I owned an old 300R for several years and rode it a ton. Loved it. I am happy Kawasaki brought this bike back. I DO wish they gave it enduro lighting like it used to have, just a headlight and tail light.
I have this bike ,I'm a woods\ Trail \single track rider from Virginia ,great bike ! Picked mine up during the Kawasaki dealer days sale for 4200.00 .Added hand guards,skid plate,Twin air system and switched to Motul 300V ,Love it .I ride with guys with high end Beta - KTM Yamaha - Husky ,definitely faster lighter more race oriented bikes and have just as much fun and honestly with a few clicker adjustments I have no problem over logs,rocks,creek beds etc .great video !
Good review and video. There is a street legal klx300 already...just not the R model as the R is made for offroad. So if you want this same bike but street legal you can go get that exact bike. Glad to hear it has brought so many smiles and miles. Enjoy.
This bike is very capable. I have done some crazy hill climbs and downhills and never been stuck yet. It's not super powerful but the more I ride it, the better I like it. For the price I can deal with the weight and lack of aftermarket support. It will never be a KTM but it can do pretty much anything an average rider would ever ask of it. Low maintenance, great gas mileage and good performance overall make it a great budget friendly machine that will provide many years of enjoyment. I have a new YZ250X that sits in my garage as me and the green machine hit the trails if that says anything.
Couldn’t agree more with your review. If you are a weekend trail rider, it’s the right bike, hands down. Was happy with the bike until I adjusted the rear shock (6’1”, 195) now I’m in love! Only issue I’ve had was a bad battery. Dealer replaced it, although the 6 series battery is scarce. Added hand guards and a Ricochet Off-road skid plate and hit the woods.
I used to have a ninja 300 that had a bad battery earlier on. For this bike I threw in a cheap amazon lithium battery. it’s 3-4 pounds lighter and cranks quicker.
I have this bike ,bought it for 4200.00 during the Kawasaki dealer days sale in Virginia , excellent value and super fun to woods \ Trail ride ,plenty of grunt and have no problem keeping up with my buds on bikes costing twice as much .
Agreed, got mine for 4750, best investment ever, I love it... I'm 6'5 - 230lbs and I get airborne on trails every time I go out and its extremely comfortable for long cruises... no problem keeping up with $12,000 450s
Reliable bike at a good price point. Every reviewer would give their height and weight. At 6 3 220 after reading quite a few reviews this might be the best trail bike for me. My kind of trails too.
Spent a good part of the day looking at 300r reviews. Your was the best. Checking out a 2022 and I appriciate what you said about the old KDX's, my 05 still works great. That p.o.v. at the end was the icing on the cake. Dirt bike porn got me all worked up.
I bought one of the from RMATV in Washington 1 year ago , wanted something lighter and more trail oriented ... Love the 6 speed and fuel injection , hated the soft suspension and non adjustable forks. My brother has now bought that bike , I have a DRZ400 and just got a GPX TSE250R with 160 miles on it , love that bike I am an old two stroke guy ! My son also popped a spoke when we had this , they now make a pipe and some mods , there is a baffle in the air box you can take out too . If the shocks where better , a bit more power , I would rock this one again . I hated the factory foot pegs too , not only small but the first tip over and they bent .
The KLX300R is a good Dads bike, it has a tractor like first gear and is pretty reliable with little maintenance needed. The bd, it’s pretty low on power and weighs nearly 300lbs.
That frame on yours is the EXACT SAME as my 2003 kdx 220r. Which I bought in damn near new condition in 2017. Glad you liking this one. I wished my bike was lighter, and I think that the weight of yours is the main thing putting me off on it.
@@markmcginnis1759 naw the stock gas tank on the kx's hold like 2.5 gal or close to that alone. It's a good thing and a bad thing. Also the way the tank was designed then puts most of that weight on the front end of the bike. I'd say with mine full of all fluids the total of weight of mine wouldnt be too terribly much lighter than your 300. One things for sure my bike for a 2 stroke is hefty
@@markmcginnis1759 yep, and I'd say you would probably get quite a bit better mileage than mine. Wonder if they will have a better mapping for yours soon and if so do you have to take it back to the dealership for them to change it?
Comment of the Century probably the best dirt bike ever made I think Kawasaki shot there selves in the foot when they dropped the kdx I’ve got 2 in the garage and will probably never get rid of them
The fact that KTM charges 10k plus for their new 250 and 300 exc models tells me Kawasaki could release a modernized KDX for around 6k and it would sell well. And the fact that every KDX I see in a classified ad is still listed for at least $2,500 or so, even though they are almost 15 years old. It's crazy.
