2020 Kawasaki KLX300R First Look
Kawasaki introduced a new 292cc off-road bike, offering an option between its smaller trail bikes and its full race-ready KX models. The 2020 Kawasaki KLX300R brings back a model name that was last used in 2006, but with much needed modern updates.
The engine is a 292cc liquid-cooled DOHC Single, which actually similar to the old KLX300, down to the same 78.0 mm bore and 61.2 mm stroke. The new engine, however, is fuel injected, with a 34mm throttle body, providing more precise throttle control, improved emissions, easier starting in cold conditions and more stable fueling in different air temperatures or altitudes.
The engine uses a lightweight flat-top piston, with light connecting rods for faster engine speeds without too much vibration. The piston skirt was designed to minimize contact with the Nikasil-plated cylinder walls, reducing friction and improving durability. The dual radiators offer a similar design to the ones used on the KX250.
The 2020 KLX300R comes with an electric starter and a U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrester, allowing access to designated riding areas.
The engine is mounted to a box section and tubular high tensile steel perimeter frame optimized for rigidity. Suspension duties are handled by a 43mm inverted cartridge fork with adjustable compression damping and a Uni-Trak rear shock with adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping. Both offer 11.2 inches of travel.
The front brakes are inherited from the KX250 and KX450, with a twin-piston caliper and 270mm disc. The rear wheel is matched with a single-piston caliper and 240mm disc.
Like the KX models, the KLX300 uses Kawasaki’s Ergo-Fit system, with an adjustable front brake lever and four different handlebar positions. The seat-tank junction was also designed with ergonomics in mind, providing freedom of movement, allowing riders to slide further forward during turns.
Other features include KX-inspired styling, a 36.4-inch seat height, and a claimed 282.2-pound wet weight (286.4 pounds for California models).
The 2020 Kawasaki KLX300R will be offered in lime green for $5,499.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R Specifications | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $5,499 |
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 4-Valve Single |
| Displacement | 292 cc |
| Bore & Stroke | 78.0 x 61.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel System | DFI with 34mm throttle body |
| Ignition | Digital DC-CDI |
| Transmission | 6-Speed |
| Rake/Trail | 26.5°/4.3 inches |
| Front Tire | 80/100-21 |
| Rear Tire | 100/100-18 |
| Front Suspension | 43mm inverted cartridge fork with compression damping adjustment, 11.2 inches of travel |
| Rear Suspension | Uni-Trak with adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping adjustment, 11.2 inches of travel |
| Wheelbase | 56.5 inches |
| Front Brake | 270mm Petal Disc |
| Rear Brake | 240mm Petal Disc |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.1 gallons |
| Ground Clearance | 12.0 / 11.8 (CA Model) inches |
| Seat Height | 36.4 inches |
| Curb Weight | 282.2 pounds / 286.4 pounds (CA Model), claimed |
| Warranty | 6 months |
| Kawasaki Protection Plus | 12, 24 or 36 months |
| Colors | Lime Green |
Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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Ouch, 282 pounds for a lightly powered 300?!
This looks great. I've been wanting to make something of similar build. I'm currently installing a protaper handlebar and I would replace my tires next.