Kawasaki's 2027 KLX300 Gets Front ABS, a Digital Dash and Two New Variants

Kawasaki just gave its little 300 dual-sport the biggest update in years. The 2027 KLX300 gets front-wheel ABS you can switch off, a new digital dash, a little more claimed power, and two new trims aimed at riders who want a trail-and-commute bike with some gear already bolted on. The details come from Motorcycle.com and Dirt Bike Magazine.

What changed on every 2027 KLX300

• Front ABS. Front wheel only; the rear is unchanged. On the dual-purpose models a left-handlebar switch turns ABS off for the dirt. Dirt Bike Magazine notes it comes back on when you restart the bike. On the supermoto, ABS can't be disabled.
• Single radiator. The old dual-radiator setup is now one radiator on the left side, with the ABS unit and sensor on the right.
• A little more power. The engine is still a 292cc DOHC single. Motorcycle.com lists claimed output of 26.8 hp and 18.4 lb-ft, up from 25.0 hp and 17.7 lb-ft last year. Treat claimed numbers as claimed until someone puts it on a dyno.
• New LCD dash. Roughly one-third the size of the old unit and 6.4 oz lighter, with Bluetooth to Kawasaki's Rideology app, which offers trip and maintenance logs.
• Same hardware otherwise. Frame, suspension and brakes carry over apart from the ABS.

The lineup and prices

Prices below are starting MSRPs as reported by both outlets unless noted.

• KLX300 ABS: $5,999 in Lime Green or Bright White, $6,199 in Cypher Camo Beige. Early January 2027.
• KLX300 XPL ABS: $6,499. A taller windshield, hand guards, a rear rack with tie-down hooks and a 5.1-inch round LED headlight. Early January 2027.
• KLX300 DF ABS: $6,299. Tail cargo carrier and hand guards, part of Kawasaki's "Durable Force" line. Early January 2027.
• KLX300SM ABS: The supermoto, with 17-inch wheels, shorter suspension, a larger front brake and a steeper rake. Expected in December. Dirt Bike Magazine lists it at $6,399; Motorcycle.com didn't state a price.

The rider take

The KLX300 has long been the sensible pick: light enough to pick up, tall enough for real trails, plated for the road. Front ABS is the headline for new riders and anyone commuting on it, and the off switch means it doesn't get in your way when the trail turns loose. The XPL is the interesting one for anyone who wants a rack and guards without a trip through the accessory catalog.

The caveat is that suspension didn't change, so this is still a trail bike, not a race bike. And with most variants not landing until January, you've got a winter to decide whether it's worth waiting or grabbing a leftover 2026.

Gear worth having

If you're hauling a dual-sport to a riding area, these earn their spot:

• Rhino USA Ratchet Straps (4-Pack) for tying down a bike with that new rack and guards.
• Tusk Tire Iron Kit with Carry Bag for the flat you'll get 15 miles from the truck.
• JACO Elite Low Pressure Tire Gauge (15 PSI) since dropping pressure is the cheapest traction upgrade on loose dirt.

Tracking it in BraapTrax

A dual-sport racks up miles on pavement and dirt alike, which makes it a good candidate for a proper garage entry. Add the bike in BraapTrax, log every ride to it, and you'll know exactly how much time and distance are on the chain, tires and oil before something tells you the hard way.

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