Kawasaki has announced its 2027 KLX300 motorcycle lineup in the United States, introducing the new KLX300 XPL ABS and KLX300 DF ABS alongside the KLX300 ABS and KLX300SM ABS. The range covers dual-sport riding, off-road exploration and street-focused supermoto use, with prices starting at $5,999 for the road-legal KLX300 ABS.
The broader KLX300 family also includes the dedicated off-road KLX300R, which is listed separately by Kawasaki at $5,799. All five motorcycles use a liquid-cooled, 292cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine and a six-speed transmission, but their equipment, chassis configurations and intended uses differ.
The four models covered in Kawasaki's October 2026 lineup announcement receive new front-wheel ABS, compact digital instrumentation and smartphone connectivity. The KLX300R remains a separate off-road model and should not be confused with the updated dual-purpose and supermoto range.
2027 Kawasaki KLX300 Models and US Prices
Kawasaki's US pricing varies according to the model and selected colour. The standard KLX300 ABS is available in three colour options, with the Cypher Camo Beige version carrying a higher price. The KLX300 DF ABS, KLX300SM ABS and KLX300 XPL ABS each have their own equipment and styling packages.
| Model | Category | US MSRP | Expected Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki KLX300R | Dedicated off-road trail bike | $5,799 | Listed as a 2027 model |
| Kawasaki KLX300 ABS | Dual-sport | $5,999 | Early January 2027 |
| Kawasaki KLX300 ABS | Dual-sport, Cypher Camo Beige | $6,199 | Early January 2027 |
| Kawasaki KLX300 DF ABS | Rugged dual-sport | $6,299 | Early January 2027 |
| Kawasaki KLX300SM ABS | Supermoto | $6,399 | Early December 2026 |
| Kawasaki KLX300 XPL ABS | Explorer-focused dual-sport | $6,499 | Early January 2027 |
All prices are US manufacturer suggested retail prices before destination charges, taxes, title and registration costs, optional equipment and dealer fees. Kawasaki lists a $650 destination charge for these models. The KLX300 ABS therefore starts at $6,649 including destination, while the KLX300 XPL ABS reaches $7,149 before taxes and other fees.
Kawasaki KLX300 ABS: The Standard Dual-Sport
The KLX300 ABS is the core road-legal dual-sport model, combining full-size wheels, long-travel suspension and an upright riding position for use on paved roads and off-road trails. For 2027, Kawasaki adds front-wheel ABS with an on/off function, a redesigned digital instrument panel and smartphone connectivity through RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE.
The standard model is available in Lime Green and Bright White for $5,999. Cypher Camo Beige is also offered at $6,199. The camouflage colour is an option for the standard KLX300 ABS rather than the defining finish of the separate DF model.
The dual-purpose chassis uses a 43mm inverted front fork with adjustable compression damping and a Uni-Trak rear suspension system with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping. Full-size 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels are paired with dual-purpose tyres.
KLX300 DF ABS Adds Rugged Styling
The new KLX300 DF ABS brings a more utilitarian appearance to Kawasaki's dual-sport range. Finished in Medium Cloudy Gray, it features blacked-out components, including the engine, frame and swingarm, along with understated Kawasaki branding on the fuel tank shrouds.
Unlike the standard model's optional camouflage colour, the DF uses its own grey colour scheme and rugged design details. Standard equipment includes hand guards and a rear carrier with integrated tie-down hooks for securing bags and other gear.
The KLX300 DF ABS retains the 292cc engine, full-size 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, long-travel suspension and selectable front-wheel ABS. Its US MSRP is $6,299 before destination charges, with dealership availability scheduled for early January 2027.
KLX300 XPL ABS: New Explorer Model
The KLX300 XPL ABS is the main new addition for riders seeking a more touring-oriented dual-sport motorcycle. Its equipment package is designed to improve comfort and luggage-carrying practicality during longer rides without abandoning the KLX300 platform's off-road capability.
The model features a distinctive 5.1-inch round LED headlight with separate high-beam and low-beam chambers. A tall, clear windscreen helps reduce wind exposure, while hand guards provide additional protection for the rider's hands and the clutch and brake levers.
A standard rear carrier with built-in tie-down hooks provides a convenient mounting point for luggage. The motorcycle also receives graphics inspired by Kawasaki's KX motocross machines from the 1980s and 1990s. Ebony is the announced US-market colour.
