The suspension has always been a high point for the KLX. Not just adjustability but how well it works in real world off roading.

New owners of the CRF300L are already removing the slipper clutch to make them better, so I don't know if that's a plus. The Hondas are still coming with suspension factory valved and sprung for a lightweight 120lb rider, so even though it's longer travel an average weight rider will still be almost bottomed out on a stock setup. Looks like Kawi for the win with it's adjustability.

A huge point I've heard about the Honda: extremely wide ratio 6 speed. That means 1'st gear is good and low, while 6'th is good and high. What I've heard is the bike is nearly a unicorn for that alone. I've heard it does low speed bush crawling very well, but also does highway speed comfortably, without being "wound out" to keep up speed. I have not heard how the Kawasaki fares in this comparison, and it is perhaps one of the two most important points, quality suspension being the other big one. From what I've heard, the suspension on the Honda sucks, but with that gear box, it becomes worth spending the extra big money to upgrade, then you really do have a unicorn that is otherwise simply NEVER possible, because gears cannot be upgraded. If the Kawasaki has an honest wide ratio 6 speed equal to the Honda, then the better suspension is enough to make it the better bike, no further debate.

Thank you. Your research is informative and helpful. I have not had a bike for a few years. My old, no longer with me, XR250R was fun to ride. Also, thanks to experienced riders who shared their opinions and adventures.

Great discussion! Thanks for doing this comparative video!

the klx250 was better than the crf250l because of it's lighter weight and slightly better suspension. Both were under-powered, though. I expect the Klx300 to be better than the Honda 300.

So does that mean that the only way to adjust the suspension in the Honda is to change the entire unit/spring?

I bought the 250 klx a year before the 300 was made. I’m clearly the winner here.

Kawi has adjustable suspension n 3 pound lighter

Just got the word. My motorcycle dealership guy has my klx300 in the shop and is building it with the extra things I wanted (handguards, and luggage rack). I was wondering if the plastic skid plate should be swapped out as well.

Great comparison. I enjoyed your presentation. These are the exact two bikes I was considering buying late last year/early this year. I went with the Honda CRF300 Rally. It’s a great bike, and I really enjoy riding it. That said, I would gladly buy the Kawasaki KLX300 any day. Happy Trails

Would be nice to test ride them but in Canada it's almost impossible to just test ride a motorcycle. Usually the only way to test ride is if a manufacturer schedules a demo day in your area, which also seldom happens :(

When it comes between these two. Buy it like a girl buys things. Go by which colour you prefer. XD

the KLX has fully adjustable suspension front and rear out of the box. the KLX also has a huge aftermarket with reliable 351 cc kits which can potentially make the bike out of honda's league with very little money spent.

If the KLX has a higher seat and lower ground clearance, would that mean it’s better suited for tall riders?

you forgot the seat comfort? or design.... will it be something you will enjoy riding or have to change it or ?

I live in Indonesia and last year I was looking at Kawasaki and Honda. Both built for the local market under license with genuine parts. Even though the Kawasaki was 230cc, 6 speed vs Honda's 150cc and 5 speed I ended up with the Honda. It had to do with what you addressed in the beginning of your video. The Kawasaki was simply not pleasing in terms of some design features, some components and the overall "feeling" it gave me. It was simply too crude and "unfinished". You mentioned the seat hight and packeting of the Kawasaki, this is the sort of thing I am referring too. I was rooting for the Kawasaki but sitting on it and knowing it had much "better" engine and gearbox I knew that it was not for me. I also had a 300cc Kawasaki street bike before and that one was a gem, had a very nice quality feeling to it. If this 300cc engine is anything like my street bike, you guys will really like it. As for the adjustable suspension, yes it is a positive for the Kawasaki, but you still have to remember that these adjustments will be limited. Most likely if you are not a "light" person, you will have to go in and do springs and play with oil levels. If you go there, check out the availability of YSS suspension out of Thailand. I have their shocks on my bikes, good quality products at very reasonable prices here in sunny Asia. Nice vid.

Very good to know all this, looking at a CRF300L for myself, looking forward to checking one out.

great review friend here in Canada there is no more sit on the bikes and definitely no taking them for, due to the low supply people are forced to buy these sight unseen, everything else these days, its crazy. Thanks for the video

One aspect not covered in the video was engine power. Honda CRF300L 286cc - 27.0 hp at 8500 rpm, and 19.6 lb-ft. at 6,500rpm KLX300 292cc - 26 hp at 8,000 rpm, and 17 lb-ft at 7,000 rpm. 2.6 lb-ft of torque is 15.3% higher for the Honda, so another point?

