What do you guys think? Is the KLX300SM worth it, or should the aspiring sumo squid just get a DRZ400SM?

@marcusvalentin5485

Жыл бұрын

They should release a KTM 390 SMC 🤞

@2WheelPursuit

Жыл бұрын

@@marcusvalentin5485 Yeah for real.

@linksgarage1985

Жыл бұрын

DRZ400SM!!!!!!!!!! All day baby!

@Ahazmandeus

Жыл бұрын

Hey this was my bike that I traded in at AF1 for a Tuareg 660. The KLX was a 3rd bike for me that I would putter around town on the weekend, run errands on, etc. I was never looking for high horse power when I bought it. As for the upgrades the stock bar was garbage, the skid plate was really to limit the amount dirt to clean of the engine, the stock seat was like a gummy bear that was left in the sun, and as for the exhaust the stock one was already rusting badly at 8 months. That is really was kind of drove me to trade this in was that the cheapness of the components and the quality of the materials. This was my first bike from Kawasaki and I assume it will be my last. Also its super weird to see your previous bike and your mods reviewed on KZread...

@greenmoto

Жыл бұрын

If you're after power, no.. if you want a bike that falls in the sumo class and will be reliable, yes.

As a 10 year owner of a KLX250S, I'd say I agree with your review. The dual sport crowd has been screaming for an affordable, reliable Japanese dual sport in the 400-500cc range. Honda missed the mark with the CRF and the DRZ is still a 99 bike with a 23 pricetag. Myself and many people like me have been lined up waiting to throw money at the first of the big 4 to get it right. Kawi could do nothing more than punch that 300 out to a 450 and my 250 would go for sale tomorrow.

I don't understand why KTM hasn't made a 390 supermoto yet

@mannyechaluce3814

Жыл бұрын

there is no market for it

@spitescorner

Жыл бұрын

If they did, it'd kill the DRZ overnight

@nephilymbass1

Жыл бұрын

They already have an rc390, duke390, and adventure 390. And also have a 350 dual sport that cost over $10k so they probably figure if you can afford the dual sport you can also afford a set of 17s.

@gageblack8059

Жыл бұрын

Because the 350 already exists and is still better than a drz lmaooo

@megamoto3513

Жыл бұрын

Just get the 450

Really glad to see your channel blow up after you and Yammie parted ways. ride safe Spite!

@brycetheshredder

Жыл бұрын

Why did they split up? I seemed to miss that

@Opius321

Жыл бұрын

@@brycetheshredder Yammie wanted to go another direction with his channel, thats all i really know.

Everyone needs to understand that this is an entry-level bike. If you want more power, get a bike with more power! My daughter is 13 and has been riding for about 2 years. This bike would be ideal because we can go 2 up to a parking lot or trail and she can practice. As the bike is plated, when she gets her license she will have a bike for herself. Safe riding!

@alphadelta7060

Жыл бұрын

You need to understand it’s just slow. And yes if you want a bike with more power buy a bike with more power. I’m glad you figured that out and helped so many people.

@a7x266

Жыл бұрын

problem is there isnt a good middle ground supermoto from factory. you either get a cheap beginner bike or spend 12k and get a husky/KTM supermoto. im not a fan of the drz not being fuel injected so not really a option.

@ganuvien

Жыл бұрын

​@@a7x266Exactly why I didn't buy a KTM690. It's so damn expensive, there's also the Honda CRF450L but it's also expensive and then you need to convert it to sumo wheels/tires. Crazy how a naked streetbike is cheaper.

@a7x266

Жыл бұрын

@@ganuvien pretty much, i sold my naked bike last year and about a month ago i got the itch for a supermoto but the options just werent great, ended up just getting another naked bike.

@ganuvien

Жыл бұрын

@@a7x266 I'd love to see Yamaha turn the Tenere 700 into a Supermoto even though it's heavier than a true sumo. But that'll never happen.

The only thing this intro missed was you crushing a Monster can on your head, channeling your inner Kyle energy.

@RollinwithRoland

Жыл бұрын

Yee, this comment is On The Head.

@names9530

Жыл бұрын

Sam Pilgrim original move

Used to have a KLX250 and it was my fav wheelie bike because you could just dump the clutch from Bouncing off the rev limiter and it would do super safe wheelies that had almost zero chance of looping. Miss that bike!

