Honda CRF300L and Kawasaki KLX 300 review and comparison Which motorcycle is the best dualsport?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ส.ค. 2021
- Honda CRF300L and Kawasaki KLX 300 review and comparison. I was able to ride the KLX300 offroad and on road to get a feel of the new Dualsport.
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Balance is the key when riding any motorcycle. And we’re not talking about just balancing on two wheels: We’re talking about the balance between size, weight, power and handling that makes some bikes great-like the new Honda CRF300L. Based on our previous CRF250L, for 2021, it gets a larger engine with more torque and a whole host of chassis and suspension refinements. What you end up with is one of the best-balanced bikes ever for on- and off-road use. Perfect for weekend trail rides, it’s also among the best choices ever for commuting or urban transportation. And if you’re looking for a version with a windscreen and Dakar-inspired bodywork for a little more weather protection, make sure you check out our new CRF300L Rally.
Hello my name is Andrew, My family and I love powersports. Just something about the feel of freedom and power you get from a bike or ATV. On this channel you will find content for the Honda 300L as well as our journey we take together in the world of power sports.
#hondaCRF300L
#KawasakiKLX300
#dualsport
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I was having a hard time deciding between these two bikes but I picked up a KLX300 camo last week simply because one was available and a CRF300l wasn’t going to be available in my area for another 4 months. I absolutely love the bike! Just like you said in the video that you can’t go wrong with either one. My advice is get the one that gets you out on the trails as soon as possible because you’re going to have a blast regardless.
Awesome man, congrats on the new bike! you are right either one is a solid bike.
These days, availability is a huge factor!
How much u paid out the door ?
I like the looks of the Honda best. But I ended up buying the KLX for two simple reasons, it out accelerates the Honda and has fully adjustable suspension.
For me I like the transmission of the honda and I have a 49t rear sprocket so mine by far out accelerates the KLX. I also take in consideration that many parts of the world will not get the KLX because of strict rules, which means the honda will have a much bigger after market parts presence. One day maybe I will get a bigger piston and turn the Honda into a true 300cc, that would be awesome. BTW thanks for the comment.
Judging by your comments on the bikes, the KLX would be my pick. I tend to be more of a Honda guy, but as an ex-motocrosser and enduro racer i feel like i would feel more at home with the Kawa. Better susps, power at higher rpms, no slipper clutch (i hate those), a tiny little bit lighter (oh well) and slimmer seat. Also for some weird reason i love this old school looks of the Kawa, it really does look like an old bike and i actually like that
Haha that's awesome you used to do motocross. Yeah man either bike is a good choice, can't go wrong with these two.
@@MotorcyclesOffroad yeah but that was a long time ago. I rode a KXF250 and my brother had a CRF450. Fun bikes for sure. Unfortunately i just found out that the KLX isnt available here in Germany :-( guess its Honda then, not that im complaining ;-)
Damn, well you will still like the honda Im sure.
@@MotorcyclesOffroad yeah we have this rule that anything above 250cc must have ABS, and as far as i know Kawa doesnt put abs on the KLX. Im sure will love the honda, Ive had many many hondas throughout the years and i dont think any of them has ever let me down. Cheers mate
Wym by slipper clutch?
I agree , I am never negative towards someone else’s motorcycle 🏍️
🇺🇸
Love the comment because I agree, here is the thing. As a rider we are a small group and we don't need to be attacking people for their choice of ride. If you take the risk, and get out there to enjoy riding I respect you no matter what.
The full and practical comparison is greatly appreciated, thanks much! As with a couple other commentors, I am going with the Kawasaki purely because of availability. Out here in Costa Rica it's a wait until "at least May" or so says my dealer to get the 300L, Kawi has their 300 available now and in camo, in promotion to match the Honda's price. After 40 years on bikes of all kinds including several Hondas and Kawasakis I have a warm place in my heart for both makes, they are both first class machines. Thanks again for the informative vid.
I enjoy your ability to separate these bikes in terms of each of the bikes abilities. Very fair and opened. Very respectful of both bikes. And because of all this, I am very respectful of your reviews. Once again, your videos are crystal clear to view and cover a wide variety of conditions. I like both bikes because they are great, but the transmission on both bikes would lean me towards the Honda. The graphic was very helpful. Fantastic video and amazing knowledge to help and assist anyone interested in either bike. Some of the finest video reviews I have ever viewed. Looking forward to more videos! Peace.
