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300 DUAL-SPORT BIKES: KAWASAKI VS HONDA–THE WRAP

This article compares two small-bore dual-sport bikes: the Honda CRF300L and the Kawasaki KLX300. Both bikes are priced around $5500 and are manufactured in Thailand. They are designed for simple transportation rather than fast off-road riding.

The Honda CRF300L and Kawasaki KLX300 are more about trail transportation than dirt thrills.

The Honda CRF300L was first introduced as the CRF250L in 2013 but received a major update in 2021. It features a 286cc engine with new camshafts, redesigned airbox and exhaust, and Nissin brakes. The suspension is basic with only adjustable spring preload in the rear. The bike weighs 286 pounds without fuel.

The Honda has the upper hand in mid-range power and ground clearance.

The Kawasaki KLX300 has a different history. It has been in and out of production since 1994. The off-road version of the KLX300 lasted for about 15 years, while the dual-sport version KLX250 was introduced in 2006 and lasted until 2014. The current version of the bike was released in 2021 with a 292cc engine. The Kawasaki has better suspension than the Honda, with adjustable rebound damping in the fork and adjustable preload, rebound, and compression damping in the shock. The bike weighs 282 pounds without fuel.

The Kawasaki gets the better of the Honda in the suspension department. It also is a more compact motorcycle.

Both bikes have taller seat heights than expected. The lowest part of the Kawasaki’s seat is 36.5 inches, while the Honda’s is 37.2 inches. The Kawasaki settles more when its suspension is under its own weight, making it easier for shorter riders to touch the ground. However, the Honda has more ground clearance. Both bikes come with street-oriented tires that need to be replaced with knobbies for off-road riding.

The Honda and Kawasaki have similar performance, with both producing around 23 horsepower and revving out around 9500 rpm. They are capable of respectable speed on level, hard-packed trails but struggle in sandy hills. The Honda has slightly more low-end power and is geared lower in first and second gear. Both bikes could benefit from lower final gearing for better off-road performance. The Honda has a wider seat and more ground clearance, making it better suited for taller and more experienced riders.

The Honda CRF300L weighs 286 pounds without fuel. The Kawasaki KLX300 is 282 pounds without fuel–both measured on our scale.

In terms of suspension, both bikes are not optimized for off-road riding and are more suited for comfortable riding around the campsite. The Kawasaki offers some adjustability, while the Honda lacks any adjustability and could benefit from improved damping. While both bikes can be improved with aftermarket upgrades, they are not built for racing. The overall winner between the two bikes is yet to be determined.

For more information on the bikes, you can watch the following videos:

– Honda CRF300L Dual Sport – Dirt Bike Magazine: [embedded content]
– 2023 Kawasaki KLX300 Dual Sport – Dirt Bike Magazine: [embedded content]
– Kawasaki KLX300 VS Honda CRF300L – Dirt Bike Magazine: [embedded content]

BACK IN THE DAY

The article concludes with a discussion of notable motocross bikes from the past. Some of the bikes mentioned include the 1981 Suzuki RM125, which was the first liquid-cooled dirt bike from Suzuki, the 1981 Maico MC490, which is highly regarded by vintage bike enthusiasts, the 1981 Honda CR250R, known for its innovative liquid-cooling and single shock suspension, and the 1981 Yamaha YZ125, the first mainstream liquid-cooled motocross bike.