For a smaller or average sized person this bike would be an absolute blast around town. I had a DRZ400sm for years and if I jump in sumo again I'd probably jump on one of these.

@Illness.og.

Жыл бұрын

Wheelie beast

@papasmurf159

Жыл бұрын

Or a 690/701, pulls the weight better plus more rip.

@machupikachu1085

Жыл бұрын

no you wouldn't. You'd find it gutless.

@BluuSkyz

Жыл бұрын

@@machupikachu1085 I keep reading that.. I'd definitely have to at least try one now to see.

@machupikachu1085

Жыл бұрын

@@BluuSkyz sadly, a KLX with a pipe, snorkel and Eflash won't even make the HP and torque numbers of a stock Dr.Z. And not many people keep them stock. The only people this bike will excite are people who haven't tried the Dr.Z and don't know any better.

I actually just bought one of these. I’ve owned a R3, Z900, still own my 2020 R6 and now one of these guys and honestly, this is the most fun I’ve had on a bike and I’m a whopping 270lbs dude at 6’2. I personally think a rear sprocket change and a fuel tuner will give this enough kick to make it perfect for its size. It’s dummy comfortable around town, I live in Dubuque Iowa and it’s perfect for around town and the country roads. I’ve been practicing wheelies on it mainly in first gear and it’s definitely a great place to start and learn. Side note I will say I really miss the Z900. This bike gives me baby vibes of that bike and I plan to get another. I’m glad you finally did a vid on this man keep it going!

@covertsnake

3 ай бұрын

I am the same size as you are. What is the top speed you can achieve? My commute includes the Houston ship channel bridge and I'm not sure if it would be safe in that situation.

@yammi.raven.r6891

3 ай бұрын

@@covertsnake I've gotten like 90mph. But it was struggling so bad. It's terrible on the highway lol, I've since traded it in and got a deal on my new 24 z900

@yammi.raven.r6891

3 ай бұрын

@@covertsnake if you're not doing highway and mainly under 65mph then it's lovely

@claytonware7540

10 күн бұрын

@@covertsnake if you don't speed then yes it's perfectly fine for the highway, mfs will take groms on the highway

Spot on sir! An excellent comprehensive but fair take on the KLX300SM.

One thing ill say to look out for, the front break hydraulic line is blocked in your current set up you can see it bending when you break hard. I believe its meant to travel up and down along that plastic track/retainer on the left side of the bike. Its currently blocked by the hand guard mount. Its an easy fix, on my bike i just removed the retainer and jerry rigged a new one in so the hydraulic line feeds closer to the center console. As always love the video Spite!

I think you nailed it pretty well with this one(2+year KLXsm owner).. I do think Kawi could have sold a lot more of them if they included the drywall and 4 pack of Monsters. 🤘

Seeing that I'm also a big guy (6'5" 265lbs) In still wanting a video about bikes for larger riders. Not everyone wants/needs a giant cruiser.

@spitescorner

Жыл бұрын

Working on a video about that!

@GratefulOverlander

Жыл бұрын

Get a KLR, it's taller. Just set up the suspension for your weight (which may require an upgrade but that's true on any bike)

@panthersblow

6 ай бұрын

Im 6'1 245lbs and I just picked up a 2024 KTM500exc and put a supermoto kit on it. Its the most fun I have ever had on 2 wheels. It will flip me over backwards and pound me into the pavement in 1st and second gear at full throttle, even sitting forward on the seat. Its 220lbs dry, so the bike weighs less than me. Makes it easy to throw around and has enough power to always keep you happy.

Hey Spite. Thanks for posting. Hoping you get to 1M++ subs before 2024 mate.

Great meeting you in Mojave. Pretty cool you rolled in on a road glide. 😊

I bought one of these a few months ago, people keep asking me how I like it. My typical response is “It’s a 1 season bike”. Basically after this riding season is over I’ll be done with it. I kept seeing posts about secondary throttle plate removal, it’s controversial but figured that is reversible and doesn’t cost anything. After doing that mod I’m having more fun with it, but I still plan to ride it 1 season and move on. I’m on my 3rd season with my Z125.

Excellent, I was waiting for a review on one of these!

