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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe 2021–2023 Kawasaki KLX300SM is the road-focused supermoto version of the KLX300 dual-sport. Its defining differences are 17-inch wheels with street tires and a distinct suspension setup; across these three U.S. model years, Kawasaki’s original MSRP rose from $5,999 to $6,299. Kawasaki lists a 292cc engine but does not publish horsepower or torque in the cited specifications, so performance figures below distinguish factory data from individual 2021 press-ride observations.
What changed from 2021 to 2023?
The core concept and the key hardware remained consistent: a liquid-cooled 292cc single, six-speed transmission, 17-inch wheels and street-oriented suspension. The clearest year-to-year differences in Kawasaki’s U.S. materials are the original MSRP and listed colors. Each year’s specification sheet includes model imagery; use the year-specific sheet to match photos and paint names.
| Model year | Original U.S. MSRP | Colors listed by Kawasaki | Official reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $5,999 | Lime Green/Ebony; Oriental Blue/Ebony | 2021 specifications and imagery |
| 2022 | $6,199 | Lime Green/Ebony; Ebony | 2022 specifications and imagery |
| 2023 | $6,299 | Neon Green; Ebony | 2023 specifications and imagery |
These are Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.’s original suggested retail prices, not current used-market values or out-the-door costs. The cited sources do not establish present asking prices, transaction prices, taxes, dealer fees or availability. Kawasaki’s 2023 announcement also points media to its image site for high-resolution images, which may require registration. Check image terms and obtain permission before reusing press or editorial photographs.
What are the KLX300SM’s engine and chassis specifications?
Kawasaki’s U.S. model-year sheets describe a 292cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke single with double overhead camshafts (DOHC), a 78.0 x 61.2mm bore and stroke, and an 11.1:1 compression ratio. Fuel is delivered by DFI through a 34mm Keihin throttle body. The bike uses CDI ignition, a six-speed return-shift transmission, a wet multi-disc manual clutch and chain final drive.
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The 2023 specifications provide the following chassis and dimensions. These figures describe the KLX300SM, not the dual-sport KLX300.
| Item | 2023 Kawasaki specification |
|---|---|
| Front suspension | 43mm inverted cartridge fork; adjustable compression damping; 9.1 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Uni-Trak gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir; adjustable rebound damping and spring preload; 8.1 inches of travel |
| Front tire | 110/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 130/70-17 |
| Front brake | Single 300mm petal disc with dual-piston caliper |
| Rear brake | 240mm disc with single-piston caliper |
| Seat height | 33.9 inches |
| Ground clearance | 9.3 inches |
| Wheelbase | 56.5 inches |
| Fuel capacity | 2.0 U.S. gallons |
| Curb weight | 304.3 pounds; Kawasaki’s definition includes operating fluids, a tank more than 90% full and the supplied tool kit. California evaporative-emissions equipment adds about 2.2 pounds when fitted. |
See the 2023 Kawasaki specification sheet for the manufacturer’s full presentation.
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How fast is the Kawasaki KLX300SM?
Kawasaki’s cited specification sheets do not state horsepower or torque, and they do not provide a factory top-speed or acceleration figure. Cycle News reviewer Kit Palmer reported from a 2021 ride that the engine felt quicker-revving and had somewhat more bottom- and midrange response than the earlier KLX250, but was not especially fast at high rpm. He said it could keep up with traffic, that about 70 mph felt comfortable on the open highway, and that he observed a little over 80 mph on flat ground. Those are one rider’s press-test observations, not a manufacturer claim, controlled measurement or promise of the same speed for every rider and condition.
For its 2021 first ride, RevZilla’s Common Tread review focused on how the motorcycle behaved rather than supplying a factory power figure. Both accounts are useful context, but neither turns the missing official horsepower and torque figures into established specifications.
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What is the difference between the KLX300 and KLX300SM?
The KLX300SM is set up for pavement; the KLX300 dual-sport retains the larger off-road wheel arrangement and longer-travel orientation. Kawasaki’s 2023 announcement identifies the SM’s 17-inch wheels, street tires and suspension setup as central to the distinction. The SM’s smaller-diameter street wheels and tire profile are intended to suit paved roads, rather than the dual-sport’s broader off-road remit.
In its 2021 comparison, Cycle News reported that the SM used stiffer springs and taller final gearing than the dual-sport. The review listed the SM with a 25-degree rake, 2.8 inches of trail, 9.1 inches of front travel, 8.1 inches of rear travel and a 33.9-inch seat height. Those geometry and setup comparisons come from Cycle News; Kawasaki’s SM specification sheet confirms the SM travel and seat-height figures. The distinction is about intended use, not a universal ranking: choose based on how much pavement versus off-road riding the bike needs to handle.
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What did 2021 reviewers say about its road performance?
Cycle News found the SM firmer over bumps than the dual-sport but more stable at speed. Its reviewer said the 17-inch wheels and street tires helped the bike turn in more quickly and confidently on pavement, and called it entertaining on twisty roads and a kart track. RevZilla’s 2021 first-ride review likewise described easy city use, increased confidence on twisty roads, smooth braking and satisfying kart-track riding. RevZilla also cautioned that it is not a long-distance touring motorcycle or a race-replica supermoto.
These are the outlets’ judgments from 2021 press rides, not controlled comparative testing or a guarantee of how the bike will feel to every rider. Kawasaki’s own 2023 announcement calls it a street-focused supermoto; that is the manufacturer’s positioning, not an independent performance assessment.
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What tires does the KLX300SM use?
The 2023 Kawasaki sheet specifies a 110/70-17 front tire and a 130/70-17 rear tire. RevZilla identified IRC Road Winner tires on its 2021 test bike. Tire make and model on that test bike should not be treated as proof of fitment for every model year, market or replacement setup; confirm the markings and fitment for the specific motorcycle before buying tires.
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