Holloway ratings
Four separate scores, not one blended number, so you can see what's actually driving it.
Full specs
Where the Kawasaki KLX300 sits
Wet weight against ground clearance for every bike in the finder that publishes both. Light and tall, top left, is where the easiest green lane bikes sit. Tap a dot to open that bike.
Figures are manufacturer claims. Clearance is measured differently by different makers, so treat small gaps as a draw.
Will your feet reach?
The Kawasaki KLX300 has a 895mm seat. Enter your inside leg for a rough idea of how much foot you'll get down when stopped.
A rough guide only. A wide seat needs more leg than a narrow one, the suspension settles 20 to 40mm under you, and boots add a little. Many bikes offer a low seat or lowering link. Sit on one before you buy.
Range against similar bikes
Real-world range from tank size and typical economy, against the bikes closest to it in weight and type. Out on the lanes, fuel stops are often further apart than on a road ride.
Range only. Hard off-road riding and headwinds use more fuel, so plan fuel stops with margin.
Tyres that fit the Kawasaki KLX300
It runs a 3.00-21 front and a 4.60-18 rear, on Dunlop D605 from the factory. 3 tyres in our Tyre Finder are made in at least one of those sizes, ranked by green lane score.
Sizes are for the standard UK model and can change between model years. Check the size on your own tyre sidewall, and ask your dealer before fitting a different size. Our size lists come from maker and retailer listings and can miss sizes, so a tyre shown for one end may still be made in your other size. Check the maker's size chart.
Compare the Kawasaki KLX300
What we actually found
Owners describe the KLX300 as one of the nimblest and most flickable trail bikes on the market. At just 137kg wet, riders consistently report how easy it is to handle in tight single-track and lift after a drop. The adjustable 43mm cartridge forks receive praise over non-adjustable rivals, though owners note that its small 7.9-litre tank and modest 26hp require planning around fuel stops and relaxed highway speeds.
Pros for green laning
- Ultra-lightweight agility: at just 137kg wet, it is one of the lightest road-legal four-stroke dual-sports available, making solo recoveries effortless.
- Adjustable suspension from factory: the 43mm inverted cartridge fork features 16-way adjustable compression damping, offering far better bottoming resistance than unadjustable budget rivals.
- Trail-bred ground clearance: 285mm of clearance and 255mm front / 250mm rear suspension travel clear large logs, boulders, and deep ruts with ease.
- Smooth, tractable EFI single: the 292cc engine produces a smooth, predictable 26hp and 24Nm that is friendly and stall-resistant in slick mud.
Cons and limitations
- Tiny 7.9-litre fuel tank: real-world fuel range is limited to roughly 110-120 miles, requiring careful route planning around petrol stations on full-day trail rides.
- Stretched on high-speed road links: with 26hp, cruising at sustained 70mph dual-carriageway speeds leaves little roll-on power and causes engine buzzing.
- Narrow, minimalist seat: the firm, dirt-bike style bench seat becomes uncomfortable after an hour of seated road transit.
- No factory luggage rack: lacks integrated tie-down points or rear luggage support for carrying tubes, tools, and hydration packs out of the crate.
Based on manufacturer specifications and independent motorcycle press reviews.
Find where to actually ride it
Browse legal green lanes and byways across England and Wales, filtered by difficulty, on Holloway's map.
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