I love the look of both bikes but i will probably go with the SM because there isn't many trails where i live anyway. i've also heard you can still put dual sport tires on the SM wheels so that's an option too.
Beginner biker here. Fell in love with the look and color of the SM but will do more off road riding. My biker buddy said I could just put off road tires on the SM and it would preform the same. Whatchya think?? Thanks
Great comparison video, I have a 2010 Kawasaki D-Tracker 250, ive had it for over 12 years now & its a great bike, no good off road but for riding around town its perfect, It has over 60,000klms on the clock & I've done 50,000klms on it, its never let me down, havnt had anything done to the engine, but have replaced the normal things like, chain & sprockets, tyres, front fork seals, brake pads & steering bearings, the digital dash packed up a few years ago & that was the most expensive thing Ive to had buy, I've dropped it many times & its built like a tank! It owes me nothing & I'll never sell it......
I have the KLX300 it is really capable off-road and is good on the road but it will beg you to take it on the dirt where it shines. The SM looks cool I wouldn’t mind trying it out with those street tires must be fun cornering.
I agree with you! The KLX300 is all about going off-road. Use the road legal bits to find the fun off-road sections! The SM has always intrigued me, but as a personal preference, if I'm looking for something sporting, my preference is the Ninja 400. Having said that, I'm glad that this SM exists! I think it's super cool, and would be a blast to drive through town on a regular basis. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Isn't the gearing different between the two? Would the supermoto have a longer gear ratio for hwy speed? One thing that the dual sport has in it's favor is you can ride to where you want to explore legally and wouldn't have to trailer it or ride along the shoulder of the road. Just my opinion lol have a great day and thanks for the info.
Great review. I have been thinking about getting a 300 but wasn't sure if I was going to get the Honda or Kawi. The honda's suspension issues pretty much lose the battle for me as I'm a tall guy and weigh 230 lbs. The Kawi SM is cool looking but I think I would prefer the extra height of the regular 300. I have a 35" inseam.
Thanks for watching!! Yeah, the Honda just hasn't dialled in the suspension on their version of this, which is weird, because it almost seems like they want it to be too soft. They've had time to change things, but they haven't. The SuperMoto is cool, but for me, I'd take the regular KLX 300. There's almost nothing that you can't do on that bike. I think it would be perfect for you!
Another great comparison, Peter. I gotta say with only a 2 gallon tank and no fuel indicator (only ~100 miles/tank not to mention no gear indicator), that makes me worry - a lot. Kaw has the better suspension, but Honda has the better amenities. Easier and less expensive, I guess, to improve the suspension. Plus I can get "almost" double the fuel capacity with the Rally. What to choose... What to choose...
Totally fair point, and it would depend on where you ride. For me, with that bike, I'm not touring to the unknown parts in the same way that I would with a KLR. So for me, gas stations are everywhere and it would be fine. But it's true. Put a larger tank on this and it becomes the no brainer winner in my books. That's it's one weakness, which is going to matter more for some riders over others.
Seat height stinks. Looks like Kuba link only lowers it 1 inch. Do you know if one can lower it maybe 3 inches getting closer to XT250 or the new Honda LS?
Wife and I just moved to Los Angeles. Where is your shop located? Do you have the ability to make a video on the klx 230 and klx230SM I really like the 230SM because of the air cooled engine. Looks like a super fun LA commuter. Anyways thanks for the info no other channel really explains the differences as well as you do. I am going to be in the market for a motorcycle in the near future. Looking for a nice dealership to do business with. You seem like a easy going no bs kinda guy! Thank you!
Hello! Thanks for your kind words. Feel free to subscribe! I'll have plenty more videos in the future. I have reviewed the KLX 230 But not the 230SM yet. Here's that review. ruclips.net/video/LYNlbcSH8x4/видео.html We're located in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. So not exactly your local shop.
I have been looking at a 2021 300sm with some new 17" 40/60 off road tires on it. How do you think it would hold up off road? Woods roads, rail bed and occasional bumpy and mud?
