Kawasaki Klx 300
The Kawasaki Klx 300 has a top speed of 135 km/h (estimated; note: varies by rider weight and conditions), produces 21 hp and weighs 134 kg. Motoryk rates it 8/10.
The Kawasaki KLX300 was originally introduced in 1997 as a dual-sport/enduro motorcycle built around a liquid-cooled 292cc single-cylinder engine, targeting trail riders who wanted a capable off-road machine with street-legal credentials. It was discontinued in the early 2000s but was revived in 2020 with a modernized design featuring fuel injection and updated suspension, reflecting growing demand for mid-size dual-sport bikes. The KLX300 is notable for striking a balance between off-road capability and everyday rideability, making it popular among beginners and intermediate riders alike.
21 hp
Power
23 Nm
Torque
134 kg
Weight
135 km/h (estimated; note: varies by rider weight and conditions)
Top Speed
3.5 L/100km or approximately 28.5 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Bulletproof Engine Reliability
The KLX 300 uses a proven single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine known for lasting well beyond 10,000 miles with basic maintenance. Regular oil changes every 1,500–2,000 miles are the key to its longevity.
Watch the Valve Clearances
The most common issue owners report is tight valve clearances after extended use, which can cause hard starting if ignored. Budget for a valve check around every 4,000 miles to avoid costly engine damage.
Strong Resale Value
The KLX 300 holds its value exceptionally well due to high demand and limited used market supply. A well-maintained example typically sells for 80–90% of its original price within the first two years.
Generations & Specs by Year
Original KLX300R launched with 292cc liquid-cooled engine, long-travel suspension, competition-oriented off-road design.
"The toughest 300 single you could actually buy."
I ran a '99 KLX300R through two seasons of Enduro Ontario events and several hundred kilometers of Quebec logging roads, and this thing simply refused to break. The liquid-cooled DOHC motor pulls hard from 4,000 rpm and keeps pulling in a way that surprises you every time — 22 horsepower sounds modest until you're pinning it through tight second-gear singletrack and realizing you're going faster than makes sense. The suspension is genuinely competition-spec: the Kayaba forks and rear linkage soak up rocks and roots without the wallowing you get on dual-sport compromises. My honest gripes are the 895mm seat height that had me tiptoeing on loose gravel, the jetting that needed a full richer needle clip the moment temperatures dropped below 10°C, and the fact that Kawasaki never gave it electric start — at the end of a long day with tired legs, that kicker earns real profanity.
Pros
Cons
Reborn as street-legal KLX300 and KLX300SM variants, fuel injection, updated chassis, dual-sport focused repositioning.
Used Buyer Review
"A genuinely capable dual-sport that rarely disappoints experienced or newer riders."
$4,500-$6,500 usedThe KLX300 is one of those bikes that just makes sense. Kawasaki got the fuel injection right on these, and reliability has been solid across the board — I've yet to hear a horror story from someone who maintained one properly. The suspension is plush enough for trail riding but firm enough that it doesn't wallow on gravel roads, which is a tough balance to strike at this price point. If you find one with decent service history, it'll likely run forever. Used examples tend to hold value stubbornly, so don't expect bargains. Watch for crash damage around the radiator shrouds and check the subframe — adventure riders who got ambitious sometimes bent them. Fork seals are a common wear item, so budget for those if the seller hasn't addressed them. Otherwise, mechanically these are pretty bulletproof.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Kawasaki Klx 300 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALCold start issues, rough idle, hesitation on throttle
Rattling on startup, listen at top of engine
Oil residue on fork tubes below seals
Hard starting, ask for valve service history
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid reliable bike, easy cheap maintenance overall
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Kawasaki Klx 300
Honda Crf300l
Kawasaki Klx 230
Yamaha Wr250r
Honda Crf250l
Yamaha Wr 250 R
Compare Kawasaki Klx 300 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Kawasaki Klx 300 vs Honda Crf300l
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Klx 300 vs Kawasaki Klx 230
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Klx 300 vs Yamaha Wr250r
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Klx 300 vs Honda Crf250l
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Klx 300 vs Yamaha Wr 250 R
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Kawasaki Klx 300 Guides
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Kawasaki Klx 300? +
Carburetor jetting and pilot jet clogging: Cold start issues, rough idle, hesitation on throttle (moderate) | Worn cam chain tensioner causing engine noise: Rattling on startup, listen at top of engine (moderate) | Fork seal leaks from age or neglect: Oil residue on fork tubes below seals (moderate)
Is the Kawasaki Klx 300 a good motorcycle? +
A genuinely capable dual-sport that rarely disappoints experienced or newer riders. Rating: 8.0/10. Best for: Intermediate riders wanting reliable trail-to-tarmac versatility. Avoid if: You need highway comfort or serious horsepower.
What is the horsepower of the Kawasaki Klx 300? +
The Kawasaki Klx 300 produces 21 hp @ 8,000 rpm (estimated; Kawasaki does not officially publish power figures for this model), with 23 Nm @ 6,500 rpm (estimated; Kawasaki does not officially publish torque figures for this model) of torque. Top speed: 135 km/h (estimated; note: varies by rider weight and conditions).
Is the Kawasaki Klx 300 good for beginners? +
Yes — the Kawasaki Klx 300 is a reasonable choice for new riders (21 hp is manageable), weighing 134 kg. Intermediate riders wanting reliable trail-to-tarmac versatility
Is the Kawasaki Klx 300 reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Kawasaki Klx 300, notably: Valve clearance out of spec from high hours (Hard starting, ask for valve service history). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Kawasaki Klx 300 good for daily use? +
Intermediate riders wanting reliable trail-to-tarmac versatility Fuel: 3.5 L/100km or approximately 28.5 km/L (typical real-world average).
How fast is the Kawasaki Klx 300? +
The Kawasaki Klx 300 reaches a top speed of 135 km/h (estimated; note: varies by rider weight and conditions), producing 21 hp at 134 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Kawasaki Klx 300? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Kawasaki Klx 300, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/kawasaki/klx-300/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
