms this last winter. I hope the aftermarket comes up with some mods for this bike. Seat height seems a bit high. Be nice to load up a backpack and take off for a weekend! Keep the great videos coming!!
Excellent review. You covered all the important factors. I miss my 99 KLR 250 Dual Sport. With this being an SM, it definitely opens up options I did not have back in the day. I have owned the top 3 Japanese makers bikes and Kawasaki gave me the biggest smiles.
My 1st and last bikes were Kawis. Unbeatable power/size . Moto guzzi is my other Fave.
But she's gone. Dual sports are now back
and its better than death road rides.
"You covered all the important factors"
I disagree. Let's address the elephant in the room - sumos are hooligan machines and I didn't see him discuss any hooning potential - how easily does it wheelie? Can you mount curbs or go up/down stairs easily? How does it handle in off-road and how well can you launch it off a speed bump? etc.
A dyno test of this bike shows maximum 24 hp at 8-9K RPM, which is far less than the 33 hp that you mentioned
Whp and crank hp? It's the same with any vehicle
@tylerrichter4066 agreed, hp you see listed on spec sheet is different than an actual dyno which shows what's being put down from engine>energy transfer whether through chain or shaft>then the rotation of the wheels.
Some people don't understand the concept of how power is put down.
Same as everything. So not the hot take that you think it is.
I'd be willing to pay 9k for a KLX450sm
Same. Not many good options for a faster supermoto
Yes, a KLX 450 SM makes more sense to me, someday
I'm so glad you mentioned your in Colorado, one of the biggest things I was wondering was how this bike would run at altitude in Denver 👍
Thanks for all the great vids (sorry, didn't catch your screen name). I really like the KLX 300 sm and might get one, its high on my list. I think I could take on some freeways in more rural areas but not along I-95 around DC where I live. Getting blown around some by trucks is an issue but not too dangerous if you're prepared for it. My other contenders are the Triumph Trident 660 (80 hp, 417 lbs, quite nimble) and the Triumph Street Triple, 117 hp and about 420 lbs, also nimble. Either of those can can get out of anyones way on the freeway.
Just got mine today! Hopefully it ages well👌🏼
Great review I’ll be picking up the oriental blue one tomorrow! Can’t wait
Morning Alex..Nice machine..if I drove a bike I'd pick this one...as well as that green color scheme..Nice!!😎
That "under 6,000" quickly becomes 7,500 when you add dealer prep, destination char, taxes etc.if you must have one I'd look for a good used one just to save all the dealership fees.
Why everyone skips this rather major point, IDK🤷🏼♂️
Good price. Can't beat it. I had both a klx300 and now a KLX250 dual sport. Although not much of a power difference IMO. Between the 250 and 300 🤷🏻♂️
I found my 2009 KLX250SF on Craigslist for $2,250, now that is the sweet spot! Not sure about 45 mph being the sweet spot tho unless you’re going around a 30 mph corner! C’mon man! Mine is only a 250 and I regularly hit 70+ on twisty roads. I’ve seen 88 mph on the speedo (actually 84 on gps)! Now granted it was a slight down hill and a pretty long striaght🤣. Not sure it’s worth $6k but definitely worth every penny of $2,250! I’ll be getting the 330 kit eventually...
I'm usually dissapointed when I find out a bike has a close ratio box. I think the only 6 speed I like is the CR450 ADV.
The R1150GSA had a short first, but they shortened 6 too! They figured these bikes would be loaded as they came with boxes - I guess.
Cool bike! I got to check out a new 2022 at the dealership yesterday. 😎
Good review 👍👏
BTW - the rear shock has compression, rebound and preload adjustments. The fork only has compression adjustment.
What do you think about the tire sizes? The options for tires outside of the stock tires seem extremely limited in those sizes.
You just helped me make up my mind!
When demonstrating getting one's feet on the ground, inseam measurement is much more informative than overall height.
@@jeremyw9440 seat width also comes into play. That is why I think mentioning inseam helps more folks.
nice review
Loved my k 250 sm !!!!
I pick up my klx 300 (the dual sport one) tomorrow. I can’t wait!