Just picked up a brand new 2021 today :) Your quality review helped a lot, thank you. Snow here so I only got to run it around the block. It felt tight and not peppy. Can you tell me if the motor will loosen up a little or a lot after broke in? Thanks
I have a honda 250l and im happy with it but i wish it had more low end torque. Im thinking of getting a klx300 and was wondering if its increased power is worth it or should i just stick with the 250l.
I ride those trails all the time. Maybe I'll see you out there one day. I like the KLX as a replacement for my aging DRZ. It would be east to plate here in AZ.
Did you remove the evaporation canister? I live in California, mine has the canister and I would like to remove it. I haven’t been able to find much info on removing it. Thanks for the great review.
Recently purchased one 1999 klx 300r the bike is an unsung hero runs perfect does have a lot of exyra work i i bought it from a kawasaki mechanic it really rips keeps up and exceeds in every atea except very top end but still does 75 mph like i said has had great attention its life and is not stock but this bike is fast as any at a bargen price.
I've been desert raceing since the early 90s all on XRs lol"trail"bikes from xr250r to 400r 500r 650r and back, although I real8ze this bike has been built, but much more than a trail bike,have been a honda guy fir ever but never cared for any of the crf anything the crfx is nice but this bike has it on reliability and price.
I bought one two months ago after selling my CRF450X which was becoming a little tiresome at my age (almost 65!) - gotta say it fits my riding style perfectly and I love the easy maintenance. Good call on the spokes - a lot of my riding is mountainous so lots of rocks, and at 5 hrs all of the spokes on the sprocket side of the back wheel needed tightening. I'm not impressed with parts availability - I flopped the bike onto a stump and broke my rear fender on my second ride, and two months later am still waiting for a replacement although I was able to patch up the old one and still ride. I'd like to change my footpads to the more aggressive ones you have and wish you had provided a link for those, too...
Respectfully submit that this bike may be a "replacement", but in no way is equivalent to the KDX200. The KDX200 makes at least 10 more HP and weighs something like 40lbs less. But barring access to a time machine, I'd still love to have this KLX300R.
What I wouldnt do to have a lug around motor in a decent frame and suspension bike. Like a yz 250 once the race motor is shot have a drop in old four stroke to lug around the woods with on my decked out old race bike.
how would this bike compare i had a 09 klx450r that stupidly i sold 5 years ago will this bike be close to that performance. Iam in Pa lots of hills power lines and trails and coal roads some rocky.
I was gonna say they make a supermoto one also but maybe it isn't available until the 2021 model? Not sure exactly, but I'm super pumped they made this size and style bike. It's exactly what the market has been missing for quite some time, and trying to ride a motocross bike in the tight trails just gets annoying. And the price is amazing really all things considered with how the market is. I've also been DYING to see the rest of the Japanese company's make 150r models to either replace or compete with the 85cc models
A correction on my part, a Harley Davidson bike owner I know says, "You don't say you 'drive' a motorcycle, you say you 'RIDE' a motorcycle." I've had dirt bikes all of my life and rode a few liter bikes. That is a different world in itself. I feel safer on dirt bikes.
Great review. I hope you do more content on this bike as like you said there really isnt much good info out there about the bike. I wonder if you could throw an old kdx headlight on it!
I’ve thought about the headlight. I have two other bikes that have all the street legal stuff. So making this one have lights wasn’t really a priority. Let me know what types of videos you want to see on this machine!
@@markmcginnis1759 bike maintenance videos would be cool. A comparison between a dual sport would be cool because the klx300 is a heavier bike and I'd like to know how it compares to a bike with all the lights and stuff weighing it down.
My 2007 has lights front and back, just wish I had an electric start. Four Stroke Works in southern CA. makes a great header pipe and it made a big difference in power.
I just bought this bike a few months ago and so far I love it! I haven't been able to ride as much as I wanted to though because of the lock Downs and I am a little bummed that the after market isn't there yet. I was curious if you could post where you got those handlebar guards at And what they are called...
When I was a little younger I had a ttr125 but I sold it and got a quad but I rode my friend's Crf250r a lot and I've been looking for a nice powerful yet smooth 4 stroke so I've decided to either get something around a 230 or even a klx300 because I have some really rough trails and I do a little bit of road cruising too
For around town and country highways the 230 is ok. If you do an occasional stint on the highway/freeway with traffic the 300 has enough get up and go to get to 65mph quickly.
@@markmcginnis1759 I thought about getting a 230 of some kind and I race AWRCs so I'd have to get it outfitted for woods racing. A 300 would keep up with my friends 450s and 250 2 strokes.
