2023 Kawasaki KLR 650 vs. KLX 300 - Which one is best for your style of riding? In-Depth Comparison!

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The Kawasaki KLX 300 and the KLR 650 are two bikes that are exceptionally capable in riding just about anywhere you could want to ride, but they each have their strengths. In this video I examine where each is strongest to help you decide which is best for your style of riding. Want to see these bikes in person? Connect with the amazing team at Jim Gilbert's Wheels and Deals here: powersports.wheelsanddeals.ca...

Пікірлер: 65

  • @Scantcity
    @Scantcity Жыл бұрын

    Kawasaki needs to make a KLX 450 with a 3-4 gallon gas tank, 34" seat height and under 350lbs for the win!

  • @I..cast..fireball

    @I..cast..fireball

    9 ай бұрын

    Yes, but I'd like to see it as a p-twin.

  • @guderian7795

    @guderian7795

    4 ай бұрын

    Kawasaki needs to make a KLX 300 Rally version just like the Honda CRF 300 Rally.

  • @Scantcity

    @Scantcity

    4 ай бұрын

    That works! I would love a 450 twin.@@guderian7795

  • @ricardok5593
    @ricardok5593 Жыл бұрын

    I bought a KLR-650 Adventure one month ago and 1,000 miles later it's s great bike for me. It can do freeways 60-70MPH comfortably, it's very stable and makes me feel safe. For my skill level is perfect. And price was great. I got the adventure on sale for $6,199. It was great value for the money.

  • @lstanich1
    @lstanich1 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent review Peter. I’m a 70 yr old lifetime rider of all bike flavors but as various health constraints present, I find the lighter categories can provide more safe riding years. I’m guessing I’m part of a growing demographic well served with the 250 - 400 cc category. I think most often these lighter bikes are considered for new riders, but there’s a ton of us baby boomers coming of age. Again, great review and thanks for doing it!

  • @keitheberly9667
    @keitheberly9667 Жыл бұрын

    “A Jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one”

  • @crypticreality8484

    @crypticreality8484

    6 ай бұрын

    Plus, economical. Imagine the cost and space it takes to have 3 different bikes? A KLR or Versys X can do everything decently

  • @josephthornton8560
    @josephthornton8560 Жыл бұрын

    I've watched every KLX video there is. THIS IS currently the only side by side comparison to the KLR. There are reviews and recommendations of MANY bikes that may include both. There is usually "should you buy THIS bike". Sometimes there is KLX vs CRF 300 comparison. This is the first one I've found KLX to KLR.

  • @PeterLoweOne

    @PeterLoweOne

    Жыл бұрын

    So this is a good thing? I hope it's helpful to some people!

  • @josephthornton8560

    @josephthornton8560

    Жыл бұрын

    @@PeterLoweOne I think so.... I was KINDA split on which one suited my needs better.... ultimately, I got 2 KLXs (the DS and the SM both). My buddy was also recently trying to decide, he got the KLR.

  • @PeterLoweOne

    @PeterLoweOne

    Жыл бұрын

    @@josephthornton8560 Yeah, if I had to choose, I'd have a tough time too. I'd have to be honest with myself about how I'd want to use it.

  • @josephthornton8560

    @josephthornton8560

    Жыл бұрын

    @@PeterLoweOne When people ask me the first question is "What is your budget?" These are similar enough in price you could probably make it work. Next question "What does your worst day riding look like? Would you be more miserable after 4 hours of street in the saddle to GET there, or wrestling the bike on trails and picking it up alone for 4 hours?" Then I suggest the bike that addresses whatever THAT problem is.

  • @ronny-drz
    @ronny-drz Жыл бұрын

    Outstanding comparison, great info, keep up the good work & thank you for the video.

  • @PeterLoweOne

    @PeterLoweOne

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for your kind words!

  • @josuegomez9820
    @josuegomez9820 Жыл бұрын

    I have both the KLX300sm and the KLR650, I would say that my favorite to ride around town is the KLX and if I feel like going long distance the KLR is the way to go. I just wish that the KLX had a little more power!

  • @jackiemoon7559

    @jackiemoon7559

    6 ай бұрын

    Top speed on the KLX vs the KLR?