I've had one of these for about one month. Put about 800 miles on it so far and I'm having a lot of fun with it. I bought it to take on camping trips because of ease in loading into truck. I usually ride a FJR and every time I get on the KLX I can't help but smile. It feels so light, and easy to move. I ride it every chance I get and have only ridden the FJR once since buying it, and that was because my grandson wanted to ride the FJR. I'm 64, 6-2, 190 and have no issues with the seat. I have ridden the bike two hours without stopping and had no problems with seat or bars. It does not have a lot of power, but does okay if you keep the rpm's up, and I Love going to the gas station with this bike. If I would change something it would be to add a gear indicator.

As a harley brother and r1 owner, I bought one. It was some of the most fun I had on a small bike. Exhaust, snorkel, tune and sprocket made it a true blast. I'm 5 11 and 220 and it's a fun bike.

I appreciate all the great content dude 🤘🤘🤘

I got one of the first KLX300s and I only weigh 130LBS, I can confirm it whips when you weight 100+ less 🤙 I have hit 100 on flat land and can cruise at 80, a new sprocket does yet though. Thanks for the confirmation on the GasGas 700, I have been thinking about it as a 2nd.

Not sure if that particular KLX you’re riding has any air flow mods but I modded my KLX with a wider snorkel and installed a K&N air filter. I’m still running the stock exhaust and I find that it is way more responsive with those mods. I agree, it doesn’t have that torque you expect but I find that the torque has picked up just a bit, with those mods. And honestly, as it gets up in the revs, this little thing rips. Regardless, good content on this bike. Keep ‘em coming, Spite!

@ginorusso9057

Жыл бұрын

I have a blast riding this bike

@ginorusso9057

Жыл бұрын

Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t one hander and scrape and do everything a sm is meant for. But yea if you want to go over 100 or have more torque past 50 then you’d a bigger one

KLX300sm owner here. There's a lot you can do to coax more out of this bike and still be less than a DRZ400sm. Real world pricing here in SoCal is $9K+ out the door for the DR. And it needs to be modded a bit. Got mine used/modded with Dyno Jet tuner, Yosh, 2ndary throttle for $6k and then modded for trail/offroading, KDX snorkel, tires, bark busters, risers, pro tapers, skid plate, rear rack, lithium battery, 13th front sprocket and took all the smog junk off. With Yosh, lithium battery and smog junk I took off close to 15lbs. I look at mine as a "super" TW200 with better suspension, more grunt and more ground clearance. Great video.

I looked at the 300’s when I was looking to add a bike to get back in the trails with but wouldn’t have to trailer it there. After doing some research I discovered that the 300’s weighed just as much as the ktm 690 but had half the power. The suspension was also fully adjustable and felt so much better for me being 6ft and 230lbs. I’ll admit that the 690 was more expensive but I believe it was well worth the extra money. It’s been a few years now and I still get a big grin every time I throw a leg over the 690. It’s been very reliable with routine maintenance and has an incredible aftermarket available so it’s easy to make it your own. I don’t believe I’d be as happy if I would’ve chosen a 300. The 690 is great off-road and a fantastic city bike. It has the power to jump on the highway for a few exits but I wouldn’t consider it a highway cruiser. To me it’s more of a backroads explorer that really comes alive when the tarmac turns to dirt. It reminds me of my 1993 KDX250 that I had and makes me feel 10 years younger. What more can you ask from a motorcycle?

The torque complaint is the same reason I didn't prefer the Dual sport trim in my comparisons. On dual sports in general I really don't prefer an engine that has to be rev'ed out to achieve "get out of the hole" torque. Good informative video btw.

These small displacement bikes always make riders smile and somehow reminds you of what motorcyling is about.

I was interested when I first saw these a couple years back. Love dirt bikes and the idea of a supermoto was appealing. But personally I was a bit shocked by the price. I agree with a lot of the points mentioned in this video. Funny thing is for about the same price you can get a kawasaki Z400 that solves a lot of those problems.

Everyone just wants to beat around the bush with this shit, instead of just giving us what we want! We want a road legal 450 SUMO based off of an MX Frame, from anyone Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM etc.. 🙏🏻🤘🏻 Put the price point a couple grand higher than a regular 450 Motocross Bike and they’ll sell like Coffee!!