The KLX 300r is basically a dual sport bike because it's built on the KLX 250s frame which is a dual sport bike but nobody was buying the dual sport bike around so they made a 300r
I had a klx300r back in 98 I think it started back in 96 through 2008 in some country's . It did have headlights and tail light . its the same bike as the old klx300r except for the fuel injection and electric start and less the lights , same engine The kdx is a completely different frame and plastic and engine You have to compare it to the 2008 klx300r .
A lot of us are wondering if they're not planning on replacing the klx250 with a plated 300. Mechanically, they're not just related, they're pretty much evolutionary of each other. It would be what we've been asking for forever. The 250 is a more important to them because it's a world market bike, but if the only real significant difference is the head and piston, I don't see why they can't be co-produced on a common assembly line. We can only hope.
That would be awesome! The old klx300r was sorta legal in some states cause it had a headlight and brake light from the factory, since the 300 has better suspension and power it would be a better enduro/dual sport if they did that vs the 250.
I have the wr250r and really like it, I would like to test the 300r to compare to my wr250r, for $5500 its awesome, if it was me I would get another slipon or gut the pipe you have and richen the fuel to get rid of some heat, the motor would like you for doing that, just saying
Thanks for the video I just did the same mods and parts as you and it solved the backfire issue. Have you experienced an issues since deleting the pair valve?
If you had to pick one, KLX 300r or GPX TSE 250 which would you end up going with? I know it’s four stroke vs two stroke, just curious since you have both.
Great video and review! Riding part was killer. What is your height and weight? I am 6'2 , 210# and looking to upgrade from my TTR230. Wondering how the suspension can handle a bigger rider.
For most trail riding should be fine. The fork is a little soft for heavier riders the back shock works well with a minor preload adjustment depending on weight
Kawasaki trail bikes of old the KDX was the 2stroke engine of the kLX platform. I have a KDX 220 have you ridden a kdx 220 to compare the two? Especially if your comparing it to the kdx
@Ne Jay...Pro Circuit offers full and slip on. I installed full PC, down to 13 teeth front sprocket, and just installed Power Commander on her this past weekend. Little mods, opens her up tremendously
comparing a wr250f to a klx 300 in my experience is night and day - the wrf feels like a really well engineered enduro bike the klx feels like a farm bike
This may sound like a stupid question but you mentioned these bikes run lean from factory. Would you recommend getting a programmer or new exhaust and programmer?
Great video. One thing I would disagree with; even if your not looking for more power, a fuel programmer like a $250 EJK is still a good idea, since running lean and hot will shorten the lifespan of the engine.
@@markmcginnis1759 Completely agree. I will never understand people who drop serious money on a high end bike, only to use 1/10 of its potential. Most people who ride this bike will never surpass its potential.
@@muted7807 you will have a little less back pressure and it will be illegal in state forests. I would leave it unless you plan on racing it on tracks and getting a fuel programmer.
I wonder how it compares to the last generation KDX 200. I'm still riding my 97KDX, motors been gone through several times & its been loads of fun. I hope Kawasaki made this ride like that.
@@mudhutproductions who said anything about an USFS pipe? Especially one that would turn it into a tractor? Its obvious what kind of pipe we are talking about dude... dont be such a pissy bitch
The front fork is a little soft and the frame is sorta weak where the forks connect to the tube. I wouldn’t want to jump this bike in stock form more then 4ft in the air. If you have a smooth landing bigger is possible for sure. But if you case a jump the frame will likely crack at the steering stem of you ride it like a motocross bike.
its probably more like the klx 300r they stop making a few years ago . The only difference is the fuel injection ,electric start and they removed the head light and tail light that the older klx300r had . I had the 300r back in 1998 for a while but it was so hard to start I got rid of it but at the time no 250 4 stroke could keep up with it . It has to be compared to the drz 400 . Here is a video comparing the speed of the older klx300r vs drz 400 . I would say that the new fuel injucted 300r would leave the drz 400 in the dust . czcams.com/video/QsJOrgmJHes/video.html
I owned an old 300R for several years and rode it a ton. Loved it. I am happy Kawasaki brought this bike back. I DO wish they gave it enduro lighting like it used to have, just a headlight and tail light.
Welp, you were right. Kawasaki just announced 2021 KLX 300 and a 300 supermoto...both for street and under 6 grand!
and for some goddamn reason its not coming to australia
They don't come with ABS and Australia won't allow non ABS motorcycles its a law they past :(
@@DanielEnochs What about older motorcycles that people already have? Do they just have to stop riding it?
