Considering a 2021 KLX300, engine vibration question?
#21
Did you buy it? If history is any indication, the KLX300SM might only be a two model year bike. Maybe 3 since 2021 was a short model year. This is what happened in 2009 when the KLX250SF was introduced alongside the redesigned KLX250S. Only available in 2009 and 2010 model years. I tried to find one in 2011 and the closest 2010 was 10 hours away so I ended up buying a 2012 KLX250S.
I had to go 5 hours away to pick up my new 2021 KLX300SM, but that was to the the correct color. My local dealers only got blue, and the ones in stock wanted crazy profit fees on top of the price.
Regarding vibration, both the 2012 KLX250S and the 2021 KLX300SM have a high frequency buzz that is especially noticeable at high RPMs, but what is really noticeable is the tingling in my fingers after riding for a while.
I had to go 5 hours away to pick up my new 2021 KLX300SM, but that was to the the correct color. My local dealers only got blue, and the ones in stock wanted crazy profit fees on top of the price.
Regarding vibration, both the 2012 KLX250S and the 2021 KLX300SM have a high frequency buzz that is especially noticeable at high RPMs, but what is really noticeable is the tingling in my fingers after riding for a while.
I ended up with blue because it was the only one I could find. A black Acerbis front fender toned the blue WAY down to just an accent. I really like it this way.
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#22
My KLX250S was the same way. When you are focused on the ride you don't notice it much, but when you think about it, it is there.
On a good note the fuel economy on my last run through the twisties yielded 72 MPG even though I was revving to 8000 out of every turn.
#23
I just want everyone that is "window shopping" their first motorcycle to have realistic expectations.
My KLX-250S at ~45MPH is a mellow beast. The newer 300cc engine definitely seems smoother though so, that is really tempting for me. If your 'commute" is ~55MPH or slower, the KLX-300S is a great option IMHO. Interstate speeds for short jaunts is doable as well but, IMHO that is really too fast for pleasure riding this motorcycle. And yes, accelerating to redline between gears is different from cruising there!
With ~13K miles in one calendar year, I may not be the high mileage king but, that is enough riding to make me a bit opinionated!
My KLX-250S at ~45MPH is a mellow beast. The newer 300cc engine definitely seems smoother though so, that is really tempting for me. If your 'commute" is ~55MPH or slower, the KLX-300S is a great option IMHO. Interstate speeds for short jaunts is doable as well but, IMHO that is really too fast for pleasure riding this motorcycle. And yes, accelerating to redline between gears is different from cruising there!
With ~13K miles in one calendar year, I may not be the high mileage king but, that is enough riding to make me a bit opinionated!
#24
If you are OK with running a 2-stroke weed eater / line trimmer, you will probably be OK riding the KLX. If that line trimmer numbs your fingers you will probably want to add grip puppies, wear gel gloves, add vibration damping material inside the bars, etc.
A lot of bikes use rubber isolators where the handlebars mount, dampening the vibration. Doesn't look like the KLX does. If someone is interested in a KLX and is concerned about vibration, they should definitely test ride one first.
#25
I just want everyone that is "window shopping" their first motorcycle to have realistic expectations.
My KLX-250S at ~45MPH is a mellow beast. The newer 300cc engine definitely seems smoother though so, that is really tempting for me. If your 'commute" is ~55MPH or slower, the KLX-300S is a great option IMHO. Interstate speeds for short jaunts is doable as well but, IMHO that is really too fast for pleasure riding this motorcycle. And yes, accelerating to redline between gears is different from cruising there!
With ~13K miles in one calendar year, I may not be the high mileage king but, that is enough riding to make me a bit opinionated!
My KLX-250S at ~45MPH is a mellow beast. The newer 300cc engine definitely seems smoother though so, that is really tempting for me. If your 'commute" is ~55MPH or slower, the KLX-300S is a great option IMHO. Interstate speeds for short jaunts is doable as well but, IMHO that is really too fast for pleasure riding this motorcycle. And yes, accelerating to redline between gears is different from cruising there!
With ~13K miles in one calendar year, I may not be the high mileage king but, that is enough riding to make me a bit opinionated!
#26
Regarding mods for vibration, when I ditched the steel bars and put some good quality aluminum on, the vibration to my hands was significantly negated on my KLX. The CR High Bend also made standing a lot easier on a challenging track.
#27
Yes, vibration felt by the rider is relative to what they have experienced before. Every bike has some kind of vibration. You can't get away from it with so many moving parts. When it is a low frequency vibration the bike is said to have character. When it is high frequency it can cause numbness and tingling.
If you are OK with running a 2-stroke weed eater / line trimmer, you will probably be OK riding the KLX. If that line trimmer numbs your fingers you will probably want to add grip puppies, wear gel gloves, add vibration damping material inside the bars, etc.
A lot of bikes use rubber isolators where the handlebars mount, dampening the vibration. Doesn't look like the KLX does. If someone is interested in a KLX and is concerned about vibration, they should definitely test ride one first.
If you are OK with running a 2-stroke weed eater / line trimmer, you will probably be OK riding the KLX. If that line trimmer numbs your fingers you will probably want to add grip puppies, wear gel gloves, add vibration damping material inside the bars, etc.
A lot of bikes use rubber isolators where the handlebars mount, dampening the vibration. Doesn't look like the KLX does. If someone is interested in a KLX and is concerned about vibration, they should definitely test ride one first.
Last edited by tooter; 07-03-2021 at 03:12 PM.
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