This Is One Kawasaki That The Indian Market Needs

Kawasaki has launched the 2022 KLX300SM overseas. And as is the tradition with most updates from the Japanese brand, this little supermoto just gets new paint schemes. Even though this motorcycle is not heading to India, here’s why Kawasaki should bring it here:

Unique Styling

The Kawasaki KLX300SM looks distinctly different from any other motorcycle in this segment. From its aggressive-looking headlight to the minimal body panels and the big ADV-style beak, this bike is unlike anything we currently get in the Indian market. 

The new Neon Green and Ebony colours for the KLX300SM further enhance the visual appeal of the bike and bring out its bratty nature.

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Competitive Performance

Kawasaki has used a 292cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 33PS and 29Nm. Even though these aren’t segment-leading figures, it is on par with the likes of the Royal Enfield Scram, Yezdi Scrambler and even the BMW G 310 R. It falls short when compared to the KTM 390 Duke in performance, but the Kawasaki KLX300SM makes up for it with the rest of  its hardware.

Capable Hardware

The 2022 Kawasaki KLX300SM shares its underpinnings with its dual-sport sibling. It runs on a 43mm USD fork with 231mm and a monoshock with 205mm travel. Both are adjustable for preload and rebound damping, a feature that’s not common in this segment in our market. Shedding speed on this KLX is courtesy  disc brakes at both ends with a 320mm rotor at the front and a 240mm rotor at the rear. And since it’s a supermoto, Kawasaki has given this bike 17-inch rims with road-focused tyres.

However, while the 236mm ground clearance would definitely be a big welcome in our riding conditions, the 865mm seat height is not. That said,the tall stance along with its fairly low 138kg kerb weight should make handling super nimble and easy.

The 2022 Kawasaki KLX300SM targets a niche segment and in fact, isn’t even Euro5 compliant. So, this bike is on sale in select markets only. And knowing Kawasaki, it would end up becoming  a rather expensive proposition for the Indian market. So don’t expect Kawasaki to launch this bike in India anytime soon, if at all.