@@coachvonyo I'd like to see fuel injection because I live in California and can't get fuel without the added carb-clogging ethanol. Then the DRZ would be my top choice over the 300 because of the extra torque for desert sand.
I got the next best thing on my DRZ, the wide ratio gear kit from ACT. You get gradually increased gear ratio from 2nd to 5th gear, so at 5th gear, you get about 20% lower RPM, which makes it more pleasant at higher speeds, without loosing the low gear tractor capability though the tricky stuff. Also if you have FCR 39 carb, big bore kit etc you will get better use of all the extra hp. Now this kit is not super-easy to install, as you have to get in to the guts of the engine, plus do some minor dremel-work on a couple of points in one of the case halves so that the slightly bigger 5th gear can spin freely, but if you're planning to do a complete overhaul of the engine anyway, I would highly recommend getting this kit...if you are like me, and want's to get most out of my DRZ🙂 Yes, it's an old and simple design, with steel frame, and carb, but if I had to choose between a modern bike with aluminum-frame and electronic fuel injection for a gnarly long range adventure, my choise would easily be the DRZ. It's like a tank! If the frame cracks, you can actually weld it together yourself, and there is very little electronics that can take a dump on you. The aftermarket support for the DRZ is also huge, since it's been around for 22 years now.
This is the battle of the Dinosaurs cuz the KLX frame, motor and suspension is circa '94. 2009 was just plastics, dash and efi updates. I got both, the KLX is definitely better offroad but I stuck with the DRZ
I agree with your assessment. I used to own a KLX250, and while I LOVED that platform on the trails, it just didn't have enough power. So I sold it and bought a DRZ400 and what a difference that low-down torque makes! Yes it is quite heavy and nowhere as near as easy to ride as the KLX, but I'm loving the power and so the DRZ is my choice. I would consider a KLX300 as soon as I receive positive news on that 400cc big-bore kit they're testing in Thailand.
You made me smile when you said the KLX was more nimble. I was thinking in my head when you took the KLX out that it seemed much more nimble than the DRZ. I was thinking the exact same word. You could tell you felt more more confident going through the woods on the KLX. In fact I was actually surprised the DRZ made better time with the way you riding the KLX. Great comparison.
My wife just bought a KLX 300SM as her learner bike and now I'm convinced I want the dual sport version. I can't believe how much it's got in it for a 300!
Thanks for the info. I ordered a 2022 klx300l. I hope they keep the black cameo, although I will be thrilled regardless. My Kawi dealer in south-central Indiana says we should know the deets mid-June. Thanks for this video, DRZ400 is the most tried and true enduro on the market today, I love a good xanatos gambit, regardless of the outcome the creator wins. ABSOLUTLY, can not go wrong with either one of these units. Bravo, homie.
I love the low end power of my '19 DRZ. The stock seat was a bad joke... I went with a Seat Concepts update and a Maddog Cover on top of that, What a Difference! Long rides, No Problem... Wider Pegs, 606 Dunlops front & rear , LED headlight, and Higher handlebars are a must too. Now it is a JOY to ride! Take care.(Would love to ride the new Kaw.)
Having the same 2 bikes for a period of time here recently, I decided to keep the DRZ project I just finished up. It just feels over all bigger, beefier everywhere from the frame ergo's, to the suspension, clutch and that power is addicting. But it is NOT a single track bike. Where I felt the KLX could manage short sections of hard single track, the DRZ just cant. It feels 50lbs heavier and all the extra weight is on the bar's. But im enjoying more exploration trips on power lines, logging roads, winding 2 lane back roads and the DRZ is just better at that. I was planning on selling this DRZ project {KLX400} for a profit this coming spring and buying the newer grey color KLX300 but now dont think I can go back to 24hp.
Lol I've been seriously considering selling my 2018 DRZ4s and buying a new KLX300 and bam I find your video! Nicely done! I just want the fuel injection and 6th gear lol.
Super stupid glad you did this one. I have a DRZ and DR and have been eyeing the KLX. Really enjoyed your CRF/DRZ/KTM vid. You do a great job with color commentary on the overview. THANKS
@@kcoutside7143 Its funny you keep going DRZ all in man. I tend to agree as a DRZ rider.....it seems to be the bike for all seasons, until they make the CRF/KLX 350 or 400.
Great comparison. About the best content I've found on helping making a decision. Just getting back into riding (after 30 years) and do prefer the enduro as I have few off-road riding places in my area. Don't plan to make many mods as I'm looking for 40-45 mph adventure riding on back roads.
