The 2023 Kawasaki KLX300R Dirt Motorcycle is an intermediate vehicle between a complete race bike and a play bike for the weekends. The KLX300R, the flagship model in the KLX series, is the ultimate lightweight, entertaining off-road vehicle, combining the best engine and chassis performance.
The potent 292cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, four-stroke engine has keyless ignition and an electric starter. It includes a manual clutch and a six-speed transmission that shifts smoothly and efficiently for beginners. Full-size off-road wheels and tires—a 21″ front and an 18″ rear—and a long-travel suspension system for the best possible ground clearance come standard on the 2023 Kawasaki KLX300R Dirt Motorcycle.
The ultimate high-performance off-road trail bike, the 2023 Kawasaki KLX300R Dirt Motorcycle, fills the gap between a weekend cruiser and a fully equipped KX competition bike, ready for competition. The KLX300R, the flagship model of the KLX family, is the perfect trail bike for off-road thrills as it combines excellent engine and chassis performance. It’s a light, fun off-road vehicle that adds to the KLX lineup of affordable, robust, and capable motorcycles that allow any family member to hit the trails.
The new 2023 Kawasaki KLX300R Dirt Motorcycle bridges the gap between an all-out race bike and a weekend play bike, making it the ultimate high-performance trail bike for off-road thrills. The KLX300R, the flagship model in the KLX family, is an ultra-lightweight, fun off-road vehicle that combines excellent engine and chassis performance.
2023 Kawasaki KLX300R Dirt Motorcycle – Features and Specs
Compact Liquid-Cooled Engine
A flat-top piston with a panroof combustion chamber produces an 11.1:1 compression ratio that boosts power. Lightweight connecting rod, piston, and piston pin enable power-generating rpm without unnecessary vibration.
Wide connecting rod big-end bearings increase longevity, and the piston skirt is designed to maximize contact with the cylinder wall. Excellent cooling performance is achieved by dual high-capacity radiators, similar to those used on Kawasaki KX motocross machines. The thin radiators have a closely packed core and fin design identical to the KX250.
4-Valve DOHC Cylinder Head (KP)
Enables maximum flow by providing top valve area and increasing low-end torque. I added a 38.5° valve angle for the trimmer head with smoother, more efficient ports.
Smoother, faster engine revving results from cam profiles and intake port design. For high-rpm performance, cam lobe weight is reduced with shim under-tappets on each valve.
Nikasil-Plated Cylinder (KP)
Due to the tough coating in the aluminum cylinder bore, high heat transmission is possible with low weight. Tighter piston-to-cylinder clearance for increased horsepower is also made possible by the coating’s ability to hold lubricant well and resist abrasion and seizure.
Kawasaki DFI (KP) System
The 34mm throttle body provides accurate engine response and better throttle control in tight trail conditions. Delivers gasoline consistently despite variations in altitude or air temperature. It helps ensure cleaner emissions and more accessible engine starting regardless of engine temperature.
Electric Starter
Starting the 2023 Kawasaki KLX300R Dirt Motorcycle is easy thanks to the new electric starter and Kawasaki Automatic Compression Release (KACR) (KP) that automatically expands the exhaust valve at cranking rpm. This feature and the DFI starter button make starting the engine easy.
Gear Driven Engine Balancer (KP)
Smooth engine operation from idle to redline. Long rides result in increased rider comfort and reduced fatigue.
Digital Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI) (KP)
No matter how rapidly the RPM varies, the digital ECU accurately controls the timing. It also offers easy startup and reliability in harsh environments.
U.S. Forest Service-Approved Spark Arrester
A spark arrestor certified by the US Forest Service allows entry into designated public riding areas. Six-speed transmission: Six gears offer settings for every condition. The engine’s low mid-range concentration is complemented by short final gearing, which facilitates tight trail navigation. Easy to operate with smooth shifting, better than the 2022 Kawasaki KLX300R.
Perimeter frame made of high tensile steel (KP)
26.9° steering head angle and 56.5-inch wheelbase contribute to fast trail maneuverability. Optimized frame stiffness adds excellent straight-line capability. The frame is made of box section and tubular high tensile steel.
43mm Inverted Cartridge Fork (KP)
A softer spring rate is used in the fork settings to enable the damping to operate over a more extensive stroke range, improving the front-end feel. Twenty modes of compression damping adjustability. The cartridge reduces fork oil air to maintain a more uniform damping force.
Uni-Trak Rear Suspension (KP)
A lightweight, extruded aluminum swingarm balances the overall stiffness of the frame. A nitrogen-filled, aluminum body remote reservoir rear shock offers 20-way compression and 18-way rebound damping control and stepless threaded spring preload. KX-style chain adjusters make maintenance easy, making the D-shaped spurs aesthetically pleasing.
Front and Rear Disc Brakes
Robust and reliable performance is provided by a single-piston rear caliper and 240mm disc. In comparison, a twin-piston front caliper grips the 270mm front disc—the same size found on the KX250/450—for incredible stopping power.
Suspension
The reversible handlebar clamp can be mounted in two locations on the top triple clamp, also from the KX series. It allows the handlebar to be adjusted in four ways with a 35mm range. Adjustable front brake lever position accommodates different hand sizes and tastes.
Rider Interface
The new 2023 Kawasaki KLX300R Dirt Motorcycle’s seat-tank junction, inspired by the KX series, was designed to give the rider maximum movement and support during turns. The seat features smooth sides for rider mobility and a slip-resistant top for grip. Flush seams between the side cover, seat, and shrouds also provide freedom of movement and ease of riding.
2023 Kawasaki KLX300R Dirt Motorcycle – Technical Specifications
Power
| Engine | 292cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 4-valve single |
| Bore x Stroke | 78.0 x 61.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel System | Fuel injection: ø34 mm x 1 |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Starting | Electric |
| Lubrication | Forced lubrication, wet sump |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| Final Drive | Chain |
Performance
| Frame | Perimeter, high-tensile steel |
| Front Suspension / Wheel Travel | 43mm inverted fork including adjustable compression damping / 285 mm (11.2 inches) |
| Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel | Uni Trak, gas-charged shock featuring piggyback reservoir, adjustable compression, & rebound damping, & adjustable spring preload / 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Rake / Trail | 26.9° / 109 mm |
| Steering Angle (L/R) | 45° / 45° |
| Front Tire | 80/100-21 51M |
| Rear Tire | 100/100-18 59M |
| Front Brake | Semi-floating ø270 mm petal disc with dual-piston caliper |
| Rear Brake | ø240 mm petal disc with single-piston caliper |
Details
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2,120 x 825 x1,245 mm (83.5 x 32.5 x 49.0 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1,435 mm (56.5 in) |
| Road Clearance | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Seat Height | 900 mm (35.4 in) |
| Curb Mass | 128 kg (282 lb) |
| Fuel Capacity | 7.9 litres |
| Warranty | Six months |
| Kawasaki Protection Plus | 12 / 24 / 36 / 48 months |
