Kawasaki have announced an all new model – the KLX300R, which takes an enduro racer package and optimises it for off-road use, with the manufacturer claiming the KLX300R is aimed at bridging the gap between their more general off-road options and their race orientated options.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R
The KLX300R features a new 292cc EFI liquid-cooled four-stroke engine and is built for off-road reliability and durability, combined with all-rider accessibility. This should position the KLX300R above options such as the KLX230, with more performance on offer, but as a machine more suited to recreational use.
Features at a glance include electric start, and a six-speed gearbox with the new 292cc single-cylinder powerplant, mated to a steel perimeter frame, and long travel suspension. Forks are 43mm inverted items, with a Uni-trak rear shock and both offer 285mm of travel.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R
A light 7.9L fuel tank is also featured, alongside adjustable handlebars, with a 21in front wheel and 18in rear that will be clad in Dunlop MX52 tyres rubber. Disc brakes include a 270mm petal front rotor and 240mm rear item, with the KLX300R weighing in at 128kg at the curb, with a 925mm seat height.
Ergonomics are KX inspired, while there’s 21.4kW on offer at 8000rpm, and 26.3Nm of peak torque at 7000rpm. The KLX300R will come in Lime Green, with pricing to be announced, as is the release date. The KLX300R will not be road registerable.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R features at a glance
- 292cc liquid-cooled four-stroke, EFI, single-cylinder engine
- Electric start
- Six-speed transmission
- Optimised steel perimeter frame
- Long-travel suspension – 285mm front/rear
- 43mm inverted fork, Uni-trak rear shock
- Lightweight 7.9 litre fuel tank
- KX-style adjustable handlebar
- Large diameter wheels – 21″ front / 18″ rear.
- Petal disc brakes – 270mm front, 240mm rear.
- Slim ergonomics and KX-inspired seat
- Seat height – 925 mm
- Power – 21.4kW@8000rpm
- Torque – 26.3 Nm@7000rpm
- Curb mass – 128 kg
- Colour – Lime Green
- Price & availability- TBA
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R Engine
The KLX300R features a new 292cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine which is fuel-injected and designed for a quick-revving nature and strong pulling power, with ideal low-end torque and a powerful top end. Electric start is also featured, ensuring easy access to the fun.
With a displacement of almost 300cc, the KLX300R’s new engine offers more power and torque than Kawasaki’s other KLX play bikes – a performance gain aimed at more advanced riders as well as racers looking for a bike for recreational riding.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R
The 292cc displacement comes care of a bore and stroke of 78.0 x 61.2 mm. A four-valve DOHC cylinder head provides maximum valve area for optimum flow. Low reciprocating weight (thanks to the use of a cam lobe for each valve with shim-under tappet arrangement) contributes to higher efficiency at high rpm. Cam profiles and intake port design contribute to the smooth, quick-revving engine character.
The fuel injection system, features a 34mm throttle-body, and with fuel injection, fuel delivery is stable regardless of outside air temperature or atmospheric pressure. It also ensures excellent starting characteristics, whether the engine is hot or cold, and contributes to clean emissions. To offer maximum performance, the fuel injection system utilises a fine atomising (10-hole) injector.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R
A pentroof combustion chamber yields a 11.1:1 compression ratio. Lightweight piston, piston pin and connecting rod allow power producing revs, while for enhanced reliability, features include a piston skirt designed to minimise contact with the cylinder wall, and wider connecting rod big-end bearings. * Nikasil plating on the cylinder bore creates a hard coating that contributes to increased durability.
