2026 Kawasaki KLX 300SM

2026 Kawasaki KLX 300SM

The 2026 KLX 300SM is a lightweight supermoto motorcycle from Kawasaki designed for street riding with dirt-bike DNA. It’s basically a dirt bike converted for pavement with 17-inch street wheels, strong brakes, and sporty handling, making it popular for city riding, commuting, and learning supermoto riding. 🏍️

 

Engine and performance

• 292cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine

• Fuel injection (DFI with 34 mm throttle body)

• 6-speed manual transmission

• About 17.7 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm 

This engine is designed to be:

• smooth and reliable

• easy to ride for beginners

• capable of highway speeds in the 65–75 mph range depending on rider and gearing.

Suspension and handling

The KLX 300SM uses real dirt-bike style suspension but tuned for street riding.

Front suspension

• 43 mm inverted cartridge fork

• Adjustable compression damping

• 9.1 inches of travel

Rear suspension

• Uni-Trak gas-charged shock

• Adjustable rebound and preload

• 8.1 inches of travel 

This gives it:

• excellent cornering

• good control on rough pavement

• ability to handle occasional gravel roads.

Wheels, tires, and brakes

Supermotos use smaller road wheels than dirt bikes.

• 17-inch wheels front and rear

• 110/70-17 front tire

• 130/70-17 rear tire 

Brakes are larger for pavement riding:

• 300 mm front disc with dual-piston caliper

• 240 mm rear disc 

This setup gives strong braking and tight cornering.

Size and weight

Key dimensions:

• Seat height: 33.9 in

• Ground clearance: 9.3 in

• Wheelbase: 56.5 in

• Curb weight: about 304 lb 

Because it’s light, it’s easier to:

• maneuver in traffic

• learn wheelies or supermoto riding

• control as a beginner.

Features and equipment

Standard equipment includes:

• All-digital multifunction display

• Lightweight perimeter frame

• Electric start

• Fuel injection

• LED lighting and sporty bodywork

• Comfortable upright riding position 

The riding position is similar to a dirt bike:

• upright bars

• narrow body

• lots of control in corners.

Fuel and range

• Fuel tank: about 2.0 gallons 

Depending on riding style, riders often get 100–120 miles per tank.

Why riders like the KLX 300SM

Common reasons riders choose it:

• very light and easy to ride

• fun for city riding and tight roads

• cheaper than many bigger supermotos

• reliable Kawasaki engine

One rider on Reddit said their KLX300SM is “a blast… keeps up with traffic” during daily commuting.

Downsides to know

• small fuel tank

• not very powerful compared to 450+ supermotos

• limited highway comfort

It’s built more for fun urban riding and twisty roads, not long highway trips.

✅ Simple summary:
The 2026 Kawasaki KLX 300SM is a lightweight, street-legal supermoto that combines a dirt bike chassis with street tires. It’s popular with beginners and experienced riders who want a fun, agile bike for city riding and twisty pavement.