2004 KLX300

[Ack535]

Hey guys:

I am new to dirt, so wanted to get some opinions.

I have an option to purchase a 2004 Kawasaki KLX300 for what seems to be a really reasonable price of $1600.

From what I can tell, the bike has low hours,  no issues, and was stored in a heated garage.

My question is, is this bike a bit too much for someone who is new to dirt. Been riding street bikes since I was 17 (I am now 45), but the whole dirt thing has got me curious. My intent is to trail ride with my son who is 11 and has a KLX110.

Thanks for your input!

Pete

[evan71]

i think the klx300 would be a great bike for you. they are very capable and low maintenance.  

[swingset]

It's a great bike, with a nice linear power band - great bike to learn on.

[Ack535]

Thanks guys!

[fastdadio]

Yup, buy it. I have a riding buddy in my club that has one. Not one hiccup from that bike in the 9 years he's had it, and we're known to be hard on them on occation. Claw hammer reliable. The only gripe seems to come from the CV type carb not giving the quick throttle response that other MX type bikes have, but that would be a forgiving plus for a durtnoob.

[marc11]

Yep the KLX300 is rock solid, but keep an eye out for a KLX250s too.  They can be had for less than $2000 often times, are street legal, have the nearly all the same parts as a KLX300 (for cheap part replacing), but come with a sixth gear, are street legal and have the magic button.  Oh and they take to mods great, I have a pumper carb, Four Strokes header with KLX end can and a 300cc kit on it.

I trail ride with mine with my son on his KLX110, great fun and my KLX250 will be his bike one day.

[Max Wedge]

Read up a bit on the kick starter idler gear. If not taken care of, they can cause some $$$ damages. I had a 2000, mine broke a tooth, but it is fairly easy to replace. This is also affected by how hard they are start, especially cold, until you retime the automatic decompression release.  I know Kaw retimed it in the later years, but I don't recall exactly when, check the part numbers, and you will know. I had mine retimed by a guy from the thumper forum from california (brewster on thumpertalk), had it back in a week, and cost me $10.
Great bike, loved the torque, and even made mine street legal.

[Ack535]

Yeah, if gas prices get much higher, I will register mine... Bike comes with headlight/turnsignals/horn, so it's just a matter of registering the bike.

Pete

[marc11]

Yeah, if gas prices get much higher, I will register mine... Bike comes with headlight/turnsignals/horn, so it's just a matter of registering the bike.

Pete

The KLX300 never came with a horn or turn signals IIRC and the headlight is a 35w not DOT approved.  Maybe yours have an aftermarket kit on it?

[Max Wedge]

The KLX300 never came with a horn or turn signals IIRC and the headlight is a 35w not DOT approved.  Maybe yours have an aftermarket kit on it?

I used the Baja Designs kit, whick included the trun signals, horn, hi/lo dot headlamp. brake light, and plug and play harness. I then had to add a mirror and dot tires. First time you do it is the hardest, now that I know the secretary of state song and dance, it's not too bad.

Also: cam was changed in 2002.

[Ack535]

I have yet to actually see the bike...

The KLX belongs to a friend's uncle who lives up north in Traverse. I have spoken with the owner, and my friend, but just seen pics on the internet... I have an option to buy for $1600 which right now looks like a very good deal if the bike is all there.

Just seen a 2003 KLX 300 listed locally for $2495 on C/List.

Pete

[marc11]

If it runs, rides and has a title that you can plate it, it is worth $1600 IMHO.

[Ack535]

Yeah, I just saw a 2000 KLX300 on Craigslist for $1575 (asking price)...

I think the $1600 for a 2004 is a very good deal. There was a major re-vamp of the model in 2003.

I am picking the bike up on Sunday 4/03/11 for my 46th birthday gift! I will post up some pics when I get her! Needless to say, I am very excited

Pete

[marc11]

Awesome, you'll love it.  I have a KLX250 with the Kawi 300cc kit, so basically a KLX300 with a 6 speed and no kick start, great bike, lots of fun, stone cold reliable and easy to work on/hop up.

[Mr.Awesome]

That is a pretty good deal if as advertised. You will love it. I've got the little KLR 250 for running around my back yard and the dirt roads and two tracks locally. It will give you a different perspective and appreciation for riding. Enjoy!  

[Ack535]

I am picking her up in less than 14 hours. Will post up some pics!


I am getting psyched!


Pete

[Max Wedge]

Pics expected within 24 hours!  

[Ack535]

Pics Added!

Here I am with my 11 year old sone Ryan and the new (to me) KLX 300:



Seller John May (uncle to a friend of mine from work) and my son Ryan.



Bike loaded up on the trailer in Traverse City:




I am brining her home on Monday 4/04 and getting her out for soem practice! Already scouting out some two tracks to ride around Charlevoix with my son!

[Mr.Awesome]

Looks great Pete!    Enjoy!

[mxvet57]

Whats that white shit on the ground? it's got knobbies. Go for it.