Kawasaki KLX 300R reviews

I love this bike but it didn't take long for the lack of immediate response to throttle input to become annoying. After many hours of trying to find a work around, I found that removing the baffle from the breather box and covering 3/4ths of the hole with duct tape that I had all the necessary response I was looking for. A buddy of mine owns one and he chopped the internal portion of the baffle off and got the same results. don't walk, run to the dealer and get one now!! Show less

I bought a 2003 KLX300R a year ago after not riding for some 8 years. It is a reliable 4-stroke and has the power to get you there. It is comfortable and easy to ride. My biggest complaint with the bike was lack of immediate throttle response. A serious dirt bike rider could potentially get in trouble when they ask for the power and have to wait. The carburetor is for street bikes and is operated by a vacuum system so there is a delay between you twisting the throttle and usable power. If all you want to do is cruise along logging roads it will work. It needs a lot of work to be race ready. Show less

I've had dirt bikes on and off in my life , they've been all 2 storkes...i wanted a 4 stroke for it's different powerband and extended maintenance. after breaking it in correctly, i started to ride it alittle harder. it screams and launches through the gears just fine, 2nd gear is very near 1st in it's ratio, so be ready with 3rd ... it will pull itself along and up through the wrong gear if you find yourself there.be sure and play with the suspension settings, you'll be amazed at the ride quality there is in the stock components.this bike is geared for trails, it's hard to wheelie it, as the back tire just spins like crazy...even in good traction...i changed the bars to a much higher riser bar, as the stock bars were very low and offered little leverage...it's alot of bike for the money..it can do it all. and it looks fantastic...please unbolt the 2 muffler bolts and remove and throw away the baffle plate that comes on it...it will run so much better with the new opening and sound like a factory racer.....it can be set up for your riding style as is, without spending a bunch of extra money on parts...you'll see. ,,,enjoy.. Show less

I bought this bike 6 months ago. It was my first bike in 13 years. My previous was a KLR 250. The KLX 400 was a seriously needed upgrade in the Kawasaki Dual Sport line up. It is basicly the off road woods bike with blinkers, mirrors and milder tread on the tires. Only took me a week or two to get comfortable with it. It now grabs air effortlessly. It has the power to pull the front wheel at speed in the lower three gears. Important for crossing ruts that show up in the trail. If you want a serious dirt bike that you can ride on the street...get the KLX. However if you are looking for a capable touring bike...consider the KLR 650. The KLX only gets about 40 MPG with a 2.5 gallon tank. A real nusciance for a cross coutry jaunt. But my KLX serves me well in my 30 mile one way commute to work. It cruises capably at 75 in a head wind on the short stretch of interstate that I negotiate. I have had it at 80...but I fear to press it further as it is noticebly into the rpms at that point. However it does have the power to pull it. 291 dry weight and 40 HP = high fun factor. You won't be disapointed. By the way...if you are comparing this to the Suzuki DRZ400s...don't bother. They are the same exact identical bikes. The only difference is the color. Show less

i own a '98 KLX300r and it has been a perfect dirt bike..it does very well on and off the motocross track...i love all of the torque it has..(but i did put $1100 in the motor so that helped too.)if u want to putt around u can and when u want to get up and go u do all u can to keep on it....found this bike to be the best for what you're paying compared to the 250cc Honda..Yamaha..and Suzuki..its an excellent bike Show less

I recently bought the KLX 400. It performs well on the street, but is outstanding offroad. I took it to the track to see what it could do, and boy was I impressed. It handled great, it took a few laps to get used to the stock tires, but after that it was all air. Great exceleration going up steep hills, superb suspension, cought much air on jumps, overall a motocross bike with blinkers. Good job Kawasaki!! Show less

THIS BIKE IS VERY GOOD FOR BOTH TRAIL-RIDING AND RACING. Show less

I bought this bike back in March 2003, and let me tell you - life doesnt get much better than this~! Thanks KAwasaki for makin a bike worth my money Show less

Babying the bike haven't really pushed it yet due to breakend. Will due 65MPH with a strong head wind going against you at 3/8 throttle in 5 gear. I suspect it will push 100mph, but about 75 to 80mph the bike becomes more stressed feeling the RPM's Stability is much better than expected, for being dirt bike oriented. Show less

I know a decade or so ago, I would see bikes like this in Japan, wondering when they would show up in the U.S. My history being motocross, after years of hauling bikes to the track. Old age became less tolerent of those 100 or longer mile trips. This is no typical dual sport foo foo bike, it has some good componentry on it. Forks ,shock, brakes, not your typical cheap foo foo bike material. Is it as fast as a CR500(nope), I'd rate the power similar to a smooth 250 motocrosser that you can open the garage door head to a trail or putt around on the street for a little enjoyment. Considered buying the klr650, but in comparison techology wise KLR is too dated. I suppose If I had to take a long trip KLR would be better. Bottom line, if in the market for a dual sport this ones a very good choice. Show less