Loved your video, a cool way of comparison. The lack of adjustable suspension on the Honda is disappointing.

I would figure the 1 piece subframe is a downside against the CRF, I would hate to have to total a frame due to putting slightly too much luggage on.

I own honda crf 150L here in the Philippines. Wish i could ugrade to higher cc soon. Im eying for crf 250L. Thanks for this video bro. Ride safe!

KLX auto adjusts the RPM when you forgot to shift to lower gear and your RPM is going down. Thus preventing a STALL. Adjustable suspension should be 2 points!

Thanks for your insight. I'm looking now for a small ADV bike and both of those are on my list as well as the WR250. Very little info really on the Kawasaki. You got to love their graph showing power upgrades. Meaningless. It does seem that there are more accessories for the older Hondas and Yamahas than there are for Kawis. I/E fuel tanks. I guess it is still a wait and see?

Hey! New rider. 40 years old live in Pennsylvania Mountains. Just wanna ride country roads and fire roads….l that’s the extent of off road riding. Want a dual sport. Any ideas on getting a good new or used deal? 6’4” 184lbs.

fOR MANY, HAVING abs (FOR OFF ROAD RIDING) IS A NEGATIVE POINT. ALSO, I've seen numbers where teh suspension travel for the CRF is only 9.4 inches, and the ground clearance is 9.8 inches (where according to kawasaki's web site, the clearance for the KLX is 10.8 inches (the honda actually has less? wher I've seen its height at 9.8..? update numbers on this video?

what about reliability and service parts which is important after buying

Great info. Can you compare 300l vs rally?

Maintance and valve chech intervalls?

I'm guessing KLX. Love I love the Honda. I rode the rally in 2018 and the KLX. I bought the KLX mostly because of slightly better suspension and availability. Still own the KLX and have been happy with it. I would have been happy with the Honda as well. both are good for what they are. Fun.

Nice review 👌.

Are both of these bikes made in Japan? Someone said the Honda was made in Thailand but I wasn't sure. Not that it matters, just curiosity

Just a heads up. The Kawasaki website claims ground clearance of the KLX300 Dual Sport as being 10.8inches. Not the 9.8 inches you have reported.

I have a bike with adjustable compression and rebound dampening. Compression and rebound are both set to exactly the middle range. I don’t adjust it for specific trails. That would be silly. So my point is that adjustable suspension is no big deal. I am not going to adjust it for lots of washboard and stutter bumps then stop and adjust it for high speed whoops, both of which I may encounter on the same trail.

Crf300 power band is at the 6000-8500 rpm range and its bore/stroke is 76mm/63mm. Klx power band is at the 7000-8100 rpm range and its bore/stroke is 78/61.2. So while klx must rev higher to reach the start of the power band, which is about 18hp for each at the beginning, the wider bore and shorter stroke makes it easier to reach those rpms more quickly. Never ridden either bike so idk how this translates in practice if anyone knows I would like to know as well.

Subbed bro great stuff keep it up

If the Honda came with adjustable suspension that would make this a really easy choice

How much HP is the Kawasaki ? Compared to a Honda Rally 250

How can you claim to conclusively decide which one is better if you don't have the bikes?

thanks for your video. i believe anyway that the best comparison is.. on the road and off road non just based on technical data. I am a rally 300 owner.

Having an '18 klx 250 I would buy the camo version again of the 300 in a heartbeat, but they changed the ground clearance and rake making it from over 11 inches to 9 something...I can see it just looking at the new one.

he didn't talk too much about performance, aftermarket availability, service intervals, maintenance, fuel injection/Carb, fuel economy. A lot of those are important

Both are 6 spd gear box?

I am enjoying my KLX so far. On road it was definitely more peppy than I expected, not that I have much to compare to. The suspension is definitely plush. Once the ice is gone Ill be in dirt roads

Great comparison

Dude, answer is which rides better?

Honda also has a gear indicator which I love having.