I have a KTM 500 EXC, In my opinion it's the best option because you get 2 bikes in one. Very capable enduro bike, you swap the wheels and you get the best road legal super moto... 110 kg , 50hp can't beat that.

@MattPerry

Жыл бұрын

Yep, but is not japanese and it is another kind of bike, with a maintenance of a race bike. The japanese must do these bikes on a 500cc 600cc version, with SM a R version, being R more off road. And easy maintenance. No doubt, you have a very good bike.

@benmanning4340

Жыл бұрын

I completely agree with you man! I have a gasgas ec 250 2 stroke that I have converted to supermoto and it's an absolute beast. Supermoto converted enduro competition bikes are no doubt the best you will find and are more reliable than most people like to think - that's why us boys over here in Europe like them so much - plus they're much more suited to our roads than in America. Happy riding :)

I love you spite and this video was amazing. I own a KLX300 myself and by the footage you have in this edit it made it seem like you were riding it like a big piston single such as your KLR650 and your old KTM690. I think most of the juice that you were looking for was at the top end if the revs. I know singles dont really go past 10K rpm but the KLX300 comes alive at 8K due to the nature of smaller pistons having less mass.

@autumnday8422

Жыл бұрын

He mentions no torque but I know from my wr250 it's all at the top.

@chrislollich6064

Жыл бұрын

My XR is pumped 675 + trick stuff only fifty horse but has more bottom End , and by the time at 7k I'm already gone. And I do that 300 with A pumped moter will blow big bikes Off to surtain point. Besides who wants to pay KTM prices when they Don't last that long. Thanks from NOR-CAL.

Spite thank you so much for including numbers in KG and NM, love you for that 😂

Thanks for the great review Spite

Guy named Keng runs a little shop in Chiang Mai that does big bores on KLXs. Has a 402 kit in testing rn

I wish this bike was an option when I bought my first bike. I bought a DRZ 400SM in 2018 but now I have upgraded to the best supermoto without a doubt which is the 690 SMCR.

As a DRZ owner, I can appreciate other manufacturers like Kawasaki trying to put pressure on Suzuki (to innovate). It's too bad the KLX is underwhelming but given where most of the motorcycle market is/what most riders "want", anything larger/more modern seems to come with issues (electronics and weight & cost) that go against what makes SMs great in general.

The question of this vs naked 300 was great and so was your answer. This bike is a great bike to determine what your next bike will be. For me, it made me realize I want a dual sport since I’ve been hitting trails. It also made me realize I want more power for the street. I can’t afford to switch bikes at the moment but that’s ok because it is truly hard to have more fun than you can on a sumo.

@chrislollich6064

Жыл бұрын

I'm sure you can find wheels U can Use for nobbys for your bike , the only deference between supèrmoto And Dual Sport is the wheels, sm are 17" and DSport are 18"rear and 21" in front. Thanks from NOR-CAL.

@2wheelseparationanxietydis271

Жыл бұрын

@@chrislollich6064 yes it’s possible BUT the brake rotors are different size and once it’s done I’ve heard that it feels unstable. Something about the ride heights or spring rates aren’t correct once the dual sport wheels go on. No biggie, I’m going to do the cheapest thing: tires! The shinko 700 or kenda 244. I’ve already done single track with the 700 and it’s not great with the 17 up front but it did everything I asked. Thanks norcal brother!

@chrislollich6064

Жыл бұрын

@@2wheelseparationanxietydis271 My bike is XR650L I bought super moto so I can have the best of both worlds, thanks for the input, my bike Is real tall and the SM wheels bring it Down a little bit, and the bigger disc, On the front stops smother . Keep on riding, and main thing have Fun doing it. Thanks from NOR-CAL.

I 1000% agree this should have been at minimum a 400cc if not a 500cc. I have owned a DRZ400SM (where is 6th gear!?) and I had a friend with one of these. Loved the feel of the KLX but missed the DRZ TQ and HP. Now I own a Gas Gas 700SM and its an absolute ANIMAL and LOVE IT! Kawasaki needs to change the Engine Size and Suzuki needs a modernized DRZ.