@@theyeetus1428 nah they are fine just new ones
Kick start is the thing that makes you feel alive when starting a bike . Love this bike.
I have this bike ,I'm a woods\ Trail \single track rider from Virginia ,great bike ! Picked mine up during the Kawasaki dealer days sale for 4200.00 .Added hand guards,skid plate,Twin air system and switched to Motul 300V ,Love it .I ride with guys with high end Beta - KTM
Yamaha - Husky ,definitely faster lighter more race oriented bikes and have just as much fun and honestly with a few clicker adjustments I have no problem over logs,rocks,creek beds etc .great video !
Do they have dealer days every year at a certain time? How do you like yours now are you happy with it?
Good review and video. There is a street legal klx300 already...just not the R model as the R is made for offroad. So if you want this same bike but street legal you can go get that exact bike. Glad to hear it has brought so many smiles and miles. Enjoy.
This bike is very capable. I have done some crazy hill climbs and downhills and never been stuck yet. It's not super powerful but the more I ride it, the better I like it. For the price I can deal with the weight and lack of aftermarket support. It will never be a KTM but it can do pretty much anything an average rider would ever ask of it. Low maintenance, great gas mileage and good performance overall make it a great budget friendly machine that will provide many years of enjoyment. I have a new YZ250X that sits in my garage as me and the green machine hit the trails if that says anything.
That was a great review Mark. Thank you for all of the information!
Couldn’t agree more with your review. If you are a weekend trail rider, it’s the right bike, hands down. Was happy with the bike until I adjusted the rear shock (6’1”, 195) now I’m in love! Only issue I’ve had was a bad battery. Dealer replaced it, although the 6 series battery is scarce. Added hand guards and a Ricochet Off-road skid plate and hit the woods.
I used to have a ninja 300 that had a bad battery earlier on. For this bike I threw in a cheap amazon lithium battery. it’s 3-4 pounds lighter and cranks quicker.
@@markmcginnis1759 link to battery? Your video helped me decide on buying this bike , great content keep the videos coming.
I have this bike ,bought it for 4200.00 during the Kawasaki dealer days sale in Virginia , excellent value and super fun to woods \ Trail ride ,plenty of grunt and have no problem keeping up with my buds on bikes costing twice as much .
Agreed, got mine for 4750, best investment ever, I love it... I'm 6'5 - 230lbs and I get airborne on trails every time I go out and its extremely comfortable for long cruises... no problem keeping up with $12,000 450s
@@spencerjthompson65 👍🏾😂
What dealer? Every dealer I talk to in VA & NC is only selling for sticker price.
Great bike. Got to ride my friends last night. I was really impressed.
Reliable bike at a good price point. Every reviewer would give their height and weight. At 6 3 220 after reading quite a few reviews this might be the best trail bike for me. My kind of trails too.
Did you end up buying the bike? We are very similar in build. If so how do you like it? Does it feel good for a taller person?
@@GeeMann95I’m basically the same, 6’3 215-220 bike feels great
Spent a good part of the day looking at 300r reviews. Your was the best. Checking out a 2022 and I appriciate what you said about the old KDX's, my 05 still works great. That p.o.v. at the end was the icing on the cake. Dirt bike porn got me all worked up.
Wish I still kept it.
@@markmcginnis1759 the 300 or a kdx?
@@oneupmanship klx300r
Woooooooo !!! I’m in the car @ the stop light but once I’m home I’m watching for sure !!! #fellowKLXowner !
I bought one of the from RMATV in Washington 1 year ago , wanted something lighter and more trail oriented ... Love the 6 speed and fuel injection , hated the soft suspension and non adjustable forks. My brother has now bought that bike , I have a DRZ400 and just got a GPX TSE250R with 160 miles on it , love that bike I am an old two stroke guy ! My son also popped a spoke when we had this , they now make a pipe and some mods , there is a baffle in the air box you can take out too . If the shocks where better , a bit more power , I would rock this one again . I hated the factory foot pegs too , not only small but the first tip over and they bent .
I sold the klx and kept my 2021 GPX Tse250r I have 1200 miles it already, I love it!
@@markmcginnis1759 me too man I got big plans to ride it a ton next year . Keep up the videos I enjoy them .
Yea my 250l won’t bump start either, tried it one time with no luck. I agree about the kick start, they should have left em on for backup
The KLX300R is a good Dads bike, it has a tractor like first gear and is pretty reliable with little maintenance needed. The bd, it’s pretty low on power and weighs nearly 300lbs.