My problem with drz in Colorado was no power from 10000ft up carb was rejected good from 5000 to 10000 also klx definitely feels lighter and has no problem at any alt
I just got my KLX, I've had several older dual sport bikes in the past. Some bigger and smaller. I'm very impressed with it so far. There is a few companies that have come out with performance parts for this bike, both for the engine and suspension. Race tech has a better valve for the front forks springs also. I plan on a full exhaust, power commander, 13 tooth front sprocket, bars, springs and valve the forks, tires, skid plate. I've seen comparisons of other KLX bikes, even one with a big bore kit. I think wonce uncorked the klx300 will be the top dual sport on everyone's list for the price.
This is a great video for me, since I am considering buying a KLX 300 (assuming that I can actually find one). What you said about having previously owned fully modified versions of the CRF 250L and the WR speaks volumes for the Kawasaki.
I enjoyed your comparison. I had a 2000 DRZ 400 K. It was the kick start model, and was about 35 lb lighter v the E/S model. If memory serves me, I think that model was in a little better state of tune compared to the E dirt model, was lighter and intended for more aggressive riding. It had a jet job / Yosh pipe, billet triple clamps and heavier suspension springs. It was a great desert single track bike. Uncorked, that bike could handle tall hills as good as my KTM 450exc and keep pace with the likes of the Wr450s and KTM 450 and 525exc/mxc’s of that era. The best part of that bike was the front fork with the heavier springs (which it needed for faster desert stuff). In fact, that fork, which is a non-inverted 49mm cartridge, is better than my WP Explor I have on my newest bike (Husky TE300). It was a similar Showa fork that came on the 96-98 RM250.
Thanks mate this has being doing my head in I finally decided to settled on the Klx then ut was the Drz now I'm looking at the Swm 500 enduro I'm now not even sure if the klx 300 is st legal in Australia The efi on the Swm looks good but nobody seems to know enough about how reliable the Swm is. The thing I love about the Drz is its its, longer service intervals compared to The Smw. I think like many people, that 🦄 would exist if the Drz went to Efi and 6th gear, but I wonder if that would bump up the price.
If we had an SWM dealer near me in the US , I wouldn’t hesitate to try one, you can’t beat the price for what you get! That being said, the DRZ is unbelievably reliable! Thanks for the comment, good luck on your decision!
I have the Kawasaki and I used to have the DRZ. Drz is a pretty heavy feeling bike- Definitely works as a adventure bike without doing crazy stuff off road. The Kawasaki is absolutely nimble feels awesome off-road in most types of terrain
I have a DRZ now and I'm looking to move to a KLX300 because I don't feel confident riding the DRZ...it feels so HEAVY to me. You really liked the feel of the KLX over the DRZ?
I have had the same experience as you regarding the KLX. I've owned 2 wr250r's, a ktm 450excf, a drz400, a crf450l and a couple of beta dual sports. Some cost a fortune to get running right with an aftermarket pipe and air box change. Not so with the KLX. (Yes, I'm a bike-aholic). My KLX is setup similarly with the same pipe and I run knobbies and pulled everything off that was unnecessary. For me, the bike is just the most versatile of any I've owned, and is flat out the most fun to ride. The shorter seat height, the great stock suspension, lower CG and fun kind of power (I like to be able to push a bike with a smaller engine) make for a winner I plan to keep.
Absolutely same here. KLX was my first offroad bike, and after a ton of enduro and race bikes I want to go back. I loved pinning it and ringing it out with 13/47 gearing, and the power and handling was so predictable in tough stuff even though it was heavy. I was a complete Noob when I had it and was riding super technical stuff with zero experience. Knowing what I know now I could still ride single track effectively and actually have a comfortable dual sport, instead of always one extreme or the other
I have the DRZ400 & DR650. Great bikes. I think your best bet is to keep your KLX300 for the trails & get a DR650 as your adventure bike, way better gearing for road & highway/overall longer adventures on the DR650 over the DRZ400, & you won’t be screaming at high revs in 5th as on the DRZ. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for the video, I would love to add the KLX300 to my garage. 👍😀🇨🇦
I had a DR650 a few years ago, it is a great bike, tried a KLR also, but I still like the DRZ, I may try an XR or a new KLR. I just don’t do enough straight up adventure riding to hold on to a 650. Thanks for watching & commenting !
