Kawasaki KLX 300SM

The 2027 Kawasaki KLX300SM ABS continues as the street-focused supermoto sibling in Kawasaki’s expanded KLX300 family. It blends dual-sport DNA with 17-inch road wheels, shorter suspension travel, steeper geometry, and a larger front brake for agile urban and back-road performance. For 2027, Kawasaki refined the engine for a modest power bump, made front-wheel ABS standard, and updated the instrumentation with smartphone connectivity. What’s New for 2027Kawasaki updated the entire KLX300 range, including the SM. Key changes include:
- Revised 292cc engine with a plain (conventional) big-end connecting rod bearing instead of a needle bearing, plus other internal refinements.

- Claimed output rises to 26.8 hp at 8,000 rpm and 18.4 lb-ft (24.9 Nm) of torque at 6,800 rpm (up from roughly 25 hp and 17.7 lb-ft on the prior model).

- Standard front-wheel ABS (non-switchable on the SM, as it is street-oriented).

- New compact full-digital LCD instrument cluster that is significantly smaller and lighter than the previous unit, with Bluetooth smartphone connectivity via Kawasaki’s RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE for ride logging, maintenance tracking, and more.

- Shorter clutch and brake levers across the range.

Styling and core chassis remain familiar, with the SM retaining its distinctive supermoto look. Engine and Drivetrain. At the heart is a liquid-cooled, 292cc, DOHC, four-stroke single-cylinder engine with Digital Fuel Injection (DFI) via a 34 mm Keihin throttle body. Bore and stroke measure 78.0 × 61.2 mm, with a 10.9:1 compression ratio. Power is delivered through a 6-speed return-shift transmission with a wet multi-disc clutch and chain final drive. Electric start is standard. The refinements aim for improved responsiveness and a bit more mid-to-top-end punch while keeping the friendly, approachable character of the previous engine. Chassis, Suspension, and Brakes.

The KLX300SM uses a tubular semi-double-cradle steel frame tuned for supermoto use, with a steeper 25.0° rake and 2.8 in (71 mm) of trail for quicker steering response compared with the dual-sport KLX300 models. Suspension is long-travel but shortened versus the dual-sport versions for street manners:
- Front: 43 mm inverted telescopic fork with adjustable compression damping (9.1 in / 231 mm travel)
- Rear: Uni-Trak gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir, adjustable rebound damping and spring preload (8.1 in / 206 mm travel)

Braking consists of a single 300 mm front petal disc with dual-piston caliper and ABS, paired with a 240 mm rear petal disc and single-piston caliper. The front ABS cannot be disabled. It rolls on 17-inch wheels fitted with road-oriented tires (110/70-17 front, 130/70-17 rear).

Features and Colors
Beyond the new LCD dash and Rideology app connectivity, the bike keeps a straightforward, functional layout suited to its lightweight supermoto mission. Color options for 2027 are Neon Green/Ebony and Battle Gray/Ebony.

Summary
The 2027 KLX300SM ABS targets riders seeking an affordable, lightweight, fun supermoto for urban commuting, canyon carving, and light dual-purpose use on pavement. It prioritizes agility, low running costs, and approachable power over outright performance or long-distance touring capability. The addition of standard ABS and the modern instrument cluster make it more competitive and safer for street use, while the engine updates provide a welcome (if modest) performance edge. Overall, Kawasaki has refined rather than reinvented the KLX300SM. The result is a more polished, safer, and slightly stronger version of an already popular lightweight supermoto that remains true to its playful roots.