That frame on yours is the EXACT SAME as my 2003 kdx 220r. Which I bought in damn near new condition in 2017. Glad you liking this one. I wished my bike was lighter, and I think that the weight of yours is the main thing putting me off on it.
The weights for the newer bikes are more accurate cause they include the gas and all fluids. The older kdx was lighter but not by a whole lot.
@@markmcginnis1759 naw the stock gas tank on the kx's hold like 2.5 gal or close to that alone. It's a good thing and a bad thing. Also the way the tank was designed then puts most of that weight on the front end of the bike. I'd say with mine full of all fluids the total of weight of mine wouldnt be too terribly much lighter than your 300. One things for sure my bike for a 2 stroke is hefty
@@dementedspirit1359 the tank is a little smaller on the klx300r, but with FI it gets similar if not better range.
@@markmcginnis1759 yep, and I'd say you would probably get quite a bit better mileage than mine. Wonder if they will have a better mapping for yours soon and if so do you have to take it back to the dealership for them to change it?
Nice review 👍 I wish Kawasaki would bring back the kdx just modernize it some with a decent price tag and they would sell like crazy.
Frank The tank
Look into the TSE250R. I think it could catch your eye. Check out the FB group too.
And if Honda brought the XR 250 back. I have an 03 XR 250 still like new. And I could sell several of them and KDXs. The demand is there.
Comment of the Century probably the best dirt bike ever made I think Kawasaki shot there selves in the foot when they dropped the kdx I’ve got 2 in the garage and will probably never get rid of them
The fact that KTM charges 10k plus for their new 250 and 300 exc models tells me Kawasaki could release a modernized KDX for around 6k and it would sell well. And the fact that every KDX I see in a classified ad is still listed for at least $2,500 or so, even though they are almost 15 years old. It's crazy.
@@carlatamanczyk3891 I thought they did with the CRF250F
Excellent review! Thanks!
Just picked up a brand new 2021 today :) Your quality review helped a lot, thank you. Snow here so I only got to run it around the block. It felt tight and not peppy. Can you tell me if the motor will loosen up a little or a lot after broke in? Thanks
Nice review man, I have to agree with everything you said!
I have a 2001 KLX 300R I just picked up, sounds exactly like this bike. 👍
Only really difference is e-start and fuel injection, and it gained some weight.
Crazy, I still ride my 98 klx 300r I bought second hand in 2001 and it looks very similar, has the kick start on mine though.
I have a honda 250l and im happy with it but i wish it had more low end torque. Im thinking of getting a klx300 and was wondering if its increased power is worth it or should i just stick with the 250l.
I ride those trails all the time. Maybe I'll see you out there one day. I like the KLX as a replacement for my aging DRZ. It would be east to plate here in AZ.
Fun little place for sure, I'm always down for a group ride if you want some time!
Did you remove the evaporation canister? I live in California, mine has the canister and I would like to remove it. I haven’t been able to find much info on removing it. Thanks for the great review.
Recently purchased one 1999 klx 300r the bike is an unsung hero runs perfect does have a lot of exyra work i i bought it from a kawasaki mechanic it really rips keeps up and exceeds in every atea except very top end but still does 75 mph like i said has had great attention its life and is not stock but this bike is fast as any at a bargen price.
It s a great under appreciated trail bike.
I've been desert raceing since the early 90s all on XRs lol"trail"bikes from xr250r to 400r 500r 650r and back, although I real8ze this bike has been built, but much more than a trail bike,have been a honda guy fir ever but never cared for any of the crf anything the crfx is nice but this bike has it on reliability and price.
thanks for the review, planning to buy one someday
I bought one two months ago after selling my CRF450X which was becoming a little tiresome at my age (almost 65!) - gotta say it fits my riding style perfectly and I love the easy maintenance. Good call on the spokes - a lot of my riding is mountainous so lots of rocks, and at 5 hrs all of the spokes on the sprocket side of the back wheel needed tightening. I'm not impressed with parts availability - I flopped the bike onto a stump and broke my rear fender on my second ride, and two months later am still waiting for a replacement although I was able to patch up the old one and still ride. I'd like to change my footpads to the more aggressive ones you have and wish you had provided a link for those, too...
IMS 273113 Super Stock Black Foot Pegs
Respectfully submit that this bike may be a "replacement", but in no way is equivalent to the KDX200. The KDX200 makes at least 10 more HP and weighs something like 40lbs less. But barring access to a time machine, I'd still love to have this KLX300R.
Your dual sport wish came true today!
