Kawasaki has completed its 2021 KLX lineup with an unexpected motorcycle. Meet the 2021 Kawasaki KLX300SM, a supermoto designed for riders of both the streets and racetrack.
The KLX300SM is built on the all-new
KLX300 dual-sport platform, which is based on the KLX250 platform that was
heavily revised in 2018. The biggest differences are the 17-inch street-going
wheels (110/70 and 130/70 with IRC RX-01 Road Winner tires mounted), and a bit
less suspension travel. The SM has 9.1-inches of travel up front, and 8.1
inches in the rear (the KLX300 features about an inch more at both ends).
Powering the KLX300SM is the 292cc DOHC
motor that’s 43cc larger than the KLX250. Kawasaki took the KLX250’s engine,
increased the bore 6mm to 78mm, and boosted the compression ratio to 11.1:1.
The KLX300SM arrives with a 34mm throttle body, and the same cam profiles
featured in the KLX300R. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission
calibrated for street use.
The supermoto arrives with a steel
perimeter frame and short wheelbase for quicker handling. A 43mm inverted front
fork arrives with compression damping adjustability, and the Uni-Track
suspension out back features a gas-charged shock with spring-preload and
rebound-damping adjustments. Stopping the KLX300SM is a twin-piston caliper
squeezing a 300mm semi-floating disc up front, and a single-piston caliper
squeezing a 240mm rear disc. Other highlights include an all-digital instrument
panel and a 33.8-inch seat height.
The 202
