Kawasaki can be credited for making a lot of exciting bikes over the years. And their offerings for the dirt bike enthusiast is quite good with two distinct small displacement lineups. The KX line is for the hardcore dirt bike rider that has some off-roading experience and want to take things to another level without minding spending a couple of thousand extra dollars for premium, lightweight materials and state-of-the-art technology.
However, if a bike that is simply designed to be light and nimble, easy to handle over tight trails or rough terrain is desired, the less expensive KLX models are the ones to look for. This article is specifically about the top of the line KLX 300R, an affordable and capable bike that is perfect for some good off-road adventures. The KLX 300R is made for the trail, stripped down of lights, featuring trail-tuned long travel suspension and a lightweight perimeter frame, it will go pretty much anywhere in the hands of a capable rider, while also being an excellent choice for novice and intermediate riders alike, who want to explore off-road terrain in a reliable Kawasaki dirt bike.
Kawasaki KLX 300R Engine And Performance
Off-road riding is can be a fun and engaging experience for any motorcycle rider. It's one of the best ways to explore the vast outdoors of America on two wheels. But if that experience is to be hassle-free and safe, the right equipment for the task at hand is required. And the right equipment includes not only the right bike for the job, but also full riding gear. Riders will fall while off-roading, sometimes several times in a single adventure, and that's just a fact. But these mishaps often happen at low speeds and if the rider is lucky he'll be hitting some bushes instead of something hard like tarmac. Using proper riding gear will ensure only a few bruises and perhaps a bit of a hurt ego will be all the rider need worry about after a day in the saddle.
KLX 300R Specs
Engine | 292cc, liquid-cooled, single cylinder |
Horsepower | 26 hp @ 8,080 rpm |
Torque | 17 lb-ft @ 7,750 rpm |
Drivetrain | Chain |
Transmission | 6-Speed |
Speaking about the right bike for the job, small displacement motorcycles such as the KLX 300R have proven to be the go-to choice for off-road adventures since their lightweight and purpose built frame and suspension make them easier to ride and maneuver. Not to mention, they are very fuel efficient and will allow for a good deal of fun before the need to refuel arises. These bikes are also easier to maintain than most larger bikes, which help make them suitable for all sorts of riders. The KLX 300R horsepower comes from the shared engine, with the dual-purpose, road-legal, KLX 300. This engine is fuel injected, and features an electric starter that facilitates turning it on regardless of altitude or temperature. The 292cc engine offers plenty of manageable torque and power for a controlled off-road riding experience.
Still on the performance front, the KLX300R will be good for a top speed of around 70 to 75 MPH from the factory, which is more than enough for its intended use. The bike has a short final gearing (50/14) and a smooth-shifting transmission to provide the rider with the right ratio for every off-road situation, be it maintaining momentum while navigating through a more technical part of the trail, or blasting through an open dirt road.
KLX 300R Chassis And Suspension
The KLX 300R makes use of a high-tensile steel frame that allows for a slim and light package. Combined with the small displacement engine, the bike tips the scales at 282.2 pounds wet (286.6 lb. CA model). The wet weight takes into consideration a full tank of fuel and all other fluids required to operate the bike. The swingarm is made of aluminum and contributes to a low unsprung weight, while a short wheelbase of 56.5 inches helps with the KLX 300R handling in tight spots off-road. Seat height is 35.4 inches with a 12 inch ground-clearance, and the fuel tank holds 2.1 gallons. Riding off-road is more demanding on the engine and fuel efficiency. Fuelly.com rated the dual-purpose 2021 KLX 300 at 63.86 MPH, so to be on the safe side, off-roading with the KLX 300R should show a fuel economy of about 40 MPG.
The 43 mm front fork is inverted with 11.2 inches of travel, and features compression damping adjustment. The rear suspension also has 11.2 inches of travel, and feature a gas-charged shock and allows for preload and rebound damping adjustment. This effectively allows the rider to set up the suspension according to any given riding condition.
Instruments And Styling
Like most purpose-built dirt bikes, the KLR 300R has no dashboard or any sort of sensitive instruments that can be easily damaged when the bike is dropped during a ride. The electric starter is housed next to the accelerator on the right side of the handlebar, which the usual reinforcement to prevent bending after a fall. There is no standard central kickstand, helping shave off some weight from the whole package. Instead, the bike comes with the regular left foot kickstand. If cleaning or performing maintenance on the bike yourself, it's handy to have a platform at your garage where the bike can be raised and have its wheels clear of the floor.
The styling of the KLX 300R is raw and minimalist. There is no license plate, no lights, no mirrors, no dashboard to get in the way of pure off-road riding. The big front knobby tire, high ground clearance slim and long seat and that big and characteristic, plastic front fender that keep a lot of dirt and mud away from the rider's face compliment the dirt-bike look. All things considered, the Kawasaki KLR 300R is a solid dirt bike for off-road use and should be on the radar of any rider looking for a reliable and capable Japanese machine to venture out into the wilderness.
Ergonomics And Price
At a Kawasaki dealer, one can find the 2024 KLX 300R for sale at a starting MSRP of $6,199. A good deal for a brand new dirt-bike, fitted with knobby tires, great off-road suspensions, lightweight frame and a competent small displacement engine. When riding a dirt-bike or any other style of motorcycle for that matter, ergonomics play a pivotal role in the way the rider will be able to extract the most out of the motorcycle. The KLX 300R has Kawasaki's Ergo Fit, where the customer gets a chance to have the parts that impact the rider triangle such as the handlebars, seat, and foot pegs to be adjusted so that the optimum riding position is found for that particular rider.
A good trail motorcycle has to allow the rider to find a natural and relaxed riding position, be it seated or standing up, and the KLX 300R allows for just that. Choosing the right positioning of these parts that provide the interface between the chassis and the rider, according to his or her size and body type, will make it so that one will be able to better handle and control the bike while adventuring outdoors.