Roger you just made my night, I took 5hrs to edit and and voice over this video. Your comment alone made it worth it. Thank you and enjoy your night.
Totally agree...damn near perfect review....actually after thinking it was PURRRFECT....
@@55hillerby haha thank you for the kind words!
Great video! Good comparison between 2 great Dual Sports. I own a 2016 Klx250s & absolutely love the fact of how easy it is to ride but most of all the Fun Factor. Thanks
Great review. I’m a street rider and have started thinking about jumping into off roading, so it looks like either of these would be great for someone like me starting off at this. Totally clueless on these types of bikes, so this was very helpful! I just need something that will get me out there, low maintenance, and that I can just ride every couple of months (and will start up after sitting for a little while).
I am a Kawasaki fan boy. 4 KLR650's, 3 Vulcan1500's, and currently a Concours 1400. Many many other bikes in my 54 years of riding, but I always seem to gravitate to dual sports. Along with my Concours, I have a DR650 that I have owned for 11 years and will never sell, but I have been interested in the 300CC class for a while now. As I'm a heavier guy the suspension on the Kawasaki is a point but the refinement of the Honda is also bonus points. Like you said, you can't go wrong with either bike. I have watched 2 of your videos, your review of your 300L and this one. Your objective point of view in these videos is well appreciated.
Great review! appreciate your efforts in putting together a comprehensive and unbiased video.
Thank you, I tried to be as unbiased as possible. Both are amazing bikes, you would need front and rear suspension work to meet the KLX. But for the price you cant go wrong.
Great video! I bought the KLX due to availability. Love it… already played around with the adjustable suspension to make it softer and lowered it by adjusting the preload. That made it more comfy and now both feet are flat footed on the ground. Thanks for the great comparison.
That KLX is a nice ass bike! My buddy has the 250 basically the same bike and I have the CRF rally we have a blast
1 year later and nothing has changed. I waited months for a Honda and finally gave up and bought the klx. You can walk into any Kawasaki dealer and find 3 klx on the floor. I have still never seen a crf 300l in person.
All Jokes aside I hope no one actually gets upset with my opinions on these 2 bikes, both are pretty good.
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i dont know if i should get the crf300 rally or a KLR650 because i love the power and reliability and power ports and the new fuel injection of the KLR but the KLR is heavy and cant turn off ABS to the rear wheel unlike the crf300 rally
so i dunno what to do but i feel like ill be on road more then off road
Thanks for the review. Could you link the collapsible mirrors and hand guards you have on the Honda?
This is the first vid of yours ive watched. Very well done.
You mentioned that you are riding in pine barrens. Is that too say new jersey? Those roads look just like lake county michigan.
Seems like a genuine review, good job. Keep em coming.
Thank you, I actually have the 250L compared to the 300L coming soon.
Last week, I was forced by my sinking Shantyboat to ride my 2009 TW200 440 miles on road from the Indiana /Kentucky line to West Michigan. The weather was from 29 degrees to 46 degrees and from overcast to rainstorm.
I am used to a Harley FLH on long trips.
I am more than impressed that I was not sore nor fatigued by the challenging trip. My upgrades are 2 inch handlebar risers, wide pegs and "Hippo Hands" from an old snowmobile. The light weight of the small enduro and 55 mph top comfortable speed and makeshift backrest of bedroll strapped to my milk crate carryall made the rain my only nemesis.
The new 300s are filling a much ignored gap that brings new riders to off/on roading. Good on Honda and Kawasaki.
Thanx for the review. No, the boat didn't sink.
You could of made a cheap windscreen for $10 with a kitchen plastic trash can, Velcro, wire ties and metal clothes hanger that works very good to keep wind off you, just saying
I like your analysis. You covered stuff that othets have not and that's refreshing. The gear spacing's visual comparison was very enlightening.
Well I feel like a ton of people just come on here and talk about specs, but the specs anyone can see in black and white. I want to ride the bike and take notes and tell how it actually feels. Something you cant see on a spec sheet. Thanks you, and thanks for the comment.
Good review. I have been looking at both bikes. I'm kinda leaning more toward the Honda myself. Thanks for taking time to reviews both of these bikes. It does help when your trying to decide between the two.
