Just picked up one of these today. It handled the freeway well on this windy day. Hit 70mph easily at 8k rpms. Since its brand new I didn't push it much past that. It redlines at 12k, so there still room and power left to get there. It's much smoother than the 96 KLR I used to have and a little lighter and shorter. Pretty much fixed all my gripes with dual sports. Looking forward to exploring and camping with this guy this season and many more!
Wildemonster I am also new here and contemplating a 300 X.
Please can you give us more feedback on your new ride and compare it with others you have ridden. I'm V-Strom shod and thinking of something a little lighter that is still capable of travelling distance at moderate speeds and dirt road capable. Thanks and welcome.
I did a small ride tuesday and 130 mile ride yesterday to get back home. I've owned a klr and a honda ascot before and this is much more like the klr, but feels even lighter than the ascot. The klr would go 70-75, but not comfortably. I got the x-300 up to 75 easily and the vibration was minimal. I hit 80 pretty easy, but since im braking it in i wasnt trying to hold that. It feels weird going to a parallel twin with a 12k red line from thumpers. I started out shifting way early because it just felt different. It didn't take long to get used to it though. It was much more comfortable than I remember the klr being. It was a three hour ride and I took one break an hour in. It was rainy so I didn't get a chance to really push it in the corners, but it maneuvered easily and allowed me to change course mid turn to avoid some gravel without any scare. It got a little hot while splitting lanes. Not sure if it was limited airflow or what. None of my other bikes had all these gauges so I was watching them a little too much. There's limited storage under the seat, but it's there along with a tool kit. I didn't get any panniers because they didn't have any available. I probably will eventually. I have heard people complain of the price, but i thought it was fair. Nothing feels cheap on the bike. The suspension rode wonderfully and the brakes were ample. It's a super lightweight fully functional adventure bike. I'll post more thoughts after the break in period. If anyone has any specific questions for me, ask away.
Picking mine up on Saturday morning. I'm giddy! Thanks for sharing your experience so far.
I actually went to see and try this bike but spent awhile at the dealership as they had all sorts of bikes to ride. When I started shopping I wanted a KLR but with me at 5'7" with a 30" inseam the KLR was like trying to get on a horse. Didn't even ride it. The other "want to try" was an F650GS and though I was comfortable on it and it performed well, there was a "just doesn't fit" feeling. I can't flat foot the x either but it still feels just right. I did have one nit pic though - the seat. That will be up there on the list for aftermarket doodads.
Im 5'8" with a 30" inseam. I cant flat foot the 300 either, but its so light it doesnt matter. I almost lost it doing a slow turn around on a slanted dirt road, but was able to hold it up. The seat has seemed comfortable enough for me so far. My next goal is panniers to make it even more useful.
Just picked my Candy Lime Green X 300 today. Had center stand, hand guards and crash bars installed. Think I am set except for panniers.Supposed to pour this week,so I'll wait before I go out and put some miles on it. Agreed, seat also on the list. I called Seat Concepts in Ca. and maybe later May. Want stitching in lime green like I did on my KLR 650.Great deal on bike,no destination and set up fees plus Kawasaki has special $250.00 off for Vets past or current. That paid for some of the accessories.
Nice, katkwik! After a 250 mile day I have changed my mind about the seat. Definitely looking forward to some aftermarket options. I passed the 500 mile break in and changed the oil the other day. Not much in the way of metal flakes in there, but there were some. I rode it hard a couple times, but took it easy most of the time. One thing I've noticed is that it runs a little warm. usually one bar above half with occasionally one more bar than that. Havent filled the meter, but at low speed it gets hot. Anyone else noticed that?
Wish I knew what one or two bars above the center really mean. Mine goes there also during slow technical riding. I assume its just hotter than highway riding. Until I see a hot warning light come on, I'm not worrying about those bars. It should have a numerical gauge. Just wish Kawasaki didn't waste money on stuff like that, which really doesn't tell you anything except its hot!.
The move from an instrument cluster to a single electronic display has allowed manufacturers to project much more information that was previously possible. Maybe it is not always such a good thing.
The main incentive for manufacturers is the cost saving and no doubt the whole system today costs a fraction of what a speedo and its cable once did. I still reset my trip meter every time I fill up and only use bar graphs as an indication. They seem to be deliberately vague anyway.
I ended purchasing an AirHawk Dual Sport cushion. Very comfortable. Fits perfect ! You can adjust fit with valve for that custom fit. Paid $ 87.00 for it at dealer with discounts. Couldn't be happier.
air hawk's dont take as much air as you think they do.
The air needed is minimal, so it is not the air inside it is the thickness of the pad and cover.
Looked at one of the X300 today.Lime green nice looking bike. I din't test drive it, but pushing down on the seat with my hands then sitting on it, the seat felt maybe a little to firm. If I get serious about buying one, I'll go back and give it a test ride.
I have taken the ride last sunday, it runs very smooth as compare to others. If anyone want to add the LED light on X-300 bike then buy it from MCmotoParts at reasonable price.
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