I'm a longtime vintage Yamaha enduro guy who realized they are too valuable to ride off road now that they are restored. Been an enduro, dual sport person since 1971. The Kawasaki KLX300 is a great fit for me as I need a modern bike to ride on and off road. Just brought home my zero mile KLX300 today and I'll add the usual skid guard, rack, and fender eliminator. It's a little brother to my 2018 Z900RS. Hoping to get all my questions answered here on the forum.

 

Don't ignore the KLX250S dual sport forum here. So much of the 250 and 300 are the same or very similar and there's a lot of information that might help you. The main difference is simply the bigger bore, the general design has been around since 2009 with EFI replacing the carb in 2018 on the 250. The bolt on stuff like racks, bash plates, etc are same.

I do like the CT1 175 there. Looks gorgeous. In 1970 when I was 16 friends and I would go and rent HT1 90s at a local dealership that had a riding park. Flogging around for an hour. That was what really captured me in motorcycling.

 

I was there when you bought the bike! It was one I was looking at, but in the end I went green instead. Picked mine up today.
Small world....!
Beuford

 

What a fascinating synchronicity!

I'm happy for both of you. You're gonna love those bikes. I've been riding small transportation bikes for 58 years, and my KLX300SM is hands down the BEST bike I've ever owned.

 

Congratulations to us both, the KLX300 is a home run keeper! Great taste in bikes Beuford.

 

When I purchased my 2023 KLX300, I really didn't like the "classic" green/white/black (too dated) but I wasn't a fan of the Camo, either.

Turns out the KLX300SM side panels and head lamp covers - which are black - are direct replacements for the like components in white on the KLX300. Gave me a third option...

Before:



After:



Really like this look better than Camo or basic green.

Part #'s are:
1ea 36001-0173-68L LH side cover, ebony
1ea 36001-0175-68L RH side cover, ebony
1ea 55022-0044-68L Upper head lamp cover, ebony

You'll need to transfer the rubber grommets and inserts from the old left and right panels. You'll also need to transfer a rubber spacer and the heat shield tape from the right side cover. The heat shield tape can be peeled off and re-applied if you're careful - use gloves to prevent damaging the adhesive. You'll also need to transfer a strip of velcro for the headlamp cover; a blow drier comes in handy here. See photos below.

Right side cover showing bumper and heat shield tape:


If you look carefully you'll see the velcro strip securing the black "flap":

 

Good Afternoon,

I also just purchased a KLX300, I got the R version. Mine was also purchased at Kawasaki of Reno.

 

Letsjet,
What part of Reno are you in?
I just rode my new one home a couple of days ago. What do you think of the break-in procedure?