2021 Kawasaki KLX300SM First Look with Specs (6 Fast Facts)

November 23, 2020

Adding to the KLX300R and all-new KLX300 dual-sport, 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.

Here’s what you need to know about Kawasaki’s newest supermoto motorcycle.

1. 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).

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Other highlights include an all-digital instrument panel and a 33.8-inch seat height.

6. The 20201 KLX300SM is available in two color choices: Lime Green/Ebony, and Oriental Blue/Ebony. The bike is priced at $5,999 – $400 more than the KLX300 dual-sport motorcycle.

2021 Kawasaki KLX300SM Specs

ENGINE

Type: Single-cylinder
Displacement: 292cc
Bore x stroke: 78.0 x 61.2mm
Compression ratio: 11.1:1
Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 valves
Fueling: EFI w/ 34mm throttle body
Transmission: 6-speed
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS

Front suspension; travel: Compression-damping adjustable 43mm inverted cartridge fork; 9.1 inches
Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted fully adjustable piggyback-reservoir shock; 8.1 inches
Tires: IRC RX-01 Road Winner
Front tire: 110/70 x 17
Rear tire: 130/70 x 17
Front brake: 300mm petal disc w/ twin-piston caliper
Rear brake: 240mm petal disc w/ single-piston caliper

DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES