VOLUME 57 ISSUE 38 SEPTEMBER 22, 2020 P95
tested) checks in at $5499. The Kawasaki has a
slightly higher base price of $5399.
Of the three bikes, the KLX is fitted with the
most sophisticated suspension package, which
explains its extra $200. The KLX's suspension
provides the most adjustability. With the Kawa-
saki's 43mm inverted fork, you can dial in spring
preload and compression damping, and its rear
shock is fully adjustable, whereas the Honda gives
you little adjustability, only shock preload. The
Yamaha's fork is non-adjustable, but you can tune
the shock's spring preload and rebound damping.
Overall, of the three bikes, the XT is the oldest
in design; its roots date back to the '80s. The XT
has changed little since its re-birth in 2013 when
it got fuel injection and a few other goodies. The
Honda got its first and only upgrade in 2017 since
its 2012 debut, while the Kawasaki got a signifi-
cant enhancement in 2018 after a brief hiatus
from Kawi's lineup.
Fuel injection puts
mountain climbing
into these little bikes'
repertoire now.
