Team Green has given the KLX300 a new distance-prepped variant that's yearning for small-scale exploration.
Between pint-sized supermotos and small-scale dual sports, Kawasaki's KLX commands an established following.
That's for good reason. It represents a package that's not only approachable for beginners but also compelling for experienced riders who want something lightweight and wallet-friendly.
The KLX300 XPL ABS goes old-school with a round LED up front rather than the typical angular unit. - Credit: Kawasaki
Now, Kawasaki is looking at that formula through a fresh lens with a new take on the KLX for the 2027 model year.
A retro-styled explorer uplift
It's called the KLX300 XPL ABS, and it's a street-legal "Explorer" variant of Team Green's dual sport.
The designation signals its intent to get lost, as Kawasaki has dressed and equipped the platform to go the distance.
The tall windscreen provides rider protection, as do the hand guards. - Credit: Kawasaki
Accordingly, up front, it brings a 5.1-inch LED headlight that's designed to cast its beam in a wide arc to provide illumination for the trail ahead. As part of the old-school round design, it features separate low- and high-beam chambers to mimic a traditional bulb, along with a retro grooved bezel ringing the exterior.
What's more, Kawasaki has given the KLX300 XPL ABS a tall windshield to reduce fatigue at high speeds and over extended distances, as well as a set of hand guards to protect the levers from damage and shield the rider from exposure.
Kawasaki designed the LED to mimic a traditional bulb design. - Credit: Kawasaki
A rear rack with built-in tie-down hooks rounds out the equipment, making mounting gear and supplies for weekend exploits a cinch. However, that's not all the XPL treatment brings.
Grounding the old-school cool are some bold graphics featuring a dynamic brush pattern inspired by Kawasaki's KX motocrossers of the 1980s and 1990s. It's a sharp look for the bike, as it's highly distinct from the rest of the range, and it recalls some legendary dirt machines.
Kawi's approachable lightweight
Underneath the new digs and fresh equipment, the KLX300 XPL ABS is, thankfully, fundamentally still a KLX. Kawasaki hasn't let it stray too far.
The 300 XPL ABS goes light on the green for its first installment. - Credit: Kawasaki
As such, like the rest of the 2027 range, this means that the XPL benefits from key updates. In addition to a refreshed 292cc single-cylinder engine rated at a claimed 26.8 horsepower, Kawasaki also says it brings an all-new digital instrument display and smartphone connectivity.
Even more impactful, though, is that Kawasaki has given the KLX300 front-wheel ABS. This enables it to allow riders to toggle front lock reduction on/off while still retaining full control over the rear brake.
Riding on a set of 43mm inverted forks up front and a fully adjustable shock at the rear, Kawasaki claims a 35.2-inch seat height. This means it promises to be on the taller side, but it should still be plenty approachable thanks to a 313.1-pound curb weight.
Kawasaki has fitted all KLX 300 models with front-wheel ABS for 2027, giving riders full control over the rear brake. - Credit: Kawasaki
Availability and pricing
Kawasaki's 2027 KLX300 XPL ABS will start at $6,499. According to the brand's announcement, examples should start hitting dealer showrooms in January 2027.
2027 Kawasaki KLX 300 XPL
Starts at $6,499
About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.