Kawasaki KLX300 ADV Lite Build: LED Tail Light

A cheap, fast, and easy upgrade to the stock KLX300 that saves power and headaches.

I have modified dozens of motorcycles for "adventure touring". My first "ADV" cycle was the Suzuki V-Strom Adventure model - and I STILL needed to add hundreds of dollars in accessories and upgraded parts.

V-Strom 650 "Adventure" on the Transamerica Trail

This shouldn't come as a surprise. Motorcycle manufacturers know that the MAJORITY of buyers will never push the limits of their machines, and never rack up long-distance mileage. Like the most expensive yachts, the majority of touring motorcycles will never venture far from home.

This means that anywhere the brands can save a buck, they WILL! Such is the case with the Kawasaki KLX300 that is the base for this "ADV Lite" build series.

After facing competitive pressure, Kawasaki finally upgraded the headlight to an LED lamp. But the turn signals and tail light are still the antique incandescent bulbs. I don't care about the turn signals, but the tail light is on 100% of the time! A burned out bulb is a nuisance in the middle of a ride. Plus, I ALWAYS add more electrical components to my adventure motorcycles (heated grips, GPS, and USB outlets, etc.)

Anywhere I can save power consumption makes up for the added load that I will add to the electrical system.

Replacement LED for 1157 tail light bulb

So the first (and easiest) modification to the KLX300 was to replace the standard 1157 bulb with an LED replacement. You simply remove two screws in the lens, twist out the old bulb and replace it with the LED lamp. The LED replacement includes the circuitry to regulate the wattage input.

Direct LED replacement for the stock bulb!

This replacement is not a huge power savings: 8.26 watts for the 1157 bulb reduced to only 3 watts for the LED lamp. But every little bit helps! More importantly, the LED lamp should last forever. If not, this cheap upgrade actually includes TWO lamps for only $7.99 - so I carry the spare in my tool kit.

As a side benefit, even at the lower wattage, the tail light is slightly brighter than the stock bulb, so there is also a slight safety benefit.

10 minute upgrade - brighter LED tail light!

What else have you added in electrical options to your ADV bike? Please comment below, and Subscribe to receive notice of new update on the KLX300 ADV Lite build series!

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