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KLX 300 long distance travel
- Thread starter Mac1054
- Start date
250ccforme
Member
No, I haven't but here's some thoughts.
Judging by Itchy Boots' journeys with the Honda 250 & 300 it shouldn't be a problem. Do a valve adjustment check before heading North, bring an oil filter, MC oil's in Whitehorse and Bob's yer uncle. If you're staying on roads maybe put the 39 tooth from the '09 KLX 250SF (pretty sure it fits) on the back to drop the cruising RPM some. Other than the change to FI and then upping it to 300 I am fairly certain it's the same since '09.
Have fun.
Judging by Itchy Boots' journeys with the Honda 250 & 300 it shouldn't be a problem. Do a valve adjustment check before heading North, bring an oil filter, MC oil's in Whitehorse and Bob's yer uncle. If you're staying on roads maybe put the 39 tooth from the '09 KLX 250SF (pretty sure it fits) on the back to drop the cruising RPM some. Other than the change to FI and then upping it to 300 I am fairly certain it's the same since '09.
Have fun.
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wayne_nicolson
Member
While I haven't ridden a KLX300 from the lower mainland to the Yukon, I have ridden an XT350 from Mackenzie to the lower mainland many times. Although they aren't the same bike and the KLX is definitely the superior machine, there are some things that will be similar as both are smaller displacement bikes. I found that wide saddle bags really increased my wind resistance and I really noticed the bike working hard in top gear. Same with loose-fitting rain gear. The more I kept my gear tucked in tight and behind me, the easier highway travel was. Opposite for off road travel. Anyway yeah, smaller displacement bikes are fun and capable. They easily keep up with normal traffic. My bike didn't have the top end jam to change gearing for lower rpms so that wasn't an option for me. Not sure about a KLX.
majorbedhed
Member
I've had some big days and overnight trips on my XT250 with a few hours on the highways in between dirt but nothing of the magnitude you are considering. I am also a fan (like so many) of Itchy boots and what she has been able to accomplish on the CRF300 Rally - likely my next small dual sport in a few more seasons. I'm retiring in 4 years from this month and planning out a major trip starting in Banff and doing the continental divide ride down to the Mexican border then working my way north on Various BDR's back to the Okanagan. I stumbled across a video on YT some time ago where a Kiwi did a de-brief on his round the world trip with his wife on their matching XT250's and after some modifications they said the bikes were perfect for what they wished to accomplish in every part of the globe EXCEPT for US interstates, where the speeds and volume of rigs was just too much. I think highway 97 will have some stretches where you wished you had more power - but if you have a good quality aftermarket seat, a small windscreen and a throttle lock you can find a speed that will allow you to get where you need and maybe even smell the roses a bit more than the cages ripping past. Likely more of a mental state than anything else. The machine will certainly do it. Good luck and please post back if you do the trip!
GrantHorizons
New member
Some great points above, especially thinking about wind resistance. I ride a DRZ400E, (and a 1200GSA) and while it's not great on the highway it's ok. Many eons ago, I rode a 250 Ducati Scrambler all over BC, and it was certainly slower, and FAR less reliable than your KLX. I know a LOT of people who have done big trips on small bikes. A 125 scooter across the USA comes to mind, a step-thru Honda 90 top to bottom of Africa and many others. There's a BC couple who rode to Ushuaia on a pair of KLX250's and thought they were perfect.
My tips would be similar to above, streamlining and weight MATTER on a small bike. Tank bag and tank panniers can really help with keeping the load in tight.
Also, don't ride at night, you're small and easily not noticed - but having said that, put some reflective stuff on the back, and as wide as you can - and this is a tip for everyone - a good reflective sticker on the back of your helmet is a HUGE improvement in visibility - all of a sudden you're a lot bigger and closer to someone following.
Finally - don't sweat it, just go and have a great ride!
My tips would be similar to above, streamlining and weight MATTER on a small bike. Tank bag and tank panniers can really help with keeping the load in tight.
Also, don't ride at night, you're small and easily not noticed - but having said that, put some reflective stuff on the back, and as wide as you can - and this is a tip for everyone - a good reflective sticker on the back of your helmet is a HUGE improvement in visibility - all of a sudden you're a lot bigger and closer to someone following.
Finally - don't sweat it, just go and have a great ride!
Ando__
New member
Was reminiscing about riding the WABDR on my KLX250 and realized after a quick search I rode that thing 700kms on the first day! It was pretty rough, especially sitting on the I-5 for most of it.
I believe the nearly vacant roads of the north would be much more tolerable. If I could give any advice, it would be add a very small fairing to keep the wind off your chest and a investment in a seat cover kit would be very well received in your long journey