2021 Kawasaki KLX300SM

Linear power delivery, light handling, impressive tire grip, and fadeless braking make it easy to have sights set on the kart track or any roadway for that matter.

Kawasaki has introduced the KLX300SM, the supermoto form of the dual sport KLX300. This new model brings a different personality to Team Green’s lineup with slicker tires, specifically tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels, a larger front disc, and different ergonomics. If slinging around kart tracks sounds right up your alley, this would be your go-to of the two.

The KLX300SM is an all-new model for 2021.

The SM is available in Lime Green/Ebony and Oriental Blue/Ebony. MSRP is $5,999.

The KLX300SM, like its dual sport sibling, puts the ponies to the pavement via a fuel-injected 292cc liquid-cooled single, six-speed gearbox, and chain final drive. When the KLX300 was strapped down on the dyno it made 23.43 hp at 8,140 rpm and 15.4 pound-feet at 7,950 rpm at the rear wheel.

The engine has ultralinear delivery, but the SM’s gearing differs from the dual sport variant with its three less teeth on the rear sprocket. This difference resulted in a 70 mph freeway ride at a relaxed 7,000 rpm, Don Canet writes in his ride review.

Because of the firm spring rate on the SM’s 43mm USD fork and Uni-Trak piggyback shock, there was more tactile feel of road surfaces, along with reduced fore-aft chassis motion when accelerating, Canet notes.

Steering is very neutral and light and “despite the reduction in rake and trail [compared to the dual sport], the sense of straight-line stability at speed hasn’t been compromised,” writes Canet. The IRC Road Winner tires are also admirably grippy, too.

The SM comes to a stop by utilizing a 300mm front disc with a two-piston caliper and 240mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper. After blasting around the kart track, Canet reports the brakes are fade-free and lever feel is consistently firm.

Fuel economy figures have not yet been recorded. The SM has the same 2-gallon fuel tank as its dual sport companion.

Thanks to its lowered suspension and smaller wheel dimensions the seat height is 33.9 inches; 1.3 inches lower than the dual sport’s 35.2 inch seat height. Canet reports that the rubber-capped footpegs of the supermoto help tamp down compared to what little vibration is felt through the dirt-style pegs of the KLX300. The SM’s handlebar is also narrower than the dual sport model.

The SM’s rectangular digital display provides speed, rpm, time, and trip intel to the rider. Other electronics include the bike’s electric start and digital fuel injection for quick and easy start-ups in different temperatures.

Like the KLX300, the SM model has a 12-month warranty.

The SM’s linear and vibration-free power, nimble handling, and admirable brakes and tires will bring the fun to any roadway.