For more insight on the engines cc’s being made bigger. Because the Honda went with increasing the stroke on the 300l, they made it more torquey by increasing the connecting rod’s length. By making the connecting rod longer, they made a longer lever to act upon the crankshaft. This is good for more torque but the problem is you suffer with horse power. This is because when at higher rpms the piston starts to out run the explosion in the combustion chamber, just like if you were peddling down a hill in first gear on a bike. That is where making the cylinder wider/boring it out comes into play. If you bore out the cylinder instead, the connecting rod gets relatively shorter which means the engine has to work harder at low revs but won’t fall on it’s face at high revs. It is like peddling a bike in 7th gear from a stop, first you struggle a bit to get moving but once you start going you can go pretty fast. For dirt bikes and off roading, I would definitely choose the 300l’s engine because in the dirt you want torque so you can lug the engine and then also accelerate quicker. For the road I would like the klx’s engine for having a better top speed otherwise a torquey engine on the road could also be good.
Nice in depth explanation. Good comment! I'm glad to find this but also glad the video touched on it enough for a basic understanding.
Very understandable explanation even for non engineers! So I guess we need VHCRCS... (variable hydraulic connection rod crank shaft) 🤭
I think it has a bit more to do with the cam profile and tune. The cbr300 uses the same motor with the same bore & stroke and its torque curve peaks at higher rpms.
@@Largetalons The cam profile of the engine has a major impact on the power an engine makes. That being said, the torque curve of the Cbr 300 is consistently higher than the Klx 300 meaning that even when tuned to make more hp the cbr makes more torque across the rev range indicating that the longer connecting rod helps make more torque.
The stroke on the crankshaft also needs to be longer, not just the connecting rod.
Awesome video! I have been looking forward to this one! Hoping to pickup a CRF300L next summer!
Nice man! It is a really solid bike, I think you will enjoy it. And thanks for taking the time to comment.
I'm running a klx250s, its a great bike for my needs, I'll most likely un-cork it too improve a bit of the bottom end grunt, I got a chance too run a cfr250. It was a dream too drive, it seemed more comfortable too sit on, a bit soft in the suspension off road yet it stayed well planted. Yes, they were the 250cc units but very similar too the 300's for off roading using off road gear-sets. Thx for your take. If I had too change things up, I'd most likely do the cfr rally 300 because of the larger fuel tank and fairing for wind protection. Like you said. They are so evenly matched its hard too feel the difference. Purhaps it's what brand we like and or how the suspension feels to us on the terrain we ride. Don from Western Canada
What a great video! It really compares and you touch up on every aspect! Thank you very much!
Thank you again, or first I guess since you commented this before the other. Im glad you like the content!
8:39 that’s such an awesome way to represent the gearing!! Huge props, fantastic
Thanks for this great review. I have watched a lot of them but yours on the 300L and KLX was most helpful.
I appreciate you saying that. Thank you.
Great video been looking at these and your commentary was very informative !!
Thank you Lindsay and thank you for taking the time to comment.
Great video Andrew! As a noob rider, with a 300L, and riding similar terrain; I would love a video with a break down of gear choice, break usage, engine braking, etc when riding trails like the ones in this video. Thanks for the great content, keeper up. TTWFO
check out Mototrek and Brett Tkacs - tons of how to videos from an expert instructor
Thanks Dan, will do sometime in the near future. I have a ton of video ideas on the horizon. I also feel like I will be doing a lot of videos like that in a 10weeks or so of winter. I have already start to write down ideas to keep good content coming during the winter months here in the east coast US.
Awesome video, it was great to see our customers enjoying their bikes. Doug
Thanks for the comment, the DRZ400s is my friend's name Jacob. It was also bought at Powersports East. I should have a video review/comparison of those 2 soon as well. I will continue to build this channel then maybe throw some business your way.
Great honest humble review/comparison. Thanks
Thanks, and thank you for taking the time to comment.
Cool video. Thanks for making it and posting. Very helpful 👍😎
I ride the trail/Mx version of this bike the 2022 300R, best choice for me, it fulfills all my needs on the trails and track, very torquey for the trails lots of low end and mid high end power, can’t go wrong with the 300s
Great review. I just bought a 300l about 3 wks ago. Love it.
Awesome! Glad you love your bike, that's what it is all about. Honestly you can't go wrong with either of these bikes. I love my Honda 300L, welcome to the group.
