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The Promise: Get Out & Play
Kawasaki’s announcement of the new models, the KLX®300 and KLX®300SM, has been a brave one: officially, there is a “Get Out & Play” slogan. This catchy sentence is the best way to explain the nature of both of these models+mdash;motorcycles that the company has designed for the pure pleasure of riding them without any obligations. Be it the ride through the thick forest along the dirt tracks, the excursions of fire roads, or the skillful weaving of the bike through the crowds in the town, of course, the KLX300 series comes with a freedom factor, flexibility, and deepest joy.
Introducing the 2026 KLX 300
Engine and Performance
The KLX300 motor is powered by the 292cc four-stroke engine which is cooled by a liquid medium. Thanks to its smooth extra torque and the mid-range performance power range, both technical trials and urban settings are mastered. It is the 6-speed transmission that makes it very easy and flexible to cruise or charge depending on the terrain.
Chassis and Agility
Built with a lightweight perimeter frame, the bike shows great agility despite its hard cornering. The suspension system has long travel which means it easily copes with bumps and obstacles, while the 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels provide the vehicle with comfortable grounded clearance and secure traction.
Rider Features
Also, Kawasaki has equipped the KLX300 with rider-friendly features: electric start, adjustable suspension preload, and ergonomic design tailored for both seated and standing riding. Dual-purpose tires mean it’s not just a trail slayer—it’s an adventure commuter too.
Elevating the Experience with KLX 300SM
For both the tarmac and the trail riders, Kawasaki presents the KLX®300SM, the supermoto variant equipped with both style and function:
Street-Ready Setup
The KLX300SM is a good-looking bike fitted with 17-inch cast wheel rims that are wrapped with street-oriented tires, tuned perfectly for high-grip pavement riding. Big 310mm front and 240mm rear wave rotors deliver rapid stopping power, ensuring safety and control.
Handling Enhancements
Chassis and suspension are retuned to mange the passing grip of supermoto tires and the lower profile of those at the same time. The result: sharp cornering, short-wheeled turns, and confident performance in urban canyon grids.
Quick Specs at a Glance
| Specification | KLX®300 | KLX®300SM |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 292 cc | 292 cc |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Front Wheel Size | 21″ spoke wheel | 17″ cast wheel |
| Rear Wheel Size | 18″ spoke wheel | 17″ cast wheel |
| Front Brake | 270 mm disc | 310 mm wave disc |
| Rear Brake | 240 mm disc | 240 mm wave disc |
| Dual-Purpose Tires | Yes | No (street tires) |
| Electric Start | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Rear Suspension | Yes | Yes |
| Dry Weight | ~295 lb | ~305 lb |
What Riders Will Love
- Dual-Purpose Daily Rider (KLX300): Ideal for crossing between trails, class D roads, and city commuting. It offers adventure without compromise.
- Urban Thrill Seeker (KLX300SM): An urban rider is a fun with aggressive handling and sportbike-style attitude while still possessing dual-sport utility.
Every rider, from weekend explorers to weekday commuters, finds a perfect match with this lineup.
Competition and Advantage
In this category of bikes that have the likes of the Honda CRF300L and Yamaha WR250R, the KLX300 is different as it features a fine mesh of torque, lightweight chassis, and performance versatility. Whether you are riding on deep gravel or finding your way through tight city corners, Kawasaki’s bike offers different styles of riding without loss of character.
If you are a rider searching for an all-in-one, one that can negotiate hard trails, gravel roads, and city traffic, the KLX300 and KLX300SM definitely stand out as a valuable proposition.
Prepping for the 2026 Model Year
Among other things, Kawasaki is going to be the first in the market with KLX300 duo-early, passing the ball to interested riders to get their hands on the 2026 units this fall. A number of dealers in the U.S. will be on board by late August or September with stock.
Available Accessories:
- Luggage racks for touring
- Skid plates for rock protection
- Engine guards for crash resilience
- Hand guards for trail defense
- Color-matched graphics kits
Comparing the Two
| Feature | KLX®300 | KLX®300SM |
|---|---|---|
| Supermoto Wheels | No | Yes |
| Tire Type | Dual-purpose | Street-only |
| Urban Handling | Good | Excellent |
| Trail Off-Road Ability | Excellent | Good |
| Brake Size | Standard discs | Larger wave rotors |
This guide features a comparison of the parts of the two models, which should help you relate to your riding style. Do not know? Test rides are always recommended, offering you an opportunity to decide.
Riding Experience: What to Expect
- KLX300: With its tall stance, tall susp, and grippy tires, this model dominates broken terrain, dirt roads, and gravel tracks with a balanced, predictable feel.
- KLX300SM: Lower seat height, sharper brakes, and slick pavement tires promise a sporty ride in urban environments—perfect for carving through tight corners or light trail adventures.
Final Verdict
Kawasaki has introduced a new, significant addition to the lineup with both the KLX300 and KLX300SM. Their versatility is a crucial factor as they attract a wide range of customers, starting from those who go on the trails every now and then to daily riders looking for some fun in their life.
The “Get Out & Play” slogan not only emphasizes the point that it is possible to have just one multifunctional bike that is good it is also practical. All it requires is your helmet and GPS to get ready for the season of adventures which is just around the corner, the 2026 season.
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