I picked up a 2012 KLX 250 dual sport this spring as a garage mate to my 04 ZRX, I'm a fatass at 300lbs and the lil Lex is a riot in my opinion ya just gotta wring it's little neck, it does haul me at 65mph fairly well. I mainly use it to commute (12 miles) and explore back roads in the sticks of central NY. I knew it wasn't going to be a rocket ship, that's what I have the ZRX for, but the KLX is better than I thought it was going to be. FYI all stock except someone removed the snorkel, I did add a bit of preload to the rear spring. Thanks for the content 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻.

As a 2022 KLX300SM owner, I would say you pretty much nailed it with this video. I love everything about the bike except its power output.

I've thought about going the SM route with my CRF300L for smoother highway manners, but then realistically, I'm not going to want to switch tires every time I go to Hidden Falls or GSL. So if the 300 is just a road only bike, then yeah, "Meh" is the perfect description. For this reason, I need to get my dirtbike up and running, sell the 300L, and pick up a better street oriented bike. The best option (assuming affordability) really is having multiple, specific purpose bikes.

Seems like there are 2 kinds of riders. Those who enjoy tight powerbands that require well timed shifting and those who want torque at low rpm so they can be lazy about shifting.

@2wheelseparationanxietydis271

Жыл бұрын

I noticed he’s going uphill at 5k rpm complaining about torque. It’s like bro, you’re 240 lbs on a small thumper, you gotta downshift 😂

Great review. Just not enough power. It would be awesome to see Kawasaki put their twin cylinder 650 on this bike with minimal weight gain. There would be torque for days with that.

Daylied my klx300 1998 for about a year, it was my first bike and it was a great bike but it always left me wanting more. Even to the point where I did a carb, a pipe, a 351 big bore, and a bunch of other mods and it STILL left me wanting more. I finally bought a drzsm and I enjoy it much much more lol

During acceleration, one additional horsepower gains as much as a loss of 7 pounds. For a rider 70lbs lighter than you, the bike will accelerate like it has a power curve 10hp higher at all rpms than it would with you on board. That's going to be felt the most at lower rpm when the engine is not making a lot of horsepower. It's a smaller man's bike.

I got a KLX230 used with 800 miles on it. Had all the same mods. I ride it to the trails and on the trails, and it's great for picking through the New England woods. I like it a lot, but I take my other bike for trips on the highway

If they made a fuel injected DR700 with 50-ish hp and a KLX450 with 40-ish hp, those could be among the top selling bikes out there.

Superb review. We'll done!

I agree 100% with this review. I did really enjoy my 2800 miles with my klx300sm but it left me wanting a little more. I got a smcr and didn’t touch my klx for a while riding season and had to trade it in on a grom again. It’s a great starter bike but if it had like another 100cc it would be a keeper

@VinCode17

Жыл бұрын

@emmanuelvargas866

11 ай бұрын

So you you enjoy the grom more then klx300sm? Im getting back into motorcycle after 5 year break and cant decide what to buy. Want the klx300sm but can justify 7500 for a 300 supermoto. Might just get a grom.

I'm 5'11" and 225lbs with gear. Not huge but not tiny. Bike seemed a little sluggish but I just did what I did with my KLR250 and dropped a tooth in the front and now I feel comfortable riding in city traffic. Enough pull to get me outta sketchy situations in higher rpms (7000 to 8000) and I only lost about 5mph off my top end. 80ish mph down to 75ish mph. Handles the country roads to work just fine.

Well done Sir!

just cuz it has a hwy gear doesnt mean you gotta stay in it.. down shift and give it some gas got a rev limit for a reason

I had a demo ride on one a month ago and loved it. Of course it helps to be 5’8” and weigh 145.

I had very similar thoughts about this bike. It's disappointing because for people who don't want to deal with carburetors, this is the only affordable, Japanese, indestructibly reliable supermoto on the market. It really ought to have the Ninja 400 engine in it. If this bike costed about the same/slightly more than the Ninja 400, but had 49HP and 30LB/FT it would be the perfect supermoto and the DRZ would stop selling almost entirely.

@burgersquid

Жыл бұрын

a bike like this with a ninja 400 motor in it would be amazing. I feel like that could shake up the class structure of my local supermoto club, haha

@BahhJustaLamb

Жыл бұрын

@@burgersquid not gonna lie, if they came out with that, I’d sell my ninja 400 and get it 😂

@matthewshultz8762

Жыл бұрын

N400 is a ptwin though. KLX400 ptwin would be quite a lot heavier, more like the rumoured KTM490 that's supposed to be coming out soon.