  • @crypticreality8484
    @crypticreality8484 Жыл бұрын

    Dude... Excellent delivery and explanation of the pros and cons of each bike. Very informative. Thanks a lot.

  • @PeterLoweOne

    @PeterLoweOne

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for watching!!

  • @illosiunz2798
    @illosiunz2798 Жыл бұрын

    Great video been looking at both of these bikes while kawasaki is running their promo really enjoy watching your content very informal

  • @PeterLoweOne

    @PeterLoweOne

    Жыл бұрын

    I appreciate your kind words! I have a lot more planned! Feel free to subscribe!

  • @acerocky
    @acerockyАй бұрын

    I'm still debating, right now the MSRP for the KLX I found is $6,199 while the KLR is $6,899... I think I'm leaning to the KLR.

  • @allans7281
    @allans7281 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent thorough review!! it all comes down to the purpose of the machine. I own the klx 300 and thats a more trail oriented bike bike not great for higher speeds on the highway. Klr 650 is more Street oriented for long stints on the open road. Klx suspension is far superior. What’s interesting is you could probably get a the KLR cheaper than the the 300 klx.

  • @advorlando9855
    @advorlando98557 ай бұрын

    Great video for my situation. I have a 2012 Vstrom 650 and I love the bike. It's the best bike I've ever has for commuting and decent rides. I'm getting into more off-roading as I adventure about, but the suspension is lacking with rocks and ruts or anything worse. It can do it, but it's not alot of fun. I've ridden the KLR on and off, and it's smooth on the highway as well as the gravel rough roads. I would not be comfortable with the KLR on anything more technical, but at the same time if I have to travel a ways to ride, the KLX 300 tank range would be an issue. I've ridden off-road with the 300, but not on the highway yet. It's light and fun off-road, and everyone says that it's good on the highway. When you said the KLX 300 is good for all day riding, but the KLR 650 would be good for multi day riding, then the KLX is what I'm looking for. Thanks for the solid comparison.

  • @3chickadventures
    @3chickadventures6 ай бұрын

    I enjoy your content. How about a comparison of KLR and X-300?

  • @CalgaryGuy71
    @CalgaryGuy71 Жыл бұрын

    I owned a 2017 klr 650 and it was a great bike but too heavy for me and needs a 6th speed. I'm looking at the KLX 300 but I think I may end up with the Honda 300 Rally as it has the larger gas tank. I ride more roads than trails but like the option of hitting the trails when I have the opportunity. Great review!

  • @PeterLoweOne

    @PeterLoweOne

    Жыл бұрын

    Yeah, I love the idea of being able to literally go down every road. I think the KLX has better suspension than the Honda, but I see why that bike appeals, for sure. I bought a Z900RS SE for this year, but I sure could see myself with a KLX or KLR at some point in the future.

  • @TsterMr63

    @TsterMr63

    Жыл бұрын

    With a 16-tooth front sprocket on the KLR I really don't feel the need for 6th. I try to stay off the freeways (have a Tiger 900 for that) and I can cruise at 75 mph all day long at 5K rpm. I got the KLX over the 300L because of the better suspension (and availability at the dealer) but they're very comparable bikes. Enjoy

  • @firehawkmph
    @firehawkmph Жыл бұрын

    Nice review. I have a 2021 KLX 300D. I thought I might go and get the KLR because of the rebate and all. But I went and sat on it today. While it is definitely more comfortable, it is way too heavy for me. The only thing I don’t like about my 300 is the seat. I ride mainly park and back country roads. After about 2-2 1/2 hours, my butt gets sore. I think I’ll keep my 300 and maybe put a gel pad in the seat.

  • @johndyer7587

    @johndyer7587

    Жыл бұрын

    I have Seat Concepts on mine. Super comfy. Did whole TAT and never got sore.

  • @pcmaust

    @pcmaust

    9 ай бұрын

    I 2nd seat concepts.

  • @TsterMr63
    @TsterMr63 Жыл бұрын

    I have a '17 KLR and just added the KLX to the stable because I wanted something lighter for off road. I've done long trips on the KLR and had a great time but I probably wouldn't want to on the KLX.

  • @PeterLoweOne

    @PeterLoweOne

    Жыл бұрын

    I think that's a great assessment. Lighter absolutely helps off road, but you wouldn't want to do a true trip on the KLX if you had access to the KLR.

