2027 Kawasaki KLX300 XPL ABS First Look: Built to Roam

Kawasaki is on the gas and has made significant updates to its entry-level KLX300 dual-sport line, growing the family to a total of four models for 2027. The range includes two familiar models, the dual-sport KLX300 ABS ($5,999; $6,199 in Cypher Camo Beige) and the supermoto KLX300SM ABS ($6,399), while adding the new, slightly up-spec KLX300 DF ABS ($6,299) and, more to the point of this story, the 2027 KLX300 XPL ABS ($6,499).

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2027 is a big year for the KLX300 range, which is enjoying several platform-wide updates. Front-wheel ABS is now standard on all models, with the feature remaining switchable on dual-sport offerings and always on for the street-focused SM. A new hexagonal LCD instrument panel features Kawasaki’s Rideology smartphone connectivity, and, speaking of performance, the 292cc single-cylinder engine’s peak output marginally increases thanks to updates. The updates have raised pricing on existing models, as the base KLX300 ABS is now $350 more expensive than the 2026 model’s $5,649. Still, that’s a pretty good deal in the category.

Within the KLX300 quartet, the new KLX300 XPL boldly goes where no KLX300 has gone before, or, as Kawasaki puts it, it “combines the KLX300’s on- and off-road capability with added comfort for longer rides.” The XPL combines several adventure-related features, such as improved lighting, wind protection, and a standard rear carrier, to extend the effective range of its dual-sport platform.

At $6,499, the XPL tops the KLX300 family and goes head-to-head with the Honda CRF300L Rally ($6,499), matching its design brief and pricing. Riders cross-shopping the XPL will also likely look into traditional dual-sport models, such as the Honda CRF300L ABS ($5,749), KTM 390 Enduro R ($6,049), and Suzuki DR-Z4S ($7,999). Of course, you’ll have to add all the travel-oriented amentities yourself if you go that route.

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Engine and Performance: A Thumpin’ We Will Go

The list of engine updates to the KLX300 range is short and applies specifically to the bottom end. The new KLX300 XPL and its cohorts enjoy an updated version of the 292cc single-cylinder engine that features a new plain bearing, which replaces the needle bearing used on previous generations. Kawasaki credits the conventional bearing with unleashing more power from the thumper mill, citing 26.8 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 18.4 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 rpm. For reference, the 2026 KLX300 mill puts out 25 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 17.7 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm, amounting to minor gains, though they’re gains nonetheless.

The rest carries over from the 2026 KLX300: a liquid-cooled, DOHC single with the KLX300R’s 78.0 x 61.2mm bore and stroke, KLX300R-sourced cam profiles, a lightweight piston, wrist pin, and connecting rod, and a gear-driven balancer.

Kawasaki

Fueling carries over, too, with DFI fuel injection through a 34mm Keihin throttle body. Kawasaki’s 2027 spec sheet lists a 10.9:1 compression ratio, down from the 2026 KLX300’s 11.1:1, though the company hasn’t said what changed. The KLX300R sits at 11.0:1 and uses TCBI ignition where the dual-sport lists CDI. Kawasaki hasn’t detailed either bike’s airbox or intake tune, nor whether the KLX300R gets the plain bearing.

Moving to the exhaust system, a honeycomb catalyzer and secondary air system help clean up emissions, while a spark arrester keeps the XPL trail-ready.

Chassis, Suspension and Brakes: ABS In, One Radiator Out

Front-wheel ABS is new across the KLX300 line and standard on the XPL. Leaving the rear unmanaged preserves the rider’s ability to steer with the back wheel on the trail. A left-bar switch disables the front ABS for off-road riding, and it defaults back on at every restart. The update also includes new clutch and brake levers.

The ABS unit and wheel-speed sensor now sit on the right side, where the 2026 KLX300’s second radiator previously lived, leaving a single left-side radiator that Kawasaki says still cools sufficiently. The left fork’s axle bracket was reshaped for the sensor, and the rear caliper was redesigned to also gather rear wheel-speed data.

Kawasaki

The chassis remains as we know it, though it’s unclear whether Kawasaki has updated any internal settings to compensate for the XPL’s additional equipment and weight. The XPL uses the KLX300’s tubular, semi-double-cradle steel frame and aluminum swingarm. A 43mm inverted cartridge fork with compression adjustment offers 10.0 inches of travel, while the Uni-Trak shock delivers 9.1 inches with compression, rebound, and preload adjustment. Ground clearance measures 11.0 inches, up from 10.8 inches on the 2026 KLX300.

Petal discs remain 250mm up front with a twin-piston caliper and 240mm out back with a single-piston unit, on 21- and 18-inch wheels wearing Dunlop dual-purpose rubber.

Electronics and Rider Aids: Small Screen, Big Connections

The hexagonal LCD dash is also new platform-wide, weighing 6.4 ounces less than its predecessor at roughly one-third the size. It’s a simple display that shows more than just the basics: speed, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, a clock, battery voltage, and service reminders, as well as call and email notifications.

Bluetooth pairing with Rideology The App Motorcycle, another platform-wide addition, brings riding and maintenance logs, plus navigation that lets riders search places, add waypoints, and reorder stops. Voice commands require a separate license.

Riding Position and Explorer Equipment: Pack Light, Roam Far

Ergonomics are as we expect them to be on this dual-sport machine. A long bench seat sits at an appropriately tall 35.2-inch height for this off-road-aimed machine, though Kawasaki said that it’s reshaped to help with support during longer rides.

The XPL expands on its dual-sport premise with several extra goodies, which include a 5.1-inch round LED headlight that uses separate low- and high-beam chambers, each with position lamps that make the whole lens glow like a traditional bulb unit, framed by a thick, grooved ring. The tall, clear windshield is shaped to shield the area between the rider’s chest and chin, while hand guards cut wind and protect the levers and the rider’s hands. A standard rear carrier with built-in tie-down hooks handles stowing gear or luggage.

Kawasaki

Brush-pattern graphics nod to Kawasaki’s KX MX of the 1980s and 1990s. Following the unfailing principle of “more stuff equals more weight,” the XPL’s 313.1-pound curb weight is 8.8 pounds more than the 2027 KLX300 ABS’s 304.3 pounds.

Pricing, Colors, and Dealer Arrival: Any Color You Like, as Long as It’s Ebony

The 2027 KLX300 XPL ABS arrives at dealers in early January 2027 at $6,499, offered in a single colorway: Ebony.

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2027 Kawasaki KLX300 XPL ABS Specifications:

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Source: Kawasaki