Honestly, I think it would be ok. I don't know if there are differences in brakes that may help in mud... The BIGGEST difference to be aware of is that spoked wheels are better suited to really rough terrain. It's why you never see off road bikes without spoked wheels. This does have spokes and they're not alloy wheels, but I don't know if there is a strength difference between the two wheel sets on the KLX SM compared to the KLX. But what you're describing seems to be within the capabilities of this bike, in my opinion. Keep in mind, I can't speak for Kawasaki.
I was wondering about gearing between the two.... are the gear ratios and final drive the same? Looks like brakes are beefier too on the SM. Thanks for the info.
There are minor differences in the brakes... I'm not positive, but I believe the gearing is the same... of course with the different rear tire sizes that effectively changes the gearing on the road between the two bikes.
@@PeterLoweOne Hi Peter, thank you for your reply. The sm is just a cool little bike, I like the look & I'm not going to be going too intense off road.
@@BlackArrow401 Makes sense. I'm pretty sure you can still get off road tires for this, but your options will be much more limited due to this being a common street size, but an uncommon trail tire size.
@@PeterLoweOne Thank you Peter, you're a gentleman. It's looking like a race of 2. The Kawasaki KLX 230s & I have a soft spot for the new Suzuki V-Strom 250sx. your feedback is greatly appreciated.
@@BlackArrow401 I have a Dr.Z 400sm with MotOz tractionator GPS tires on the 17" rims and it's amazing! The smaller diameter wheels make for better cornering on road, and I haven't really run into a problem off road yet. Either way, the bike is more capable than I am both off and on road, and I've been riding for 25 years. Cheers!
Why not consider the Ninja 400 or Ninja 500? The CBR is a slower, less fun version of the Ninja. The SM is less comfortable, but an absolute riot if you want to be silly. The CB is more like a traditional motorcycle and is a far more popular class than the supermoto. Basically, if you aren't sure if you want a supermoto, you probably don't want a supermoto.
I am in a rut between choosing a competent commuter bike that can double as a light off road use. Strongly considering CB500X, CB300R or KLX300/SM. What are your thoughts?
@@kosmik1 the only one of those designed for slight off road use is the CB500X. Kawasaki offers the Versys X 300 which is another economical option that can do just about everything you're looking for.
I heard really great things about the power to weight ratio/ and quality finish and dependebility of honda. I own Hondas, looking to get off my 600rr. Also previous zx6r owner. Looking for a upright commuter, economical, affordable and fun.@@PeterLoweOne
The x300 looks cool but would be underpowered for what it is comparing to the 500x, the ninjas are out of the equation because im looking to transition to an upright.@@PeterLoweOne
I love the look of both bikes but i will probably go with the SM because there isn't many trails where i live anyway. i've also heard you can still put dual sport tires on the SM wheels so that's an option too.
60:40 adventure tyres too, if available in those 17-in sizes
You are one of the few that actually made a comparison and helped me with my confusion
just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to do this comparison, really appreciate it
Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment! I appreciate that! 🙂
Such great review. So so so much helpful for people like me who is looking for SM or similar bikes. 😮 thank u so much for putting such effort.
Thanks so much for your support!
Can you get the super moto and buy a second set of tires and rims?
Beginner biker here. Fell in love with the look and color of the SM but will do more off road riding. My biker buddy said I could just put off road tires on the SM and it would preform the same. Whatchya think?? Thanks
Great comparison video, I have a 2010 Kawasaki D-Tracker 250, ive had it for over 12 years now & its a great bike, no good off road but for riding around town its perfect, It has over 60,000klms on the clock & I've done 50,000klms on it, its never let me down, havnt had anything done to the engine, but have replaced the normal things like, chain & sprockets, tyres, front fork seals, brake pads & steering bearings, the digital dash packed up a few years ago & that was the most expensive thing Ive to had buy, I've dropped it many times & its built like a tank! It owes me nothing & I'll never sell it......
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing!
I have the KLX300 it is really capable off-road and is good on the road but it will beg you to take it on the dirt where it shines. The SM looks cool I wouldn’t mind trying it out with those street tires must be fun cornering.
I agree with you! The KLX300 is all about going off-road. Use the road legal bits to find the fun off-road sections! The SM has always intrigued me, but as a personal preference, if I'm looking for something sporting, my preference is the Ninja 400. Having said that, I'm glad that this SM exists! I think it's super cool, and would be a blast to drive through town on a regular basis. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Isn't the gearing different between the two? Would the supermoto have a longer gear ratio for hwy speed? One thing that the dual sport has in it's favor is you can ride to where you want to explore legally and wouldn't have to trailer it or ride along the shoulder of the road. Just my opinion lol have a great day and thanks for the info.