Well done. Enjoy your bike bro
Iv had a ton of bikes, I always come back to these 250/300 dual sports. After having and riding the hard enduro bikes, it gets boring after a while being limited to some trails. And having the bike set up so extreme with gummy tires, gearing and small fuel range that u cant or dont want to go explore somewhere. The most fun I ever had was when I was new, and going everywhere on a KLX...and that bike did some extreme offroad enduro riding from sheer stupidity and courage from me. And we both made it out everytime unscratched. Knowing what I know now, tires and sprockets are all u really need to suite the terrain u ride.
Definitely love dual sports, my first rides were on a klx. Definitely took that bike to its limits as well as my own. I have a 300 ktm two smoke and throw rocks at the klx when it comes to off pavement riding. 60 lbs is a lot of weight difference and my ktm has easily double the tank capacity. I may make a dual sport out of a counter balanced two stroke one day.
Although you get A LOT of new bike with a price like honda and kawaski have. A new bike with what they have…NUTS You cannot get any better. You get a smaller sproket, taller/thicker handle bars, full wrapped guards and some courage, there aren’t a whole lot of places you cannot go, dump it and keep going
Great, honest review. Cheers and enjoy
I liked your review and agree the Honda does look cooler, but I am not a fan of the red personally. I also really liked your Bore v stroke explanation and diagram. I am gonna need to review that again. I recently bought the 2022 KLX300 Camo. I love it! Super fun to ride and the look is pretty cool. I also could not find any 300L to consider and the KLX300 was like the only one around in my state. Anyway, great review!
Great review. I also prefer the camo KLX with black frame/wheels over the green. And I like the CRF300L look better than the KLX in either color. I think the dash on the CRF is modern and much nicer and more expensive looking. The lower torque curve sounds a bit nicer, but too bad the Honda suspension needs some work. At this price its expected and a great platform to start. It's too bad dyno runs show 22.5 hp at the wheel for the CRF300L not anywhere near the claimed 27 at the crank. But I still may add one.
Thank you man, this was the video i needed
Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment, have a good weekend.
Over the last year I've been contemplating a dual sport bike and I'm at a roadblock deciding between these two and the CRF 450L. I guess I'll have to keep on watching reviews for a few more months. My biggest issue with the 450L is the low speed rideability due to the strict emissions and the high cost to correct this. Great video on the comparison of these two great bikes
I agree with you on the 450L most people I seen who have it get rid of it pretty quickly. If you need something with more power and dont mind that high seat height and service intervals look into a KTM350exc.
The downfalls are price, service intervals, 38" seat height.
Thanks for this review, I appreciate!
got 2017 crf250l, sprockets was first 13/42, tires MUST, clutch spring removal, bars, air filter box mod, respirator removal, ejk. bike is a beast with NEAR ZERO maintaince compared to huskys or ktm four strokes. half price too.
Yeah sounds like a solid path of upgrades to me.
Awesome review, I think these 300cc bikes are the swiss army of dual sports, they can be setup to be a great adventure bike also
I agree, you can make them however you want or need.
Another great video. Thanks
56 years old, just got back into riding. Thanks for the comparison.
I wish I could put my ass on both for about 2 hrs.
Im probably going to get the kawasaki, just because we will be doing more dirt roads and commuting.
I’ve owned both. Currently I have the CRF. I’m a Kawasaki guy. I usually spring for the Kawasaki. In this case, the Honda is hands down better. The bike is so much more refined than the Kawi. The Kawi had better suspension. I’ll give it that. I’d spring for a suspension upgrade for the Honda, and it would be an awesome bike.
Excellent review thanks
Love you Andrew. Perfect info for me (about to purchase) so humble bro. Perfect content for buyers in that second bike range. Few mods on suspension and you have a fantastic duel sport 😀
Thanks for watching, Happy I could help
Great video
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, and thank you for taking time to comment.
Those sandy roads are a lot like what we have in northern Michigan. Great review!
Thanks man, someone else asked me if my footage was from Michigan. Seems like I might have to visit, you guys probably have some beautiful spots to camp and maybe ride.
@@MotorcyclesOffroad yes, lots of places to ride and camp here in the northern lower. I'm just north the Traverse City. My 300l doesn't arrive until late October.
