VOLUME 58 ISSUE 16 APRIL 20, 2021 P105
past, which was already an out-
standing small-bore, entry-level
dual sport motorcycle. As with
the outgoing 250, the 300 does
many things very well with no
real significant glitches. Throt-
tling is spot on, and cold starting
hasn't been an issue ever since
Kawasaki ditched the carbure-
tor for EFI a few years ago. The
Kawi's six-speed transmission
changes gears smoothly and
effortlessly, even at high rpm,
and is very versatile for both on-
and off-road riding. However,
the shift lever is a little short for
my size-12 feet, but pretty much
all shift levers are. Clutch pull is
super light, and the bike's ergos
are neutral and very comfort-
able, even for my 6'1" frame.
Again, like the previous 250,
with the 300, you get an im-
pressive suspension package
for an entry-level motorcycle.
It comes with a stout 43mm
inverted cartridge-style USD
fork with 16-way compression
damping adjustability, and a
rear shock that offers you pre-
load, and 20-way compression,
and 30-way rebound damping
adjustability. You don't usually
see that kind of high-end stuff
on a "budget" motorcycle. And
it all works, too.
The KLX's suspension is just
plain good. It does an excellent
job soaking up the small chop
while having enough left over
to handle the big stuff. Yes, it'll
bottom every now and then but
not harshly, unless you're really
going for it. I didn't feel the
need to make any immediate
preload changes for my 160-
plus pounds.
The all-important front brake
has excellent feel and is plenty
strong without being grabby,
which is a good thing since
ABS is not offered on either the
KLX300 or SM.
The Dunlop D605 50/50
tires work quite well both on the
road and off. From past experi-
ence, they hold up well, too.
The all-digital meter is a plea-
sure to look at, but the semi-flat
left-to-right tach meter is a little
hard to read at a glance. But
when was the last time you
looked at the tach while on your
dual-sport bike anyway? The
only info I really care about on
the fly is the speedo which has
a large readout, so I'm good.
And I like the dual trip meters.
More bottom end makes getting the front
wheel off the ground that much easier.