  • @robertg9514
    @robertg95145 ай бұрын

    I was shocked at the price point @ Jim Gilbert’s UNTIL I realized there’s the currency conversion between US/CA dollars. It’s actually quite competitive!

  • @PeterLoweOne

    @PeterLoweOne

    5 ай бұрын

    Haha. Yeah Canadian MSRP. 👍

  • @Tennessee968
    @Tennessee9688 ай бұрын

    I am so torn in which bike to buy. I have been debating about them for months. I want to do moto camping. The thing is i need to drive an hour just to get there. Ill be on gravel roads, some rocky fire roads and highways. Ill also be alone so I worry the KLR might get me into trouble falling over. I have researched the KLR, KLX, and Versys 300. I like all of them. Anyone much more experienced than me please chime in. Love your bike reviews. You do an outstanding job.

  • @PeterLoweOne

    @PeterLoweOne

    8 ай бұрын

    If you don't do heavy off-road, the Versys-X 300 is going to be relatively light, has a big fuel tank, and is the best bike to travel long distances on (the KLR is also good for that) the KLX isn't great to your on, but it is the best off road.

  • @Tennessee968

    @Tennessee968

    8 ай бұрын

    @@PeterLoweOne Thank you very much Peter for your response. I appreciate you. I got to sit on all 3 bikes this weekend. All 3 felt comfortable. Unfortunately they dont allow test rides. The KLR wasn't as intimidating in person. I constantly heard how tall and heavy it is on KZread. It felt well balanced and not too heavy. I was very surprised. I couldn't flat foot it though. Now its decision time! I look forward to more bike videos! Take care.

  • @johnnymcmichael8449
    @johnnymcmichael8449 Жыл бұрын

    Well I did it Peter I don't have my Harley no more but I do own a klr650s clear out the door now I'm ready for new adventures with my metal detector

  • @PeterLoweOne

    @PeterLoweOne

    Жыл бұрын

    Awesome!! You're going to love it! I'm a little jealous because I'm still stuck to the pavement, where you can go just about anywhere! Keep in touch, I'll be filming more KLR videos in the future and I'd love to hear more about your riding experiences!

  • @johnnymcmichael8449
    @johnnymcmichael8449 Жыл бұрын

    I like the 650 I have a Harley but would like the KLR650 for the back dirt roads take my metal detector find some old home place from the late 1800

  • @PeterLoweOne

    @PeterLoweOne

    Жыл бұрын

    For most people the KLR is their only bike, but I'm like you, I just bought a Z900RS SE which is going to be an amazing bike for the street... but the KLR keeps calling my name, I'd love to have it as an inexpensive adventure bike! Maybe someday!

  • @SHOVELCARD

    @SHOVELCARD

    Жыл бұрын

    how do you carry your detector on the bike? I've considered this, but haven't figred out a good setup

  • @johnnymcmichael8449

    @johnnymcmichael8449

    Жыл бұрын

    My detector comes apart in the middle then strap it on between the iron rider luggage I have on the back and myself My pinpointed and small shovel go in the back

  • @SHOVELCARD

    @SHOVELCARD

    Жыл бұрын

    @@johnnymcmichael8449 I'll have to give it a try, thank you

  • @rolandedrummer9723
    @rolandedrummer972310 ай бұрын

    My problem is I want a bike that will do everything. I have a Sportster 1200 Bandit 600 and a Chinese 250 Enduro. None of them really do the same thing.

  • @beekeeperbrad6251
    @beekeeperbrad62518 ай бұрын

    Love my 2023 klx 300

  • @randykrus9562
    @randykrus95626 ай бұрын

    What you gain in comfort on the road you lose in utility and fun value on the trails-there are simply some trails that will be a no-go on the KLR that would not even be a worry on the KLX. I have no interest doing long highway rides on a motorcycle (it gets boring real quick) and those medium to larger adventure bikes look like a complete chore on the tighter trails, whereas on the KLX its quite the opposite. And ultimately when I'm on the trails I don't want to pass a trail up or turn around because the bike I'm riding isn't up for the task. And in many cases you have no clue how technical the trail ahead is-having the confidence that you can tackle anything is confidence inspiring-you have the right tool for the right job. But if your thing is doing long highway trips-that choice is obvious.