Completely agree with your (get two bikes) assessment. I’ve had both the DRZ and the DR. DR is a great and versatile adventure bike and there are much better options for tight trails than the DRZ.
Exceptional Review!!!, always great to hear the opinions of those that have spent time in the saddle, the DRZ is still the go-to Swiss army Knife?!?!..hmmmm.......:)....
Klx is also a very robust reliable engine like the drz as I have done 56,000 miles 96,000kms on mine and have not even replaced a piston! My klx 300 is a 2005 model and back then they had a slightly taller 6th gear and 1inch more travel for off road but much the same engine which has been around longer than the drz which dates back to year 2000 klx engine is much the same since 1996 from my research!
Just curious- I just put a 13t sprocket on my 300 and found I'm running 7k rpm at about 60. Are you running that high RPM at that speed? Would you say that is a safe rpm for about a 30 min ride on road? Thanks
I was at that RPM with a 13t. I don’t think Kawi would recommend it during break in, definitely would be no issue after that, will I do it with the 130mi. On my bike.....yes.
please post more riding on the ktm!!! really enjoy those videos and please do some wider more faster trails and get the bike up in the rpms and speed a couple of times!! thinking about buying a 350 excf
Have you shorted the clutch switch to get more revs in the too 3 gears on the klx or was that only on the 250? Could also swap the front sprocket to get more out of second gear Great video
I don't know yet.. this is tuff! And between the crf 300l and 450rl. I can't freaking decide on one of the 4! And what is actually available anytime soon without happening to wait months for them to come in to the dealership.
Haven’t had a bike since a was 14, wanting something to putt around town/ ride to work on and some trail riding. I have been looking into the klx. I’m 6’3” 220, think it’ll handle that alright and I won’t look like a giraffe?
I’m about 210 with gear , so weight won’t be a factor. At 6’3” you may feel a little cramped when sitting, the seat to peg relationship on the klx is definitely tighter than the drz. It’s a great bike for what you are looking for.
Keep up the good content, I can not decide between either bike , sat on both at the dealer and the klx suspension felt really soft, 220 pound guy and wondering if this would be a concern on the klx , could have been the factory setting was soft ? Thanks in advance
I am 210lbs. In birthday suit, I turned forks up 2 clicks , turned preload up a little on rear & did a couple compression clicks, handles fast off road stuff better, but klx suspension will never be as good as DRZ. If you don’t mind a carburetor, & you don’t want suspension regrets I’d go DRZ. That being said for the year that I had both in the garage, I rode the klx more, it’s more nimble & light feeling off road. If you buy the DRZ, you’ll never have any regrets, if you buy the klx you may have power/suspension regrets. Hope that helps a little. Thanks for watching!!
Thanks for your insight. Sad to see that all seem to be few and far between these days due to the pandemic. I've been considering all and your comparison is great. I'd like the KLX300 but have not been able to find an aftermarket tank for it? IMS claims they have none in the works. Let me know if you have found one. That's the ticket for my lightweight, modern adv bike. Hope they become more available soon. cheers,
So I bought the DRZ400S as my 1st dual sport coming from street bikes. I'm 5ft 9, 220lbs, and I have had the DRZ for 2 yrs now. To me it feels so heavy, tall, and I haven't developed the confidence I wish I had developed. Additionally, I now ride with a 5 and 9yr old on their bikes so I'm off/on a lot to help them which is hard on my tall DRZ. I'm considering downsizing my bike and thought about the KLX230 but I'm thinking the KLX300 might be better in the long run for a more confidence building bike. Thoughts?
IMO I’d go 300, the 300 is definitely smaller overall than the DRZ, definitely feels lighter & more nimble. I don’t think you’d b happy with the 230 power. At camp I ride my 300 , while my wife is in her side x side, we only go about 10mph for hours. The 300 works awesome! If you get on/off the bike often , the 300 is definitely an easier bike to dismount! Thanks for watching!
Thanks! Acerbis tank, side panels are factory, that I cut the lower portion off to slim them up. Factory effex evo16 graphics kit. Thanks for watching!
I looked at those Kawi's and inmy opinion they look made cheap to me thats why i opted for another brand but i guess to get under that 6000.00 price tag something has to give
It's because it is made cheap. Just like every other Japanese brand bikes, that are made in their Thailand factories. Never buy a Thai bike the quality is so bad
What sprockets are you running on the KLX? I see the stock is 14/40. The KLX300R that has the same engine, (Not sure same gear) running 14/50. That's a big difference.
