Kawasaki Just Gave Its KLX300 Family A Massive Glow-Up, And We're Here for It

Two new variants, more tech, and four different ways to have fun without needing a motorcycle that weighs as much as a refrigerator.

Photo by: Kawasaki

By: Enrico Punsalang

Oct 21, at 8:55am ET

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There's something refreshing about motorcycles that don't take themselves too seriously. You know, bikes that aren't trying to break lap records, cross continents in a single afternoon, or convince you that you absolutely need 150 horsepower to have a good time. Kawasaki's KLX300 has always understood the assignment, and for 2027, Team Green has decided to give its lightweight dual-sport family a proper makeover.

Better yet, it's bringing two entirely new flavors to the party.

At the heart of the updated lineup is the familiar 292cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected single-cylinder engine. Except it's now making a claimed 26.8 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 18.4 pound-feet of torque at 6,800 rpm, up from the previous model's 25 horsepower and 17.7 pound-feet. A six-speed manual transmission remains standard, while revised instrumentation brings smartphone connectivity. ABS also joins the lineup, with the dual-sport models offering a switchable system for off-road riding.

Photo by: Kawasaki

The biggest addition is the KLX300 XPL, a miniature adventure bike that looks ready to disappear into the wilderness with nothing but a backpack and questionable navigation skills. It gets a round LED headlight, tall windscreen, hand guards, retro-inspired graphics, and a rear luggage carrier. There's something endearingly old-school about the whole package, especially when so many modern adventure bikes look like they've been designed by people who really, really love Transformers.

When asked for comment, RideApart's EIC Jonathon Klein replied, "SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!"

Then there's the KLX300 DF, which takes a more utilitarian approach. Think less Instagram-worthy mountain expedition and more dependable little workhorse that couldn't care less about looking pretty. Its blacked-out styling, LED headlight, hand guards, and rear carrier make it a practical option for riders who want something rugged and straightforward. Both newcomers retain proper 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, so they're not just dressing up for an off-road costume party.

Of course, Kawasaki hasn't forgotten the original KLX300. The standard dual-sport continues as the most affordable ticket into the street-legal dirt-bike experience, complete with long-travel suspension, a 43mm inverted fork, and 10 inches of front-wheel travel. It's still the sort of motorcycle that makes a muddy shortcut seem like a perfectly reasonable alternative to sitting in traffic. The updated electronics simply make an already approachable package a little more appealing.

Photo by: Kawasaki

And for those who prefer their mischief on pavement, there's the KLX300SM. The supermoto keeps its 17-inch wheels, road-focused tires, and larger 300mm front brake disc, making it the obvious choice for riders who spend their weekends hunting corners rather than forest trails. It also gets the updated engine, ABS, and smartphone-compatible LCD instrumentation. At just 306.5 pounds ready to ride, it's a reminder that you don't need a mountain of horsepower to have a ridiculous amount of fun.

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Pricing starts at $5,999 for the KLX300 ABS, followed by $6,299 for the DF ABS and $6,499 for the XPL ABS. Meanwhile, the KLX300SM ABS slots in at $6,399. That's four distinct personalities built around essentially the same lightweight platform, with each catering to a slightly different brand of two-wheeled nonsense.

Photo by: Kawasaki

And that's what makes this update interesting. Kawasaki isn't reinventing the dual-sport motorcycle or pretending that everyone needs a high-tech adventure machine with enough electronics to launch a satellite. It's simply offering more ways to enjoy an approachable motorcycle. Whether you're commuting, exploring trails, chasing corners, or pretending your local dirt road is the Dakar Rally, there's probably a KLX300 with your name on it.