As the adventure bike market continues to thrive, more and more riders are growing frustrated with the steep learning curve riding a big, heavy bike off-road entails. The simple and affordable solution is to start on a lighter, more off-road capable dual-sport. While rather obviously limited in terms of touring comfort, dual-sports offer riders a means to hone important off-road riding skills without getting stressed out about breaking expensive parts, or trying to pick up a heavy bike at an awkward angle.
There are currently several great entry-level options at our disposal. KTM and Beta recently launched a couple of dual-sports that will appeal to those looking for something different, but it is the older Japanese bikes that have proven to be exceptionally tough over the years. But, we feel that this Kawasaki is just that much tougher than the rest.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Kawasaki. Whereas, the opinions are our own.
The Kawasaki KLX300 Is The Toughest Dual-Sport You Can Ride Every Single Day
MSRP: $5,449
Kawasaki
What you get with the KLX300 is a commuter-friendly bike that is also highly capable off-road. The seat height is a little on the tall side, but this allows for almost 11 inches of ground clearance. It is, however, not alone in this space. There are actually a few genuinely impressive alternatives in this space, which has been reinvigorated over the past year or two with the introduction of new and refreshed models.
Honda CRF300L Honda
The Honda CRF300L has become the default option in this highly competitive space. While that bike will fare a little better as a commuter, it isn’t quite as off-road capable out-the-box. There is an extensive aftermarket for it, so it is certainly worth considering if you plan on keeping the bike long-term. Yamaha used to offer the XT250, but it has officially gone off sale, leaving us with the archaic, but lovable TW200. It competes with the KLX230, though, and is not something we would necessarily recommend commuting on unless your commute involves you riding through a swamp. Suzuki also affectively bowed out of this space with the latest DR-Z4 offering more features for more money.
KTM 390 Enduro RKTM via Rudi Schedl
KTM came out swinging this year with several 390-based options, including the Enduro R dual-sport. It offers a pretty impressive list of features, including best-in-class suspension. But, with it being based on a street bike platform, it is a little on the heavy side. Beta also just launched the all-new Alp 4.0, but like any all-new bike in its first year of production, there will most likely still be a few kinks to work out. Its price is also a little on the high side compared to the KLX, and will be competing more directly with the Honda CRF300L Rally.
Rivals
- Honda CRF300L
- KTM 390 Enduro R
- Beta Alp 4.0
The KLX300 Has A Proven Single
Power: 26 Horsepower
Kawasaki
Back when the KLX250R first came out way back in the early 90s, it was touted as a dirt-bike with lights. It could keep up with contemporary motocross bikes on track, then happily ride home and enjoy street bike service intervals. Over the years, it received fuel injection and a bump in displacement, but other than that, it is still largely the same liquid-cooled single that came out 30-odd years ago.
It was pretty advanced for its time, and although its power output is mediocre by modern standards, it is quite sufficient off-road. An experienced rider will be able to keep up with more powerful bikes without too much effort out on the trail, but the lack of power will most certainly be felt on the highway. Without any wind protection, a small tank and its dirt-bike seat, highway runs are not really in its repertoire. If you are just going to use it as a commuter during the week, it will do just fine, as it is economical and dependable.
Engine Specifications
Engine Type
Single-Cylinder, liquid-cooled
Displacement
292cc
Max Power
26 HP
Transmission
6-speed
The KLX300 Is A Trail-Ready Dual-Sport
Simple Fun
Kawasaki
If you are new to riding, and you are looking at getting a beginner-friendly bike, this is not actually your best bet. The KLX230 S is a far better option, especially the ABS version. The KLX300, on the other hand, is ideal for those looking for a fun trail bike that can double up as a commuter, or for somebody looking to hone their off-road riding skills before moving up to a big ADV.
You don’t get much in the way of modern features here, so for those looking to link phones or want ride modes, this is not the right bike. Kawasaki keeps things dead simple here for a reason, and that is for the sake of durability. Adding more will drive up the cost and add potential failure points. What you do get is a pretty impressive suspension setup. The forks offer adjustable compression damping, and the rear suspension is also fully adjustable. It won’t be difficult to get this bike dialed in for your weight and height, and the fact that the bike itself is pretty light means it is just a great little bike to ride off-road.
It certainly is not for everyone and with a seat height of 35 inches, it is still a tall bike, and that can be pretty intimidating for shorter folks new to off-road riding. There are other bikes with lower seat heights that will be a better option. Technology has become such a big selling point for manufacturers these days, and for those after modern tech, this also won’t be very appealing. Bt, if you are looking for a rugged little dual-sport that you can still ride to work every day, the KLX300 is a fantastic option.
Chassis And Suspension Specifications
Chassis
Tubular, semi-double cradle
Front Suspension
43mm inverted telescopic fork with adjustable compression damping (10.0-in travel)
Rear Suspension
Uni-Trak gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir with adjustable compression, rebound damping and spring preload (9.1-in travel)
Front Brakes
250mm disc
Rear Brakes
240mm disc
Weight
302 lbs
