Kawasaki KLX 300 / DF / XPL

From press release by Kawasaki:

The 2027 Kawasaki KLX®300 lineup returns with several new features, delivering a versatile and exciting riding experience for a wide range of environments.

The new KLX®300 XPL ABS combines the KLX300’s on- and off-road capability with added comfort for longer rides. Its tall windshield and hand guards help reduce wind exposure, while a round LED headlight provides broad illumination and distinctive styling. A standard rear carrier with built-in tie-down hooks makes it easier to carry gear and supplies for a weekend getaway.

The XPL shares its dual-purpose foundation with the KLX®300 ABS and new KLX®300 DF ABS. A responsive liquid-cooled, DOHC, 292cc single-cylinder engine and lightweight, high-tensile steel perimeter frame deliver rider-friendly performance, while an enduro racer-inspired 43mm inverted front fork and fully adjustable rear shock provide capable suspension for city streets and forest trails.

For riders seeking a sportier street-focused experience, the KLX®300SM ABS brings supermoto-inspired performance and styling to the lineup. Its 17-inch front and rear heels and street tires deliver quick, responsive handling around town and on meandering back roads.

For 2027, front-wheel ABS is new across the lineup, with the option to disable the system on dual-purpose models when riding off-road. New digital instrumentation and smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE add everyday convenience to all four models.

New front-wheel ABS
For 2027, the KLX300 lineup is newly equipped with front-wheel ABS, helping suppress front-wheel lock during braking and providing enhanced control and rider confidence. By applying ABS specifically to the front wheel, the system maintains the rider’s freedom to control the rear wheel, supporting the more active riding style expected from the KLX300 platform. On KLX300 dual-purpose models, the ABS function can also be disabled using a switch located on the left handlebar, giving riders the flexibility to tailor braking performance when riding off-road†. When the motorcycle is turned off and restarted, ABS automatically returns to its default active setting.

To accommodate the system, the ABS unit and wheel-speed sensor are positioned on the right side of the motorcycle, where the right-side radiator was previously located. A single radiator is positioned on the left side and maintains sufficient cooling performance. The shape of the left front fork lower axle bracket has also been revised to accommodate the wheel-speed sensor, while the rear brake caliper has been reshaped to enable rear wheel-speed data acquisition.

A new short-style brake lever, optimized to provide precise brake feel with ABS 0peration, has also been adopted along with a matching short-style clutch lever. In addition to supporting rider control, the compact lever design contributes to the KLX300’s modern appearance.

New digital instrumentation
A new all-digital instrument panel with a distinctive hexagonal design complements the KLX300 lineup. Focusing on essential information allowed for a significantly more compact and lightweight construction, with the new unit weighing 6.4 ounces less and measuring approximately one-third the size of the previous instrument panel. Its sharp, angular shape further reinforces the KLX300’s purposeful, off-road-inspired appearance.

An easy-to-read LCD screen provides key riding information at a glance, including a speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, clock and battery voltage. Additional functionality includes a Kawasaki service reminder, smartphone call and email notifications, Bluetooth® indicator and a range of indicator lamps, combining useful riding information and everyday convenience within the compact display.

New smartphone connectivity
Smartphone connectivity further enhances the riding experience by allowing riders to wirelessly connect their motorcycle with RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE*. Through the app, riders can access a variety of vehicle information directly from their smartphone, including the odometer, trips, average fuel economy and service reminders. The riding log function can record GPS route information along with vehicle running data, while the maintenance log allows riders to manage maintenance history, including lubrication, oil changes, consumable parts replacement and periodic inspections.

Riders can also share their profile, location and riding logs with other app users, providing another way to connect with like-minded riders.

Additional functionality includes navigation, which allows riders to view route information, search for place and store names, add waypoints and adjust the order of routes from their smartphone. A voice command function* also allows riders to operate compatible app features hands-free while maintaining control of the motorcycle. Together, these connected features add convenience both on and off the motorcycle while helping riders plan, record and share their riding experiences.

Updated engine
The KLX300 is powered by a responsive 292cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, single-cylinder engine that delivers a rider-friendly spread of power across the rev range. For 2027, the connecting rod big-end bearing has been changed from a needle bearing to a plain bearing, contributing to improved performance and increased power compared to the previous model. Cam profiles sourced from the KLX®300R off-road model, an electrofusion cylinder with an ultra-hard coating, and lightweight piston, piston pin and connecting rod contribute to crisp throttle response, reduced reciprocating weight and strong performance.

Fuel injection provides reliable starting across a wide range of conditions, while electric start, optimized ignition timing and a gear-driven engine balancer contribute to smooth, easy-to-use power delivery and rider comfort. Optimized gear ratios support performance both on- and off-road, while the cooling system helps maintain consistent engine temperatures and directs hot air down and away from the rider. A honeycomb catalyzer and secondary air system contribute to cleaner emissions, while a spark arrester further supports the KLX300’s off-road capability.