Yup, and right after I sold it lol
What I wouldnt do to have a lug around motor in a decent frame and suspension bike. Like a yz 250 once the race motor is shot have a drop in old four stroke to lug around the woods with on my decked out old race bike.
how would this bike compare i had a 09 klx450r that stupidly i sold 5 years ago will this bike be close to that performance. Iam in Pa lots of hills power lines and trails and coal roads some rocky.
I was gonna say they make a supermoto one also but maybe it isn't available until the 2021 model? Not sure exactly, but I'm super pumped they made this size and style bike. It's exactly what the market has been missing for quite some time, and trying to ride a motocross bike in the tight trails just gets annoying. And the price is amazing really all things considered with how the market is. I've also been DYING to see the rest of the Japanese company's make 150r models to either replace or compete with the 85cc models
I'm old school and like the kick starts.
Same here
i'm 5'7 weigh 140 would this be a good size bike for me?
A correction on my part, a Harley Davidson bike owner I know says, "You don't say you 'drive' a motorcycle, you say you 'RIDE' a motorcycle." I've had dirt bikes all of my life and rode a few liter bikes. That is a different world in itself. I feel safer on dirt bikes.
Anyone know if this model exhaust will fit on the 2002 KLX300R?
If you add lights will you make a video of it ?
Great review. I hope you do more content on this bike as like you said there really isnt much good info out there about the bike. I wonder if you could throw an old kdx headlight on it!
I’ve thought about the headlight. I have two other bikes that have all the street legal stuff. So making this one have lights wasn’t really a priority. Let me know what types of videos you want to see on this machine!
@@markmcginnis1759 bike maintenance videos would be cool. A comparison between a dual sport would be cool because the klx300 is a heavier bike and I'd like to know how it compares to a bike with all the lights and stuff weighing it down.
My 2007 has lights front and back, just wish I had an electric start. Four Stroke Works in southern CA. makes a great header pipe and it made a big difference in power.
solid reliable machine - great video as always 👍770
I just bought this bike a few months ago and so far I love it! I haven't been able to ride as much as I wanted to though because of the lock Downs and I am a little bummed that the after market isn't there yet. I was curious if you could post where you got those handlebar guards at And what they are called...
www.amazon.com/JFG-RACING-Black-Handguards-Hand-Guards/dp/B073LZ4L4H/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=handguards+dirt+bike&qid=1595682064&sr=8-13
Have a 23 on order & can’t wait. I’m in my 50’s & just wanna go slow on my wooded property!
Should be perfect for that great bike to ride slow or at a medium pace.
@@markmcginnis1759 😂That’s me 👍
AS YOU SAID THEY CAME STREET LEGAL MAN, AND HAS A SUPERMOTO TYPE, I WILL BUY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, GOOD NEWS!
Its in market now as supermoto
Nice review 👍
I would buy this tomorrow if it was Street legal and in Australia
It is
@@johnpucko7128 is this what you are referring too?
sunstatemotorcycles.com.au/product/klx300r/
Nice review very helpful 👍
When I was a little younger I had a ttr125 but I sold it and got a quad but I rode my friend's Crf250r a lot and I've been looking for a nice powerful yet smooth 4 stroke so I've decided to either get something around a 230 or even a klx300 because I have some really rough trails and I do a little bit of road cruising too
For around town and country highways the 230 is ok. If you do an occasional stint on the highway/freeway with traffic the 300 has enough get up and go to get to 65mph quickly.
@@markmcginnis1759 I thought about getting a 230 of some kind and I race AWRCs so I'd have to get it outfitted for woods racing. A 300 would keep up with my friends 450s and 250 2 strokes.
But can it power wheelie with no clutch ?
nice informative review, thanks
The KLX 300r is basically a dual sport bike because it's built on the KLX 250s frame which is a dual sport bike but nobody was buying the dual sport bike around so they made a 300r
I had a klx300r back in 98 I think it started back in 96 through 2008 in some country's . It did have headlights and tail light . its the same bike as the old klx300r except for the fuel injection and electric start and less the lights , same engine The kdx is a completely different frame and plastic and engine You have to compare it to the 2008 klx300r .
pretty much!
I have no where to ride...
But I'm getting one of these anyway!
A lot of us are wondering if they're not planning on replacing the klx250 with a plated 300. Mechanically, they're not just related, they're pretty much evolutionary of each other. It would be what we've been asking for forever. The 250 is a more important to them because it's a world market bike, but if the only real significant difference is the head and piston, I don't see why they can't be co-produced on a common assembly line. We can only hope.
That would be awesome! The old klx300r was sorta legal in some states cause it had a headlight and brake light from the factory, since the 300 has better suspension and power it would be a better enduro/dual sport if they did that vs the 250.
