ADV Lite Motorcycle Build Series: Kawasaki KLX300
- Randy Reek, The Great Out There
- Nov 10
- 4 min read
This series will follow the transformation of the stock KLX300 dual sport into a capable "lite" adventure touring motorcycle!
The Kawasaki KLX300 is a popular dual sport known for its rugged construction and reliable engine.
The KLX300 and Honda CRF300L comprise the surviving models in the small dual sport market. Yamaha has discontinued both the WR250R and the XT250 for 2026. Suzuki starts their offerings with the DRZ400. Likewise, the smallest KTM is the 390 Enduro - but both the Suzuki and KTM (along with the larger Honda CRF450) are targeted at the performance buyers, not the economy-conscious riders.
Why build an "ADV Lite" motorcycle? And why start with the KLX300?
First, let me offer some of my riding history:
My first dual sport was the older Yamaha DT185, which I used for exploring the backroads of northern Minnesota. The few roads near my cabin prohibited the use of ATVs, so my best option was the lightest, economical street-legal motorcycle.
Later, as I transitioned from road trips to adventure riding, I added the WR250R for exploring the forest roads surrounding my home in Arkansas, and then riding the Transamerica Trail and the Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route. I was inspired by the exploits of Big Dog and Dingweed - who not only rode the TAT but also rode from the US-Mexican border to Alaska and back on WR250Rs.
Big Dog has been quoted in ADV circles for stating: "Anything larger than 250cc is just wheel spin!"
I have to agree! I have now ridden the TAT, COBDR, AZBDR, UTBDR, and Wisconsin TWAT - plus many thousands of additional miles of adventure routes across the lower 48-states and Alaska. This includes the first completion of the famous White Rim Trail near Moab, Utah on the 250cc CSC RX3 "adventure" motorcycle.
Most recently, I joined a group following the GPS Kevin Arkansas Backways Adventure Trail (ARBAT) for about 800 miles of ADV riding in the low mountains.
My experiences include setting up and riding adventure motorcycles that include the Suzuki V-Strom 650, Honda NC700, Triumph Tiger 800, CSC RX4 450, and the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Along the way, I have also dabbled with the 125cc CF Moto Papio, CSC Wolf and Honda Grom, the Lifan KPM200 and KPX250, and CSC TT250 and SG250.
Now, having crossed the Rockies and the plains of Oklahoma, ridden through the endless forests of Wisconsin and Arkansas, and countless more miles on rural gravel and dirt in many states I have several strong opinions:
I don't need high speed or wicked acceleration. I rarely hit 55 miles per hour on gravel roads. I might be lugging up hills at 5 MPH, and I am happy to AVERAGE 25 MPH over the course of any day of cross-country travel. A 250cc motorcycle loafs along in the 20 to 40 MPH range. (Note that both Kawasaki and Honda have since upgraded their cycles to 300cc with EFI.)
I don't need a highway cruiser. I DO add a small windscreen to my dual sports to deflect bugs and rain. But my highway miles are limited to the short connecting segments between dirt routes. If I can comfortably ride at 60 MPH (or a little better) on these highway stretches, that is perfect.
I'll take economy and dependability over racing performance EVERY day! The KLX300 and CRF300L are two of the most boring stock motorcycles sold today. They are the opposite of "racing" cycles, sacrificing jumps and wheelies for bland dependability.
Bland dependability also means minimal maintenance and lower operating costs. I run the cheapest 87-octane gas. Maintenance intervals are long and replacement parts are inexpensive with good availability of generic options as well as aftermarket accessories.
Finally, this "ADV Lite" build series will be based on the Kawasaki KLX300 and not the Honda CRF300.
The Honda has many fans - and outsells the Kawasaki by at least 2 to 1 - but I dislike the assembled components. The CRF300L is notorious for its cheap suspension while the KLX300 has higher quality, adjustable suspension components.
Many CRF300 owners also own other Honda models and are brand loyalists. But I REALLY dislike the typical Honda "mega-dealership" where I am subject to a $1,000 in dealer fees and need to run the gauntlet from salesman to manager to finance department, etc. In contrast, I have found that most other brands adopt the Avis positioning against Hertz: We're Number 2 and we try harder!
That isn't a compliment to the KLX300 as it definitely has its share of cheap components! To convert the KLX300 into the ADV Lite cycle I will be installing adventure accessories like a skid plate, hand guards, and heated grips. But I will also be replacing base parts including the tail light, handlebars, and foot pegs.
If you would like another side-by-side comparison, check out this video by Dirtbike Magazine:
Please subscribe to stay up to date as I complete this series of articles. Like and add your comments to this post. Also, offer any suggestions on how you have equipped your "Lite ADV" motorcycle and how it has performed on adventures.