@BahhJustaLamb

Жыл бұрын

@@matthewshultz8762 yeah, I could see that being a trade off but I’d rather have a 370LB KLX400Sm with 50HP than whatever this is. Ninja 400 is 375LBS wet and ready to ride with full fairings, so I imagine a similar weight for a KLX with this motor.

@machupikachu1085

Жыл бұрын

What's there to deal with in carbs? Most of my bikes have had carbs, and I've NEVER had a problem with one. I don't get the fear...

Small notes: The same bike is very similar that offered 30 or so years ago. They upgraded to upside down forks early in the 90s, then in the 2000s they changed to a different swingarm, brakes, dash and efi (except US market). The 300r was available from almost the start. Converting 250 to 300 with original kawasaki parts was relatively easy (300 had a pumper carb as well). Nothing wrong with the bike itself, just to my eyes even a drz is a "newer" design. (Similar story with klr650).

Elephant in the room; you're a big guy Spite. Given the low weight of this bike the lack of torque may not be so apparent to a lighter rider.

My sister recently got a 2018 klx250. It’s slow as heck, but I love it! Buy it with the impression that you’re buying a two wheeled Miata, and you’ll be happy. But if you’re wanting something fast, this isn’t the bike for you. I think it’s great. I feel like I can relax and just have a great time on it, rather than my husaberg constantly trying to rip my face off all the time 😂

All I hear is, your best supermoto option is still the drz. Get comfy with carbs! Hella aftermarket and you don’t need a new one anyway. Hell, that should be Suzuki’s motto. “Don’t buy new, it’s been the same since 2008”

@spitescorner

Жыл бұрын

God damn, that's so true. But I really wanted the KLX to be at least close to the DRZ. It's not sadly

@Otterplus

Жыл бұрын

@@spitescorner likewise. I was hoping it would adequate to compliment a touring bike, but a used drz looks to be the ticket

@Redrider2k2

Жыл бұрын

Carb tuning on a thumper is a breeze and so much cheaper. I almost prefer it at this point. The only problem I have with the DRZ is the pricetag, even for used. At least in my area, they sell high. It's tough to swallow a 2023 price for a 20+ year old design. I've thought so many times about a 351 big bore kit for my 250. I should just do it and then ride it into the ground.

@Otterplus

Жыл бұрын

@@Redrider2k2 the only ones around me going for $5k or less come with wheels resembling a taco or mismatched fork tubes. I’m really starting to understand the CRF/general dirt bike conversions

When I get to an RV site and hook everything up, I want something like this to pop off the rear carriage and zip to town to hit the nearest store. Riding around the camp area and drive through windows is no fun. It's not so heavy you hurt your spine, not too small to zip down the road street legal. Super interesting there are a lot of choices now. Thanks for the review!

Thank you for your review.

The KLX does look good! Can't deny! Maybe they'll come wit a higher CC one perhaps.That'd be ace! Cause I can imagine one wanting more torque sooner or later.

How does the power with this pipe on it compare to the stock setup? Perhaps the “upgrade tuning” isn’t right for what would makes the torque more desireable. Thoughts?

It looks like a pretty cool little setup. Not a beast on the highway but still pretty capable. I've seen a guy on the KLX 300 dual sport version have no issues pulling away from a light and getting to 70 mph before most of us in our cars. I'm a lot lighter too at 165 pounds so I would probably get more out of it than a bigger guy.

Planning on getting the 230 dual sport for some trail riding. I’m 180 and 5’9. Hope it’ll keep my happy on the trails for a year or two.

@machupikachu1085

Жыл бұрын

Get the 300sm with dirt tires. You'll thank me.

A used KLX300 seems like an amazing deal. The KLX looks like so much fun.

Rode a drz400sm at 90+ it was screaming. At 70 it was pretty much revving out more then i was comfortable with. They just aren't made for highways. Backroads and gravel are their home

being a 170lb rider. i think it feels great. can change the sprocket up a little bit feels a little more torque. can cut about 4-5lbs of with aftermarket exhaust too.

