Ups
- Engine vibration is kept in check thanks to rubber-topped pegs
- Brakes are fade-free and provide a firm feel at the lever
- Neutral and light steering, as a supermoto should be
- Stable on straights
- IRC Road Winner tires offer impressive grip
Downs
- Firmer spring rate on suspension draws attention to rough roads
Verdict
Linear power delivery, light handling, impressive tire grip, and fadeless braking make it easy to have sights set on the kart track or any roadway for that matter.
Overview
Kawasaki has introduced the KLX300SM, the supermoto form of the dual sport KLX300. This new model brings a different personality to Team Green’s lineup with slicker tires, specifically tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels, a larger front disc, and different ergonomics. If slinging around kart tracks sounds right up your alley, this would be your go-to of the two.
Updates for 2021
The KLX300SM is an all-new model for 2021.
Pricing and Variants
The SM is available in Lime Green/Ebony and Oriental Blue/Ebony. MSRP is $5,999.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The KLX300SM, like its dual sport sibling, puts the ponies to the pavement via a fuel-injected 292cc liquid-cooled single, six-speed gearbox, and chain final drive. When the KLX300 was strapped down on the dyno it made 23.43 hp at 8,140 rpm and 15.4 pound-feet at 7,950 rpm at the rear wheel.
The engine has ultralinear delivery, but the SM’s gearing differs from the dual sport variant with its three less teeth on the rear sprocket. This difference resulted in a 70 mph freeway ride at a relaxed 7,000 rpm, Don Canet writes in his ride review.
Handling
Because of the firm spring rate on the SM’s 43mm USD fork and Uni-Trak piggyback shock, there was more tactile feel of road surfaces, along with reduced fore-aft chassis motion when accelerating, Canet notes.
Steering is very neutral and light and “despite the reduction in rake and trail [compared to the dual sport], the sense of straight-line stability at speed hasn’t been compromised,” writes Canet. The IRC Road Winner tires are also admirably grippy, too.
Brakes
The SM comes to a stop by utilizing a 300mm front disc with a two-piston caliper and 240mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper. After blasting around the kart track, Canet reports the brakes are fade-free and lever feel is consistently firm.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Fuel economy figures have not yet been recorded. The SM has the same 2-gallon fuel tank as its dual sport companion.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
Thanks to its lowered suspension and smaller wheel dimensions the seat height is 33.9 inches; 1.3 inches lower than the dual sport’s 35.2 inch seat height. Canet reports that the rubber-capped footpegs of the supermoto help tamp down compared to what little vibration is felt through the dirt-style pegs of the KLX300. The SM’s handlebar is also narrower than the dual sport model.
Electronics
The SM’s rectangular digital display provides speed, rpm, time, and trip intel to the rider. Other electronics include the bike’s electric start and digital fuel injection for quick and easy start-ups in different temperatures.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Like the KLX300, the SM model has a 12-month warranty.
Quality
The SM’s linear and vibration-free power, nimble handling, and admirable brakes and tires will bring the fun to any roadway.
2021 Kawasaki KLX300SM Claimed Specifications
| MSRP: | $5,999 |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 292cc DOHC liquid-cooled single |
| Bore x Stroke: | 78.0 x 61.2mm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Fuel Delivery: | DFI w/ 34mm Keihin throttle body |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate |
| Engine Management/Ignition: | CDI |
| Frame: | High-tensile steel, box-section perimeter |
| Front Suspension: | 43mm USD fork, compression adjustable; 9.1 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Uni-Trak piggyback shock, preload and rebound adjustable; 8.1 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | 2-piston caliper, 300mm petal disc |
| Rear Brake: | 1-piston caliper, 240mm petal disc |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Spoked; 17 / 17 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | IRC Road Winner; 110/70-17 / 130/70-17 |
| Rake/Trail: | 25.0°/2.8 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 56.5 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | 9.3 in. |
| Seat Height: | 33.9 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 2.0 gal. |
| Wet Weight: | 304 lb. |
| Contact: | kawasaki.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com