The adjustable suspension is win for me. Years ago in the 90s i think i test rode a KLX250 but didn't buy it. For those light weight dirt bikes the green is really cool. The classic red on every Honda might be their trademark color but at 64 years old i have owned enough red bikes. Not wanting to see green on the new KLR650 the orange gets a thumbs up from me. I am interested in the stroke of the connecting rod while comparing two bikes and how it contributes to how smooth the bike idles and runs at lower cruising speeds, this too can give an indication of performance while not being able to get your hands on one just yet. I have CB300F in the garage just recently getting a great deal on it not having a bike for a while but am trading up to some type of duel sport in a few months. did you talk about a sixth gear? did i miss that part? I like your rounding up deciding 50 dollars would not make anyone cheap out in the decision. My choices have opened up nicely with these two bikes. Very informative

Kawi has a lower slung motor suggests that it has a lower center of gravity. With adjustable suspension, the Kawi may be a better handling moto than the Honda. The Honda may be more comfortable with longer and cushier suspension travel.

In the US the Kawasaki KLX230 can be had with ABS. I have never seen any riders' ABS reviews for HW gravel or dirt. Maybe I will like it, I hope I do or I wasted $300 I can't find an intelligent crash bar for the Honda. I can make one for it if I cut the plastic. My legs are more important to me than plastic.

While this is a very good analysis of the specs I do believe its a bit flawed. Like a flat 10% across the board isn't necessarily a good metric. For example Seat height. There would have to be a 3.5 inch difference in seat height and that is just an absurd amount. Think of it like adjusting the seat on your bicycle, or the length of your pants. 1 Inch is actually quite the distance when comparing optimal configuration. Now does longer or shorter win in this case? Depends on the rider. If we're going with longer is better, then the 3/4 inches the kawasaki has on the honda is a clear advantage. Then the travel. While yes the honda has more rear travel than the kawasaki, from ride reviews ive seen, they all say that the suspension is very mushy and you're spending most of a trail ride bottomed out. Adding that an essential upgrade is suspension that actually has some use to it, which not only puts the suspension point to the kawasaki for being useable, but also increases the honda's price which would also give another point to the kawasaki. Next is ground clearance. Like you said, you have to ride them. But knowing the honda has extremely mushy suspension from other ride reviews, the ground clearance on the honda very well could be below the kawasaki once weighted. Again this could be fixed by swapping out the suspension, but like i mentioned, that is a huge expense youre adding in to make the honda useable. Then the weight comes into issue. Kawasaki says clear as day on their site that they are quoting us the wet weight, which means its fully fueled up and ready to go, even mentioning above 90% fuel capacity. Honda doesn't actually say, so thats not definitive (also you quoted 309lbs when the ABS version is 311lbs) Lastly engine size. While yes the kawasaki is a hair larger, its all about power. Trying to find numbers online quote the honda at about 27hp and the kawasaki at about 33hp. When hp is this small, and riders are large compared to the bike, that 5hp is major. And while we cant tell from the engine size, the hp difference is 15%. in conclusion, this was a good spec rundown, but like you said you have to get out there and ride them to see how they actually are. One that wins in the specs very well could get demolished in the ride test.

Well, I bought the Kawi so I think it will be best. How's that for science?

I went with the Kawi. The Honda is nice, but to me being a bigger guy I knew the Honda would be un rideable with the soft suspension.

Very informative. I know this about picking a winner, but I really think it is a draw. Reason: Adjustable suspension is huge. The Honda is a good product with the slipper clutch & switchable ABS, but for me it is too close to call. They have to be ridden to know the winner.

Excellent video

And the power?

These bikes are just standard which no one keeps that way. How much to get it to a long-term ride standard? Then we see what is true value and capability.

I've had my 2021 klx300 out riding a few times now. Fuel injected bikes seem to be so much smoother through the power band. I'm rather impressed with the suspension and the comfort of the bike. I'm getting used to the seat height. Not sure if I want to remove snorkle and install aftermarket pipes. I would appreciate comments on anyone who has done this to their bike and if they noticed any postive changes from doing so. Overall, very happy with this Kawi. I'm now a proud owner of a Honda, a yamaha, and my klx300. Party on, riders!

What's the mpg

Two things I would love to know: 1) How do the vibrations compare (requires test ride :) ). 2) Strength of sub-frame - ability to carry some luggage/gear.

I don't mean to sound too critical, but the reviewer said to not go by specs and then proceeds to analyze features that may or may not have anything to do which is the better bike??