Nice, enjoy it!
Really cool bike, shame we're not getting it in Europe. Great review all the same. Might be an odd question but what model riding pants are you wearing? Thanks!
Absolutely LOVING mine;)
I was looking at the crf and this klx but the dealership had a ktm 690 used with very low miles for $8500 so I bought it instead. 70hp and barely heavier than the 300’s. I use it to commute into the city for work and quick trips to the shops. It’s a great city bike. I couldn’t be happier with it
Ya n then spent 1000nds on engine repairs n expensive parts 😂
I looked at one of these b4 I bought my ktm just because of price. And even tho the ktm was almost double $. But I felt it would need thousands in upgrades to even make it powerful enough to have fun.
I have a DRZ400SM and would love to have a KLX300SM also!
I just picked one up about a week ago. To me it feels comfortable cruising at 65 but anything more feels like you’re pushing it. Topped out at 90 fully tucked. I’m 6’3 about 180 and it feels too small. Bar risers or different bars in general would probably solve this issue. To me it feels quite sluggish but I’ve had a couple powerful bikes in the past. Seat is hard as hell but suspension is amazing. Really gotta give it the beans and be pretty skilled with clutch ups to accomplish a wheelie on this thing. Even in the torquiest rpm in first gear will not get that wheel up just by hammering it unless you bounce it and yank it up, not the case with a clutch up obviously
KLX in 250 or 300 (dual sport or SM) suspension has always been a strong feature. Fantastic for the money. You might have a better experience removing the rubber on the SM version foot pegs for more room. I have a 2019 KLX250 dual sport (doesn't come with rubber insert on foot pegs) and vibration has never been a problem with the bike.
Thats where I love my X300 with my front sprocket swapped out for a tooth.
@@calcrappie8507 good point on the pegs, took my rubber pads off, and stiffened the rear spring a bit. Also tilted up the handle bars, made a big difference. Took out the snorkle too. (More growl)
I'm 6'2" @ 205#. happy with the results
I saw this bike today looks awesome
I've had my 2010 Kawasaki 250 D- Tracker for 12 years now, nothing new here, had it for over 12 years, engine still going strong & not had to replace anything serious apart the normal, tyres, chain & sprockets, brake pads etc......
I really like this bike !
Would be a cool project for some mods
I push 60 through the turns all day! In a tank top! Only after a year of riding her though!
I understand this bike. Good price for what it is. What i dont understand is Kawi releasing 230SM instead of going for thr 400/450 to compete with DRZ. DRZ has a lot of fans but some people are a bit scared to tinker with that carburator.
If you put better off road tires on this how would it do off road? I’m not very experienced just asking
Its hard to find any of the new 300 bikes..Or anything new right now.
If you can find one, Honda Supermoto CRF 230M, I think they only made this in 09 but hey... if ya want cheap and mechanical, this is the one
There's rule of thumb when it comes to cars. Every car (every car) is better as a rally version. And every motorcycle (everyone) is better as a supermoto.
Like the SM,but would most likely go with the dual sport for its versatility.
ok i got this bike and i absolutly love it but under 6000? not really its 5999 but when you go to purchase it taxes and dmv fees bring it to 7500 so ppl need to know this if this is there first time buying a bike
Not every state has sales tax. Not every dealer charges crazy fees. In my state a $6k bike would be under $100 to register and get a plate for. so under $6500 OTD for sure.
Are the tires tubeless?
Great review! Love the bike! Think I could be happy on that one for a long time👌🏽
Not tubeless. Misspoke in the video.
@@AlexLightmane4i Didn't even hear that you did👍🏽 I just saw the nice rims and had to ask. 😉
Alex Lightman These are tubed?!
@@sarahdell4042 Yes he misspoke , you would have to change to a tubeless rim unless someone make a kit to convert stock rims.
That bike would be so perfect for our roads in the Philippines, too bad Kawasaki isn't selling it here.
