I'm wanting a new fresher FI dual-sport. How do the KLX-300 and CRF-300 Rally compare to each other? It looks like the Kawasaki may have better forks and a slight displacement advantage but, the CRF-300 Rally has a bigger gas tank and LED accessory lights.

What else are important discriminators between the two? And, where does the KLX-300SM fit into the mix? I'm actually starting to lean into that option a bit more from spec'manship reading!

TIA,
Sid

 

I have 300SM because I only ride asphalt.




But if I did ANY dirt riding at all I'd definetely get the Dual Sport.

The only bike I can compare the KLX300SM to is the DRZ400SM I rode for 11 years and 35,000 miles. The Suzuki had more power, but the KLX feels more refined and less "clunky" and it handles easier.

 

To me the biggest difference is the quality of suspension between the Honda and the Kaws. The Kawasakis have a rebuildable revalveable rear shock with both compression and rebound damping. Unless something has changed the Honda does not, to have a quality shock on them you're going to spend another $500. I am not sure how the power difference is, but the KLX has a couple possible big bores with the 330 and the 351 from B&B (Bill Blue) that the injection is now able to be adjusted to suit.

For actual dual sport play the Honda has too much plastic to damage, some of which is totally breakable ABS if I am correct. The main plus is the fuel capacity, but I'm thinking eventurally some aftermarket source will solve that. For now a gallon or two gallon Rotopax gas container on a rack will do the job.

The SM is simply more street oriented with the 17" wheels and a bit lower ground clearance, plus a larger front brake rotor set up. Otherwise pretty much the same.

Don't get me wrong, the Honda will do very well, but it has definite shortcomings when it comes to dual sport and trail riding for sure. I like Hondas, sold them for a number of years, quality is there, just not quite as well equipped in the L or L Rally set up when it comes to suspension.

 

I grew up on Honda "XL" models and found them to be easy to keep running, work on when needed, and a ton of fun. However, they seemed antiquated, though not nearly as bad as Suzuki, compared to other options.

The Kawasaki seems to be built to a lesser quality standard based on what I have seen and done to my KLX-250S but, in all fairness, I beat it hard and really don't have any significant complaints. Power always seems a bit weak overall compared to similar displacements from other makes and the footpegs IMHO suck! The left one is a real pain to use while standing and seems to be inset about 1/2~3/4"!

With a BB351 upgrade with EFI being an option, that is a strong argument for the Kawasaki!