No 2021 KLX250 listed on the Kawasaki website, let’s hope for a plated 300 for 2022! I have a 2005 KLX300R, so fun!
How much does it weigh?
Do you know the top speed?
I’m betting suspension on this is better than WR250R, especially the rear. Likely much more useable low end torque as well.
front fork is worse, soft spring rate, only rebound adjustable, rear is similar IMHO
I have the wr250r and really like it, I would like to test the 300r to compare to my wr250r, for $5500 its awesome, if it was me I would get another slipon or gut the pipe you have and richen the fuel to get rid of some heat, the motor would like you for doing that, just saying
Awesome video! Helped me decide on the same bike. What hand guards are those? I’m looking to buy the same. Thank you!
Just generic amazon ones should come right up if you search it on the first page.
@@markmcginnis1759 Gotcha. Thank you!
Looks like Box Canyon. Go there often.
They have a Dual sport version now.
Thanks for the video I just did the same mods and parts as you and it solved the backfire issue. Have you experienced an issues since deleting the pair valve?
I haven’t owned the bike for a few years. Never had an issue with backfiring. Was a great running little thumper.
Are you in AZ?
If you had to pick one, KLX 300r or GPX TSE 250 which would you end up going with? I know it’s four stroke vs two stroke, just curious since you have both.
For reliability I would go with the kawi. The fun factor is better with the TSE
Great video and review! Riding part was killer. What is your height and weight? I am 6'2 , 210# and looking to upgrade from my TTR230. Wondering how the suspension can handle a bigger rider.
For most trail riding should be fine. The fork is a little soft for heavier riders the back shock works well with a minor preload adjustment depending on weight
Awesome I love mine
Sorry if you mentioned it but what foot pegs did you use and which handguards? Thank you.
Ims branded
It's a lot more fun to drive a slow bike fast, than to drive a fast bike slow.
Kawasaki trail bikes of old the KDX was the 2stroke engine of the kLX platform.
I have a KDX 220 have you ridden a kdx 220 to compare the two? Especially if your comparing it to the kdx
Similar power levels, the 300 has more low end though, the KDX is a lot lighter
What hand guards did you put on. I'm picking up mine this weekend
cheap amazon ones lol
I have one of these too. There are 2 things that I don't like. It's too tall and the wheelbase is too short. It corners entirely too quick.
2021 is same as this!?!
Can you install aftermarket exhaust? I know you said not much is available but have you come across something in last 2 month?
@Ne Jay...Pro Circuit offers full and slip on. I installed full PC, down to 13 teeth front sprocket, and just installed Power Commander on her this past weekend. Little mods, opens her up tremendously
Can't wait to pickup a 22 soon, wonder how much power is available after removing all those emissions controls.
You’ll pick up a healthy amount of power with a full exhaust system and EJK controller
comparing a wr250f to a klx 300 in my experience is night and day - the wrf feels like a really well engineered enduro bike the klx feels like a farm bike
Sorta agree with that! Depends what type of riding you do mostly
do u think this bike is faster than a CRF150-r ? I'm tryna find something friendly, with some get up and GO.
The CRF is probably faster in low to mid range cause it’s 100lbs lighter. Due to gearing and hp the 300 would be better mid to top speed.
This may sound like a stupid question but you mentioned these bikes run lean from factory. Would you recommend getting a programmer or new exhaust and programmer?
just buy a 450
@@alistairbalistair9596too high priced, too much motor and too much maintainence😬
Pro Circuit slip on + Dyno Jet Power Commander, will address what you just said..
Great video! You said you think the WR is a "better bike". Were you referring to the 250r or 250f?
Wr250 2 strokes will smoke smoke the 4 strokes lol
@@chuckfinley3152 Who said anything about 2 strokes? "lol"
Great video. One thing I would disagree with; even if your not looking for more power, a fuel programmer like a $250 EJK is still a good idea, since running lean and hot will shorten the lifespan of the engine.
Good mention. Point being, the stock mapping is decent for most users without dumping money into a new bike.
@@markmcginnis1759 Completely agree. I will never understand people who drop serious money on a high end bike, only to use 1/10 of its potential. Most people who ride this bike will never surpass its potential.
I am getting the 2021 klx 300 street legal cant wait !!!
bro predicted the 300 dual sport
May I ask where this is? Utah, Arizona? Beautiful trails.
Near Florence AZ.
Would you recommend this bike to a beginner adult rider? 5’10” 175lb
Absolutely
So I didn't start riding bikes until I was 23. Now I'm 26 and I have outgrown my ttr230. Im thinking this will be a good trade up. Would anyone agree?
definitely a good upgrade for more spirited trail riding!
