KAWASAKI
KLX300SM:
CHANGE OF PACE
The KLX300SM feels distinctively
smaller in size compared to the
dual sport. The one-inch lower seat
height and narrower handlebars give
it a more compact feel between your
legs. Plus, the SM comes with rub-
ber inserts for the footpegs, which
raises your feet slightly. Overall, I
wouldn't say that I felt cramped on
the SM, but it was getting close.
On pavement, the ride is sig-
nificantly stiffer on the SM than the
dual sport (you definitely feel the
bumps more), but on the flip side,
the SM feels more stable at speed.
The 17-inch wheels also give the
SM a much snappier-handling feel-
ing. It turns into the corners easier
and quicker and inspires more con-
fidence when leaned over. This can
also be attributed to those fat IRC
Road Winner RX-01 tires that grip
the asphalt noticeably better than
the dual sport's skinnier semi-knob-
by Dunlop D605 tires that wallow
around a bit on the pavement when
speeds pick up. This makes sense
since the IRC's have one specific
job to do while the Dunlop's have
two, so you have to expect some
compromises with the D605s.
The SM's taller gearing is also
nicer for the road. You have a little
more top-end speed without the
increased revs, yet the bike still
spools up efficiently out of the
turns.
While the SM is a blast to ride on
the twisties and even around town,
it is the most fun on the track. If
VOLUME 58 ISSUE 16 APRIL 20, 2021 P107
The SM is also fitted with a larger
diameter front-brake rotor and
firmer suspension than the dual
sport. It also has less wheel travel
and a lower seat height.