@@allonmor4078 I’m using 108 links, which is 2 links larger than stock. The stock may work. I had a rear 47 sprocket on prior, that’s why I installed a larger chain.
Which do you prefer on the freeways/highways holding 70mph for an hour or so? I know the answer, "Neither " but if you had to take one on a long trip ,which would it be?
For more freeway cruising, I would go DRZ , the extra weight gives a little more stability & the extra torque makes passing easier. As far as engine vibe & smoothness cruising at 70mph they are basically dead even. Thanks for watching!
I need a bigger bike so I been looking at the 300 and 400 because I'm short anything bigger in screwed. My buddy 650 is great but its so hard to jump on and off at every stop and picking it up sucks after a long day of riding
I've watched a ton of comparison videos the last few weeks and this has been my favorite. Thank you for this comparison. I'm having a helluva time deciding on my next dual sport. I've owned a DR650, DRZ400S, WR250R and a CRF450L. I just sold the CRF450L. It was too much dirt bike for me with lots of maintenance. Way more than I need on the dirt and unpleasant on the street. The DRZ I had previously was beat to hell and never got it to run right. Eventually gave up on it so I don't think I ever gave the DRZ a fair shake. I'm now debating between DRZ400S or CRF300L. I was very disappointed in the motor on the WR250R and fear it will be the same with any 300. I just don't think it's enough for me. I like torque. Really wish the DRZ had wider ratio transmission but I think I can live with it. Carb vs EFI I don't really care. Pros and cons to both. I might have to give the KLX300 another look. Thanks again for the great video!
Thank you! A good running DRZ is tough to beat! I do love my klx, but it is down on power. Crf & klx are very close on hp.I do like the klx more than the WR250R that I had. Good luck on your decision!!
@@asura8236 I no longer have either but may well own another of each someday. Depends on usage. For true 50/50 use I would get the DRZ400. If I was going to spend any more than 50% of my time on the street, I'd get the DR650.
@@chasingtrail I know it's super hard to choose I want a supermoto but at the same time I want to go off-road and I want ultra reliability and the dr650 is more reliable than the DRZ but I mean it's just a hard decision it's a hard choice I have a Kawasaki versus 300 right now but I'm trying to decide between the DRZ400 and the Dr 650
The DRZ is the wolds OK'est motorcycle. Leave it as it is. Fuel injection, a sixth gear, and it's not the DRZ! The DRZ is a $7199 DIY bike with unlimited build options. What's the problem?
Great video, recently sold my DRZ, and my DR650. Have an old riding buddy that wants us to get some dual sports for mainly trail rides. He is pretty much sold on the little KLX but I'm a bit more of a skeptic lol. We're both big guys, 6'4ish and over 200 lbs. I don't doubt the 300 would be fun, but not sure it would have enough steam? Uncorked and -1 on the front would it suffice?????? Thoughts anyone?
I’m 212lbs. With gear 5’10” . Even at my height I tend to feel a little cramped on the 300. At 6’4” you are definitely gonna feel cramped! I think power wise the 300 will be fine, but the Z definitely has much more kick, especially when jetted & pipe. That being said , I rode the KLX more than the Z or the EXC-F this year.
@@kcoutside7143 Thanks for the response. I think you are probably correct that I would feel cramped! I'm going to continue to educate myself on the KLX because the DRZs are old hat to me. I won't bad mouth them at all, every one I've owned has been 100% reliable and got the job done. Truth be told I just want something lighter but hate to give up power, or anything else for that matter! But I ain't gonna pay 11k for the Beta...😳
Brilliant comparison. I’m out to buy a dual purpose bike and a mate is selling his 2002 DRZ, but now I’ll have to have a look at the Kawi. Is there much difference in seat height? I’m a 32 inside leg. Cheers.
The 6th gear on the KLX is strange, it’s like an overdrive. You can’t gain much more top speed in 6th, it just puts you in a lower rpm range than 5th gear.
A great test would be a 300 klx r which has 33 hp + mods gets you even more power and tork and a better suspension and is even more lighter l know that it is not street leagle but it would be interesting great chanel
It’s a 2018 rmz 450 fender, but you’ll have to modify the fender or headlight plastic for it to fit, I cut & modified the fender , a 2008 rmz fender should fit on without any modifications.
