Kawasaki KLX300 - any good?

HoggyF · Nova Slayer Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Karma :

Keep seeing KLX300's and a few 250's as well at reasonable prices, anybody know much abou them?

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

I haven't ridden either, but have read a fair bit.
I believe the KLX250 was sold as a 'dual sport' bike, while the 300 is a more serious dirt bike. They are quite a popular cult bike in the US; the 300 falls somewhere between the XR250 and the latest competition enduro bikes like the KTM250Fs.
The 300 has more power, less weight and better suspension than the 250 KLX, but I would presume shorter service intervals. Supposed to make a nice trail bike that can do more if you want.

daytona55 · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 27 Jul 2009 Karma :

The KLX 250 gets a great review in a mag I was reading recently - (forgotten what it was - maybe "Ride" i think - august issue).
They talk about this bike as a real un-sung hero!

Raffles · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Karma :

I own a KLX 300R and I love it. It's very lively and is a real pleasure to ride off-road. On the highway it is not so much fun. The vibrations can become very uncomfortable after a really short time on tarmac. The acceleration is phenomenal and it can also top 90 mph which can be somewhat exhilarating!
On the downside, pre-2002 models can be a real pig to start. The automatic decompression system was incorrectly set at the factory and unless you get it modified (which can be quite costly) then you will lose quite a few gallons of sweat everytime that you have to start it.
____________________
A good loser will always be a loser.