Sounds awesome. I definitely want to go other places in the country and ride.
Here I am on the klx230 and just happy to get out there and ride some trails. I really feel happy I went with a barely street legal trail bike over a more street worthy machine. I'm actually kinda annoyed that I have to be concerned with picking knobbies that are DOT legal.
I just want a dirt bike without having to buy a pick-up truck to transport it to the dirt
I mean fuck it throw dirt bike tires on there
I’d like a klx 230, or 300. I’m on a TW200 right now and that thing is a blast. Couldn’t imagine how much fun the 230 is
Is that the NJ pine barrens? Great vid , thanks for sharing.
Some of it yes. And thank you.
Excellent review. Both great bikes.
Thak you, and they really are.
Good video helped me decide on getting the KLX suspension is important to me
Awesome, Glad I could help
Awesome vid and well done. The only deal breaker for me is on the Honda. Not having a separate subframe is just stupid. Chances are super low but in a good enough crash it will never be the same bike.
Yeah I understand, it was probably part of the way they lowered the weight. I believe the Dr400z also does t have a subframe like the DRZ400s does. I have access to welders and inspection equipment in my fab shop. I could fix the Honda if it came down to it.
Andrew this is the kind of comparison we need! Not only that but how in-depth you went into the comparison. As far as a comparison between these two bikes, I favored the KLX, but after your review the Honda CRF300L is way better. The wider seat, the cluster w/fuel & a gear indicator. Thats awesome Honda! We appreciate that big time!
I'm still driving a dr200 all over fromw west tx nm mo I even drove it from mid mo to WI id love to try both the klr and honda both looks great
I never rode a Dr200, but I have a TW200. I would say the 300L is a completely different bike.
Your vids are awesome keep it up. I would have gone klx but in Australia because of no ABS it's a dirt bike only and they (police) impound these if on the road
Yeah, I am hearing a lot that bikes without ABS are being replaced. Did you get to see my review of the DRZ400? maybe you will like that one as well. Link: th-cam.com/video/QeFyBMJkMqY/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these two bikes, they both seem like awesome bikes and I like various parts on both but as the KLX will not be sold in the EU the decision will be easy for me. Hopefully I'll get my hands on a CRF next spring!
Damn no KLX for you guys? Why not, is it because lack of ABS?
@@MotorcyclesOffroad Yup, and the strict emission laws I think.
@@MotorcyclesOffroad Also no KLR 650 in EU for some overly strict laws and regulations.
That sucks, tho I imagine most people would be more happy with a Tenere700.
Andrew, I agree with both your points. You have taken heuristic and empirical methods. My choice is the CRF300L
Good review. Appreciate it. Thanks
Thank you, and thank you for taking the time to comment.
Having driven the crf 300l, i gotta say. It's a blast!
Such a fun bike!
That looks like where I was riding yesterday near Atsion mansion! I just picked up the KLX300 and loving it offroad so far. Great video
Awesome, and cool bike! I am out there often.
@@MotorcyclesOffroad Someone actually passed me out there with a crf, he went by me pretty quickly so i couldnt tell what exactly it was. That would be crazy if it was you lol
Haha what day was it? I was out there friday.
@@MotorcyclesOffroad It was wednesday around 5pm lol. Guess it wasnt you. Small world though
Thanks for the info.
Thanks for a very good review. I am a Honda guy I have a crf300 rally on order. Hopefully it gets here by October.
Hey man, thanks for being so active on the channel. I see you commenting all the time. Hopefully you get it soon, where do you love location wise? Do you still have a lot of time to ride in your season?
@@MotorcyclesOffroad I live in Chelan Washington. It is a tourist town in the middle of Washington state just 6 mile west of the Columbia river. I have not got to ride a lot just lately because of family heath problems but hope to do a lot more later this year. I can usually ride almost all the way up until December If I dress warm enough. I currently own a Honda CRF230L and a NC700X as well as a Suzuki DRZ400S that I am selling to my youngest son who also lives in Chelan. I will probably sell the 700 when I get the CRF300L and maybe the 230 also. Not sure just yet.
@@johnpagejr.7628 I hope you get your bike ahead of time. I hope things improve for you
@@jamesgeorgevellavella1961 Thanks I hope it gets here sooner than later also the family is doing better thank you.