  • @herrtomas6729
    @herrtomas6729 Жыл бұрын

    Hi, my morning viewing in theUK

  • @aaronlane7910
    @aaronlane7910 Жыл бұрын

    Do we know if the 2023 KLR Adventure needs to doohickey upgrade or did they fix it?

  • @PeterLoweOne

    @PeterLoweOne

    Жыл бұрын

    There's no change in that regard. I won't get into a debate about that, but I will say that there are massive amounts of of KLRs out there which never have an upgrade and last for decades over thousands and thousands of miles. If owners want to do an upgrade, I don't fault them, but I do think some of the fear of the issue is overplayed by some.

  • @joelfigueroa1309
    @joelfigueroa1309 Жыл бұрын

    Hey what's the reliability like for the 300?

  • @PeterLoweOne

    @PeterLoweOne

    Жыл бұрын

    I've hear great things about them! Like any 300 cc bike, if you plan to ride them on the highway at wide open throttle or above the legal highway speed limit for hours and hours, I would recommend a different bike, but for the buyers that I see with these bikes, they love them, and I expect them to be exceptionally reliable.

  • @jessemeanlt1
    @jessemeanlt1 Жыл бұрын

    I was look at the klr650 but for the weight and the trails in east Tennessee made me go ktx300r. I think the klr is too high for me. I now looking at the drz400 or a ktm exc-f 500. I want to be able to do 80mph all day then hit the trails.

  • @PeterLoweOne

    @PeterLoweOne

    Жыл бұрын

    If the KLR is too tall, there is now a KLR S model with a lower ride height. It may not answer all of your concerns, but it is an option worth thinking about.

  • @Tennessee968

    @Tennessee968

    8 ай бұрын

    Hi Jesse. I also live in East Tennessee. Trying to decide between these two and maybe a Versys 300. I do a lot of camping in Cherokee National Forest I'm sure you are familiar with those types of roads. How's your bike doing?

  • @daviddoud7147
    @daviddoud71474 ай бұрын

    I think both bikes start buzzing (vibrating) around 70 mph. So again, which one? I’m also 57yrs old…. 🤔

  • @PeterLoweOne

    @PeterLoweOne

    4 ай бұрын

    These are both single cylinder, low horsepower bikes. They're going to have some character at that speed. I drive a 4 cylinder high powered bike and it's very smooth at all speeds. There are people who are used to a bike like mine that get on a bike like these and "complain" about the vibration, the buzz, whatever you want to call it... But there are also people who ride these for hours on the highway and don't have any real concerns. If the character of the engine is going to be a problem for you at certain speeds, than I would look elsewhere, but the flip side to that is that you'll probably have to increase your budget for both the bike and the insurance if you step into multi-cylinder bikes with more power that have a different character at speed. So it's tough to recommend a bike based on a comment on the internet, but if you adjust your expectations, you'll definitely get something that works. Whether that means accepting a certain level of vibrations at a certain speed, or adjusting your budget to step into a different class of bike. It just depends on your priorities.

  • @jbraMoVal
    @jbraMoVal Жыл бұрын

    I'm looking for a second bike so I'm going with the Honda 300 or the Kawasaki 300.

  • @PeterLoweOne

    @PeterLoweOne

    Жыл бұрын

    I don't know what you're looking for in a second bike, but the Versys X 300 is another small bike that is interesting, and owners love it! I'll have a review on that in the coming months as it arrives.

  • @jbraMoVal

    @jbraMoVal

    Жыл бұрын

    @Peter Lowe One I'm looking for a hooligan type of bike but not a dirt bike. I bought a Vulcan 650 when they first came out in 2015 and it's been an awesome commuter for work - 50k miles and still runs like new. There are a couple of trails near Temecula riders posting and I'm missing out.

  • @dc2090
    @dc20903 ай бұрын

    how close is the 300 to a kx250?

  • @PeterLoweOne

    @PeterLoweOne

    3 ай бұрын

    There's a gap. I'll have to address that in a future video instead of a KZread comment. It's nuanced. They're very different.

  • @VMATT500C
    @VMATT500C11 ай бұрын

    Enduro.

  • @1stfrompuertorico568
    @1stfrompuertorico568 Жыл бұрын

    1st

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