QUICKSPIN I 2024 Kawasaki KLX300 & KLX300SM
P98
Suspension is quite good. The
hold-up from the fork is better
than I expected. Budget-friendly
bikes, such as the KLX range,
are often held back by their
suspensions. Frequently, they
are under-sprung and bottom
easily. Not the KLX, though. It
soaks up the big hits well, and
with 10 inches of travel up front
and nine in the rear, there is
plenty of cushion for smaller
bumps and the unexpected G-
out. Beginners/novices or those
who just want to slow down
and soak in the sights will enjoy
the KLX's cushy suspension,
which has more adjustability
than some of its class rivals.
More experienced riders will
be impressed by how far they
can push the KLX's suspension
before limits are reached.
The cockpit is another major
plus, as the slimmer shrouds
give the bike a more agile feel. I
figured the compact KLX would
feel too small or cramped for my
six-foot, one-inch frame, but it
was not bad at all. Right away, I
was surprised at how comfort
-
able the bike was, and I liked
how I could lock my knees into
the new cutouts on either side of
the tank. This made squeezing
the bike with my knees easy and
encouraged proper riding posi
-
tion when sitting.
I wish, however, they had
added a few more updates. For
starters, the standard footpegs
are too small and are likely the
same part number as the ones
from the '90s. Try to schmooze
your dealer into throwing in a
Back roads are pure fun on the KLX300SM.