I'm a beginner, should I get the new version or used? I've heard not to get a new bike for my 1st, so if I were to get a used one, what year should is best? Idk if this is a good question
If it was a 450 or 500 maybe u could pass the prius easily, this is exactly why im not getting a 300 dual sport
He could have passed it but didn't want to cross a double yellow line like duh??
dude you ain't really smart
Remember, that's a stock t&e bike. Intake, exhaust, and tune probably add 5-7hp and the same in torque..
If I can actually find one I’ll be getting my ass one of these this summer. The itch has been building for a couple years to get back on something decent. Been on a little Honda scoot for a couple years but it’s just not doing it. I need to get back on something that actually shifts lol
Pretty spunky little motor in there! The 0-60'ish really surprised me. For dang sure faster than my former BMW G310GS! Not bad. Not bad at all!
Glad it's your former. Imo the BMW 310 is a horrible bike! It's so bad!
@@captainthruster9484 How many miles did you put on your G310GS?
Interesting; A cheap real super moto and its fuel injected; I hope this pushes suzuki to remake the drz.
Imma go buy one
You made a comment early in the video. Are the tires on the KLX300sm tubeless??
When I rode one, the shift lever was so high that I had to lift my foot off the foot peg to downshift, is that normal?
AMAZINGLY FUN BIKE!!!!
Considered it but went with the DRZ. Wish Kawasaki would have made it a 450 and I’d have probably gotten it.
I want 1 but I've already got a klx400 with sm tires on it
I love the bike + look no doubt but I plan on blacking mine out so I kinda wish the engine was black haha
Plenty of newer KLX250 CAMO dual sports with blacked out engines out there.
Hey that’s right next to my house!!! 😎👍🏼👍🏼
noob dual sport here ... can i just get the super moto model and throw dual sport tires on it? or are there other things i need to consider? i like the look of the supermoto, the better foot pegs, etc.
I think I'll still take my drz400 but it's a step in the right direction
Ktm 690 smcr is probably the only competition besides the outdated drz. The gap in price leaves a lot of space for other manufacturers to step in. The future is looking bright for the supermoto.
I want a bulletproof japanese SM that handles 80+ mph highway rides and curvy roads np. Not everyone has good low speed riding roads.
They need to put a 350/400 parallel twin bike together in the supermoto line. Honda has a 500, kawi has a 300/400 twins and Yamaha has 300 twins too. Loads more power and with gearing, they'd be hilarious against other supermotos
I like the way the wr250r/250x tail looks a lot better ... but def not mad at this factory 2021 sm
The WR is higher spec and quality but this is a cool little bike
Good video what you say makes perfect sense. This kawi has the DNA of the enduro bike. ! just stay in the sweet spot of these bikes nothing like twisting throttle on a light flickable Super comfy street legal dirtbike for errands and visiting friends. Crack your windshield open and let that mountain air rust through your nostrils
Rode this home for my friend In so cal. Really fun bike but that seat HURTS after a few hours. Ik it's a sumo but my 86xt350 has a comfier seat. Other than that great bike!
The transmission has higher gears in it.. or is just a rear sprocket smaller ???????
Looks like a hoot!
...Kawasaki has been making and selling this supermotard bike in many countries as the 250cc DTRackerX. Excellent handling bike! Mine is a 2009 with about 30k kilometers on the odometer. Here's what is crappy about the bike: the display dies within a year or two. In Thailand, a new odo display was $90. More like $490 USA prices. PLUS---the cam chain tensioner is a known problemma. Mine skipped, which bent valves. In USA, an engine rebuild---top end---is about $2k USD. In Thailand, I had new piston, new top end, all in $240 Kawasaki parts and labour.
I'm in Thailand looking for a new display for my 2012 dtracker 250. I was quoted 7,000 baht from Kawasaki for a new one. Trying to find one second hand.
@@TomCreedphx ... Good luck with that as I looked high and low for a new/used screen myself for my 2009 DTrackerX. No luck.
I bought a new one from the Kawasaki Dealer on Pattaya Tai in Pattaya for 3,000฿. The reason I finally bit the bullet is that I had a complete top end engine rebuild due to cam chain tensioner sticking. Both the "blue screen of death" and the cam chain tensioner are known DTrackerX issues. With new Odo(non changeable) and new screen, I know it is now calibrated to my new engine.