Nice video Andrew! I am actually in the market for a new ride, and these are my top two choices. Question, I weigh approx. 140LBS, do you have thoughts on the Honda suspension versus the KLX for a lighter person, especially since the klx seems to have a higher regarded suspension overall by most? By being lighter, what are you thoughts? Thanks!! Gary
Thanks for the comparison. I’m a long time street and moto x rider but new to dual sport. The Honda would be my choice “IF” I could Install a power commander and a better rear suspension. Do you know if these are available yet for such a new model?
Good, honest review. Regarding suspension, having the bike sprung for the rider’s weight really should be a top priority, especially off-road.
I rode a klx after getting off my WR450. I was shocked how much power the 450 made and how little the 300 made.
ohh yeah its more then double.
What a great review!!’ Was considering the Kaw but the Honda looks great
I out a rear shock in my Crf300L rally and man it's such an amazing machine.
@@MotorcyclesOffroad ??
@Nair Byad auto correct, haha I "got" a rear suspension on my 300L rally and I love this bike.
@@MotorcyclesOffroad what did you get?
@@nairbyad7188 th-cam.com/video/HRIuRkXuiT8/w-d-xo.html
I just love ❤️ you’re explaining and having a balanced look, saying, no one can say you’re biased 🏍👍🌈
Thank you so much. I'm glad the video is informative.
Good review. The most frequent and biggest point naming which bike is better, is the suspension. KLX is ahead on that, and everyone seems to agree. I also like the camo KLX look best of all. I like the dash of the CRF, but you can't get an upgrade for that. The suspension however can be upgraded, and you're the first to say how much. $500 is an acceptable amount to pay if you get the CFR and hate the suspension. I also like a smooth ride. I was a die-hard KLX fan because my friend has one, but I'm leaning to the CFR now. Thanks for putting this out there.
I'm really going back and forth on deciding which one of these to buy. I currently own a 2013 Wr250r and it seems to be more like the klx but I'm kind of looking for more lower end performance because although my 250 is fun to ride on or off road it lacks a bit at the lower end. Leaning towards the Honda now though.
Great video. I do own an older KLX and I have to say the rear fender is so ugly.. The Honda does look more aggressive. I think tho i will spring for a new cammo KLX and try to figure out how to tidy up the rear fender.
I almost got the klx 300 but then seen the crf450rl. The crf450rl is a light weight beast
There’s no denying that your a South Jersey boy with that accent.. im riding the KLXsm around Camden county. Just bought it last week
Haha do I have an accent?!
That's a good day in and day out bike I had a ttr 250 I miss it no problem 6 speed transmission
I agree, the Honda bro
I mean I would ride either one because riding is what really matters. I've just owned quite a few Hondas in my time & they've always been dependable & rode great. I'm currently riding an XR250 (2002) & I love it but I'm trying to save up for the 300. I really like that bike.
great video. What rims do you run on your CRF300? i really like them.
First video .but you get a like for content
You get a comment to help your channel out
And you get a follow for being thorough in explaining likes dislikes
Great comparison. An important thing for me, is having high-quality adjustable suspension. It makes such a difference to your riding experience and safety. So for me the KLX is superior, as you can dial it into your weight and riding style. Cheers
I can see that, Im glad people can watch my comparison and it help them make a more informed decision on which bike would be better for their particular needs. Thanks for the comment.
I can say that with the KLX suspension, a tuner can get it even better. I bought a ‘19 KLX 250 and sent the suspension to Noleen to have it tuned for my weight and riding style. Different springs, valving, fluid. Very affordable and the bike is perfect, absolutely perfect. I can carry a LOT more speed and not get out of shape. I also put bigger pegs, Fasstflex bars, and an EJK with full FMF exhaust on it. Oh man, what a bike it is! Running non DOT Michelin Starcross 5 Intermediates on it. The package is perfect.
Great review!! I want one that is good for slower more technical riding so what one should I get?
Slower technical would probably require a mcm mod on the kawi
Great video. 👍 Where did you film this video?
My videos are a mix of NJ, PA, and MD.
I went with the KLX for the better suspension and brakes. Honda looks sharp but the suspension shortcomings for the desert terrain was the deciding factor for me.
I also have a T7 and have thought about one of these 2 to replace my Husky TE250. I'm not doing hare scrambles anymore and getting out to areas where I can use it's further capabilities than one of these dual sports has really gone downhill. At least with the DS I can do my short commute to work
and still do trail rides with friends when
they come up. My TE has basically sat unused for the better part of the yr.