Great review. Have you ridden all the bikes you are comparing it to?
Yes, I own a few different ones and have some buddies with different bikes to compare with.
@@markmcginnis1759 Thanks. Great info to have.
Do you think the 300R is worth it if I already have a WR250R?
No, I’d keep the wr250r.
OK. This bike VS. a WR250f, price being equal. Which one would you choose?
WR
How would you say it compares to the CRF250f?
Similar power. The kawi has an edge in stiffer rear shock and low end torque though. Otherwise very alike.
Do you know where to get a turner to stop the pipe getting excessively hot and glowing red
There’s a few out there not sure the brand, the hot pipe doesn’t hurt the engine. Just don’t burn your pant leg on it lol
@@markmcginnis1759 yeah okay thx man.
Do you know if taking the spark arrester out hurts the bike in anyway
@@muted7807 you will have a little less back pressure and it will be illegal in state forests. I would leave it unless you plan on racing it on tracks and getting a fuel programmer.
I have the same bike it’s great
I wonder how it compares to the last generation KDX 200. I'm still riding my 97KDX, motors been gone through several times & its been loads of fun. I hope Kawasaki made this ride like that.
I’ve got like 1000hrs on my kdx and never even needed a top end
@@Irishkiwi a thousand hours is nothing dude. Try me when you hit 10,000.
@@waynes.2983 literally all I’ve done is a basic service every now and then btw never replaced a single part
@@Irishkiwi but 1,000 hours is not that many.
@@waynes.2983 it is in my country where most people have around 150 hours on their bikes.
Where's the riding spot shown at the 10:18 minute mark? I'd love to take my YZ250X there.
Near Box Canyon, Florence AZ
@@markmcginnis1759 appreciate it brother! Never been there before. Is it hard to find?
@@Sanguine_Addiction It's off AZ79 and Price Station Rd keep following the dirt road about 5 miles in
@@markmcginnis1759 will do. Do you need a day pass to ride there or a spark arrestor?
What handguards are you using? I like those a lot!
Cheap Chinese ones from Amazon.
Mark McGinnis would you mind linking them?
@@501speedinc5 www.amazon.com/JFG-RACING-Motocross-Handguards-Motorcycle/dp/B073LNMZM5/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=dirt+bike+handguards+jf&qid=1596338621&sr=8-4
Upgrade the muffler with a good slip on. Believe me, it will make the thing a real tractor.
and get more trails closed
@@alistairbalistair9596 Exactly how does a USFS Approved slip on close trails?
@@mudhutproductions who said anything about an USFS pipe? Especially one that would turn it into a tractor? Its obvious what kind of pipe we are talking about dude... dont be such a pissy bitch
damn dude, awsome review. well done, well said.
Where’s the trail? Looks like a gold wing super highway ! Nice bike !
out by Box Canyon near Florence, AZ
Isn't it an update of the original klx300?
Sorta, but with some good improvements like FI and electric start
How well can this bike handle jumps, not motocross jumps but small trail jumps like 10 to 30 ft?
The front fork is a little soft and the frame is sorta weak where the forks connect to the tube. I wouldn’t want to jump this bike in stock form more then 4ft in the air. If you have a smooth landing bigger is possible for sure. But if you case a jump the frame will likely crack at the steering stem of you ride it like a motocross bike.
I do some technical stuff and do drops of 6 to 10 ft but landing is down hill not flat
@@garrettblaster it should be ok then assuming you’re not a heavy rider lol.
Roughly between 160 and 170 lbs
It would be real nice if dirt bikes had a fuel injection system that doesn't require a battery, similar to snowmobile injection systems.
my next bike will be a klx300, i plan to tag it . i was not impressed with the wr250r it felt heavier and soft on power to me.
the kawi will have some more more down low for sure top end is pretty similar
its probably more like the klx 300r they stop making a few years ago . The only difference is the fuel injection ,electric start and they removed the head light and tail light that the older klx300r had . I had the 300r back in 1998 for a while but it was so hard to start I got rid of it but at the time no 250 4 stroke could keep up with it . It has to be compared to the drz 400 . Here is a video comparing the speed of the older klx300r vs drz 400 . I would say that the new fuel injucted 300r would leave the drz 400 in the dust . czcams.com/video/QsJOrgmJHes/video.html
Could you retrofit that kickstart if you wanted?
Not easily as it has been casted with out the hole on the casing.
@@markmcginnis1759 Thanks.
My girls only 5'2 .... can this thing be lowered at all ?
A lowering link would help but still pretty tall for somebody of that stature.