My engine rebuild was $197USD in parts and 1500฿ engine rebuild labor at Pattaya Tai. Khun Opt is the mechanic's name, excellent wrench. I'm stuck in USA, yet my DTrackerX is in storage, I welded up a custom bench to keep weight off tyres. Yes, I miss riding my DTrackerX in the Kingdom!
@@Swimfinz That's a good price for the engine rebuild. I'm in Phuket but might call that shop. I saw some aftermarket displays that might work too for less than 7000 baht.
I've only had mine a few weeks and really like it but the seat is punishing after 30 minutes. I'm going to have to do something about that.
@@TomCreedphx good luck!
Yes, I was pleasantly stunned at having a top notch rebuild completed at Kawasaki dealer. A 250cc engine rebuild for about $250USD. The best thing I love about my DTrackerX is everything... The suspension(hugs the roadbed!), shifting, braking, handling. Excellent bike. I can also ride 10-12 hours in the saddle, no sweat.
how far one can go on 2 gallons?
is this bike legal in every state? not sure where to find this information. living in NY
What's the aftermarket support for these? Definitely interested in this beauty.
The KLX250 family has good aftermarket. These should be no different.
Kawi got lazy with this. They slapped a bigger top end in it and continued with there ei from 2018 and called it a "new redesign" meanwhile it's the exact same from 2009. Give us some new plastics and a fuel gauge. cmon man 6 grand?
single cyl bike sold for 5-6-7 grand are total theivery they make immense margin on those. this bike cost less than 500 to make
Wish they weren’t 9k here in Guam 🇬🇺
What is that mountain road in colorado?
Dope! I’m team green. But I would probably buy a DRZ over this.
Why
I'll take this 6 speed over the DRZs 5 speed any day. And i did! 😄
I have one Kawasaki D Tracker
Very good
The dual sport model is where it’s at!
where is what ? that ? both are slow. fact.
@@JohnErikjohansson did I say they were fast? Also, that’s not the point of these bikes.
@@DStabs720 i know
@@JohnErikjohansson then what is your comment about? Just rambling?
Biggest takeaway: someone at TFL said they were anything but 6'2"
Does this have back footpegs?
At that msrp I’d probably go with the Suzuki drz 450SM
I kind of hate the looks of it unfortunatly. I feel like it just looks cheap in the front end, and its a less proven bike then the drz and has less power i dont know if i will end up getting this over a drz for my first bike
Is it carb or fi?
I ride mine 70 to 80 all day on highways . My top speed was 98 on gps .
How much hp?
Sadly they are still 50cc away from selling out in the states
I had an ‘03 KLX400SR which was the same exact bike as the DRZ400 with green plastics and I believe was made by Suzuki and sold through Kawasaki. Does anyone know if this is the case here?
Yes the klx400 is a drz. Kawi and Suki were all buddy buddy for a bit then
This bike is well capable for 75 mph considering I can get my klx 300r up to 73
I love the idea of this bike and I hope they sell tons of them - but personally I think I'd have a hard time paying $6k for this bike when you could get an MT03, CB300R or Z400 for $4600 - $5k...sure those don't have the longer travel suspension, but the SM version comes with the street tires, and those other bikes are all more capable on the street...what am I missing?
Good point. For me at least, a 300-class supermoto has a cool/fun factor that you just don't get on a 300-class sport/naked. As a commuter, the 300 class nakeds would probably be a better pick for a beginner rider. But on roads like these, I'd much prefer the supermoto setup mainly due to the weight and size
Late braking, backing the rear into corners and wheelying out. I'm not sure how anyone used to riding a moto would not get pulled by the cops regularly as it isn't supposed to be ridden the same as a commuter. Sure it will work like that but then you buy the safe options you listed. It's the closest thing to having your BMX back as you'll ever get. Probably needs to breathe a bit better for the wheelie part tho.
Those bikes u can’t take them to trails bro. Throw some tires on this bitch n have a blast
Those bikes are boring, this bike is pure fun.
They have the 230sm for that price
are you sure those are tubeless ?
What do you think about the BMW G310GS compared to the KLX300SM? I'm kind of on the fence.
