[cycleworld.com] - 2022 Kawasaki KLX300

[Ninjette Newsbot]

Powered by a 292cc counterbalanced single-cylinder engine, Kawasaki’s KLX300 is an affordable and fun dual sport machine that is equally at home around town or on the trail.


Kawasaki’s 2022 KLX300 is ready to play, wherever you want to go. (Kawasaki Motors Corp /)Ups

• Smooth counterbalanced engine
• Adjustable suspension front and rear
• Comfortable ergonomics and seat

Downs

• Seat height might be challenging for shorter riders
• Small battery can be easily drained
• Can’t quite pull tall sixth gear all the way to redline

Verdict

Kawasaki’s KLX300 is a competitively priced dual sport machine starting at $5,799, but unlike its Honda rival, the CRF300L, the KLX300 offers adjustable long-travel suspension front and rear. Power comes from a 292cc counterbalanced single that’s flexible and fun, making the bike ready to rock the trail or street. At 302 pounds fully fueled, the relatively lightweight overall package contributes to nimble handling that’s ideal for newer riders or those not looking to muscle a heavier dual sport around on local adventures.


The Fragment Camo Gray colorway adds $200 to the competitively priced KLX300, which aims to be a practical, approachable dual sport for newer riders, local commuters, and those looking to explore nearby single-track. (Kawasaki Motors Corp./)Overview

Dual sporting continues to explode in popularity, as new and veteran riders aim to get outside and enjoy exploring more than ever before. The range of options offered in the class span the spectrum from small-displacement entry-level machines to open-class enduros with competition pedigrees like KTM’s 500 EXC. A refreshing subsegment is without doubt the 300cc dual-sport category. Bikes like Kawasaki’s KLX300 are not only a great starting point for new riders looking for an approachable, do-it-all machine, but also a fun, practical option for more experienced riders to get out and enjoy trail riding or asphalt commuting without breaking the budget.

In the case of the KLX300, buyers get an entertaining overall package that is lightweight, offers enough engine performance for technical singletrack riding, enough comfort to tackle highways and paved roads that lead to the trail, and suspension more than capable of tackling off-road rocks, roots, and ruts with ease. On top of the friendly buy-in price, the small-displacement engine benefits from excellent fuel economy, which makes it a great choice for weekday commutes when fuel prices skyrocket.

Updates for 2022

An all-new platform for 2021, there were no major updates to the KLX300 for 2022.

Pricing and Variants

The only decision you need to make if purchasing the 2022 KLX300 is do you go with corporate Kawasaki Lime Green ($5,599) or spend an extra $200 on the Fragment Camo Gray ($5,799)?


Equipped with EFI and convenient electric start, the KLX proved hassle-free to cold start, a momentary bump of the thumb button effortlessly prodding the motor into a smooth idle. (Kawasaki Motors Corp./)Competition

With the explosion of dual sport riding, there is plenty of competition. The Japanese manufacturers have been offering similar machines for ages. Honda’s CRF300L/CRF300L Rally are the most natural competitors and have been banging heads with the KLX since both were 250cc machines. Recent platform-wide updates for the CRF300L make the Honda an appealing package, but the Kawasaki does a fine job of setting itself apart with the aforementioned adjustable suspension. Suzuki offers the DR200S, while Yamaha still offers the dated XT250 and TW200. If you’re looking for a bit of European flair, BMW’s more road-oriented G 310 GS is similarly priced at $6,190.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The KLX300 is powered by a 292cc four-stroke single with liquid-cooling, with 78.0 x 61.2mm bore and stroke measurements. Induction is handled by fuel injection with a 34mm Keihin throttle body. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed transmission. When sister publication Dirt Rider last ran the KLX on our Dynojet dyno, it produced 23.4 hp at 8,100 rpm, and 15.4 pound-feet at 8,000 rpm.

In its adventure-focused outing aboard the KLX300, Cycle World found, “The KLX’s gear-driven counterbalancer does an excellent job smoothing vibes, with only a light buzz detected in the bars and footrest, mildly gaining intensity when engine revs climb beyond 6,000 rpm. At an indicated 70 mph in top gear, the LCD bar-type tachometer registers 7,500 rpm. The KLX hums along contentedly at that pace and will pull upwards of 8,500 rpm on a level stretch; however, the assistance of a downhill grade or tailwind is needed to tap the remaining 2,000 revs in sixth.”