Hey KC, Fellow dirt rider Jon from Denver. Well once again I have to say you have great taste in your mods and makeovers! Got me a '01 DRZ400z (didn't know they had this model, no electric start but about 35 lbs lighter) and wanted to pay you a compliment through emulating some of your mods and graphics'. Q; where did you find those number plate out liners graphic's? , now those look great! actually the whole bike looks great!
I think all these newer bikes should still have the Kickstarter option or to put one on. That's what always attracted me to dirt bikes as a kid and even still.. but I'm older now and just wanting a dual sport like these.. might even go with the CRF300l
I’ve not been on a crf300l, that being said my CRF250L had the race tech fork spring & rear spring for my weight. The klx300 is still much better than the crf with race tech. I will never touch the klx suspension. The crf300, I would definitely have to upgrade after purchase from what I’m hearing.
Very helpful video, thank you Im in Australia and can't get the klx300 unfortunately. My short list has been narrowed down to: drz400e, crf300L, klx230s, klx250 Id prefer 6 gears and efi but I'd like to hear you're perspective. Itll be used at 60mph to commute and for over night camps too
Among those bikes for your intended use, I would pick the DRZ, it has the best suspension & best power, which is best suited to hauling camping gear. Plus a carb can be fixed out in the bush easier than EFI. It is the tallest of those bikes which can be a negative to some folks. My second choice would be CRF, although suspension needs to be upgraded almost immediately, if hauling any type of gear.
Thanks for the reply! I can't test ride anything until I get my license, I have to get lessons for 6 months in Australia before I can sit the test. I haven't sat on a drz yet but I was on the balls of my feet with the crf300 rally, they didn't have the L model on display but I'm assuming it'd be the same. If the drz is taller than that could be a point for the crf as that height can be an issue in uneven ground off road. Mainly because I'm a beginner I'm torn between buying a bike and spending as little as possible because in 2 years I can upgrade my license to ride something over 660cc and then I can buy something I can keep long term like a 701 so having to upgrade suspension isn't a deal breaker but would be good if I can avoid over investing if my plan is to upgrade down the track
I ended up driving to a dealership yesterday to sit on a bike and drz is far superior in build quality but yeah, it's just that bit too tall. They had a used model with a 2 inch lowering link that made it about the same height as the crf but I think I'd be happy with both The decider will be the test ride when I can get a feel for how they're geared as that could be the deal maker/breaker Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions 🙂
Of course the DRZ is going to be more faster and more torque there is no replacement for displacement. Now the question I have is that DRZ is it a S or E ?
@@kcoutside7143 Even the E is a little better then the S . I know some people did the conversions and I think the E is a little lighter. And thanks for the video and what a nice property you have to ride in . Have a great weekend ....
@@jeremyaltis2606 - I saw a video that weighed Adventure enduro bikes from the handlebar end as the bike is being picked up... DRZ400 had the heaviest weight including some much bigger bikes -- 120 lbs at the end bar end when lifting it up!
The only time mine is tough is if I roll to a stop in third gear , it’s tough to get back to first, you have to let clutch out ever so slightly then it will down shift. Shifts smoothly while riding/moving.
@@craigstevens5146 with the included quiet core it is a nice tone & not obnoxious, when trail cruising slow it is quiet, for me the weight savings was the best attribute for me, it will give a small increase in power across the rev range.
I felt a dr650 weight today at the dealership then a drz400 and I was amazed the 400 feels just as horrible. Then they tried too sell me a ninja 400 because it’s light 🤦🏻 I’m like dude call me when you get a klx300 conversation over.
For me I plan on communicating to work, where the speed limit is 50mph. I live 7mins from work lol I'm 5,7 150lb, most basic human frame. Which would you recommend for me if I just had 1 bike, I'm new to riding Between both
KLX300 100% !! perfect for your situation, I don’t think you’ll have any regrets. It’s an overall smaller frame & more nimble. I’ve had a lot of bikes & the 300 is 1 of my favorites!
@@oscarbear7498 yes . I own both. The advantage of the DRZ is much better power all across the power range. The DRZ can overtake better on the highway. Best way to make a final decision is test ride both.
@@kcoutside7143 lighter weight and fuel injection. Imagine a dual sport Rmr based on the 450. But tuned way down so it lasts a long time without a rebuild.
On the KLX, remove the air box lid and install an EJK fuel controller. You will be super surprised with the gained torque. They come running lean from the factory, so lots of power is left in the table.