I'd normally default to the better suspension but feel the Honda's got enough going for it overall to go ahead and upgrade the suspension to handle a bit more rough stuff.
I agree 100% Jeff, I feel the honda has so much going on that if you invest in suspension it is much better of a dual sport then its competitors. I have 2 friends with DRZ400s models, one with a DRZ400e (awesome bike), one with a KLX300. Riding them all I like the honda the best. If the DRZe was street legal here I would recommend it to a lot more people more power and light weight compared to the S. But as a true dual sport I put the 300L first and the KLX300 second imo, If you are using the bike as a dual sport and to commute then have simple things like a fuel gauge matter. Then again the 300L rally may be a better commuter. If you did the rally with a new 550 performance ECU, 1 tooth added to front, and new rear shock it would be an amazing commuter and still fun as hell on offroad stretches despite its increase in weight.
Great review. I’m holding out for a WR300R
That could be a solid choice, I was going to make that the topic of my next video.
Has there been any real talk of this? I have heard lots of rumors and speculation but not heard of any info confirmed by Yamaha.
No there has not been anything release. People speculate because they discontinues the WR250r. It makes sense they would want to get into the popular 300cc range but If they havent said anything who knows when it will be here. The Tenere 700 took 4-5 years after it was announced.
Hey Andrew I like ur videos, I live in Jersey as well and I ride the pines as well, do u think the kawi may bee better for me as I am a 200 plus rider? I currently ride a 85xl 600r, I really like the 300l but concerned about the soft suspension? Plus I really like the. Rally.
Awesome bikes and a great review. It's great that modern bikes are 4 strokes which sound much more civilized than the buzzing 2 strokes of days gone by 👍
Haha I still ride one of those 2 strokes.
@@MotorcyclesOffroad All bikes are awesome :-) My favourite bike was my Kawasaki G4 100 which was a 2 stroke but with rotary valve for great low end torque. With its dual range gearbox and super low first gear it could climb any hill. Although very slowly :-)
Excellent review - in NZ we can't get the KLX because our motor regulations are synced with Australia's and no ABS means no KLX
Yeah, I did here that. Its a shame because more options is always a good thing.
Looks wise the kawi has a better looking headlight and front fender other than that the Honda takes the cake. Great video man 👍
I really like the aggressive lines on the honda front fender, but either way its up to opinion. Im glad you liked the video, I also just got done a review and comparison of the DRZ400. th-cam.com/video/QeFyBMJkMqY/w-d-xo.html
Being Australian we don't get the klx300, I did however own a 2012 klx250s 2 years ago, it looks identical to the 300 today!
One thing that is certain is you have the best looking crf300l in youtube-land!
Did you re-route the CRF’s brake cable? I keep seeing a lot of videos showing that the brake cable on the cry is right in front of the speedometer and it’s hard to see? Any suggestions? GREAT VIDEO!!!!
Really helpful. Thanks. I am have a very hard time deciding which motorcycle to get. My main takeaway from this (apart from the aesthetic shortcomings of the KLX, which I can no longer not see) is the better transmission on the Honda vs. better suspension on the KLX. Seems like suspension can be improved upon, but maybe not the transmission? I'm assuming there's no way to install a slipper clutch on the KLX, right? So this was compelling for me. But so is the suspension issue. Oy. Would love to know which you think I should prioritize. Thanks!
As much as I feel the honda would be best suited to me, the suspension of the Kawi would make more sense for me, I live in an extremely rocky area. But I could always upgrade the Hondas suspension... you got me on the fence !!
Well what I can say either one you will be happy with. I lean more towards the Honda because I like the other aspects like the trans, in time I will probably sink a ton of money in the suspension lol but it will be awesome!
Yeah, this video makes me lean toward the Honda. I think it would be a lot easier to upgrade the Honda’s suspension than the Kawi’s transmission but 🤷♂️
For me it was a matter of Im 235 lbs Im going to do the suspension on either bike. And I am really happy with my choice.