The 2022 KLX300’s unchanged, single-cylinder engine offers up an ultralinear delivery from bottom revs to its 10,500 rpm limit. Power is accented with a whisper of top-end surge that comes in around 8,000 rpm and can be felt in the bottom gears of the six-speed gearbox. Horsepower and torque figures are from the previously tested 2021 KLX300. (Cycle World/)Handling

Weighing in at just 302 pounds, the KLX300 is light and predictable. “Venturing onto a narrow winding backroad, the nimble KLX tipped into corners with just a hint of steering input,” according to Cycle World’s review of the KLX. Steering is so light that new owners may take some time getting adjusted to the lithe handling when turning into slow, tight corners. The plush suspension soaks up road bumps and ripples with ease, yet offers good damping control, delivering a comforting sense of overall stability and composure.

Off-highway performance is dictated by suspension and here’s where the KLX300 impresses. “Faced with larger bumps at higher speeds, the Kawasaki’s KYB 43mm inverted fork and KYB shock delivered a controlled high-performance feel,” Dirt Rider Magazine said in its review of the KLX. “Helping it remain stable at speed was an impressive amount of what we sometimes describe as ‘holdup.’ So what’s holdup? Think of it as the ideal combination of stiff-enough spring rates with good compression and rebound damping; together, this gives the suspension excellent bottoming resistance and the ability to absorb repeated bumps without packing down in the stroke, where the suspension becomes too compressed to respond efficiently.”


The KLX300 has great trail manners when ridden at a casual pace, making it a fun, user-friendly bike for navigating city streets or exploring local trails. (Kawasaki Motors Corp./)Brakes

A Nissin dual-piston front caliper squeezes a 250mm rotor to provide powerful stopping capability as well as plenty of feedback at the lever. When it’s time to come to a complete halt, there is absolutely no vague feeling when grabbing the front brake; a hard initial bite lets you know it’s working, though it’s very progressive. The rear brake is a Nissin single-piston caliper paired with a 240mm rotor that is equally as capable as the front and can lock up the back wheel on command at any speed.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

The KLX300 feels small and is easily manageable on the trail, despite having a slightly taller seat height when compared to the CRF300L (35.2 inches for the KLX versus 34.7 inches for the Honda).

While that smaller stature aids in control, the form factor comes at a slight cost. In its review of the KLX, Dirt Rider added, “The bike feels especially small while standing, which causes the rider to hunch over more than normal to reach the handlebar; this would be mostly eliminated with a taller handlebar. While seated, the rider triangle is quite comfortable, though the distance between the footpegs and front part of the seat causes a somewhat tight bend at the knees. When the need to extend your legs arises, the elevated rear portion of the seat opens up the rider triangle a touch, offering a more relaxed riding position while slaying highway miles.”

Electronics

The KLX300 is about as basic as it gets when it comes to electronics, which helps keep the price down but also keeps from overwhelming riders looking for straightforward dual sport performance. The KLX has a tachometer, odometer, two tripmeters, a clock, and a neutral indicator light and low-fuel light.


Where will the KLX300 take you? (Kawasaki Motors Corp./)Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Kawasaki offers a 12-month limited warranty; that can be extended with the optional Kawasaki Protection Plus program in intervals of 12, 24, or 36 months.

Quality

A notchy gearbox, large gap between first and second gear, and more difficult clutch pull are the main drawbacks of the Kawasaki. “Its fundamental weak points are that it’s less refined than the [Honda] CRF300L and feels like an older motorcycle,” said the Dirt Rider staff. “Despite that, for a rider whose off-road aspirations go beyond smooth fire roads and mild two-track, the KLX300 is the more capable bike off the showroom floor.”

2022 Kawasaki KLX300 Claimed Specifications

MSRP:$5,799–$5,999Engine:292cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled single; 4 valvesBore x Stroke:78.0 x 61.2mmTransmission/Final Drive:6-speed/chainFuel Delivery:Electronic fuel injection w/ 34mm throttle bodyClutch:Wet, multiple disc; cable operationEngine Management/Ignition:CDIFrame:High-tensile steel, box-section perimeterFront Suspension:43mm Kayaba USD fork, compression damping adjustable; 10.0 in. travelRear Suspension:Uni-Trak w/ Kayaba shock, preload and rebound damping adjustable; 9.1 in. travelFront Brake:2-piston caliper, 250mm discRear Brake:1-piston floating caliper, 240mm discWheels, Front/Rear:Spoked wheels w/ aluminum rims; 21 in. / 18 in.Tires, Front/Rear:3.0 x 21 in. / 4.6 x 18 in.Rake/Trail:26.7°/4.2 in.Wheelbase:56.7 in.Ground Clearance:10.8 in.Seat Height:35.2 in.Fuel Capacity:2.0 gal.Wet Weight:302 lb.Contact:kawasaki.com




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