Ottimo confronto grazie

Gracias, bien explicado... creo te faltó la atención post venta, acá en Sudamérica sufrimos mucho con los consecionarios, casi no existen los de Kawasaki, en cambio Honda tiene el punto a favor por este lado del continente

10.8" ground clearance listed on the kawi site now, for the klx300 vs 11.2 for the honda (10.9 for the "rally")

The Honda seems better on the surface.....but most of us want the Kawasaki!

So it’s been 1 year since this video was released. I have definitely done my research. I have read countless columns, reviews, and comments regarding these two bikes. After contemplating each bike, I finally chose the KLX over the Honda. So here’s the problem I’ve been running into. I can’t find any KLX 300’s for sale!!! I see the Honda’s in every shop I’ve stopped in. I’ve resorted to looking on the internet, but the closest one available is in the Midwest. I’m on the west coast, so it’s not feasible. They are sold faster than they can keep them on the floor in my area. So what does that tell you? According to the people buying these, the KLX is the most sought after of two. I honestly think both are great bikes and I’d be happy with either one. Still, for me, the pros of the KLX out weigh the pros of the CFR. Apparently, I’m in the huge majority who feel the same as I do.

One pretty big advantage Honda is valve adjust interval. KLX is valve adjustment every 12,000km or 8000 miles. Honda 25,000km miles or 16,000 miles. My personal thoughts are as much as I'd like to save weight off road with a smaller bike it would be hard to justify replacing my DR650 with a 300. The DR650 is the same exact price as these 300's in Canada so I would consider a new 650 to compare when choosing a new bike but mainly because I have a bunch of money in upgrades I could swap over if I got a new one. Sure, the DR is heavy at nearly 400 pounds with the tank, guards and racks I added but it's pretty light for an adventure bike. It's still 50 pounds lighter than a Himalayan. The DR is really easy to maintain myself and it's been around long enough to have its own app with a condensed service manual with torque specs and specs built in.

well done , it is said by some that the klx has better suspenders, ,, in the uk bikes registered for the road must have abs if sold new... so there is no klx300 here yet ,, i spoke to a large dealer and they said kawasaki might bring in the klx650 but no sign of 300,,, .i suspect that most makers will fit a slipper clutch to go with abs to make a smooth package,,, hope this helps.

Kawi is better.. suspension is EVERYTHING on these bikes.. ive ridden both KLX hands down better off road. Honda is more comfortable on street. If you ride more off road, no brainer.. Kaw

we all should just wait for a year or two to check out what yamaha's new small displacement dual sport will be like, that will most definitely have more power, less weight, better suspension, and unfortunately, a steeper price.

The Honda fails on the suspension, here in Thailand we have a limited edition CRF300 Rally - the H2C Dirt Addict which comes with accessories added including Zeta Armor Guards, bash plate, rear rack and a bunch of other things but they didn’t upgrade the suspension so in my opinion it is a dirt addict only in name

I think the winner will be the Honda :) I'm very excited about these... if they can cruise at 85mph comfortably I'll be VERY happy!

Woon jy nou in Amerika?

Now its Yamaha's turn, what are that going to come up with to compete with Honda and kawasaki, l actually own an athena wr290r and it's the best bike I ever owned performance, handling, and reliability wise, but it has 25000mi and looking for a replacement

Waar is jy vandaan Troep?

I can see abs being a problem if you want to brake slide to square a turn

Unusual review but a great starting point if you are choosing between the two. Honda has legendary reliability so that would be my choice.

Length is not the determining factor on suspension if it is under sprung. Most reviewers uniformly gave the Kawi points for a vastly better suspension!

Off-road is what I needed the bike to be good at after riding both on the trails the KLX300 is clearly the better bike the Honda could be so much better but it just isn’t the suspension is a big deal especially if it’s going off the beaten path. Sure you can upgrade it but you can upgrade any bike as long as you got money to spend

I love approaching shopping from a specs perspective, so super cool to see you approach it this way. Give us a follow up when you can get your hands on one! That feel of a bike can definitely tip the scales!

Local dealer network???

Hopefully it will arrive here in Philippines I'm planning to buy CRF 250L but when I heard they are releasing 300L in Thailand my mind change I will wait for the 300L. Also here in Philippines Honda has more parts available than Kawasaki in my experience only

The clear winner for me is the klx300 because it’s the one that was available when I had the opportunity to purchase a new bike.