Excellent video I just purchased and KLX 300 for work commute. Handle the road great and plenty of power for traffic laws.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
I almost bought the SM, but could not find really any dual sport tires for it. 110 70 17 and 130 70 17 only bring up street tires.
Great review. I have been thinking about getting a 300 but wasn't sure if I was going to get the Honda or Kawi. The honda's suspension issues pretty much lose the battle for me as I'm a tall guy and weigh 230 lbs. The Kawi SM is cool looking but I think I would prefer the extra height of the regular 300. I have a 35" inseam.
Thanks for watching!! Yeah, the Honda just hasn't dialled in the suspension on their version of this, which is weird, because it almost seems like they want it to be too soft. They've had time to change things, but they haven't. The SuperMoto is cool, but for me, I'd take the regular KLX 300. There's almost nothing that you can't do on that bike. I think it would be perfect for you!
@@PeterLoweOne Yeah, I think you're right. That might be my next bike for putzing around the countryside. Cheers!
@@PeterLoweOne Tried to buy one last year. Not available.
6:42 looked like he almost forget the kickstand, made my heart flutter 😅
Haha! That would have been bad!
Klx 300 accesories fits on KLX 300sm? For example exhaust, tires off road?
Another great comparison, Peter. I gotta say with only a 2 gallon tank and no fuel indicator (only ~100 miles/tank not to mention no gear indicator), that makes me worry - a lot. Kaw has the better suspension, but Honda has the better amenities. Easier and less expensive, I guess, to improve the suspension. Plus I can get "almost" double the fuel capacity with the Rally. What to choose... What to choose...
Totally fair point, and it would depend on where you ride. For me, with that bike, I'm not touring to the unknown parts in the same way that I would with a KLR. So for me, gas stations are everywhere and it would be fine. But it's true. Put a larger tank on this and it becomes the no brainer winner in my books. That's it's one weakness, which is going to matter more for some riders over others.
2023 and NO fuel gauge!
This video ... is comparing two Kawasaki bikes though.
Seat height stinks. Looks like Kuba link only lowers it 1 inch. Do you know if one can lower it maybe 3 inches getting closer to XT250 or the new Honda LS?
Peter. Have you compared the KLX230 and 300?
Wife and I just moved to Los Angeles. Where is your shop located? Do you have the ability to make a video on the klx 230 and klx230SM I really like the 230SM because of the air cooled engine. Looks like a super fun LA commuter. Anyways thanks for the info no other channel really explains the differences as well as you do. I am going to be in the market for a motorcycle in the near future. Looking for a nice dealership to do business with. You seem like a easy going no bs kinda guy! Thank you!
Hello! Thanks for your kind words. Feel free to subscribe! I'll have plenty more videos in the future. I have reviewed the KLX 230 But not the 230SM yet. Here's that review. ruclips.net/video/LYNlbcSH8x4/видео.html
We're located in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. So not exactly your local shop.
I have been looking at a 2021 300sm with some new 17" 40/60 off road tires on it. How do you think it would hold up off road? Woods roads, rail bed and occasional bumpy and mud?
Honestly, I think it would be ok. I don't know if there are differences in brakes that may help in mud... The BIGGEST difference to be aware of is that spoked wheels are better suited to really rough terrain. It's why you never see off road bikes without spoked wheels. This does have spokes and they're not alloy wheels, but I don't know if there is a strength difference between the two wheel sets on the KLX SM compared to the KLX. But what you're describing seems to be within the capabilities of this bike, in my opinion. Keep in mind, I can't speak for Kawasaki.
I wonder. Could you put off-road tires on the SM and would it do well, be practical, or not? How would it be then in comparison to the KLX300?
That's what I'm doing with my SM ill let you know how it goes
I was wondering about gearing between the two.... are the gear ratios and final drive the same? Looks like brakes are beefier too on the SM. Thanks for the info.
There are minor differences in the brakes... I'm not positive, but I believe the gearing is the same... of course with the different rear tire sizes that effectively changes the gearing on the road between the two bikes.
