New 2020 KDX Replacement?

[Goat]

Nice to see Kawi trying the dirt market again!
KLX300R maybe another tweener bike that fits a lot folks taste buds. Price seems attractive (if you like to buy new), $5500.

From DIRTBIKE:
“Think of it as a four-stroke version of the Kawasaki KDX200 two-stroke.”

Nice to see a nod to the KDX, as standard to compare against. I am pretty sure they are referring to the new KLX300 having no specific market niche, but may work well for lots of folks. Kinda heavy at 280, but not terrible if your riding the sweepers. I am not real excited over any 4T, but bet it’s a Jim-dandy for the kind of trails most of my friends like to ride.

Fingers crossed this sells well enough for Kawi breaks ranks to try 2T, again.

[bufftester]

Overweight, late attempt to grab some trail bike market. As a current owner of a 1999 KLX300R I can attest that the bike is a tractor that would serve beginning riders well, but they don't really provide any upgrade path so unless you put plates on it for some dual sport usage it will be outgrown pretty quick. They could have at least dropped the motor into a KX-F chassis from a few years ago and had a much better bike with aftermarket support already built-in. But as has been noted on here many times in the past...Kawasaki Motors is such an insignificant part of Kawasaki Heavy Industries that there's probably little money in their budgets for going after the dirt market. Cheaper and more cost efficient to mill out a limited product line. Sad because they could be selling a ton of KDXs if they just dropped the motor in a new frame...Come in under KTM by $1000 and you would see a sea of green at events instead of the orange wave you have now.

[doakley]

Agree 100%. You would think they could get the hint from the hybrids being built by many of you.

[Goat]

Damn shame!

[KDXGarage]

bufftester, can you compare your KDX and the 1999 KLX300R, please? Thank you.

[bufftester]

Well, the KLX is kind of like a 4 stroke version of the KDX. Ergonomics are really similar but the bike feels heavier and lower if that makes sense. It has USDs as OEM, but they aren't really any better than the KDX stock ones, just upside down. The motor pulls like a tractor, basically put it in a gear and you can ride around from idle to WOT and it just pulls. It isn't as responsive as the KDX because it uses a CV carb which has a bit of hesitation when you jump on the throttle, so things like logs and big rocks require a little more warning than on a 2T. I'm told you can fix that by going to a pumper carb, but not worth the cost in my application as a buddy bike. It can be tempermental to start as it has no compression release (there is an auto release built into the cam, but it is kind of finicky) and it never starts 3rd kick like the KDX. I have not had any hot start problems with it like a lot of the WRs/CR-Fs used to have though.
Riding wise the difference is that the KLX is a good bike for someone that doesn't ride a lot, or is new. It doesn't require a whole lot of clutch work, which is good for new riders, but I'm a firm believer in clutch and throttle coordination, and you just don't learn that on 4Ts. It makes a great little dual sport (its basically an overbored KLR250 with offroad oriented suspension). The KLX is even tempered, you're not going to get any big hit when you get on the pipe, the front end stays down and planted all the time, and it just goes. That's part of the reason I have kept it. Oh, and its not too loud for a 4T, probably because I kept the exhaust stock. The motor is super simple to work on, but a PITA to remove/install. Below is a pic of it next to the hybrid, has a aftermarket headlight, Cycra guards, but otherwise bone stock

KLX-KDX.jpg (201.38 KiB) Viewed 4237 times

This one gives a better view of how the bike looks as far as seat height/width etc next to my KX125/KDX220 Hybrid

13962759_10210169840591997_4740711480676880650_n.jpg (105.06 KiB) Viewed 4237 times

And this is the KLX next to my Hybrid, next to my Dad's 93 E, next to my brothers 2000 H.

20543689_10213663976383208_3929944021927816638_o.jpg (308.16 KiB) Viewed 4237 times

[KDXGarage]

AWESOME reply! Thank you for letting me know.

[kvkdx]

How do we get the american message to Kawasaki? Man if they would put out a new version of KDX w elec start we would JUMP on them??? Does anyone know or is anyone tapped in ? Are they planning this??

[Goat]

I love that family photo!! My kid is now wanting me to sell off the XR650L (BRP) for another green machine. Very tempting.

I just learned of the Yami YZ250X. I wonder how it’s sales have been doing? I bet that would have to sell well for Kawi to consider something similar.

[KDXGarage]

I am very surprised they brought back the KLX300R.

I don't think they will ever be another two-stroke woods bike or adult MX bike from Kawasaki.

Goat, the YZ250X sells well. Lots of people love it, even if it is a modified YZ.

[bufftester]

The 250X is selling well enough that they are releasing a 125X...and Kawi is still sitting on their thumbs...

[KDXGarage]

The 2020 YZ125X has been out for several months. I have read a few reports of people who love theirs.

[G22inSC]

I've been watching the YZ125X since it was released a couple years ago on the Japanese market. I do believe that will be my next purchase, if there ever is another. I've already compiled all the necessary part numbers to be able to convert a standard 125 into the 125X.

[doakley]

I've met several people who have the 250X and really like them. I'd seriously consider a newer model with e-start. Not buying another bike without the button.

[Goat]

I’ll have to keep an eye on both of the X’s, if my kdx ever seems underpowered. So far it has sure been plenty for my skills. And the right crap. I had to get to the shop and at least throw a leg over. I met another shopper who said he loves his 250X. I winder how that 125X might compare to the hybrids.
I did buy a 4T buddy bike this weekend.... the mighty KLX 140L. Apparently my new buddies will have to be little girls. My wife has a nice grin on the perimeter check trails!

[Goat]

Meant KDX was better than my skills “on the tight crap”

[KDXGarage]

Congrats on the 140L!

[Goat]

Thanks! Its seems like a fun ride. I did my best to nudge her onto a KX100, but was rebuked with, “no hot bikes, for me.”

[KDXGarage]

Helmet ??

[Goat]

Maybe next time. I have a shelf full, but sometimes only the finest in wool-reinforced polyester will do.....for perimeter checks we like to roll some 1975 Bultaco style, at our place.