Good job Francois

Just because the rear suspension on the Honda has more travel doesn't mean it's going to be more bouncy/soft. It could be dampened and sprung totally different to make up for it and the travel then would only help offroad while still being sprung for good road manners.

For me its reliability, and performance, motor and suspension, I thinking Honda is a little better choice, but I don't want ABS OR SLIPPER CLUTCH, but I think the klx300r dirt bike with a dual sport kit and tag is a better choice, I just need to check if it has the same ratio 6 speed gear box as the dual sport version, but think all these 300 are a winner, I think the 300cc has the perfect torque for knarly off road and on road performance and that 300 rally looks sweet for a light adventure bike and those prices make them even sweeter

I just put in my deposit for the honda, so heres hoping its a great bike. Its going to accompany my Yamaha tw200.

CRF300L and KLX300SM would be a great combo :)

Kawi got more bore and Honda got more stroke that's makes A HUGE DIFFERENCE, I bet that Honda will make more torque and Kawasaki will make more horsepower, so Honda should be better off road and Kawasaki will be better on road, so to me it gets down to where you will use the bike most of the time. To me is get the Honda (for off road) and upgrade the suspension to Öhlings (assuming that the current kit for the 2019 cfr250l fits on it) snd you will have the best one, even better than the Yamaha which has aluminium frame and higher center of gravity.

I am more drawn to the Honda based on looks and Honda reputation for reliability, BUT, I would be considered both tall and heavy for these bikes and I think the Kawasaki edges out the Honda with the suspension differences (lots of reports the Honda is much softer) Kawasaki seat is only slightly higher, but with lower ground clearance I think that'll make even more space between the seat and the pegs for us tall guys. Even more so when you consider the Honda will likely sag more when a heavy rider sits on it. My research is pointing me toward team green only because I'm tall and heavy.

This was a good comparison . I think points would be different by region though .First ABS is a option it adds $200 dollars to the price and 5 LBS to the weight . Also you can only turn off the back wheel not the front . I am liking the Kawasaki because of better suspension, but by all accounts the Honda has a better transmission . So we all can change upgrade the Honda suspension but no one can upgrade the Kawasaki transmission. The Rally is a $1000 option in Canada ,I am not saying it is not worth it . But that's over 10 % so not a comparison .The Kawasaki in Ontario is $644 dollars more then a 2021 CRF300L no ABS . I really would like to get the Honda ,but there is none available and dealers wont take orders because Honda Canada has not even set 2022 pricing yet . This is very frustrating, but hay there is two feet of snow outside so why am I in a rush ? Thanks

The Kawasaki KLX 230 comes with abs but the Kawasaki KLX 300 does not I think the Abs if you asked me was a trade-off for the adjustable suspension

I really enjoy your videos the way you lay them out. I hope the Honda wins cuz I'm a Honda guy but I've heard really good things about the Kawasakis

Considering my 300L is getting delivered in a month. I’m gonna go with honda

The Kawasaki is 10.8 inches ground clearance by the way that was a typo. And the winner is Kawasaki no comparison. Kaw is more expensive for a reason

Great video. I think the Honda also wins for low maintenance compared to Kawasaki. Getting the 300L non ABS real soon here in Illinois ✌

The blacked out camo KLX looks better than the red seat CRF but that's subjective. What isn't subjective is the CRF's saggy suspension = total deal breaker for me. You seem to laugh/chuckle at giving a point for the "longer travel" CRF, hinting that you are aware it isn't true the second you sit on the bike. I'm ~200lbs and after some minor preload adjustment, KLX's rear shock is plenty firm with even more preload adjustment to spare. Also the stock KLX exhaust seems to be high quality stainless steel, whereas the CRF looks to be plain black painted steel that will rust. To me, the CRF is a prime example of function following form. Its flashy racy looks do not match its actual performance. Cringey like a Harley; all show and no go. Noobie slipper clutch too. The KLX delivers function first; it simply works. No brainer; KLX = "CLEAR winner" for me.

Dealer support in your area should be strongly considered.

I think you should have added that the honda has a fuel gauge and the Klx doesn't . I sat on both and the honda seat felt a lot better on my butt . The klx was hard as a rock .