The gearing is indeed different for the SM. IIRC, it is 15/41 for the SM, which makes it less buzzier on the freeway.
Cheers!
I think manufactures would do well to bring back some 90's style color schemes.
I want to agree... But I'm not sure I can. 🤣
@@PeterLoweOne lol no worries might just be me
@@101spacecase haha or its just me!
Hi Peter, would a simple change of tyres transform the sm into a cool beginners dual sport.
Cheers Ben - Australia
I don't understand. Why would you buy the SM and change the tires to make it a dual sport? Why wouldn't you just buy the dual sport version?
@@PeterLoweOne Hi Peter, thank you for your reply. The sm is just a cool little bike, I like the look & I'm not going to be going too intense off road.
@@BlackArrow401 Makes sense. I'm pretty sure you can still get off road tires for this, but your options will be much more limited due to this being a common street size, but an uncommon trail tire size.
@@PeterLoweOne Thank you Peter, you're a gentleman. It's looking like a race of 2. The Kawasaki KLX 230s & I have a soft spot for the new Suzuki V-Strom 250sx. your feedback is greatly appreciated.
@@BlackArrow401 I have a Dr.Z 400sm with MotOz tractionator GPS tires on the 17" rims and it's amazing! The smaller diameter wheels make for better cornering on road, and I haven't really run into a problem off road yet. Either way, the bike is more capable than I am both off and on road, and I've been riding for 25 years.
Cheers!
I like the 300 save money and same bike
Is the maintenance the same on both ?
It should be! The mechanicals are basically the same. I haven't checked the owner's manual, but I would expect them to be virtually identical.
@@PeterLoweOne thanks very much appreciated
Great review! I think these companies need to mandate a 3 gallon tank when they turn a dirt bike street legal, 2 gallons is a joke!
Yeah, the smaller tank keeps them lightweight, but I'd like to see a little more range too.
is the SM tubeless?
I believe it is. I'll have to check.
Front brakes are bigger also on super moto I believe
Yes there are minor brake differences, and off the top of my head, I think you're correct.
Sm all day.
Awesome! It's not as popular where I live. Great to have SM fans here!
Hi
This was VERY close!! Thanks for watching!
Second
This was as close as I've seen! Thanks for watching!
guys, please educate me why or why not KLX300SM vs CB300R
Why not consider the Ninja 400 or Ninja 500? The CBR is a slower, less fun version of the Ninja. The SM is less comfortable, but an absolute riot if you want to be silly.
The CB is more like a traditional motorcycle and is a far more popular class than the supermoto. Basically, if you aren't sure if you want a supermoto, you probably don't want a supermoto.
I am in a rut between choosing a competent commuter bike that can double as a light off road use. Strongly considering CB500X, CB300R or KLX300/SM. What are your thoughts?
@@kosmik1 the only one of those designed for slight off road use is the CB500X. Kawasaki offers the Versys X 300 which is another economical option that can do just about everything you're looking for.
I heard really great things about the power to weight ratio/ and quality finish and dependebility of honda. I own Hondas, looking to get off my 600rr. Also previous zx6r owner. Looking for a upright commuter, economical, affordable and fun.@@PeterLoweOne
The x300 looks cool but would be underpowered for what it is comparing to the 500x, the ninjas are out of the equation because im looking to transition to an upright.@@PeterLoweOne
Of course, looks aren't everything but had to do away with that whale tail and change out the duck bill front fender on mine.
What brand of aftermarket pieces did you go with?
I simply cut off the tail and remounted the license bracket and replaced the front fender with one for a KX I got on eBay.
Why even make the sm when you can just buy the dual sports and get a set of sm wheels then you have the best of both worlds
It's a little more than just the wheels. The suspension and brakes are also different. But you're correct, that's what people used to do.
I was thinking the opposite! Get the $7,000 (waaack price) 230sm and put some dual sport tires on it! 50/50 or something good enough for both
If your taller than 5'10 the yellow one will be so uncomfortable
I'm taller than 5'10". They're fine for me. It's not supposed to be a big luxury cruiser, but for what it is, it works.
Just got a 2023 klx 300 camo from them
Nice!! Great choice in bike and dealer!