Get a Husqvarna Svartpilen 401. It's the same price and has a skid plate, adjustable suspension, and knobby steart oriented tires.
I just wish it was a 400, like the Suzuki.
What's the top speed?
good morning, how much this kind of bike.
Just check in Coco, Florida 5999 msrp. 7900 out door. Please let me know if this is a good price?
I almost bought the KLX300SM, im a big Kawi fanboy. I ended up getting a KTM 390 Duke. Better price, better tech, and also a lot of fun.
Yeah, if any of the big 4 offered a dual sport or SM with a similiar engine to KTM 390 everyone wouldve been satisfied.
But they won't do that cuz they need to strip as much money from fanboys as possible.
Oh, people want 350 dualsport and sm? Lets tease then with 300 that has nearly the same power as 250.
And as u can see, this strategy works.
@@shuttzi9878 Sadly true. I'm a Japanese bike simp myself but it is really disappointing what we let them get away with.
@@sansfreedom1629 nearly every business is like that.
The niche things sells good when youre small but if youre a big manufacturer they are no longer profitable since there is more money with mainstream things if ure Able to manufacture them efficiently in bigger numbers
@@shuttzi9878 Yeah, it makes sense. Then again, once upon a time, companies made outlandish things even at a loss, just to keep all eyes on them. The Lexus LFA, not even that long ago, is a good example.
@@sansfreedom1629 basically Nissan in 2021
I rather fancy one of these.
Bring it to Europe ! PLEASE KAWA I BEG YOU
guys i need help, i am getting a motorcycle soon but i am torn between a TU250x and a KLX300SM. i know both are different bikes with different purposes but they are both beginner friendly and i want to know which one i should get.
Basically Ryan F9 says TU250x is a great bike and CycleCruza says a Super Moto is a great bike to start on, so which one should i pick?
I don't recommend the TU250x. it is nice and light, but it is very underpowered. That doesn't show up at low speed, but then you see it's TOP speed is 75mph. Think about being on the road and going to pass someone going 65 or 700mph. and you need to plan half a minute to pass them...ugh
*I've had ninja 250's with a bit more power than that, and much higher top speed, and they were like a 90's era family sedan trying to pass at freeway speed.
*I think you would find the TU250x feeling the way I described only it would be slow passing hwy instead!
The klx300 should be much more fun if hooligan is your style or if you want to go offroad., I've considering one even though hooligan isn't my style.
*if you are doing a lot of street at higher speed, a simple sprocket change should easily get it a little more without sacrificing too much down low.
If you are going more street, don't get the TU250. *Get a 300. Almost any 300 will do.*
Great options to consider:
*KTM390 Adventure (similar to the klx, but more street and keep going where the klx taps out) alt: duke 390 is the street bike version, but I'd get the adventure
*MT-03 it's an R3 (sweet little engine) with more upright seating. alts:an R3 or a ninja 300 (the R3 has a cooler engine, the ninja marginally has nicer other stuff, both are still mostly upright seating)
*versys X300 ninja300 motor on an adventure bike frame with a sprocket change to make it torque-i-er. Great all around bike.
*If you are most concerned about looks, maybe a bmw310gs, which is an unperformer which is to say it's only a 70% better engine than the TU250. But the 310 is actually low on my list. It's just still a great bike.
Any of those or the KLX300 will be fantastic, great to learn on and great to keep or trade "down" to.
I have a ninja 300. It's a great bike. so much fun. I wouldn't get rid of it, but I would swap it out for something similar. I have taken all my street bikes offroad through open forest and across small streams, etc and jumped them on soft landing jumps. So an adventure bike has a lot of appeal. I'd swap for a 390 adventure or versys x300. I feel like the klx300 is less a direct swap and I'd want another bike that is more freeway-able, but I have 70mph freeways any direction I travel and I like to do weekend trips a lot and/or visit family.
(maybe get a KLX300 and swap out the ninja for a MT07 or versys 650?)
I'd give you more offroad options, but frankly, I think that klx300 is a fantastic sweet spot and other options currently need to catch up.
@@andrewstambaugh240 wow thx for the help