RIDING IMPRESSIONS
1997 Kawasaki KDX200, KDX220R and KLX300R
(Left) Just like
the KDX220,
the KLX300's
stroke remains
the same
despite the
larger
displacement.
The 300 starts
much easier
than the
previous 250cc
model.
(Below) The
KLX300 feels
somewhat
small and is
extremely
maneuverable,
much thanks to
a narrow
layout.
either of the KDXs, despite having nearly identical seat heights, but the oneinch-less ground clearance of the KLX.
could be felt. Your feet will get a little
nervous at times.
Overall handling is first rate, and
both front and rear suspensions soak up
everything in sight with aplomb. If anything, the suspension is a little too much
on the cushy side. For more aggre.ssive
riding, stiffer springs at both ends will
be a good idea.
Both brakes on the 300 work well,
especially up front, where feel and
power are excellent.
Unfortunately, all good things must
come to an end, and our two days in
Idaho came and went all too fast. Awesome trails, perfect riding conditions on
some of the best off-road bikes in the
world will do that.
We would have liked to have spent
more time on each bike, but hopefully
we'll get that chance on each bike in the
near future. For now, we are quite
pl~ased with all three of these motorcycles. Both the KDXs are a blast to ride
and it's basically impossible to declare a
"best bike" between the two KDXs.
Basically, don't write off the 200 just
because the 220 has 18 more cubic centimeters. This doesn't automatically
mean that the 220 is a better motorcycle
Kawasaki KLX300R
Specifications
Engine type
Uquid-<:ooled. four·strol