As an owner of a DRZ and has spent time test riding the KLX I agree 100%

Been researching this bike. So far this is the First and only negative "review" I've seen/heard. Thanks for your input and time with this.

I bought a 23 klx300sm to get back into riding. Its a ton of fun on twisty back roads, but with a couple month's i bought a bigger bike. I really wish the klx had just a bit more power.

Always say how much you weigh. This is as important as the inseam. Good job on this review mate. I may have just bought this bike because of your review.

I want another video of this bike where it actually gets ridden in the powerband. That's some VERY relaxed riding in the twisties. What's it like leaned over in hairpins at 9000rpm?

@machupikachu1085

11 ай бұрын

@sonofthebrownmanbond7315 how is it a weird review? He's riding it just like he rides his Dr.Z sm, and deduced that the Zuke has way more HP and TQ. Which it does. I'd say that's apples to apples reviewing.

I have the duel sport klx300 with aftermarket exhaust and uncorking it with a fuel commander it really peps up the bike. By far not fast but definitely helps.

I suspect that bike has an aftermarket shock in it as well. If test ridden one with a 34in inseam and the seat did not seem as low as the one you had.

This is a budget bike. In other countries Japanese manufacturers run into a lot of restrictions regarding motorcycles over 300ccs. It is not often you would see them go through the extra expense of engineering different motorcycles for different countries without knowing what level of success may be worth it. The entire KLX 230, 250, 300cc lineup are all a gamble. This type of review that calls a 300cc thumper "gutless" is exactly the type of review that can negatively impact sales, and THAT is how you kill the market on these attempts. Then the small-bore thumpers are just GONE and everyone starts complaining that there aren't any budget versions anymore, like they used to. I'm 5'9" 270# and I decided to buy 2 KLX's and I am happy with my choice. I wanted the KTM 690 SM, but for the same price I got a KLX300 D$ AND klx 300 $M. I've spent 15 riding big bikes and I understood what I was getting. I've had a 1300cc sport touring bike and every year my bikes keep getting smaller and lighter as my desired riding changes. I dont expect things from these bikes that they don't have. Imagine if I expected Spite to run MX or Enduro on his Pan America he's so proud of. Pick it up once, ok. Pick it up 10 times in every unfriendly combination of environment. It would be unreasonable to expect that. If you want to see more Japanese SM and DS options, you'll need to endorse some of these smaller bike sales or you'll never see the market expand.

I got an ssr150 I actually kind of love it. Want to get a second bike, the klx230sm is on my list , I personally enjoy the light bikes , the light - medium power. I know myself, if I were to get a 400+ I’d be 6 feet under

Cool little bike! Idk why they didn’t make it a drz killer like a high 40s hp

Are there any athena big bore kits available for this bike? Like a 330cc Athena or sth?

Not sure if you’re trying to put any money into it but I know there are some big bore kits out there for my KLX 250s so I’m guessing there are probably some for the 300SM as well. Great video!

@machupikachu1085

Жыл бұрын

If a guy needs a big bore kit, he bought the wrong bike.

I got one this year, really like it a lot but ya just a touch more power would make it magical. It helps that I'm lightweight, only ever full throttle up hills at high speed

I'm 193cm tall and weigh about 94kg. I owned a 2006 Yamaha YBR125 and that managed without any problems +70mph and uphill the slowest I got was 58mph. Also, I had a quick 3 minutes look, and couldn't find any HP figures for this bike. Kawa doesn't put them onto their own website. The Yamaha put out 12hp and the only source I found finally horsepower figures was 3rd party websites listing it with 23hp. I personally lost interest in contemporary Kawasaki's; I did my full license at the bike training school on a brand new Kawa 650 last year and that thing was less exciting than watching the grass grow. The little inline 2 also sounded like my toothbrush, not like a motorbike. They had a couple of different Kawas at the training facility as they were sponsored by a Kawasaki main dealer and you even got a voucher of you bought a bike from that dealer - I never went as I already had my SV1000n at home.

