These would be called a "trail bike" in Australia (similar to an XR250, DRZ250, TTR250 etc). It's not on par with a WR250F but not everyone needs a serious enduro bike. A trail bike is enough for many riders. I bet it would be fun on single track through the trees.
How can you do comparisons between the Kawasaki KLX300 and leave out the 300R? The 300R is a very capable dirt bilke (especially after opening up the air box, installing a more free flow exhaust, and adding an electronic jetting device.). (Also, I agree that the SM300 seems to be a stupid idea.)
I have both the 24 SM and a 22 R model and I love the both. I agree the SM is pointless in the dirt but it’s so light, nimble, and low power that I’ll outride most bikes in the twisties. With only 25 hp you can lean and accelerate at the same time unlike a bigger bike. You’d have to try a super moto to understand
Hey Ryan, how did the front end of the SM feel? Trading out a 21" wheel for a 17" seems like a drastic change with no head angle change. Does it still feel like a dirt bike?
Still feels like a normal dirt bike. I believe they adjusted the suspension to sit lower to accommodate the smaller wheels. I felt totally normal on it.
I've had several KLR' s I never off road because there too heavy. Thinking about one of these they would be much more nimble not sure how well they would do on a longer road trip.
I would love to test ride a klx 300 I'm like 30 min from where you took this video I'm thinking of dropping down sizes to one but I would def want to ride it first will they do this again?
Except for the new plastic, punched out 250 engine and efi, it’s exactly the same as the 2008 KLX250S. Still has zero power but bumped up about $1500 in price. Classic Kawi- fool buyers into thinking they’re getting an updated bike when the frame, engine and chassis has been around since 1990. Not even a fuel gauge. The Honda’s probably a better investment.
I really miss solid, technical evaluations of motorcycles like they use to have in Cycle and Cycle World. I don't know who Ryan Nitzen is. Motorcycle journalism is in a sad state.
I still don't really know who you are. It seems anyone can become a moto journalist these days. I would actually pay for someone to provide real information about bike tests. I guess no one really wants to criticize the manufacturers on their anemic efforts in providing new machines. I suppose the manufacturers are merely working within their current financial constraints. A 300 pound dual sport bike with a 2 gallon gas tank doesn't sound like much of an effort to me. @@RyanNitzen
Supermoto is useless. A dirtbike you can't ride on the dirt is just dumb. It's not a roadbike. Just make a lowered trail version. People have been putting road tyres on dirtbikes forever.
Depends where you live. They can be more fun that a sport bike on rough twisty pavement. I had a WR250X, DRZ400SM, and two 690 Super Motos. Rode one of the KTMs on a road course in the intermediate group and I don't remember getting passed. It definitely could hold its own in that setting. The backroads where I live are full of dips, heaves, and pot holes due to the weather and constant rain, as well as root bumps. On some of these I don't think any street legal thing on wheels (2 or 4) is likely to take a good supermoto. They are pretty fun for scooting around town too. On that DeLuz Road that was mentioned, that is my childhood stomping grounds. That road is normally kept in pretty good condition, but quite narrow, very twisty, lots of elevation changes, and short on visibility. It is so tight that it just isn't that great on a Super Sport / Super Bike, but a SM is perfect.