Chassis & Suspension
The KLX300 dual-purpose models feature a box-and-tubular-section high-tensile steel perimeter frame that creates a slim, lightweight package, for easy rider maneuverability and excellent handling onor off-road. A 26.7-degree rake and short wheelbase provide quick handling characteristics, while the rigid frame ensures a composed ride. The lightweight, aluminum D-section swingarm also contributes to low unsprung weight.

The 43mm inverted cartridge-style fork handles the suspension up front and comes with compression damping adjustability. A New Uni-Trak® suspension can be found on the rear, which contributes to road holding ability and bump absorption. A gas-charged shock with preload and rebound damping adjustments allows riders to tailor suspension settings to better suit different riding conditions.
The KLX300 dual-purpose models have 10 inches of total wheel travel in the front and 9.1 inches of travel in the rear.

Brakes & Wheels
In addition to front-wheel ABS for 2027, the KLX300 dual-purpose models come equipped with front and rear petal disc brakes to offer impressive stopping performance. A twin-piston caliper gripping a 250mm disc can be found up front with a single-piston caliper gripping a 240mm disc on the rear.
Full-size 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels are paired with Dunlop dual-purpose tires, offering plenty of off-road possibilities.

Ergonomics
The KLX300 dual-sport motorcycle features a comfortable handlebar position that puts the rider in a relaxed and upright position to deliver a composed ride. Footpegs are also positioned close to the bike’s centerline for an optimal riding position.

Complementing the KLX300 adventure capabilities is an optimized seat design for comfort on longer rides and a 35.2-inch seat height for increased stability when stopped.

Styling
KX™ motocross-inspired styling gives the KLX300 an active, sporty appearance while reflecting its versatile performance. A strategic combination of black and colored components creates a sharp, flowing line through the center of the motorcycle from front to rear, drawing inspiration from Kawasaki’s KX motocross machines. The streamlined bodywork flows from the compact headlight to the condensed tail, contributing to a purposeful design equally at home on city streets or off-road trails.

Up front, a compact LED headlight is integrated into a slim, sharp front cowl that reinforces the KLX300’s enduro-inspired character. The thin headlight design provides impressive brightness while contributing to the lightweight, aggressive appearance of a full-fledged off-road machine.

New KLX300 XPL ABS
For 2027, Kawasaki expands the KLX300 lineup with the introduction of the new KLX300 XPL ABS. Built on the proven KLX300 platform, the KLX300 XPL ABS comes equipped with adventure-focused features designed to complement its enduro-inspired DNA and enhance comfort and capability when exploring over longer distances.

The KLX300 XPL ABS blends old-school character with modern functionality, highlighted by its distinctive round LED headlight. The 5.1-inch-diameter headlight features separate low- and high-beam chambers, each equipped with position lamps that give the entire headlight the illuminated appearance of a traditional bulb-style design. A thick, grooved headlight ring adds a custom-inspired touch and reinforces the model’s unique explorer styling. The LED headlight casts light in a wide arc, providing ample illumination for the road and trail ahead.

Designed with longer rides and exploration in mind, the KLX300 XPL ABS features a tall, clear windshield that helps shield the area between the rider’s chest and chin from wind, reducing fatigue at higher speeds and over extended distances. Hand guards further enhance rider comfort by reducing wind exposure while also helping protect the clutch and brake levers from damage. A standard rear carrier with built-in tie-down hooks makes it easier to carry gear and supplies for a weekend getaway.
Completing the look are bold graphics featuring a dynamic brush pattern inspired by Kawasaki’s KX™ motocross machines of the 1980s and 1990s, expressing the KLX300 XPL ABS’ adventurous spirit and purpose-built character for pushing into unexplored territory.

New KLX300 DF ABS
In addition to the features found on the standard KLX300 ABS, the new KLX300 DF ABS receives rugged, purpose-driven styling that reflects its no-nonsense character. Medium Cloudy Gray earth-tone bodywork gives the motorcycle a robust, reliable appearance while allowing it to blend naturally into both off-road and urban environments. The understated color is complemented by blacked-out components, including the engine, frame and swingarm, creating a simple, tough appearance.
Minimalist “Kawasaki” logos on the fuel tank shrouds further emphasize the KLX300 DF ABS’s functional, trail-ready design.

Adding to its capability and rugged appearance, the KLX300 DF ABS comes equipped with hand guards that provide additional protection and help enhance rider confidence when venturing off-road. A rear carrier further expands the motorcycle’s versatility, featuring built-in tie-down hooks that make it easier to secure gear and supplies for a weekend getaway or everyday adventure.