The XPL ABS is priced at $6,499 before destination charges and is scheduled to reach US dealers in early January 2027. Kawasaki's announced standard equipment focuses on the windscreen, round LED headlight, hand guards and rear carrier rather than a factory-fitted skid plate.
KLX300SM ABS Targets Street Riding
The KLX300SM ABS takes a different approach, focusing on street riding and supermoto-style handling. It uses 17-inch front and rear wheels with IRC street tyres, along with supermoto-tuned suspension, a different steering geometry and shorter suspension travel than the dual-purpose models.
A larger front brake disc distinguishes the SM from its dual-sport counterparts. Its front-wheel ABS remains permanently active and cannot be switched off, unlike the selectable front-wheel ABS on the dual-purpose models.
The KLX300SM ABS is available in Neon Green/Ebony and Battle Gray/Ebony. Its US MSRP is $6,399 before destination charges, and Kawasaki lists expected availability in early December 2026.
KLX300R Remains the Dedicated Off-Road Option
The KLX300R is a dedicated trail motorcycle rather than a road-legal member of the four-model lineup announced in October. It shares the 292cc engine capacity and six-speed transmission but is equipped for off-road riding rather than everyday road use.
Its features include a lightweight perimeter frame, long-travel suspension, full-size off-road wheels and KX-inspired styling. Kawasaki lists a 43mm inverted front fork with adjustable compression damping and a Uni-Trak rear shock with adjustable compression and rebound damping and spring preload.
The 2027 KLX300R has a US MSRP of $5,799 before its $650 destination charge. Its published colour choices are Lime Green and Bright White. Unlike the four updated models in the October announcement, the KLX300R is not listed with the new front-wheel ABS and smartphone connectivity package.
New Technology Across the 2027 KLX300 Road-Going Range
The four models in Kawasaki's October announcement receive a redesigned digital instrument panel that is approximately one-third the size of the previous instrument unit and weighs 6.4 ounces less. Its LCD display provides information including speed, odometer readings, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, the clock and battery voltage.
The panel also supports service reminders and smartphone notifications for calls and emails. Through RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE, riders can access selected vehicle information, record riding logs, manage maintenance history and use supported navigation functions. Voice-command functionality requires a separate licence.
Front-wheel ABS is another key update for the four-model range. On dual-purpose models, riders can disable the system when riding off-road, subject to applicable laws. It automatically returns to its default active setting when the motorcycle is restarted. On the KLX300SM ABS, front-wheel ABS cannot be disabled.
292cc Engine and Chassis Specifications
The 2027 KLX300 ABS, KLX300 DF ABS, KLX300 XPL ABS and KLX300SM ABS use a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 292cc single-cylinder engine with fuel injection and electric starting. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission and chain final drive.
For the 2027 model year, Kawasaki has changed the connecting-rod big-end bearing from a needle bearing to a plain bearing. The engine also uses cam profiles derived from the KLX300R off-road model. Kawasaki says these revisions contribute to increased power over the previous version.
The dual-purpose models use a high-tensile steel perimeter frame, a 43mm inverted front fork and Uni-Trak rear suspension. They provide 10 inches of front wheel travel and 9.1 inches at the rear. The supermoto version uses its own suspension tuning and geometry to suit its smaller wheels and street-oriented setup.
Availability in the United States
Kawasaki has scheduled the KLX300SM ABS for US dealer availability in early December 2026. The KLX300 ABS, KLX300 DF ABS and KLX300 XPL ABS are expected in early January 2027. The KLX300R is listed separately on Kawasaki's US website as a 2027 off-road model.
These prices, features and availability dates apply to the United States. The announcement does not confirm pricing or launch plans for other markets.
AkulRide Verdict
The 2027 Kawasaki KLX300 range offers distinct choices for trail riding, dual-sport use, street-focused supermoto riding and longer-distance exploration. The KLX300 ABS provides the standard road-legal package, the DF ABS adds rugged styling and practical accessories, the XPL ABS brings a windscreen and distinctive round headlight, and the KLX300SM ABS is tailored to pavement riding. The separate KLX300R remains the dedicated off-road option. With US MSRPs ranging from $5,799 for the KLX300R to $6,499 for the KLX300 XPL ABS, buyers can choose according to their riding needs and equipment preferences.
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