If you saw the picture and thought the KLX230 got a new variant, you’re neither alone nor correct. What we have here is the KLX300SM, Kawasaki’s supermotard for the overseas markets, and the Japanese manufacturer has just given it a minor engineering and feature refresh for 2027.
- 2027 KLX300SM continues with a 292cc engine but with revised internals
- Not expected in India for the foreseeable future
2027 Kawasaki KLX300SM: What’s different from 2026?
The road-biased KLX230 upgrade that’s not in India (yet)
Discussing the changes is a very short affair in the KLX300SM’s case since there are only a few. First, the connecting rod big-end bearing has been changed from a needle bearing to a plain bearing, contributing to improved performance and slightly higher peak power and torque over the previous model. The single-cylinder liquid-cooled mill now makes 26.8hp and 24.9Nm compared to 25hp and 23.9Nm earlier.
Second, unlike in India, ABS is not mandatory in the US, so Kawasaki is adding single-channel ABS to the front 300mm disc for next year; the rear 240mm continues to be lockable by riders, but those who ride the KLX300SM are unlikely to complain about it. To accommodate the new ABS hardware, Kawasaki has switched from the dual radiators to a single, left-mounted radiator. However, Kawasaki says there shouldn’t be a difference in the overall cooling performance. Keeping in line with the times, Kawasaki has also updated the instrumentation and added smartphone connectivity. Through the Kawasaki Rideology app, users can connect their phone to the KLX300 for call/SMS alerts and navigation support.
Supermotards typically offer long travel suspension and a slender build with road-biased tyres, usually 17-inch, at both ends. In the KLX300’s case, it has a USD fork with 230mm travel, adjustable for compression. The monoshock with 206mm travel can be adjusted for preload and rebound. This and the road-biased wheel and tyre setup are what make supermotards a fun package. For context, the KLX230 S – Kawasaki India’s road-focused dual-sport – has 160mm travel at the front and 163mm travel at the rear.
In the US, Kawasaki has priced the KLX300SM at USD 6,399 (Rs 6.08 lakh) for its single variant, and it will be available from early December. As for India, we’re only now starting to warm up to niche categories like off-roaders, thanks to the Hero Xpulse series and KLX230 (and the Honda XR series on the horizon), so Kawasaki is unlikely to bring the KLX300SM here anytime soon. That said, it would be nice to have the KLX300SM and its refreshed dual-sport siblings in India, and more variety for the KLX230 series (there’s also a KLX230 SM!).
Suraj Sreekumar
Vishal Venugopal
Dinshaw Magol