I like the Hondas dash that’s it lol any dash with fuel gauge is a plus ! I still never know how much gas I have left in my klx300 the light just comes on and I just pray and hope my Apple Watch takes me to the nearest gas station 😂 As for looks I’ve changed my klx300 since stock mirrors front fender and fender eliminator of course a couple graphics handle bars ejk and muffler I actually like the look over the Honda I’ll post and updated video to see the look when I can I have a older video on my page right before I finished everything. But yeah great video lot of insight keep up the good work !
Here in Japan the license system means we still pick crf250l and klx230 (but all the same updates to the 300. I'm thinking between those 2 and the drz400 (2012 is the newest I found here)
Think tou pushed me away from kawasaki
Just found your channel, my dad is from NJ.
All the best, subbed
You seem very fair in your critique.
Well thank you.
Here's my two cents. I would probably own either of these two bikes but none are available in my area. However, the Kawi dealer did have one KLX230 left so I purchased it. To my surprise, I fell in love with it after a few days of riding it on and off road. Now I'm no lightweight. I'm probably a bit older and a bit fatter than most and the 230 hauls my fat ass up hills pretty good. So my point is, if you can't find any of the 300's in stock where you are located, don't overlook the 230. Test ride one. After two weeks and a couple of hundred miles the 230 is really starting to open up. My initial thoughts were "pick up the 230 until one of the 300's become available." Well now I'm not sure. The 230 is so easy and maneuverable to ride especially off rode that I keep asking myself why do I need anything more . . . .
Well what I can say is the KLX300 has a noticeable amount of power over the KLX230. The 300 weights only like 10-13 lbs more (mostly die to liquid cooling I would guess)and the seat of the 300 is 1/2" taller. All that being said if you are happy with the 230 then keep that. If you ever find yourself wanting a bit more low end power and higher speeds on the road get the 300 down the line.
Very well done, practical review. Thanks. Its going to be either one of these machines (unless the DRZ400 magically appears with 6 gears and EFI), for my conversion to off road from 26 years of road riding. Murderous car drivers can have the asphalt. I wonder what a decent suspension for the CRF to get rid of its too cushy ride (6'2"/215) would add to it's cost?
Just an FYI the KLX 250 was developed from the KDX 300 , anyone with a KLX 250 has been able to walk into a Kawasaki dealer and order/buy the 300 cc barrel/piston and gaskets required to go from 250 to 300 cc , if you are in the states check out 'Bill Blue' , there is also a 330 and a 351 cc bolt on big bore kits out there , carb bikes require a re-jet and F/I bikes require some tuning work to the ecu for the F/I .Bit of waffle at the beginning , correct on the suspension the KLX is far better off road , poss better gearbox on the CRF , pretty well matched for the average riders , takes an above average rider to make use of the KLX properly .
I bought a 2023 CFR300L a few weeks ago. I like it a lot. Suspension is a bit soft, but that can be fixed. Its not a quick bike for the street. But I have other bikes for that. I like the styling, low end torque and instrument cluster. I've owned a few Kawasaki's KLR 650s
, and was not too impressed with build quality.
KLX must have mods: skid plate, 1 1/8 bars, hand guards, change to 50 tooth rear sprocket for off road.....
Can't beat Honda reliability. As an average rider who uses the bike for trails/commute to work when the car is in the shop or just run some errands, the Honda would be my pick.
Awesome video. Im gonna share this so my brother in law can make up his mind on a bike. I ended up picking up a drz400s on a partial trade a month ago. I'll be visiting my family in mullica township nj at the end of November. Living in louisiana now. Will be trailering the drz to ride wharton state forest. If your down lets ride man! Btw, we're you camping by Godfrey bridge or quaker bridge?
That was godfrey bridge in this video. And let me know Im always looking for more people to ride with. Great job getting a DRZ btw they are also awesome bikes. They are in my top 5 for sure.
@@MotorcyclesOffroadawesome man. Unfortunately I'm just visiting. I miss living right next to all those dirt roads I grew up on. So far I like the drz. I just want to change the front headlight and bezel plus the foot pegs. It already came with the 3x3 airbox mod done, suspension resprung, bark busters and a tail rack. Just need to get some saddle bags and a rotopax and I'm happy. Do you have any saddle bags you would recommend? Looking for something that I don't need pannier side racks for.
@@B00ZECRUIZIN365 it really depends how big you want them. For a rotopax you will need something rigid but just for the trail Nelson rigs makes a strap on side bag system. If you are looking to carry all the camping gear maybe you will need bigger.