* Dual high-capacity radiators like those used on our KX motocross bikes deliver superior cooling efficiency, and the radiators are very slim and feature the same tightly packed cores and a fin design as the KX250 for heat dispersion.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R – High effeciency radiators
An all-stainless steel exhaust system with a honeycomb catalyser (located in the silencer) keeps emissions clean. The silencer is fitted with a spark arrestor to meet even the strictest Californian off-road regulations.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R – Stainless steel exhaust
A six-speed transmission offers a gear for every situation, and is particularly effective when riding on long straights. Short final gearing (50/14) complements the engine’s low to mid-range focus, enabling riders to continue moving forward when navigating offroad trails.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R Chassis
The KLX300R’s lightweight perimeter frame has served as the design for countless Kawasaki off-road machines, with this latest version aiming to deliver the durability to handle hard off-road riding, while rigidity optimised for trail
The box- and tubular-section high-tensile steel perimeter frame creates a slim, lightweight package, with the 26.9-degree caster angle and short wheelbase contributing to quick handling, while the optimised rigidity of the frame contributes to stability.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R – With lightweight perimeter frame
A new lightweight, extruded aluminium swingarm also contributes to the KLX300R’s overall rigidity balance. The D-section arms add to the bike’s looks, while KX-type chain adjusters facilitate maintenance. High 305mm ground clearance allows riders to more easily clear obstructions while trail riding.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R suspension travel
Long-travel suspension front and rear contributes to the KLX300R’s ability to soak up bumps on the trail, with suspension settings chosen to deliver light handling and overall stability when trail riding. 43mm inverted telescopic fork handles suspension duties up front with 285mm of travel. The fork settings take advantage of the long travel, using a lower spring rate to allow damping to work over a wider stroke range.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R – 43mm inverted forks and Uni-track shock
At the rear, Uni Trak rear suspension with 285mm of wheel travel provides road holding ability and bump absorption. Settings contribute to light, nimble handling and the single rear shock absorber with piggyback reservoir is adjustable for rebound and compression damping, and preload, allowing riders to set the bike up to suit preference and weight.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R – 21in front wheel with 270mm brake rotor and two piston caliper
A large-diameter 270mm front disc (the same size as that of the KX450 and KX250) gripped by a twin-piston caliper offers strong, highly controllable braking. Slowing the rear, a single-piston caliper operates a 240mm disc. Front master cylinder from the KLX450R and a rear master cylinder from the KX250 contribute to control. The brake lever position is also adjustable, offering riders the ability to set the position to suit hand size and preference.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R – 18in rear with 240mm rotor and single-piston caliper
Large-diameter wheels, measuring 21” at the front and 18” at the rear, efficiently overcome obstacles encountered on off-road trails, contributing to trail-riding performance alongside new Dunlop MX52 tyres.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R Ergonomics & Styling
Like Kawasaki’s KX450 and KX250, the new KLX300R features bodywork designed to allow for easy rider movement. The slim design of the frame and bodywork helps the rider grip the bike for control, while the KX inspired seat design design offers freedom of movement for off-road riding.
Complemented by ERGO-FIT adjustable handle positions, the natural riding position facilitates trail riding and just like the KX450 and KX250, an upper triple clamp with two sets of handle mount slots and reversible handle mounts offer riders a choice of four handle positions to choose from: 25mm FWD, 15mm FWD, STD and 10mm BK.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R – Adjustable handlebars
A combination of form and function, the frame was also designed to be easy to grip with the legs, offering chassis control to the rider. Inspired by Kawasaki’s KX racers, the transition from tank to seat was designed to give the rider greater movement when changing riding position, and for sitting farther forward. Seams between the shrouds, seat and side covers are also flush.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R
The seat uses a slip-resistant top surface for good grip when seated and smooth sides for rider mobility. Seat height was kept to a reasonable 925mm, a confidence-inspiring feature.
Styling cues taken from Kawasaki’s KX motocross machines – with some parts like the front number plate and front fender coming directly from the KX250. With a capacity of 7.9 litres, the fuel tank contributes to the bikes’ range, enabling riders to enjoy hours of off-road fun on a single tank. The lightweight plastic tank contributes to weight savings. Low-fuel and FI warning lamps are located on the upper triple clamp.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R – 7.9L fuel tank
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R Specifications
Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder, DOHC, four-valve, 299cc, 78 x 61.2mm bore x stroke, 34mm throttle-body, EFI, electric start, 11.1:1 compression ratio
Power: 21.4kW @ 8000rpm
Torque: 26.3Nm @ 7000rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed, return
Clutch: Wet, multi-disc
Chassis: Steel tubular, semi-double cradle frame, extruded aluminium swingarm
Rake: 26.9°, Trail: 109mm
Suspension: 43mm inverted telescopic fork, 285mm travel, Uni-Trak swingarm shock with rebound, compression damping and preload adjustability, 285mm travel
Brakes: Single 270mm petal disc, twin-piston caliper, single 240mm rear petal disc, single piston caliper
Wheels: Dunlop MX52 tyres, 80/100-21 51M, 100/100-18 59M
DIMENSIONS
Length: 2120mm
Height: 1250mm
Width: 825mm
Weight: 128kg
Wheelbase: 1435mm
Seat height: 925mm
Fuel capacity: 7.9L
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R Gallery
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