I bought one when they came out thinking it was gonna be a wheelie ripping machine but it’s a tractor lol Kawasaki should’ve made this a 450sm I did everything to it like full exhaust,kdx air intake,fuel controller and deleted emissions and it helped wake it up but still not enough power so I traded it for a new Honda Transalp 750 I never understood the adv hype cuz of the giant size but the middleweight section is the sweet spot for me and I’m in love with it it’s so comfortable and really good on asphalt and it is also a wheelie ripping machine 😂. I highly recommend anyone looking to ride a middleweight adv bike

Just started window shopping the honda version, the KLX 230SM and the KLX 300SM. Honestly just want something to shred up some backroads. I rode a honda 100 at the go kart track and it was the most fun I've had on a bike. I'd like to be able to have that experience on the street. As long as it has the power/torque to get me up to an interesting speed to take turns, that's all I care about. Just want to upgrade the suspension and braking if needed. I could care less if it's wheelie happy. I'm sure it can clutch up fine from a stop or first gear roll if I decide i wanna practice wheelies. edit: I'm also a 125 lb rider. So I think it would be fun with how light I am.

thought provoking review.. new subscriber

I dropped a tooth in the front sprocket to give it more punch

The R and D to the front brake makes me think kawai was thinking urban biased build. Could the ninja 400 drop in that frame?

The older gen klx motors have an alternate timing gear position stamped at the factory u can use to gain more bottom/mid range power. Cheap mod hidden to pass emissions laws I believe. Cant say about the newer ones,sorry. But u can still replace the snorkel with a kdx200 unit, yes change the sprockets and maybe a header pipe with an expansion chamber Instead of the tailpipe mod to go for power gain over exhaust tone. Find a good apolsterer and get a more usable seat made.

You really need to test ride a Husaberg FS570, Everything ktm except the reliability issues

Ive had my Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 for over ten years now & i still enjoy riding it, its very reliable, cheap to maintain & has a nice seating position, the seat is uncomfortable on long journeys & not that powerful & yes the front brake is powerful, if you look at the klx 250 yourl see how much bigger the disc is, i would of liked the new 300cc to have more power, abs, better headlight & maybe an updated digital dash & i wouldnt of minded paying a bit more for it either....

I've a 22 KLX Sm it was very similar to what I started on and I wanted a A to B gas saver. @4500 miles it still feels amazing my only gripe is the stock tires are meeh, what tires would I prefer mostly road but would do fine on dirt road?

@machupikachu1085

Жыл бұрын

I've got the motoz Tractionator GPS on my sumo rims. They are good for both.

Bro is too big for the bike

@JohnMatrixOfficial

2 ай бұрын

It's a chic bike.

@infesting

Ай бұрын

Chic bike? That has to be the dumbest thing to come out of a man's mouth. What does being a female have to do with the size of the bike other than what you've heard other people say You're a f****** follower

Pumper carb and regearing will make a huge difference. It sure did on my old klx. Really opens the motor up.

@Shitnugget69

Жыл бұрын

These are efi so a carb won't do anything haha. I've read that exhaust, air box mod, and an ejk fuel controller make a huge difference tho. All these new bikes are so choked up from the factory.

@zpbeats3938

Жыл бұрын

@@Shitnugget69 ah yep airbox mod was a classic mod on the carb klx's - that combined with some sort of fuel controller I'd bet would wake that thing up!

Dude I would love to hear your thoughts on the tw200!

@spitescorner

Жыл бұрын

I'd love to try one. It looks like derpy fun

Cool bike and makes more sense if you’re prioritizing mpg.

I love the metal music you use in these videos. Where does it come from?

@spitescorner

Жыл бұрын

I use a licensing platform called artlist.

This video makes me wanna put some Warp 9 supermoto rims on my CRF300L.

@spitescorner

Жыл бұрын

In the immortal words of Emperor Palpatine, dewit

Seat concepts isan inexpensive way to get a huge comfort upgrade. I went drz, it's a blast to ride, but definitely feels wrung out on the highway at 75. Around town it's great.

@machupikachu1085

Жыл бұрын

I just took my Dr.Z on it's first hiway trip, and I was miserable. That thing is wayyyyy too light to deal with any kind of wind shear. I ended up following a semi and going 55 lol

Rode a Honda CRF230M for a year and would've KILLED for another 70cc! I had a lot of fun on it but it... took... forever... to get where I wanted to go...

Is it equipped with tubeless tires?

How bout getting a klx 450 and running road tyres? How would that stack up?

dude where are you getting your video intros? They go so hard every time