Kawasaki: New KLX300, updated ZX-10s, and Z H2 SE

2021 KLX300 and KLX300SM

The WR250R’s recent departure from Yamaha’s lineup leaves Japan’s small dual-sport throne up for grabs, and Kawasaki’s making moves. The WR was always more performance-oriented and powerful than Kawi’s KLX250, leaving the KLX to play perpetual second fiddle. So it’s no surprise to see Team Green release a plated version of the new dirt-only KLX300. Quick recap: Kawasaki trotted out the KLX300R last year, along with the air-cooled, two-valve KLX230 dual-sport and KLX230R dirt bike. Spurgeon had good things to say about the 300R, and noted, “I could get two [KLX300Rs] for what I paid for my KTM 350 EXC-F,” but the inability to ride on the street was a major shortcoming when compared to the KTM. The KLX300 neatly solves that issue with its lights, mirror, plate hanger, and other roadgoing equipment. Check out Spurgeon's 300R review for a good idea of how the KLX300 will perform — just remember that the KLX300 and KLX300R won’t be exactly the same.

The new 300 is a big step forward for Kawasaki in the dirt-bikes-with-plates segment. Their four-valve, DOHC single is derived from the old 250’s; the 61.2 stroke is retained, picking up the additional 43 ccs from a six mm increase in bore. Kawasaki USA does not supply horsepower figures, though numbers from other markets suggest around 30 horsepower for the 300. 

The fork is a 43 mm inverted cartridge design with 16-way compression damping adjustment, and its monoshock counterpart features adjustable preload, plus 16-way compression and rebound damping adjustment. The bodywork, steel frame,, 21/18 wheelset, brakes, and most other components look identical to the KLX250’s. That means the weight hasn’t changed much, either. Curb weight is 302 pounds, up 20.1 over the 300R’s 282 pounds.

The KLX300 will retail for $5,599 in Lime Green and $5,799 in Fragment Camo Gray. Plan on spending most of your time on pavement? Kawasaki also offers the KLX300SM supermoto variant for $5,999, available in Lime Green/Ebony and Oriental Blue/Ebony. 

2021 ZX-10R and ZX10-RR

Kawasaki has a good thing going with its liter ZXes (just ask WSBK) and they don’t intend to lose it. That’s why the ZX-10R and ZX-10RR will see updates for 2021, most notably new bodywork that tucks trendy winglet features into the bodywork, LED headlights, smartphone connectivity, a new oil cooler, and a comprehensive set of engine tweaks. Cruise control joins the ZX-10R’s alphabet soup of tech features, along with “three pre-determined modes (Sport, Road, Rain) or four manual modes (Rider 1-4)” to select from the new color TFT dash. 

The ZX-10RR gets all the same updates as the ZX-10R, with the addition of new cams, Pankl titanium connecting rods, stronger valve springs, and forged Marchesini wheels with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires.

Hopefully you like green and black, because the ZX-10R comes in Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Matte Carbon Gray ($16,399, $17,399 ABS) and KRT Edition Lime Green/Ebony/Pearl Blizzard White ($16,699, $17,699 ABS). The Ninja ZX-10RR only comes in Lime Green ($28,999), as it should. 

2021 Z H2 SE

The Z H2 SE is a new trim level for the Z H2 that adds improved suspension and braking to the nutty Z H2 we rode early in 2020.

Kawasaki’s added their semi-active KECS (Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension) with Skyhook EERA (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment) Technology for a fully electronic and adjustable suspension experience. Skyhook is named for the concept behind its software: suspension that adapts to the ride so that the motorcycle travels smoothly through changes in speed and terrain, as though a hook from above supported its weight.

Brembo Stylema Monobloc brake calipers also join the party, plus a new Brembo master cylinder. The 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE motorcycle is available in Golden Blazed Green/ Metallic Diablo Black ($19,700).